Minehead is a seaside town and civil parish in the English county of Somerset. It sits on the south edge of the Bristol Channel, roughly 21 miles (34 kilometres) north-west of the county town of Taunton, 12 miles (19 km) 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 heavily populated town in the West Somerset local government area. 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 turned into a significant trading centre during the medieval period. A lot of trade moved to larger ports during the 20th century, however pleasure steamers did call at the port. A significant boost in construction during the early years of the 20th century resulted in the wide main shopping avenue and adjoining roads with Edwardian-style architecture. There are a variety of schools and religious, cultural and sporting facilities including sailing and wind surfing and golf. A popular ancient local practice involves the Hobby Horse, which takes to the streets for 4 days on the eve of the first of May each year, with accompanying entertainers 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 walking trail. The Minehead Railway was opened in 1874 and closed in 1971, but it has since been reopened as the West Somerset Train. For all of your home developments, make sure to find reputable experts in Minehead to make certain of quality.