Minehead

Victorian sea air mingles with the sound of steam trains at this proper seaside town where Exmoor meets the Bristol Channel. Minehead wears its resort heritage proudly - the promenade still draws families for traditional bucket-and-spade holidays, while the West Somerset Railway chugs inland carrying day-trippers into the heart of the national park.

The town splits into distinct quarters. Down by the harbour, fishing boats bob alongside pleasure craft, and the old quay area retains a working port feel. Higher up, the Victorian terraces climb towards Exmoor's edge, offering cracking views across the channel to Wales on clear days. The Regal Theatre keeps cultural life ticking over with touring shows and local productions.

Exmoor's dramatic coastline unfolds westward from here. That famous Zigzag footpath carved into the cliff face makes for a proper leg-stretcher, leading onto the South West Coast Path that runs all the way to Cornwall. Inland, purple heather moorland stretches for miles, dotted with wild ponies and crossed by ancient drove roads.

Getting here means the M5 to Bridgwater, then the A39 coast road - about 90 minutes from Bristol. The West Somerset Railway connects with Taunton for proper train enthusiasts, though it's more tourist attraction than transport these days.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're minutes from both beach and moor, with easy access to explore the dramatic coastline in both directions. Blue Anchor's long sandy stretch lies just down the coast, while Porlock and Lynmouth beckon further west.