Minehead
All you need to know about Minehead Somerset
One Stop Guide to Minehead Somerset
Minehead Somerset: A small seaside town, holiday resort and civil parish located in the county of Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Minehead has a population of just over 10,000 and lies on the northern edge of the Exmoor National Park. Well known for its Butlins holiday centre, Minehead attracts large numbers of visitors and holidaymakers.
Quick Links to Minehead Information
The most westerly of Somerset's resorts, Minehead lies at the foot of a wooded hill which climbs to Selworthy Beacon (height 1,104 feet), this is splendid walking country, so bring your hiking gear for a real treat.
Minehead History: Probably settled as far back as the Bronze Age, Minehead later became a Saxon settlement under Aelfgar (died 1062 - Son of Leofric and Earl of Mercia), at the time of the Domesday Book (1086) it was recorded as being a manor held by William de Moyon (Sheriff of Somerset).
A tiny port which existed in the late 14th century was improved and expanded during the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming fairly important for the transport of salt and wool to Bristol, Ireland and France. The harbour silted up during the 17th century and was rebuilt further out to sea, it continued to trade especially with Wales. A major fire in 1791, caused by a miller called Edward May, meant that much of Middle Town and Quay Town areas had to be rebuilt.
Trade continued from the port of Minehead through the 18th century, though it fell into decline during the 19th century, the pier was demolished during the Second World War as it impeded gun emplacements.
The well known Minehead Lifeboat saw its first lifeboat station built in 1901 (at the cost of £785), the first lifeboat to be used was called the George Leicester, this was followed by the Hopwood and the Arthur Lionel (all powered by oars).
Minehead developed fairly early as a holiday destination when it became fashionable to 'take the sea air' and bathe in the healing salt waters. The Butlins Holiday Camp in Minehead opened in 1962, bringing increasing numbers of visitors to the town.
View Minehead in a larger map |
Minehead Map: Shown to the right is a satellite map of Minehead, giving an interesting perspective of the Somerset coastal town, located to the north-west of Taunton and situated on the northern edge of the Exmoor National Park.
Also shown on this Minehead map are Woodcombe, Middlecombe and Alcombe. Oher nearby towns and villages include Watchet, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Carhampton, Ellicombe, Selworthy, Tivington and Wootton Courtenay.
Minehead is located on the A39 it is about 17 miles from Taunton, 31 miles from Exeter, 51 miles from Bristol and 137 miles from London.
Minehead Postcode: TA24
Minehead Dialling Code: 01643
Twinned With: St Berthevin (France)
Co-Ordinates: 51.2038°N - 3.4738°W
Name Meaning: Taken from words meaning 'mountain' in Welsh, and 'hill' in Old English.
Name Versions: Mynedd, Mynheafdon, Maneheve, Menehewed, Menedun.
Minehead Tourist Information Office:
Minehead Centre - Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG. Telephone Number: 01643 702 624.
Minehead Town Council - Address: Town Hall, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5NB. Telephone Number: 01643 707 213.
Minehead Railway Station:
Minehead Railway Station - Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG. Telephone Number: 01643 704996.
Blue Anchor, West Somerset Railway - Blue Anchor Station, Blue Anchor, Nr Minehead, TA24 6LB, Somerset. Tel: 01643 821 092.
Minehead is connected to Bishops Lydeard by the West Somerset Railway which operates magnificent steam trains which pass close to Taunton and along the Quantock Hills. Stops include Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Stogumber, Williton, Doniford Halt, Watchet, Washford, Blue Anchor, Dunster and Minehead. The line reopened in 1976 and is the longest preserved steam railway in Britain.
West Somerset Rural Life Museum and Victorian School - Address: The Old School, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8HN. Telephone Number: 01643 862 529.
Dunster Doll Museum - Memorial Hall, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF, Somerset. Tel: 01643 821 220. Collection of over 900 dolls from all over the world.
Best Western Northfield Hotel - Address: Northfield Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5PU. Telephone Number: 01643 705 155.
Marston Lodge - Address: Saint Michael's Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5JP. Telephone Number: 01643 702 510.
Glendower Hotel - Address: 32 Tregonwell Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5DU. Telephone Number: 01643 707 144.
The Parks Guest House - Address: 26 The Parks, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8BT. Telephone Number: 01643 703 547.
Lorna Doone Bed and Breakfast Guest House - Address: 26 Tregonwell Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5DU. Telephone Number: 01643 702 540.
Kenella House - Address: 7 Tregonwell Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5DT. Telephone Number: 01643 703 128.
Sparkhayes - Sparkhayes Lane, Porlock, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8NE. Telephone Number: 01643 862 470.
Blue Anchor - Blue Anchor, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6JT. Telephone Number: 01643 821 360. Caravan Park.
Butlins Holiday Camp - Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5SH. Telephone Number: 01643 703 331.
The Hairy Dog - Address: 32 The Avenue, Minehead TA24 5AZ, Somerset. Tel: 01643 706 317.
The Quay - Address: Quay Street, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5UJ. Telephone Number: 01643 707323
The Stags Head - Address: 10 West Street, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SN. Tel: 01643 821 229.
Foresters Arms - Address: 33 West Street, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SN, Somerset. Tel: 01643 821 313.
Minehead Lifeboat Station:
RNLI Minehead Lifeboat Station - Address: Quay Street, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5UL. Telephone Number: 01643 703 388.
Founded - 1901 - Lifeboats: George Leicester, Hopwood, Arthur Lionel (all powered by oars), Kate Greatorex, B.H.M.H, D177, D500 Zodiac, B544 Catherine Plumley, D295, D420 Leslie D, D549 George & Christine, B708 Bessie, B824 Richard and Elizabeth Deaves, D712 Christine.
West Somerset Railway - Take a trip on a steam train on this, the longest preserved steam railway in Britain, you can travel along the Quantock Hills to Bishops Lydeard. Minehead Railway Station - Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG. Telephone Number: 01643 704996.
Dunster Castle - Site of a castle since Norman times, the current building was remodelled in 1868. Lying on a wooded hill, Dunster castle features a medieval gatehouse an an ancient ruined tower, it offers spectacular views to the Bristol Channel. Administered by the National Trust. Address: Dunster, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6SL. Telephone Number: 01643 821 314. Located 3 miles south-east of Minehead.
Dunster Doll Museum - Address: Memorial Hall, High Street, Dunster, TA24 6SF, Somerset. Tel: 01643 821 220. Collection of over 900 dolls from all over the world.
Dunster Working Watermill - Historic watermill which was recorded in the Domesday Book (1086), set in peaceful surroundings beside an old mill, it was restored during the 18th century. Address: 7 Mill Lane, Dunster, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6SW. Telephone Number: 01643 821 759.
Minehead Harbour - Visit the harbour or take a boat trip on one of the steamers which operate from the harbour. For details of trips telephone: 01643 702 624.
West Somerset Rural Life Museum and Victorian School - Address: The Old School, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8HN. Telephone Number: 01643 862 529. Exhibition of rural life housed in an ols school house.
Holnicote Estate - Taking in a large section of the beautiful Exmoor National Park, the Holnicote Estate offers the opportunity to get away from it all, and enjoy some spectacular scenery, wonderful walks and diverse wildlife, some pretty villages in this area are Selworthy, Allerford, Luccombe, Horner and Bossington. Address: Selworthy, Nr Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8TJ. Telephone Number: 01643 862 452. Administered by the Natonal Trust.
Butlins Holiday Camp - Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5SH. Telephone Number: 01643 703 331. You can purchase a day pass to enjoy all the facilities of this holiday camp.
Interesting Villages to Visit Nearby: Dunster, Porlock, Wheddon Cross, Winsford, Exford, Dulverton, Lynmouth.
St. Michael’s Parish Church - Address: North Hill, Minehead, Somerset.
St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Wellington Square, Minehead, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 703 530.
Methodist Church - Address: Lower Meadow Road, Minehead, TA24 6AN, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 705 175.
Culbone Church - Address: Culbone, Porlock, Nr Minehead, TA24 8AA, Somerset. Telephone Number: 015987 41270.
St Michael the Archangel - Address: Raglan Lodge, Church Street, Alcombe, Minehead TA24 6BN, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 709 491.
Minehead First School - Address: Townsend Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5RG. Telephone Number: 01643 702 938.
Minehead Middle School - Address: Ponsford Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5RH. Telephone Number: 01643 704 191.
St Michael's C of E First School - Address: Watery Lane, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5NY. Telephone Number: 01643 702 759.
West Somerset Community College - Address: Bircham Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6AY. Telephone Number: 01643 706 061.
Somerset Skills - Address: Middle Street, Minehead TA24 5JH, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 702 986.
Minehead and West Somerset Hospital - Minehead And West Somerset Hospital, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5, United Kingdom, TA24 5. Telephone Number: 01643 707251.
Minehead Vet / Vets / Veterinary Surgery:
Browne White & Gliddon - Address: White Lodge Veterinary Clinic/Stephenson Rd, Minehead TA245EB. Telephone Number: 01643 703 649.
Minehead Doctors / Doctors Surgery:
Dr A R Nelson - Irnham Road, Minehead TA24 5DL, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 703 441.
Dr S Neville - Irnham Road, Minehead TA24 5DL, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 703 441.
Holloway House Dental Surgery - Address: 6 The Holloway, Minehead TA24 5PB, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 703 071.
Dr Andre Louw - Blenheim House Dental Practice, 5B Blenheim Road, Minehead TA24 5PY, Somerset. Tel: 01643 702 317.
The Regal Theatre - 10-16 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 706 155.
Job Centre Plus - 17 The Avenue, Minehead TA24 5XZ, Somerset. Tel: 01643 435 800. Jobs, vacancies, recruitment.
Minehead Library - Address: Library, Bancks Street, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5DJ. Telephone Number: 01643 702 942.
Porlock Library - Old School Centre, Porlock, Minehead TA24 8NP. Tel: 0845 345 9177.
Minehead Social Clubs:
Minehead & District Social Club - Address: North Road, Minehead TA24 5QW, Somerset. Tel: 01643 702 306.
Williton Social Club - Address: Long Street, Williton, Taunton TA4 4QN, Somerset. Tel: 01984 632 643.
Minehead Royal British Legion:
Address: Bancks Street, Minehead TA24 5DJ, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 702 271.
Minehead Sports and Activities:
Minehead Barbarians RFC - Ellicombe, Minehead TA24 6TR. Tel: 01643 707 155.
Minehead Bowling Club - Address: Irnham Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5DW. Tel: 01643 704 451.
Minehead Town Football Club - Minehead Football Club, Alexandra Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5DP. Telephone Number: Not known.
Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club - Address: Warren House, Warren Road, Minehead TA24 5SJ, Somerset. Telephone Number: 01643 702 057.
Minehead CC - Bircham Road, Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6AY. Telephone Number: Not Known.
Stogumber Cricket Club - Station Road, Stogumber, Taunton TA4 3TQ, Somerset. Tel: 01984 656 700.
M R Williams - Horner, Minehead TA24 8HY, Somerset. Tel: 01643 862 456. Riding School.
Exmoor Properties Ltd - 7 Tythings Court, Minehead TA24 5NT, Somerset. Tel: 01643 702 771. Property and estate management.
Westcoast Tackle - Quay Street, Minehead TA24 5UL. Tel: 01643 705 745. Fishing and angling equipment.
Something Else - Address: 35-37 Summerland Road, Minehead TA24 5BS, Somerset. Tel: 01643 704 502. Hairdresser.
Aura - 5 Holloway Street, Minehead TA24 5NP, Somerset. Tel: 01643 703 928. Hairdresser.
Brian Parker - Shalimar, Timberscombe, Minehead TA24 7TF, Somerset. Tel: 01643 841 625. Driving School.
The Strand - The Sea Front, Minehead TA245BG, Somerset. Tel: 01643 702 144. Cafe.
The Avenue Creamery - 33 The Avenue, Minehead TA24 5AY, Somerset. Tel: 01643 709 140. Cafe.
Minehead Ink - 58A The Avenue, Minehead TA24 5BB, Somerset. Tel: 01643 703 535. Tattoo Studio.
The Plumb Centre - Brunel Way, Minehead TA24 5BY, Somerset. Tel: 01643 702 385. Plumbing and heating merchants and suppliers.
Taj Mahal - 9a The Avenue, Minehead TA24 5AY, Somerset. Tel: 01643 704 857. Indian Balti Restaurant.
Minehead is located on the A39 it is about 17 miles from Taunton, 31 miles from Exeter, 51 miles from Bristol and 137 miles from London.
Send your Minehead information to info@my-minehead.co.uk
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