Minehead
Minehead is a coastal town and civil parish in the English county of Somerset. It sits on the south edge of the Bristol Channel, around 21 miles (34 kilometres) north-west of the county town of Taunton, 12 miles (19 kilometres) from the border with the county of Devon and in proximity of the Exmoor National Park. According to the 2011 Census, the town has a permanent population of around 11981, meaning that it is the most populated town in the West Somerset local government district. There is indication of human occupation in the area since the Bronze and Iron Ages. There was a modest port at Minehead by 1380, which grew into a significant trading centre during the medieval period. A lot of trade moved to larger ports during the course of the 20th century, however pleasure steamers did call at the port. A marked boost in building during the early years of the 20th century brought about the large main shopping avenue and nearby roads with Edwardian-style architecture. There are a variety of schools and religious, cultural and sporting facilities consisting of sailing and wind surfing and golf. A popular ancient local practice involves the Hobby Horse, which takes to the streets for four days on the eve of the first of May each year, with accompanying artists and rival horses. The town is the starting point of the South West Coast Path National Trail, which is the nation's longest long-distance countryside hiking path. The Minehead Railway was opened in 1874 and closed in 1971, but it has since been reopened as the West Somerset Railway. For all your home refurbishments, be sure to identify credible experts in Minehead to make certain of quality.