Family self catering holidays in Minehead at Woodcombe Lodges
If you’re planning a family holiday in Minehead, you’re probably juggling a lot of different needs. The grown ups want somewhere calm and comfortable, the children want space to play and exciting things to do, and everyone needs an easy base that doesn’t feel chaotic.
Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages sits on the edge of Minehead with Exmoor National Park on its boundary. This long-established four star self catering site has six timber lodges and two stone cottages in about three acres of gardens. From here you can enjoy beach days, steam trains, Exmoor walks and simple time together – with peaceful evenings back at your lodge instead of in the middle of a noisy resort.
Why Woodcombe works well for family self catering holidays
Choosing the right base is half the battle with a family break. Woodcombe tends to work well for families who like a balance of activity and quiet.
- Quiet but close to town – At the end of a small lane on the edge of Minehead, Woodcombe feels rural and peaceful, but shops, beach and attractions are only a short drive away.
- Space to breathe – The lodges and cottages sit in about three acres of gardens, with lawns, a putting green and room for children to run around.
- Comfortable self catering – All units are four star, with proper kitchens, electric heating and covered verandas so you can sit out in shade or shelter.
- Sizes for different families – From smaller cottages for young families to larger lodges like Holly for bigger or multi-generational groups, you can pick a layout that suits you.
- Family-friendly owners – Woodcombe has been operating for over forty years, and the on-site owners are used to hosting families and advising on suitable days out.
Self catering made easier for families
One of the biggest advantages of self catering is being able to run your own timetable. At Woodcombe, that’s helped by:
- Well equipped kitchens
You can prepare breakfasts, picnics and simple evening meals without relying on restaurant menus or opening times. - Flexible meal times
If toddlers eat early and teenagers eat late, you can work around them rather than trying to squeeze everyone into one fixed sitting. - Indoor space
On slower days there’s enough room to play board games, read, draw or watch a film without everyone feeling on top of each other. - Outdoor space on the doorstep
Covered verandas and gardens make it easy for children to drift between inside and outside, while adults relax with a book and a view.
Many families mix home-cooked meals and picnics with a few meals out in Minehead, Dunster or nearby villages, which keeps things varied without becoming expensive.
Family friendly things to do close to Woodcombe
You don’t have to travel far from Woodcombe to find things to do with children of different ages.
Beach days and seafront fun
Minehead seafront is only a short drive away. Families can enjoy:
- A wide sandy beach near the main front, ideal for sandcastles and paddling
- A level promenade for strolling, scooting and pushchairs
- Amusement arcades, ice cream, cafés and fish and chips
- A dog friendly stretch of beach beyond the golf course if you’re bringing a family dog
Further along the coast, Dunster beach and Blue Anchor offer more shoreline to explore.
Steam trains and harbour towns
The West Somerset Railway runs from Minehead along the coast and through the countryside to Bishops Lydeard. Children and adults usually enjoy:
- Watching steam engines arriving and departing at Minehead station
- Riding in traditional carriages and looking out over fields and coastline
- Hopping off at places like Blue Anchor or Watchet for a short explore and a drink
It’s a relaxed day out with plenty to look at even if some family members don’t want to walk very far. For current timetables and special events, visit the West Somerset Railway website.
Butlins, skate parks and rainy-day options
You don’t have to stay at Butlins Minehead to visit. Many Woodcombe guests book a day ticket to enjoy:
- Funfair rides and indoor pools
- Shows and children’s activities
- A high-energy day that the children will talk about for weeks
For more active youngsters, Minehead Eye near the station offers an indoor skate park and bouldering cave, as well as various organised activities. On days when the weather is mixed, these indoor options are very useful.
Castles, villages and gentle exploring
If your family enjoys a mix of history, cafés and short walks, there are several nearby places that work very well:
- Dunster – Medieval village with a National Trust castle and gardens, yarn market, working watermill, shops and tea rooms.
- Selworthy, Allerford and Bossington – Pretty villages with thatched cottages, churches and tea rooms, plus access to coast and hill paths for a little exploring.
These trips often make good half-days, leaving time to relax back at Woodcombe before dinner.
Animals, lakes and adventure
Within a reasonable drive you’ll also find:
- Tropiquaria Wildlife Park – Animals, reptiles and play areas
- Torre Cider Farm and Doniford Farm Park – Farm animals, farm shops and cafés
- Wimbleball Lake – Watersports, lakeside paths, play areas and picnicking with big views
For detailed information on attractions, opening times and events, Visit Exmoor and Exmoor National Park’s websites are helpful starting points.
Planning your family self catering holiday at Woodcombe
Because Woodcombe has a range of accommodation and so much nearby, you can shape your stay around your family rather than fitting into a fixed timetable.
- Short breaks – One or two big outings (for example the steam railway or Butlins), a beach day and plenty of time playing in the gardens or exploring Minehead.
- Week-long stays – A mix of beach time, Exmoor walks, days out to places like Dunster and Tropiquaria, plus at least one relaxed “at home” day.
- Multi-generational trips – Grandparents, parents and children can all choose different levels of activity during the day and then regroup back at the lodges in the evening.
Talking to the owners when you book can help you match the right lodge or cottage to the ages and needs of your group.
FAQs – family self catering holidays at Woodcombe Lodges
Is Woodcombe suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Many families with babies and younger children stay at Woodcombe. The setting is quiet, there is outdoor space to play, and having your own kitchen makes it easier to manage naps, early bedtimes and flexible meals. If you need items such as a travel cot or high chair it’s best to check availability with the owners when you book.
Is it a good choice for older children and teenagers?
Often yes, especially if they enjoy being outdoors. Older children tend to like the mixture of Wi-Fi at the lodge, space to wander in the grounds, and easy access to the beach, Minehead Eye, the seafront and day trips to Butlins or the steam railway.
Do we have to use the car every day?
Not necessarily. There are walks from the door at Woodcombe, and you can reach Minehead and the seafront without always driving. For some attractions you’ll want the car, but you don’t have to spend every day driving long distances.
Are there family friendly eating options nearby?
Minehead and the surrounding villages have a range of pubs, cafés and restaurants that welcome families. Most guests mix eating out with cooking in their lodge or cottage. Local tourism websites such as Visit Exmoor are useful for checking current options and reviews.
Is Woodcombe a good base for a quieter family holiday?
Yes. Woodcombe tends to attract families who enjoy space, nature and calmer evenings rather than loud entertainment late into the night. If you want to explore during the day and come back to a peaceful base in the evening, it is a good fit.
If you’re ready to plan a family self catering holiday in Minehead with beach days, steam trains, Exmoor views and peaceful evenings back at your lodge, you can check availability on the Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages website. For more detailed information on local attractions, walks and events, visit Exmoor National Park’s and Visit Exmoor’s websites.
