Minehead Beach

The seafront at Minehead stretches wide and sandy, backed by the sort of promenade that feels proper seaside - amusement arcades, ice cream vans, and that particular smell of salt and chip fat that takes you straight back to childhood. The beach itself slopes gently, which means it's genuinely good for families with small kids. You can walk out a fair way at low tide without the water getting dangerously deep, and there's enough sand for a full day of bucket-and-spade work without it feeling rammed even during school holidays. The Victorian pier adds a touch of character, though it's quieter than some - which frankly is a relief.

Historically minded visitors might appreciate that this was a working port centuries back, and the seafront development reflects proper Victorian and Edwardian ambition rather than modern tackiness. It's accessible, free to wander, and you can easily spend three or four hours here if the weather's decent. The real advantage is proximity to the holiday parks - Butlins sits virtually on the doorstep at 0.3 miles, while Minehead Caravan Club is under a mile away. Both make the beach their local, which means families already based at either park have genuine all-day entertainment without needing to go anywhere else.

Worth noting: the sea temperature is cold enough that spring and early autumn are more comfortable for swimming than peak summer sounds. Parking can be tight during peak weeks, but it's functional rather than a nightmare.