A great place from which to explore the surrounding area (Minehead)

Member Name: chrisc92

Product:	Minehead
Date:	27/06/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A place to use as a base

Disadvantages: Not much to do, town's a bit drab, not the best scenic location

Being only 24 miles from Taunton (where I used to live), Minehead is place I've visited many times. I've also cycled there (once) just after I left school - not something I'd do again as there are plenty of very steep hills on the way there.

My last visit was about 9 years ago, before moving down to Plymouth. It hasn't changed much over the years - other than they finally put some sand on the beach. It has a few shops on the sea front and Butlins at the far end, which can be accessed from either end of the sea front by car. The main street is covered with touristy type shops selling buckets and spades etc, and for those that are interested (not many I know) a Hornby specialist toy shop - yes I used to buy them, and why I went there 9 years ago!

During the 1960's the Taunton branch line was among many that were dismantled, however, there is a steam railway that runs from Bishops Lydeard (about 6 miles from Taunton) to Minehead, and I have known a 125 about 9 years ago go from Taunton to Minehead. It's something I'd like to see more of - old lines being reopened, but that's a personal choice.

I'm not very impressed with Minehead, but it provides easy access to Exmoor, Porlock, Lynton and Lynmouth (and Valley of the Rocks) and the North Devon coastline - Ilfracombe, Barnstaple etc.

The bus station is very close to the sea front and there is a regular service to Taunton. I'm afraid this is one location I can't recommend, but it will certainly be beneficial for exploring.

Summary: A town close to many great sights, but not one itself