Beach View Cottage, Minehead

Minehead
•	The Hairy Dog – A warm, award-winning pub with a lively bar, kid-friendly playground, and a solid menu including standout steak & ale pie and fish & chips 
•	Fausto’s – Cozy Italian eatery serving fresh, authentic pasta and pizza—high popularity, so booking ahead is wise 
•	The Wheelhouse Restaurant – Intimate historic setting offering classic dishes like crab cakes and lamb shanks—ideal for a special evening out 
•	Taj Mahal – A Minehead institution beloved for generous portions, reliable Indian flavours, and great value 
•	Brewers Fayre Minehead – Family-friendly, generous Sunday carvery, breakfasts, and casual pub fare, just a short walk from the beach 
•	Apple Tree Tea Rooms – Charming, cozy café on The Avenue, known for delightful scones and cute outdoor seating 
•	The Chapel House Tea Room – Homely spot near Dunster Castle serving hearty homemade lunches — excellent for a quick bite during castle visits 
•	The Toucan Cafe – Vegetarian wholefood café offering organic fair-trade coffee, smoothies, and wholesome salads and cakes
*      The Olde Ship Aground - Just a short walk away from our home - Great cosy pub with lovely pub food - superb atmosphere

Dunster
•	Reeves Restaurant – Multi-award-winning fine dining experience in rustic surroundings on High Street—seasonal British cuisine delivered with flair 
•	The Luttrell Arms Hotel  – Historic Grade II* inn with elegant AA-rosette dining, bar with fires, garden seating, afternoon teas, and even pizza alfresco in summer 

Porlock & Porlock Weir
Here’s a great array of eateries offering everything from hearty pub grub to seaside views and sweet treats:
Inns & Pubs
•	The Bottom Ship Inn (Porlock Weir) – Thatched, cosy pub with roaring fires, fresh homecooked meals, ales, and great outdoor seating 
•	The Top Ship Inn (Porlock Village) – One of Exmoor’s oldest inns, with a welcoming atmosphere, quality local food, and family-friendly outdoor space
•	The Castle Hotel (Porlock Village) – Traditional old pub with a great variety on their menus and a roaring fire in the colder months
•	Locanda on the Weir – Stylish, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant perched over the harbour. Seasonal menus with Exmoor-sourced produce—highly recommended, Michelin Guide listed 
•	Harbour Gallery and Cafe – Artistic café overlooking the harbour, with homemade snacks and a rotating selection of local artworks 
•	Porlock Weir Hotel – Waterfront restaurant with wood-fired pizzas and seasonal fare, in a beautifully refurbished setting 
•	Porlock Bay Oysters – Celebrated local oyster producer featured at nearby venues—excellent for fresh, locally grown oysters year-round

Steam Heritage & Nearby Villages
•	West Somerset Railway –ride aboard Britain’s longest independent steam railway between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, with stops including Dunster, Watchet, and more. 
•	Dunster Castle & Village – Walk through history in this Norman castle with beautiful gardens and explore the charming medieval village. 

Coastal & Countryside Gems
•	Porlock Weir – A quaint harbour spot with thatched cottages and seaside charm, offering kayaking, coasteering, or relaxing by the water. 
•	Valley of the Rocks – A dramatic cliffside locale famed for its feral goats and stunning cliff views, just a short drive (and ideal for wilder walks). 
•	Quantock Hills & Coleridge Way – Gentle yet rewarding walks through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ideal for hikers and cyclists alike.

Rustic Charm & Hidden Corners
•	Tarr Steps – Cross an ancient clapper bridge in a tranquil oak woodland, home to rare wildlife like dormice, otters, and Barbastelle bats. 
•	Cleeve Abbey – Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery. 
•	Watchet & Fossil Beach – A relaxed harbour town with museums, cafes, and excellent opportunities for spotting fossils along the beach. 

Natural Wonders & Evening Magic
•	Dunkery Beacon – The highest point in Exmoor, offering expansive views across the moor, the Bristol Channel, and even Wales on clear days. 
•	Stargazing in Exmoor – As an International Dark Sky Reserve, Exmoor offers pristine night skies. Top stargazing spots include Dunkery Beacon, Wimbleball Lake, and Webbers Post. 

Minehead is a walkers paradise, being the gateway to Exmoor and the start of the South West Coastal Path too.

The beach outside the house shingle, but reveals sandy areas at low tide. Further along towards the town there is a large sandy beach suitable for swimming.