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Minehead
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".
LIVE MUSIC IN BLENHEIM GARDENS:
Admission
Free
All concerts take place on the bandstand in Blenheim Gardens
All Saturday concerts take place between 2pm and 4pm
All Sunday concerts take place at 11am and 3pm, unless otherwise stated
All performances subject to weather conditions
further
details can be
found here
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The western seafront and
harbour
The beach and sea
wall, North Hill in the background
Looking East over
Highertown and Minehead
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PLACES
TO STAY |
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Marston
Lodge Hotel |
The hotel is an impressive and elegant, Edwardian gentleman's residence built circa 1900, which retains much of its original character and style.
Amongst the first private residences built on Minehead's scenic North Hill it enjoys panoramic views from most of its comfortable and bright en-suite bedrooms.
Fabulously situated on the wooded slopes of Minehead's picturesque North Hill, Marston Lodge Hotel stands proud with commanding views over
the town, the spectacular beaches and the Steam Railway.
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Farthing
Cottage
Self catering |
A beautifully presented, two
bedroom cottage with secure off road parking. Centrally located in Minehead and only a 10 min walk to
the beach and the steam trains of the West Somerset Railway.
Lovely views to North Hill. Fully inclusive of all linen, house towels and heating etc. No hidden charges.
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Woodcombe
Lodges
Self catering |
4 Star lodges and cottages sleeping 2 to 12 situated in our beautiful 3 acre garden. Facing south with glorious views on the edge of the Exmoor National Park.
Just one and half miles from the coast, and Minehead harbour, as well as the shops, restaurants and hotels of
Minehead.
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Kenella
House
Guest House |
Kenella House Bed
and Breakfast in Minehead is a Victorian town house which has been
elegantly renovated to a Guest House, blending modern luxury with
traditional period charm.
The décor is in the soft shades of William Morris period colours,
complimented with barley twist furnishings and vintage linen and lace.
Kenella House offers modern bed and breakfast accommodation facilities,
yet retains a certain 19th century elegance and charm.
6 bedrooms, all en-suite. Evening meals. AA 4 stars Highly Commended..
Centrally located.
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Montrose
Guest House |
A short 5-minute walk to beach, shops and railway, Montrose offers very comfortable accommodation, with a range of rooms, mostly en-suite, including a single, doubles, twins, and a ground floor Garden Suite with its own conservatory and private courtyard garden.
All rooms have a comprehensive beverage tray and TV.
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Cedar
House
B&B and Self Catering cottages
Old Cleave village |
Cedar House is a fine Edwardian country house offering superb bed & breakfast and self catering accommodation.
Set in 1.5 acres of gardens with ample parking, its location has stunning views of the Brendon Hills, Exmoor and the sea.
There are 2 double and 1 twin B&B bedrooms with ETC 4 Diamond
grading. Also 3 detached self catering cottages in the grounds
which sleep 2 or 4.
Situated on the edge of the unspoilt village of Old Cleeve, Cedar House is ideally placed for visits to all the regions attractions including Minehead, Dunster and Blue Anchor Bay, all of which are linked by the West Somerset Steam Railway.
Cedar House is ideal for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing break.
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Steps
Farmhouse
B&B
Bilbrook village
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A traditional 16th
century former farmhouse offering wonderful bed and breakfast
accommodation near Minehead, nestling between Exmoor and the Quantock
Hills. Ideally situated for fishing, golfing, cycling or exploring the backwaters of the West
Somerset coastline.
For a weeks holiday, a quiet weekend or just an overnight stop you can be assured of a warm welcome
at Steps Farmhouse. Full English Breakfasts are served in our cosy dining room with oak
beams and inglenook fireplace. Packed lunches are available on request.
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La
Mer
Self Catering |
La Mer is a terraced mews
house overlooking Minehead
Harbour with
superb views along the coast both East and West. The house is just
10 minutes level walk to the town centre. Owner Audrey Bowden
lives next door and is usually available should you need any help or
advice. La Mer is ETC4star graded and sleeps up to six. Private
parking.
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Complete directory listings:-
Hotels
and B&B
| Self
Catering |
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT
Buses: |
| 300 |
Taunton/ Dunster/ Minehead/
Lynton/ Ilfracombe/ Barnstaple |
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| 39 |
Minehead/
Dunster Shuttle |
| 398 |
Tiverton/ Bampton/
Dulverton/ Dunster/ Minehead |
| 400 |
Sat, Sun only
26/5-29/9 inclusive. Open top bus service
Minehead/ Dunster/ Wheddon Cross/ / Porlock/ Minehead |
There
are also a number of other local buses too numerous to mention here,
which operate on certain days of the week.
Details of all Somerset bus services are available on Traveline: 0870
608 2608
Trains:
The only train service is provided by the West
Somerset Railway (Stations is behind the seafront at the bottom of
The Avenue). Services to Dunster, Watchet, Williton, Donniford,
Stogumber, Crowcombe and Bishops Lydeard (for Taunton via 3 mile bus
link)
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click
here for more general details and public transport links/contacts |
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