Minehead Old Town and Church Steps
Step back in time on Minehead's historic Church Steps, lined with charming 17th-century thatched cottages, leading to St. Michael's Church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical, fairy-tale atmosphere
Minehead Old Town and Church Steps
Best Time
Magical, fairy-tale atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on Minehead's historic Church Steps, lined with charming 17th-century thatched cottages, leading to St. Michael's Church.
"The place is absolutely stunning, especially when it rains. The path with beautiful hut houses throughout the steps adds a magical touch."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Prioritize good grip!
📸 Capture the Charm
This area is a photographer's paradise. Don't miss the quaint cottages and historic church.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Church Steps
Connecting higher and lower town areas
Historic cobbled path lined with 17th-century thatched cottages. A photographer's delight!
St. Michael's Church
Top of the Church Steps
A 15th-century church with a historic tower, offering rewarding views from its elevated position.
17th-Century Thatched Cottages
Lining the Church Steps
Charming, well-preserved whitewashed cottages that transport you back in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm (and the Cobbles!)
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Prioritize good grip!
📸 Capture the Charm
This area is a photographer's paradise. Don't miss the quaint cottages and historic church.
South west coast path UK - shakedown please!
☔ Visit on a Rainy Day
Rain adds a magical, fairy-tale quality to the steps and cottages.
⬆️ Ascend for Views
The walk up to St. Michael's Church is rewarded with stunning views of the town and harbor.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobbled steps can be slippery, especially after rain. Prioritize good grip!
📸 Capture the Charm
This area is a photographer's paradise. Don't miss the quaint cottages and historic church.
☔ Visit on a Rainy Day
Rain adds a magical, fairy-tale quality to the steps and cottages.
⬆️ Ascend for Views
The walk up to St. Michael's Church is rewarded with stunning views of the town and harbor.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Take your time to explore the steps and admire the historic architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque charm of Minehead Old Town and Church Steps, particularly the historic thatched cottages and the atmospheric cobbled path. The views from St. Michael's Church are a significant highlight. Some note the steps can be slippery when wet and overgrown in places, posing a slight challenge for some.
"Thursday, 26th June 2025
The Church Steps in Minehead is a historic, cobbled path that connects the higher town area around St. Michael's Church to the middle and lower town areas. The steps are lined with picturesque, 17th-century thatched cottages and are popular with artists and photographers.
The steps lead up to St. Michael's Church, which is a 15th-century church built on the site of an earlier building. The church's tower used to feature a beacon to guide ships.
The steps themselves are a notable feature, with their historic cobbled surface and the charming cottages that line the route.
The area around the Church Steps is characterized by its well-preserved, whitewashed, thatched cottages dating back to the 17th century.
The steps are part of the older, higher town area of Minehead, which has a rich history related to its harbor and maritime trade.
At the bottom of the steps, on the left, was once the Minehead workhouse, which was funded by a levy on local businesses.
The Church Steps and the surrounding area are a popular destination for tourists, drawn to the historic atmosphere, picturesque scenery, and proximity to the harbor and town center.
The unique character of the steps and the cottages make it a favorite spot for artists and photographers.
The steps are a tangible link to Minehead's past, connecting the higher town with the harbor and the development of the town over time."
Robert xXxX
"The place is absolutely stunning, especially when it rains. The path with beautiful hut houses throughout the steps adds a magical touch, making the area feel like something out of a fairy tale. The charm of the church steps combined with the picturesque huts creates an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend visiting, especially in the rain!"
Shravas S
"Awesome walk up the steps you will be rewarded with an amazing view from the top of the church steps.
Be careful as the steps are slippery when it has been raining, also the weeds are overgrown and covering the steps."
Raif & Vy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church Steps are located in the older, higher part of Minehead, connecting to the town center and harbor. You can typically access them by walking from the main town area. Parking is available in Minehead town center, followed by a walk up to the steps.
While there isn't direct parking at the steps themselves, several car parks are available in Minehead town center, a short walk away. Be prepared for a bit of an uphill stroll to reach the steps.
Minehead has a bus station, and you can take local buses to get close to the town center. From there, it's a walk to the Church Steps.
The Church Steps are historic and cobbled, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's a steep incline with uneven surfaces.
The best way to explore is on foot. Wander through the narrow lanes and admire the historic architecture, especially the thatched cottages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Church Steps and the old town area is free. You can wander and explore at your leisure.
The Church Steps are always accessible as they are part of the public town. St. Michael's Church has its own visiting hours, which you can check locally.
Entry to St. Michael's Church is typically free, though donations are often welcomed to help with its upkeep.
Yes, the steps are a public thoroughfare and can be visited at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better views.
While not always advertised, local tourist information centers might offer information on guided walks or historical tours of Minehead.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
The Church Steps themselves, with the lined thatched cottages, are the prime photo spot. The view from the top of the steps near St. Michael's Church is also spectacular.
Drone footage can capture the unique layout of the steps and the surrounding town, offering stunning aerial perspectives. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light. However, the steps can look particularly atmospheric and magical after rain.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be respectful of private residences and the church interior if you choose to photograph there.
The combination of the historic cobbled steps, the 17th-century thatched cottages, and the proximity to the church creates a uniquely picturesque and timeless scene.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk up the steps is relatively short, but the time it takes depends on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views and cottages. Allow 15-30 minutes for a leisurely ascent.
You'll find amenities like restrooms and cafes in Minehead town center, which is a short walk from the bottom of the steps.
The steps historically connected the higher town around the church to the lower town and harbor, reflecting Minehead's maritime past. The area also housed the old workhouse.
At the top of the steps, you can visit St. Michael's Church and enjoy panoramic views of Minehead and its harbor.
The Minehead harbor, the town center with its shops and pubs, and the West Somerset Railway are all within easy reach of the Church Steps.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Ensure children wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, as the steps can be slippery, especially after rain. The walk to the top of St. Michael's Church provides a rewarding view, which can be a great motivator for little legs. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities are more readily available in the town center at the bottom of the steps.
📸 Photographers & Artists
Tip: Visit after a light rain shower for a more dramatic and atmospheric effect, as the wet cobblestones and vibrant greenery create a magical ambiance. The view from the top, looking back down the steps or out towards the harbor, also offers stunning perspectives. Don't forget to capture the details of the historic St. Michael's Church.
🚶 History Buffs & Explorers
Tip: Take your time to read any historical markers or information boards in the vicinity. Imagine the lives of those who walked these steps centuries ago, from sailors and merchants to churchgoers. The former site of the Minehead workhouse also adds another layer to the historical narrative of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of the Church Steps
The steps themselves are a feat of historical engineering, designed to connect the higher town, where St. Michael's Church stands sentinel, to the bustling lower town and its vital harbor. This strategic placement highlights Minehead's historical importance as a maritime trading hub. The cottages, with their whitewashed walls and traditional thatched roofs, evoke a sense of timelessness, making a stroll up or down the steps feel like stepping back centuries.
Visitors often remark on the magical quality of the steps, especially after a rainfall, which enhances the rustic charm and creates a fairy-tale ambiance. The careful preservation of this area ensures that its historical character remains intact, offering a unique and memorable experience for all who visit.
St. Michael's Church: A Beacon of History
Ascending the steps to reach the church not only offers a journey through history but also rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, you can survey the charming town of Minehead, the picturesque harbor, and the surrounding Exmoor landscape. It's a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and appreciate the strategic importance of this location throughout history.
While the church is a historical monument, it also serves as an active place of worship. Visitors are welcome to explore its interior, often finding a peaceful sanctuary and a deeper connection to the town's spiritual heritage. The combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and stunning vistas makes St. Michael's Church a must-visit destination.
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