A great car-free day out around Minehead, taking in the town and surrounding countryside on foot. Or you can take the bus to local villages and attractions along the bus route.
Highlights
¨ Sandy beach
¨ Old harbour and the Life Boat Station
¨ Scenic walks from Minehead
¨ Steam train ride to Dunster and walk back
¨ Bus ride to Allerford and walk back
¨ Bus ride to Dunster, Wheddon Cross or Dulverton and bus back
Walk around Minehead
Minehead is at the eastern end of Exmoor with a large sandy beach, an attractive harbour with the Life Boat Station and the start of the longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path. A large sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map marks this important start point.
It is also home to Butlins and a golf course following the back of the beach towards Dunster. It is also the terminus for the West Somerset Railway that runs steam trains to Bishops Lydeard most days.
North Hill overlooks the town and provides challenging walks along the coast on to Selworthy Beacon where panoramic views across the Channel and into Exmoor are your reward.
The town itself has a bustling centre with a wide range of shops, pubs and cafes. It is well-known for its floral displays making the town and seaside promenade most attractive. Blenheim Gardens on Blenheim Road between the shops and seafront give an opportunity to relax and enjoy the flowers and peace.
Bus outings
Take the 39 or 300 from the railway station or The Avenue. The 300 is an open-top double-decker bus that follows the coast road to Lynmouth and back. The 39 goes to Porlock Weir and back. Take the 398 from the railway station to Dunster or on to Dulverton for a day out. We recommend you check bus times at the National Park Centre or at Traveline SW, https://www.travelinesw.com/
Go to Allerford on the 39 or 300 bus for a 6.8-mile, 4 hour walk back to Minehead along the South West Coast Path.
Attractions
West Somerset Railway Steam Train outings. From Minehead railway station, steam and diesel-hauled trains run regularly. Take the train to Washford to visit Cleeve Abbey, a half mile, 15 minutes’ walk from the station to the 13th century monastic site. Then walk on to Torre Cider (free) another 15 minutes walk further along Abbey Road. Enjoy the animals and cream tea before returning to the station. Check return train times before leaving the station.
Walk along the seafront to Minehead Golf Course or Butlins. There are amusement arcades and places to eat in Minehead.
Dunster. Take the 398 bus for a short ride to Dunster to visit Dunster Castle, the Yarn market, Dunster Working Water Mill, the Dovecot and church.
Other CarFree Days Out in this series
¨ Dulverton
¨ Lynmouth
¨ Combe Martin
¨ Porlock
¨ Exford
Tourist Information
Minehead Tourist Information Centre, Warren Road, Minehead, 01643 702624
Public Transport
For up-to-date information please contact Traveline on https://www.travelinesw.com/
Disclaimer
Timetables for public transport are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change over the lifetime of this blog. We recommend that you check the current bus timetables and opening times of attractions and eating places before travelling.