Local Attractions
Minehead Beach
Sandy Minehead Beach is a mile-long with a traditional promenade and a picturesque harbour. It offers stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
The beach is an excellent spot for families being predominantly sandy, with some areas of shingle, pebbles and rock pools towards the harbour. It is ideal for beach games, sandcastles, kite flying, paddling and watersports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
There are fish and chip shops, ice creams shops, beach shops and a games arcade. Pay and display parking is available along the seafront (TA24 5UP) 6.4 miles from Keld.
Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster Castle, is an ancient Norman fortress that was transformed into a lavish Victorian country home. Sitting high on a steep tor, it offers sweeping views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. The castle is owned by the National Trust and was home to the Luttrell family for over 600 years. The interior features stunning 17th-century carved staircases, intricate plasterwork, and rare painted leather wall hangings. Fifteen acres of terraced gardens feature sub subtropical plants, a Mediterranean lower garden, and the famous Dunster Lemon Tree and 17th century stables. The restored working 18th century watermill sits on the River Avill, where visitors can see milling in action and buy freshly milled flour. Facilities include a shop in the 17th century stables, a tea room, and with natural play areas for children.
Dunster Castle and Watermill are located in the picturesque village of Dunster, near Minehead. The postcode is TA24 6NY. The castle is 7.7 miles from Keld.
Greencombe Gardens
Greencombe Gardens is a delightful small garden, described on it’s website as ‘Paradise overlooking Porlock Bay.’ This organic 3.5 acre garden, established in 1946, is full of beautiful and rare plants. It is open between April and July. Saturday, Sunday Monday and Tuesday between 2 - 6pm. Greencombe Gardens is located about half a mile from the western end of Porlock, on the road from Porlock to Porlock Weir. The postcode is TA 24 8NU.
Wimbleball Lake
Wimbleball Lake is a 530 acre reservoir and outdoor activity centre set within the rolling hills of the South-Eastern corner of Exmoor National Park. Here, high energy watersports, scenic walking trails and peaceful wildlife habitats make it perfect for adventure seekers and those wishing to unwind. Watersports include paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, eFoiling and sailing. Equipment is available to hire, or use in instructor led sessions. Visitors can also launch their own craft by booking a self launch slot via the South West Lakes Trust Portal (third-party insurance is required). Fly fishing from the banks is permitted. Day tickets must be purchased in advance via the Catch app. Swimming is prohibited at the lake for safety reasons.
The postcode for the main visitor car park is TA22 9NU and is 15 miles from Keld.
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
The famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890. It is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world! The Cliff Railway connects the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth providing stunning coastal views. This working heritage railway is grade II listed, the UK's only fully water powered railway and one of just three examples left in the World! To visit, park at Lynmouth car park (EX35 6EP) and walk through Lynmouth Street, to the Esplanade.
West Somerset Railway
Steam trains run on this branch line of the old Great Western Railway, between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, a distance of 20 miles. Trains stop at eight other stations along the way. Special events include: dining, cream teas, fish and chip specials, also murder mystery events and steam engineman taster courses. See the website west-somerset-railway.co.uk for details. The postcode for the car park at Minehead station is TA24 5BJ, which is only 6 miles from Keld.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
This steam railway convey passengers in authentic carriages designed in the 1880’s. Travel through rolling countryside, with views to both wild moorland and the rugged coastline. The Lynton and Barnstaple railway originally opened in 1898. It closed 37 years later in 1935. This one mile section from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane and back is the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild this famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railway.
Watermouth Castle
Watermouth Castle is a popular family theme park. Originally built in the mid-19th century as a country house designed to resemble a castle, it now spans 17 acres of landscaped gardens, overlooking Watermouth Cove. It is known for its nostalgic charm, unique interactive exhibits, and gentle family rides. The attraction provides a balanced, lower-sensory mix of indoor and outdoor activities perfect for families with children. Family rides include the Toboggan Run (which requires a small additional fee), the Big River Ride and the Junior Aviator plane ride, a steam carousel and swing boats. On-site parking is free. Watermouth Castle is located on the A399, between Coombe Martin and Ilfracombe, 27 miles from Keld. The postcode is EX34 9SL. Booking online in advance is cheaper than buying at the gate.