Minehead Library

A proper working library in the heart of Minehead, this place is worth popping into if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks and fancy an hour out of the weather. The building itself is unremarkable - a functional modern space rather than anything architecturally thrilling - but that's not really the point. You get local history books, a decent selection of paperbacks for rainy afternoons, and the sort of quiet, air-conditioned refuge that makes sense when you're camped at Butlins or the Caravan Club site just down the road.

It's best suited to families with younger kids who might enjoy the children's section, or anyone genuinely interested in Somerset local history. Adults looking for something to do beyond the library itself will find this a quick five-minute browse rather than a proper attraction. The staff are helpful, and there are usually a few comfortable chairs if you want to sit and read for a bit.

Free to use if you're a member - worth checking their opening hours before you go, as small-town libraries often have reduced weekday hours. On a family holiday in Minehead, this works as a backup plan when the seafront gets too crowded or the weather turns. Combine it with a walk around the town centre and you've got a serviceable morning, though you're not going to build a day trip around it. If you're after proper entertainment, Butlins is almost on your doorstep anyway.