Minehead, Coastal town in Somerset West and Taunton, England
Minehead is a coastal town in Somerset West and Taunton on the southwest coast of England along the Bristol Channel. The long sandy beach runs parallel to hills rising into Exmoor National Park, and rows of houses follow the coastline from the bay to the harbour.
The town grew from a medieval trading port into a seaside resort after a fire in 1791 destroyed much of it. Rebuilding brought new streets and buildings that still shape the center today.
The May Day Hobby Horse tradition features three distinct horses parading through the streets for four days with musicians and dancers. Visitors watch colorful costumes and hear singing as locals carry on this old custom year after year.
The West Somerset Railway terminal offers heritage steam train connections to neighboring towns throughout the year. Visitors reach the beach and the center easily on foot from the station.
Tidal ranges here reach up to 14.6 meters (48 feet), among the highest in Europe. At low tide, the water retreats far and exposes large sandy areas, while at high tide the sea comes right up to the seawall.
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