Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email
Minehead B&B Accommodation
Hotel | Bed and Breakfast | Accommodation | Minehead | Somerset
Brambles Bed and Breakfast is 1 hr 2 minutes (29.0 miles) via B3190 and A39 from Minehead in Somerset.
About Minehead:
Minehead is a historic seaside town in Somerset, England, known as the Gateway to Exmoor National Park, offering a blend of sandy beaches, a charming harbour, traditional seaside amusements, and easy access to rugged moorland for walking and exploring. Key features include its long sandy beach, the historic Quay Town with its thatched cottages, the West Somerset Railway, Blenheim Gardens, and a bustling town centre with shops and cafes, making it a popular spot for traditional holidays and a base for outdoor adventures. Key Attractions & Activities: Minehead Beach & Harbour: A vast, flat sandy beach with a promenade and a historic harbour (Quay Town) featuring fishermen's cottages and a chapel. Exmoor Gateway: Direct access to North Hill and the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor for walking, cycling, and nature. West Somerset Railway: Ride a vintage steam train for a nostalgic journey. Blenheim Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens in the town centre. Maritime Mile Trail: A coastal walk with open-air galleries and augmented reality displays. Minehead Eye: An indoor skate park and bouldering cave for active fun. Dunster Castle: A nearby National Trust property offering history and stunning views. History & Character: Originally a significant medieval port, Minehead developed as a popular seaside resort with the rise of sea bathing. The town features a traditional "higher town" and the charming "lower town" or Quay Town, with distinct architectural styles. It maintains a lively atmosphere with independent shops, cafes, and a strong local community. Location: Situated on the southern side of the Bristol Channel, bordered by Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills. In essence, Minehead offers a classic British seaside experience combined with unparalleled access to the natural beauty of Exmoor, appealing to families, walkers, and history enthusiasts alike.
History of Minehead:
Minehead's history spans from Bronze Age settlements on North Hill to a medieval trading port, developing into distinct areas like Quay Town and Lower Town, with its fortunes revived by tourism and bathing, featuring historical buildings and serving as the start of the South West Coast Path, all while retaining maritime charm through its harbour and local traditions like the Hobby Horse. Early Origins & Medieval Growth Prehistoric Roots: Evidence of Bronze Age settlements exists on North Hill, with early inhabitants using Minehead Bay for trade. Name Origin: The name likely comes from Old English words for a hill ('myned'), not mining, though its location under North Hill is key. Norman Conquest: The Manor of Minehead was granted to the de Mohun family by William the Conqueror, eventually passing to the Luttrells of Dunster. Port Powerhouse: By the 1400s, it was a significant port, trading wool and engaging in fishing (herring, Newfoundland), with its own Port Officer by Elizabeth I's reign. 17th-19th Century: Trade & Transformation 17th Century Boom: A busy period with trade to Ireland, Wales, and Newfoundland, despite silting issues in the harbour. Harbour Development: The present harbour was built in 1616, and older structures like St. Michael's Church and 17th-century cottages date from this era. Decline & Revival: Trade shifted to larger ports, but the rise of sea bathing brought new life, turning it into a retirement and seaside centre by the 1850s. 1791 Fire: A major fire led to rebuilding in the Lower/Middle Town, creating the wide shopping street seen today. Modern Era Tourism Focus: Tourism became the main economic driver, with pleasure steamers visiting the picturesque harbour. South West Coast Path: Today, Minehead is famous as the starting point for England's longest National Trail, the South West Coast Path. Local Traditions: The town's unique Hobby Horse tradition, potentially dating back to Viking raids, continues to be a local feature.
A settlement has existed at Minehead since before the Domesday book of 1087, where we first find written evidence. Following the Norman Conquest a large manor which included Minehead was sold in 1375 to the Luttrell family who have owned it until quite recent times.
The town gradually grew, its main business being wool and shipping. In 1559 Minehead became a parliamentary borough with 2 members at Westminster. A huge fire destroyed much of the town in 1791. The 19th Century saw a major growth in transport links and Minehead became a prosperous holiday resort. New stone buildings, gas lighting, piped water and pavements were all developed in the mid 1800's. In 1874 the railway arrived in Minehead. More expansion took place to accommodate the new visitors and bathing machines and donkeys on the beach made for a lively promenade. By the turn of the Century the centre of Minehead looked much as it does today.
Today, Minehead is one of Somerset's busiest holiday resorts with many amenities providing a wide range of holidays. The wide sandy beach is linked to the town centre by the colourful, tree-lined Avenue. The town won the coveted Britain in Bloom in 1995 and 1997 and its floral displays are a special feature every year. Blenheim Gardens in the centre of town are the venue for regular summer band concerts. Other attractions include sea cruises, West Somerset Steam Railway, Butlin's Somerwest World and funfair, Aquasplash Leisure Pool, seafront and entertainment centres. The South West Coastpath starts on the seafront and there are many good walks from the town. The town is surrounded inland by the Exmoor National Park. Indeed, the town is often referred to as "The Gateway to Exmoor".
Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email