A settlement has existed at Minehead since before the Domesday book of 1087, where we first find written evidence. Following the Norman Conquest a large manor which included Minehead was sold in 1375 to the Luttrell family who have owned it until quite recent times.
The town gradually grew, its main business being wool and shipping. In 1559 Minehead became a parliamentary borough with 2 members at Westminster.  
A huge fire destroyed much of the town in 1791. 
The 19th Century saw a major growth in transport links and Minehead became a prosperous holiday resort. New stone buildings, gas lighting, piped water and pavements were all developed in the mid 1800's.  
In 1874 the railway arrived in Minehead. More expansion took place to accommodate the new visitors and bathing machines and donkeys on the beach made for a lively promenade.  By the turn of the Century the centre of Minehead looked much as it does today.

Today, Minehead is one of Somerset's busiest holiday resorts with many amenities providing a wide range of holidays.  The wide sandy beach is linked to the town centre by the colourful, tree-lined Avenue.
The town won the coveted Britain in Bloom in 1995 and 1997 and its floral displays are a special feature every year.  Blenheim Gardens in the centre of town are the venue for regular summer band concerts (see below). 
Other attractions include sea cruises, West Somerset Steam Railway, Butlin's Somerwest World and funfair, Aquasplash Leisure Pool, seafront and entertainment centres. 
The South West Coastpath starts on the seafront and there are many good walks from the town.  The town is surrounded inland by the Exmoor National Park. Indeed, the town is often referred to as "The Gateway to Exmoor".