Family In:site into Minehead

I have fond memories of visiting Butlins in Minehead as a young child with my Grandpa but we spent the whole week at the Butlins site and didn't explore the area. As wonderful as Butlins is, it does dominate the seafront at Minehead and there is so much else to explore in the area, which is what we did during our five day stay. The Caravan Club site is tucked off the road and a short 20 - 30 stroll into Minehead. The wardens there, Eileen and Peter Walter, were the most friendly and helpful wardens we have met during our year. They welcomed us whole-heartedly to the site and gave us some valuable advice on places to go and things to do, most of which we did!

 

Places to go and things to do:

You can't leave Minehead without a trip to the beach. We often went in the evening for a kick about with the football. There isn't a lot of open space on the site so it provided us with the opportunity to play football and run around freely. We also did our usual beach clean up.

 

Dunster village is a two mile walk away from the Caravan Club site. After heading through country lanes, you travel back through time and enter a beautiful medieval village with listed buildings, Yarn market, water wheel and castle. The castle, a National Trust property, has seen many changes through history from its Norman beginnings and stands proud on the hill overlooking Dunster village beneath it. There are regular tours throughout the day which provide a good insight into the history of certain parts of the building, such as the Victorian kitchen tour that we went on.

The gardens surrounding the castle are impressive and an ideal spot for a picnic before heading down the Water wheel, a full restored 18th century working watermill, with two wheels. 

 

Exmoor is literally on your doorstep, backing onto the Caravan Club site. It is well worth a drive up and down the lanes (ideally not pulling the caravan!) to see the dramatic landscape and views over the sea. There are also some wonderful seaside villages to spot off in.

 

Sustrans cycle route from the site isn't suitable for children so the warden recommended an alternative to us: the Tarka trail, in North Devon. It meant an hours drive away through the Exmoor countryside but it was worthwhile. Situated at an old railway station in Barnstaple, Tarka bikes provide very reasonably priced bike hire, for those who don't have bikes, like us. We able to hop on and set off immediately on the trail.

The Tarka Cycle Trail, named after the well-known novel "Tarka the Otter" by Henry Williamson, covers a route between Braunton and Meeth. Barnstaple lies in the middle. We took the longer choice and headed south, following the flat, traffic-free path towards Torrington, along the banks of the rivers Taw and Torridge. There are plenty of places to stop on the way for a rest, refreshment or simply admire the views.

 

The South West National Trail begins at Minehead and follows the coast 630 miles all the way round to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The first section, leaving Minehead is "challenging" with steep sections therefore best suited for seasoned walkers.

A gentler alternative is to head north along the coast to Watchet. Allow time to stop off at the cafes, play on the beaches and explore the Watchet harbour and town. The West Somerset Steam railways runs between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, stopping at Watchet, Blue Anchor and Dunster if  you want to hop on and get a ride back to Minehead after walking. Alternatively, drive to Watchet and explore the lovely harbour town and its quaint little shops and cafes. Don't forget to stop off at the Pebbles Tavern for some local cider and apple juice (that "tastes like home-made apple pie").