Minehead, Somerset

We’ve decided to head north to Minehead today. It’s on the south bank of the Bristol Channel in Somerset.

Just under three hours later after travelling on lots of narrow winding roads we stop for a quick shop in Tesco and then head to one end of the promenade.

It’s sunny and very hot so the beach and the car park are rammed but luckily we find a spot. It’s a tight fit but we squeeze in. It’s £7.50 for 24hrs parking which is good for us.

Lunch overlooking the sea and the beach followed by some down time. I hide in our warm van with all the windows open but some of the blinds down to keep the sun out trying to catch a breeze. T sits outside getting sweaty.

Around 5:30pm after a cold beer we get changed and walk along the prom into Minehead.

We are actually parked across the road in front of the east entrance to Butlins so we are passing that on our left for quite a way.

We decide to walk to the harbour at the other end of the curved promenade which fronts a long sandy beach. The town experienced serious flooding in 1990 and the original beach was swept away. The prom and new sea defences were built over the next 11 years and then the beach was rebuilt. However Minehead is still experiencing flooding and we can see signs of flood protection on the houses facing the prom and sea. The town sits at the bottom of an outcrop of Exmoor called North Hill.

We stop at The Old Ship Aground and enjoy a drink overlooking the harbour. Next we visit The Quay and enjoy some pub grub. Our final stop is at The Hairy Dog on The Avenue which looks like it might be the entertainment in Minehead.