Exploring Minehead: An Insider's Guide to Shopping and Local Finds

Discovering Minehead’s Unique Shopping Scene

Nestled along the coast of Somerset, Minehead offers a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern convenience, making it a must-visit for any shopping enthusiast. Whether you're on the hunt for unique souvenirs, artistic treasures, or local delicacies, Minehead’s shopping scene has something for everyone. Here are some of the best local finds this quaint town has to offer.

Independent Boutiques and Artisan Shops

One of the highlights of shopping in Minehead is its array of independent boutiques and artisan shops. These establishments are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items that you won’t see anywhere else. From handcrafted jewelry to bespoke clothing, these boutiques offer a personal touch that chain stores simply cannot match. Be sure to stop by some of the local favorites and support small business owners who pour their heart and soul into their crafts.

If you're a lover of art, don't miss the chance to visit the local galleries that showcase works from talented regional artists. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or simply enjoy browsing, these galleries offer a feast for the eyes.

🛍️ Independent Boutiques & Artisan Shops in Minehead

Clathers
A family-run boutique offering women's clothing, footwear, accessories, homewares, and gifts.
📍 37 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY

Lovely Boutique
Specialises in unique clothing and footwear, featuring brands like Irregular Choice and Joe Browns.
📍 1 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

Somerset Bridal
Inclusive bridal boutique catering to all sizes, offering a range of wedding dresses.
📍 47–49 Alcombe Road, Minehead, TA24 6BB

Material Needs & Threads
Traditional haberdashery and wool shop providing knitting, crochet supplies, and workshops.
📍 Central House, Summerland Place, Minehead, TA24 5BT

Wombledon Minehead
An eclectic mix of vintage fashion, fancy dress, homewares, and curiosities.
📍 43 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY

Exmoor Food & Crafts
A community venture offering a range of local food products and crafts.
📍 4 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5UQ

🎨 Art Galleries in Minehead:

Leo Davey Studio/Gallery
Features award-winning watercolours and oil paintings inspired by Exmoor and the West Country.
📍 24c Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UE

Courtyard Framing and Gallery
Offers custom framing services and exhibits a selection of original artwork and prints.
📍 3 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

John Fallon Gallery
Showcases original abstract paintings, local scenes, and offers framing services.
📍 3 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

Garry Floyd Fine Art Gallery
Presents a collection of fine art pieces by local artist Garry Floyd.
📍 3 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

The Kontinuum
A community hub combining art and wellness, featuring works by local artists and offering wellness services.
📍 3 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

Exploring Minehead’s Vibrant Markets

Markets are an essential part of Minehead’s shopping experience. The town hosts a variety of markets throughout the year, offering everything from fresh produce to antiques. These markets are a wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere while discovering hidden gems.

The Farmer's Market is a particular highlight, where you can find an array of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats. It’s the perfect place to pick up some fresh ingredients for a picnic or to take home as a taste of Minehead.

🏘️ Local Markets in Minehead: 

🧺 Minehead Farmers' Market - Held every Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm on The Parade in the town centre, this market offers a variety of local produce including bread, cakes, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and more. It's a great spot to pick up fresh ingredients and support local producers.

📍 The Parade, Park Street, Minehead, TA24 5NQ

🛍️ Minehead Indoor Market
This traditional indoor market hosts several traders offering a range of products from hair accessories to household items. It's a convenient place to browse and shop, especially on rainy days.

📍 Location details available on their Facebook page

 
🏛️ Minehead's Historic Market House
Located in the centre of Minehead, this indoor market features stalls selling jewellery, minerals and fossils, books, toys, handcrafted items, and more. It's a charming spot to find unique gifts and collectibles.

📍 Location details available on their Facebook page

 
🧸 Merlins Indoor Market
Situated on The Esplanade overlooking Minehead beach, Merlins Indoor Market offers a variety of items for all the family, including clothing, confectionery, footwear, and more. It's a delightful place to explore while enjoying seaside views.

📍 The Esplanade, Minehead

Feel free to visit these markets to experience the local charm and support Minehead's vibrant community.

Specialty Food Stores

No visit to Minehead would be complete without indulging in some of its culinary delights. The town is home to several specialty food stores that offer a wide range of delicacies. From mouth-watering fudge to artisan breads and pastries, these stores are a haven for foodies.

Be sure to try some locally made cider or ale, which are popular in this region. Some stores even offer tasting sessions, giving you the chance to sample before you buy. It’s a delicious way to discover new flavors and take home a piece of Minehead with you.

🧀 Specialty Food Stores in Minehead:

Stuart Lowen Farm Shop
A family-run shop offering a wide range of locally sourced produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, preserves, bread, cheeses, and eco-friendly household products. They also provide unique items like grind-your-own peanut butter and fresh loose milk.
📍 4B Hawksworth Road, Minehead, TA24 5BZ

Chumatsky Way
A Ukrainian and Eastern European grocery store and café offering a wide range of products including Roshen sweets, Lviv coffee, meats, cheeses, kvass, and traditional dishes like borscht. The store also features a cozy café corner for customers to enjoy coffee and connect with the community.
📍 20 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5TH

Flapjackery
Offers a variety of award-winning flapjacks in flavours like Caramel Latte, Honeycomb, and Black Forest Brownie. All flapjacks are individually wrapped and suitable for home freezing.
📍 55 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5BB

Miles Tea & Coffee
A renowned local brand offering a selection of teas and coffees, with a shop where visitors can purchase their products and learn about their blending process.
📍 5 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5NG

Exmoor Food & Crafts
A community venture providing a variety of local food products and crafts, supporting regional artisans and producers.
📍 4 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5UQ

Naturalife Wholefoods
A family-run health store established in 1988, offering a wide range of natural products including wholefoods, supplements, skincare, and eco-friendly household items. The Minehead branch also features a vegetarian café upstairs and a wellness clinic on the top floor.
📍 3 The Parade, Minehead, TA24 5NL

Antique Shops and Vintage Finds

For those who love a treasure hunt, Minehead’s antique shops and vintage stores provide plenty of opportunities to uncover unique pieces with history and character. From furniture and home decor to vintage clothing and collectibles, these shops are filled with nostalgic charm.

Spend some time exploring these stores, and you might just find the perfect addition to your home or wardrobe. The knowledgeable shopkeepers are always eager to share stories about their finds, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your shopping experience.

🏺 Nearby Antique Shops

Chris's Crackers Junk Shop
Situated in Carhampton, just a short drive from Minehead, this shop offers reclaimed building materials, architectural salvage items, Victorian pine furniture, and a wide range of antiques.
📍 Townsend Garage, Main Road, Carhampton, Minehead, TA24 6NH

Chatelaine Antiques
Located in the historic village of Dunster, Chatelaine Antiques offers a selection of antique furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, and vintage collectables.
📍 14 West Street, Dunster, Minehead, TA24 6SN

Antique Etc
Located just along Friday Street, Antique Etc is a charming spot to browse antiques, vintage furniture, and homeware. A lovely stop for curious finds and traditional pieces.
📍 17 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UB

Paraphernalia Antiques & Collectables (Us!) ⭐
Packed with vintage toys, coins, curiosities, and collectables, we’ve been part of Minehead’s high street since the early 1990s. Whether you're after something quirky or classic, there's always something new to discover behind the cabinets.
📍 11 Friday Street, Minehead, TA24 5UB

Practical Tips for Shopping in Minehead

When planning your shopping trip in Minehead, consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy a more relaxed experience. Many shops offer seasonal sales, so it is worth keeping an eye out for discounts and special offers.

Parking is generally available in the town centre, making it easy for visitors to explore on foot. Remember to bring reusable bags, as many shops support sustainable practices. From artisan crafts to delicious local produce, Minehead’s shopping scene is full of charm and surprises.

Thank You for Supporting Local 
By choosing to shop with independent businesses, you are helping to keep Minehead’s high street unique, vibrant and community-focused. Every purchase makes a difference, and we are truly grateful for your support. Happy shopping, and we hope to see you soon. 🛍️💛