Out & About
South West Coast Path [ www.southwestcoastpath.com ]
Situated directly opposite The Quay Inn is the start of the South West Coastal Path. With 630 miles of stunning coastal walking, enjoy the best coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage.
The Quay Inn, MInehead is ideally situated for your walking holiday and we can advise on a number of short or long walks. Why not start your day with a satisfying breakfast then stretch your legs and take in the beautiful scenery on the coastal path returning to The Quay Inn for a drink and a hearty meal in our comfortable restaurant. We can also provide a packed lunch for your walk.
Dunster [ www.visitdunster.co.uk ]
Situated just two miles from The Quay Inn, Dunster is an idyllic medieval village in the Exmoor National Park. With a wealth of historic buildings including the 11th century Yarn Market, the focal point of the Exmoor wool trade and Dunster Castle with its’ dramatic hill top location overlooking the Bristol Channel and Exmoor. The village has many unique and interesting shops and over 200 listed buildings.
Dunster by Candlelight takes place every year on the first Friday and Saturday in December when the historic village lights its streets with candles. There is a Lantern procession and a variety of street entertainment including Carol Singers, Morris Dancers, a Brass Band and Choirs. The wide variety of shops are open throughout the two evenings giving you the opportunity to purchase the perfect Christmas gift and to sample delicious local produce.
Exmoor
West Somerset Steam Railway [ www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk ]The West Somerset Steam Railway is on the seafront at Minehead just 400 yards from The Quay Inn. The Steam Railway is a country branch line of the old Great Western Railway and offers scenic rides on historic steam trains through the beautiful surrounding countryside. The station houses a fascinating collection of locomotives, coaches and wagons and is the starting point for a wonderful twenty mile scenic journey. Trains run throughout the year.
The Hobby Horse [ www.whatsonwhen.com ]
On the 1st May each year the residents of Minehead are woken at sun rise by the beating of a loud drum accompanying The Hobby Horse on its’ journey through the town and on to Dunster. Throughout the day the Hobby Horse dances around town accompanied by musicians and dancers collecting donations for local charities. Some say that the Hobby Horse is a pagan fertility symbol others that the day is in commemoration of the wreck of a vessel or that the Hobby Horse was made to frighten off Viking invaders, whatever the true history, the first few days of May are the ideal time to stay at the Quay Inn and take part in this historic festival.
Raft Race Day [ www.mineheadlifeboat.org.uk ]
The Annual Minehead Raft Race is organised by the Minehead Lifeboat crew and raises money for the RNLI. This year the race will be held on the 24th August during Bank Holiday weekend. The race is believed to be the biggest sea raft race in the country and attracts entries from all over the UK. The Raft Race is an amazing free show and is followed at sunset by a fantastic fireworks display. The focus of the day is at The Harbour on Quay Street making the Quay Inn the perfect venue for your short break. Early booking is advised for this weekend as visitors come from far and wide to support our Life Boat Station and enjoy the race.
