Grooms Cottage, Ellicombe

Pubs

The Old Ship Aground -- A handsome Edwardian inn on Quay Street overlooking the harbour, built in 1911 and lovingly restored. Serves well-kept real ales, seafood, and British pub classics in a relaxed setting with real fires in winter and live music on selected evenings. Food served lunchtimes and evenings. Dogs welcome in the bar.

The Quay Inn -- An independent traditional pub a short walk from the harbour and Minehead station. Known for a good range of real ales and popular beers in a friendly, no-fuss atmosphere. A reliable local favourite.

The Duke of Wellington -- A Wetherspoon pub housed in a landmark building on The Avenue that has been part of Minehead life since 1820. Originally a coaching inn and posting house, rebuilt in 1893. Good-value meals and a wide selection of drinks served all day.

The Hairy Dog -- An award-winning pub on The Avenue with a large beer garden, children's playground, lively bar, and a restaurant serving hearty homemade food. A great all-rounder for families.

The Britannia Inn -- One of the oldest free houses in the Minehead area, tucked away in Higher Town near the church. Serves real ales and traditional pub food in a warm, characterful setting.

Restaurants and Cafes

The Wheelhouse Restaurant -- A small, intimate restaurant on The Avenue housed in a historic building, seating fewer than fifty. Traditional British menu featuring crab cakes, lamb shanks, and seasonal dishes. Booking recommended.

Stones Hotel, Bar and Restaurant -- Located centrally on The Avenue, a short walk from the seafront. Offers a relaxed dining experience with a broad menu and pleasant bar area.

Fausto's -- An authentic Italian restaurant offering fresh pasta, pizza, and a good wine list at reasonable prices. Takeaway and delivery available for pizzas and pasta dishes.

Alcombe Tandoori -- A well-established Indian restaurant that has been serving the Minehead area since 1996, located a short drive from the town centre in Alcombe.

Apple Tree Tea Rooms -- A cosy little cafe on The Avenue next to The Wheelhouse, popular for cream teas, homemade scones, and light lunches. Outdoor seating when the weather allows.

Cafe Bar 21 -- A friendly cafe-bar with a broad menu including vegan options, comfortable seating, street views, and regular live music performances.

Fish and Chips

Seaview Takeaway -- A popular fish and chip shop right on the seafront -- perfect for eating on the prom while watching the waves.

Tom's Fish Bar -- A well-loved local chippy just off The Avenue near the Regal Theatre, known for generous portions and friendly service.

Nearby

The medieval village of Dunster (2 miles) has several excellent pubs and restaurants including The Luttrell Arms, The Stags Head Inn, and the intimate Italian restaurant Hathaways. The Friday Farmers Market in Minehead town centre (8:30am to 2pm) is a great source of fresh local produce.

In Minehead

South West Coast Path -- Mile Zero -- The 630-mile South West Coast Path, England's longest National Trail, begins right here at Minehead harbour. Even if you are not walking the whole trail, the first section westward towards Porlock offers spectacular coastal scenery through woodland and across high moorland.

West Somerset Railway -- The longest heritage railway in England runs steam and diesel trains over 20 miles of glorious countryside between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard near Taunton. The station is right in town and the railway runs regular services from spring through to autumn, with special events including dining trains and seasonal galas. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the railway's reopening.

Minehead Beach and Seafront -- A long sandy beach stretching eastward, backed by a traditional promenade with amusement arcades, ice cream kiosks, and sea views across to Wales. Good for sandcastles, paddling, and bodyboarding.

Blenheim Gardens -- Six acres of well-maintained public gardens in the centre of town, opened in 1925. Features a bandstand, an 18-hole putting course, bowling green, croquet lawns, a shelter, and a cafe. A peaceful spot for a stroll or a sit-down.

Minehead Museum -- A small, free museum telling the story of the town from its days as a busy medieval port through the Great Fire of 1701 and the World Wars. Well worth a visit on a rainy afternoon.

Minehead Golf Club -- A classic links course set right on the seafront with fine views to the Brendon Hills and across the Bristol Channel. Visitors welcome.

The Regal Theatre -- Minehead's volunteer-run theatre offering a year-round programme of plays, concerts, and community events, with a theatre bar open before performances.

Nearby

Dunster Castle and Gardens -- A magnificent National Trust property just 2 miles away, with a thousand years of history from Norman fortress to Victorian country home. The subtropical terraced gardens and working watermill are highlights. Allow at half a day.

Cleeve Abbey -- A remarkably well-preserved medieval monastery near Watchet, about 8 miles east, managed by English Heritage. The cloister buildings and refectory are among the finest in England.

Exmoor National Park -- Minehead sits right on the doorstep of Exmoor, with its dramatic moorland, ancient oak woodlands, red deer herds, and wild Exmoor ponies. Popular destinations include Dunkery Beacon (the highest point), Tarr Steps (ancient clapper bridge), and the Doone Valley.

Butlins Minehead -- The well-known holiday resort on the edge of town offers entertainment, swimming pools, funfairs, and live shows. Day passes are sometimes available -- check their website for details.

Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre -- A family-friendly attraction near Allerford offering flying displays and the chance to handle birds of prey.

Walks from Minehead

North Hill -- Rising directly above the harbour, North Hill offers a choice of circular walks along high moorland with panoramic views down to the sea and across to Wales. The heathland is home to Dartford warblers and nightjars, and you may spot red deer and wild Exmoor ponies. Look out for the remains of a Second World War tank training site near the summit.

South West Coast Path to Porlock Weir -- The first section of the famous 630-mile trail heads west from Minehead over North Hill and Selworthy Beacon (308 metres) before descending to the picturesque harbour at Porlock Weir. Approximately 9 miles one way with magnificent coastal and moorland views throughout. Allow around 5 hours and catch the bus back, or choose the shorter route to Selworthy and return via the same path.

Culver Cliff Woodland Walk -- A rewarding 1.3-mile climb from the harbour along the South West Coast Path through mixed woodland, rich in wildlife and with fine views across the Bristol Channel. A good shorter option for an afternoon stroll.

Grabbist Hill -- A lovely walk through ancient woodland south of nearby Dunster, said to be the hill that inspired the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Panoramic views over Dunster, Minehead, and the wider moor. Can be combined with a visit to Dunster Castle for a full day out.

Selworthy Beacon -- One of the finest viewpoints on Exmoor, looking inland to Dunkery Beacon and out across the Bristol Channel. Accessible from the coast path or from the pretty National Trust village of Selworthy with its thatched cottages and whitewashed church.

Beaches

Minehead Beach -- A wide sandy beach stretching east from the harbour, backed by a promenade and with views across the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast. Good for families with facilities nearby including cafes, public toilets, and parking along the seafront.

Dunster Beach -- A quieter sand-and-shingle beach about 2 miles east, backed by dunes and with views to Dunster Castle on the hill above. A lovely walk along the coastal path from Minehead or a short drive.

Blue Anchor Bay -- A peaceful pebble beach popular with fossil hunters, approximately 5 miles east. Reachable by car or on the West Somerset Railway, which stops at Blue Anchor station right by the shore.

Porlock Weir -- The small harbour beach at Porlock Weir, about 6 miles west, reveals ancient submerged tree stumps at low tide -- the remains of a prehistoric forest. A rewarding destination on foot via the coast path.

North Devon Beaches -- The golden sand surfing beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are within reach for a day trip, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car.