About Minehead Harbour

Introduction

Minehead Harbour is on the north coast of Somerset at 51° 12.8’N, 003° 28.34’W. Sitting at the edge of the Bristol Channel and framed by wooded hillsides and long sandy beaches, the harbour offers a picturesque setting with an open and easily accessible approach for visiting vessels.

The harbour benefits from a protective pier that curves eastwards, shielding the basin from northerly winds. During periods of strong weather, waves may break over the pier at mean high water springs, highlighting the exposed nature of this stretch of coastline.

To the north and north northwest, submerged ruins lie close offshore, marked by unlit beacons. These features are charted and should be considered when navigating into the harbour. Strong south easterly winds can produce a noticeable swell around spring tides for around 90 minutes either side of high water, which can create challenging and uncomfortable conditions within the harbour.

Minehead remains an active coastal harbour, home to:

• Local commercial fishing boats
• Trip boats offering coastal excursions
• Visiting leisure craft (47 moorings available)
• Charter angling vessels in season

While the harbour is a working environment, the surrounding area is popular with pedestrians and visitors, particularly during special events and the summer season.

Tidal Harbour

Minehead Harbour is entirely tidal and dries at low water, exposing the seabed to a distance of roughly a quarter of a mile seaward from the pier end.

The seabed consists of sand with a variable layer of silt, which is subject to natural erosion and deposition throughout the year.

Harbour Limits

The harbour and surrounding navigational authority area are defined under the Minehead Harbour Order of 1952.

These limits extend below Mean High Water Springs and cover the piers, quays, slipway, and surrounding waters used for navigation.

Tides and tidal range

Tides dominate the character of Minehead Harbour. Actual depths vary frequently due to shifting silt and erosion.

Typical tidal ranges (metres above Chart Datum):

• MHWS: 10.6
• MHWN: 8.1
• MLWN: 3.4
• MLWS: 0.9

Chart Datum is 5.4m below Ordnance Datum Newlyn.

Local Anchorage

The nearest suitable anchorage is at:

• Blue Anchor Roads – 51°12’N, 003°24’W
• Depth: 7 metres
• Seabed: firm mud
• Distance: 3 miles east of Harbour

Approaches and navigation

• A waypoint at 51°13.77’N, 003°28’W places vessels roughly one mile from the entrance, bearing 192°M.
• Approaches are recommended from the north or north west.
• Approaches from the north east should avoid the Culver Sands, around 14 miles NNE of Minehead.
• Entry is best made within 2.5 hours either side of high water.

Hazards and Considerations

• Rocks and mud can dry five cables seaward of the harbour entrance.
• Tidal streams may reach 4 to 5 knots at springs, especially around the pier head.
• Avoid The Gables, a shingle bank ENE of the harbour and five cables offshore.
• The Lilistock firing range with target buoys lies approximately 5 miles east.
• Caution is essential during strong onshore winds.

Wrecks

There are no wrecks in the harbour approaches or within the harbour itself.

Vessel size

Minehead Harbour can accommodate vessels of up to 75 metres in length with a 2.5 metre draft, subject to tidal conditions.

Contact Harbour Master

Email: harbourmaster@somerset.gov.uk
Phone: 0300 123 2224