Minehead, North Hill c.1939

Photo ref: M84052

More about this scene

The town had been keen to keep out of the National Park when it was created in 1954 as it perceived that this may restrict such development, whereas places like Lynton, Lynmouth and Porlock saw the park as something that would attract more visitors. Yet visitors to Butlin's are encouraged to stay on site to spend their money, while Minehead has turned inwards without making great use of the National Park as an asset on its doorstep. Until the Second World War, the town still largely catered for the hunting, fishing, walking and riding fraternity and looked to the surrounding countryside. From the late 1930s onwards, however, it was catering more for the family 'bucket and spade brigade' who sought cheaper accommodation and entertainment within the resort. Nevertheless, the camp holds up to about 11,000 visitors and at most times of the season there are more visitors at Butlin's than in the whole of the National Park. Although the image has turned away many visitors from Minehead, it has undoubtedly attracted many more.