Greenaleigh Sands

The stretch of sand at Greenaleigh is one of those places that creeps up on you. You're walking along the Somerset coast near Minehead, the tide's out, and suddenly there's this proper expanse of golden sand that feels a world away from the holiday parks dotted inland. It's not dramatic or showy - no towering cliffs, no novelty features - just honest beach with a decent run at low tide.

What you actually do here depends entirely on the season and your mood. Summer brings families with buckets, though it's never rammed like the bigger resorts. The sand's firm enough for a proper walk, which is where it earns its keep. Walkers tackling the coastal path will find it a natural break point between Minehead and Blue Anchor, and the walk itself is straightforward rather than punishing. Low tide reveals more sand, obviously, so time your visit accordingly if you're after maximum beach real estate.

The real draw is the calm. There's something about this bit of coast that feels less processed than Butlins Minehead two miles down the road, or even the Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just as close. If you're based at any of those spots - and the four and five-star ratings suggest plenty of people are - Greenaleigh Sands is the answer to "what if we just went for a walk and stood in the sea for a bit?" Don't come expecting drama. Come for a breather.