South West Coast Path Minehead

The South West Coast Path begins here in Minehead, and it's immediately clear why this Somerset stretch has become so popular. You're not looking at a single visitor centre or enclosed attraction - instead, you're standing at the starting point of one of Britain's most ambitious coastal walks, a 630-mile route that doesn't finish until Dorset.

Walkers kick off from the seafront near the Victorian promenade, and the first few miles offer proper drama. The path climbs steeply away from the town, gifting you views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales. On clear days, it's genuinely worth pausing for. Most people do either the gentle 3-mile return stroll to Blue Anchor (lovely beach, decent pub), or commit to longer stretches heading east towards Porlock. Allow two to three hours for the popular Blue Anchor walk, or a full day if you're thinking of tackling the first proper section.

This is far more appealing for serious walkers than casual day-trippers. Families with very young children might find the initial climb tedious, though older kids who enjoy rambling will be properly entertained. The real draw is the coastal scenery and the sense of embarking on something substantial - even if you're not attempting the full 630 miles.

It's free to access, and weather permitting, summer mornings offer the clearest views. If you're staying at Butlins or the Minehead Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, this walk sits literally on your doorstep. Worth doing at least the first leg, even if you're only in the area for a long weekend.