Weekend in Minehead, England: Coastal Views, Cozy Stays and Aloha Vibes

When I asked some British friends to take me to a cool and unique spot for the weekend, they immediately said, “Minehead.” I had seen their family vacation photos for years: grandkids eating ice cream on the shore, cozy beach cabins, tide pools and tree-shaded trails, and I was ready to finally see it for myself.

What I found was even more magical than expected. Ocean views in a million shades of blue that looked like something out of Hawaii, quiet beach paths perfect for solo wandering, and charming little towns that made me feel instantly welcome.

Minehead is located in Somerset, on the Bristol Channel, across from Southern Wales. It’s about 180 miles from Central London and 42 miles from Glastonbury, in case you happen to be attending the festival!

If you don’t have a car, check Trainline for the best ways to get to Minehead.

I ended up being pleasantly blown away by how incredibly pretty, charming, and picturesque this part of Southern England is!  It was one of those great, rare times when a place you’ve pictured as being pretty good far exceeds all expectations!

We visited these beautiful places during our British seaside holiday: Minehead, Watchet, Dunster, and Lynton/Lynmouth. They are all within a half-hour’s drive of each other.

My fellow Beatle fans need to know that the “bit on the train” portion of A Hard Days Night was filmed in this area!  

Where to Stay

Coastguard Cottage #3 AirBnB – Minehead

This sweet 3-bedroom cottage sits right across from the beach in Minehead…yes, you can literally cross the street and be in the sand. I stayed here with my good friends, and it was the perfect blend of cozy and practical: a full kitchen, comfy living spaces, and views of the sea from the living room and one upstairs bedroom.

The tropical-feeling garden in front surprised me, it felt lush and calming. The location was ideal: walking distance to town for shops and dinner, or a beachside stroll to more restaurants.

Tip: The upstairs water closet is adorably small, short legs definitely have the advantage!

See my video below for a tour of the cottage.

Video Tour of Coastguard Cottage #3

Dunster Beach Chalets – Dunster

A short drive from Minehead, Dunster Beach feels like stepping into a simpler time. These 230 privately owned beach chalets line a peaceful coast backed by a Robin Hood-esque woodland trail. There was birdsong in the morning, ocean breeze in the evening, and not much in between, and that was the beauty of it.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet with fresh air and nature, this is the place!

Check out the live beach cam in Dunster!

The North Cliff Hotel – Lynton

If you want sweeping ocean views and the comfort of a charming, traditional British inn, this hotel in Lynton is your spot. Perched above the bay near the iconic Cliff Railway, it’s just steps from shops, cafes, and the best scone I had all weekend.

This was the kind of place that made me want to sit by the window with a journal and pretend I was Jane Austin or Paul McCartney or someone British and creative and cool!

What to Do in Minehead and Beyond

Whether you’re seeking nature, nostalgia, or a little whimsy, the Minehead area offers so many moments that feel both grounded and magical. Here are the experiences that surprised, delighted, and stayed with me long after I returned home.

Enjoy the Scenery on the Drive – Kauai or England?

One thing I absolutely did not expect from my British Seaside Holiday was to feel like I was on the island of Kauai in Hawaii!! We lucked out with a warm, sunny weekend in the 80’s.  Driving along the little hillside and beachfront roads, I was stunned by the lush green hills, complete with ferns and even some palm trees scattered around.  Also the many colors of the ocean, ranging from turquoise to a deep sapphire blue.  Topped with a gorgeous blue sky with some puffy white clouds!  Absolutely gorgeous!

Breaking up the Kauai feel (or actually, maybe this would happen in Kauai) was our encounter with a massive herd of sheep filling the two-lane road we were on for as far as the eye could see!  The sheep were too timid to pass in the other lane next to our car, so we were at a standstill for a good 5 minutes before their shepherd (on a tractor) and a few sheepdogs could move the flock forward.  For this city girl, it was magical and hysterical!

Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

The Cliff Railway connects two towns, Lynmouth at the bottom of the hill and Lynton at the top.   Signs in the town describe the area as England’s “Little Switzerland.”  The railway was opened in 1890 and is the UK’s only fully water-powered railway and one of only three in the world.  The Cliff Railway (like Los Angeles’ Angels Flight Railway) is a funicular.

Riding in the old-time railway cars is fun, but the highlight of the experience is definitely the views!

Pretend You are Small

Go ahead and truly feel like a kid again in the giant chair at the top of the Cliff Railway! 😀

Stroll, Browse, and Shop Local

The towns of Minehead, Watchet, Lynton, and Lynmouth are filled with little shops and unexpected finds: handmade jewelry, local art, quirky gifts you won’t find anywhere else. I spent an afternoon just wandering from one storefront to the next, chatting with shopkeepers and soaking up the easygoing pace.

It reminded me how joyful slow travel can be, when there’s nowhere urgent to be and everything to notice.

Where to Eat in and Around Minehead

Golden House Chinese Restaurant – Minehead

This isn’t fancy. But it is comforting. After a day of coastal walks, we tucked into steaming plates of stir-fried noodles and sweet & sour chicken that hit the spot. It’s simple, classic takeout-style Chinese, fresh and satisfying.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Plus, as an American it still makes me giggle hearing my British friends ask me if I want “a Chinese” for dinner.

The Jubilee Cafe – Minehead

Charming cafe on the Minehead beachfront, complete with a miniture golf course in front! And I actually got a crumpet there! It’s not just a myth that England has crumpets!

The Bell Inn – Watchet

The Bell Inn is a traditional British pub with a bar, fireplace, and good food. When I visited, there was even a Great Dane there! What’s not to like?

DriftWood Cafe – Blue Anchor Bay

1930’s Seafront Cafe with great breakfasts! Everything tasted homemade, like someone’s grandma was in the back kitchen.

This spot is especially lovely for a hearty breakfast with an ocean view and soundtrack.

Cliff Railway Cliff Top Cafe – Lynton

I know I already mentioned this place, but it deserves a second shoutout. That Cornish pasty? Best of the trip. The scones with clotted cream? Utterly dreamy. And the view from the outdoor terrace? Well, let’s just say I took my sweet time finishing lunch.

In Summary

Though I can’t guarantee you’ll experience the same Hawaiian Island feel I had while visiting this beautiful area, I am confident you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet, slower pace of life, and seaside atmosphere. Please let me know if you have any other recommendations for what to see/do or where to stay in the Minehead area! Thanks for reading!

Map of Mentioned Places

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