The Old Ship Aground - Historic Edwardian pub with harbour views, seasonal dining, and proximity to Exmoor trails
Originally built in 1911 as The Pier Hotel, The Old Ship Aground occupies a listed Edwardian building on Minehead's harbour. Rooms feature Freeview TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and crisp white linens, with select options offering harbour views or private balconies. The property serves seasonal British cuisine, including Jack Daniels pork belly and battered cod, in its courtyard restaurant or pub interior. Guests can access the South West Coast Path (1013.9 km) from Minehead Harbour, with varied walking routes like the North Hill path offering views toward Wales. Fishing trips aboard Teddie Boy Charters depart from the harbour, targeting Bristol Channel species. Nearby attractions include Dunster Castle (4 km) and National Trust villages like Bossington (8.0 km).
Pros
The historic Edwardian building retains original fireplaces and harbour-facing balconies in select rooms.
Dog-friendly policy with no breed restrictions (£20 per dog/night).
Proximity to the South West Coast Path trailhead (1 km) and North Hill walking routes.
Full-day fishing charters (4-12 hours) depart directly from Minehead Harbour.
Children's menu available with gluten-free and classic options like fish fingers.
Cons
Limited parking availability, with no reserved spaces for guests.
No lift access; wheelchair ramp is available only at the side entrance.
“The Old Ship Aground charms with its harbor views and a pub atmosphere that's genuinely welcoming; booking a table is wise. Rooms are spacious, and while some might find them a touch dated, the overall value, especially with the quality of the Sunday carvery, is hard to fault. It's a comfortable base for exploring Minehead and Exmoor, offering a friendly, dog-loving vibe.”
Luke HarrisonEditor-in-Chief at Hotelewam
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Select your room type
The Old Ship Aground Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room
2 persons
9 m²
1 Single bed
Shower
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Shower
room details
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
15 m²
2 Single beds
Shower
room details
King Room
2 persons
14 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Fireplace
room details
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Facilities
The Old Ship Aground Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities:
Great
8.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Pets allowed
Luggage storage
Sports & Fitness
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Mini golf
Squash
Fishing
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Children
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Tea and coffee facilities
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The Old Ship Aground Hotel Location
Quay Street,
Minehead,
United Kingdom,
Somerset
Map view
Quay Street,
Minehead,
United Kingdom,
Somerset
City landmarks
Landmark
Butlin's Minehead Resort
1.5
km
Landmark
Minehead Museum
920 m
Garden
Blenheim Gardens
660 m
Landmark
West Somerset Railway
1.0
km
Landmark
Garry Floyd Fine Art Gallery
1.3
km
Beach
Minehead Beach
1.1
km
Landmark
Minehead Eye
1.1
km
Landmark
Butlins
1.6
km
Landmark
Minehead Seafront
1.8
km
Castle
Dunster Castle
4.2
km
Landmark
Conygar Tower Gate
3.7
km
Landmark
Yarn Market
3.9
km
Landmark
Dovecote
3.8
km
Landmark
The Parish and Priory Church of St. George
4.0
km
Landmark
Dunster Working Watermill
4.0
km
Landmark
Butter Cross
3.9
km
Landmark
Dunster Butter Cross
3.7
km
Museum
Dunster Museum and Dolls Collection
3.9
km
Park
Dunster National Park Centre
3.9
km
Landmark
Dunster Village
4.0
km
Landmark
Dunster Village Garden
3.9
km
Landmark
The Medieval Gallery
3.9
km
Bridge
Gallox Bridge
4.4
km
Landmark
National Trust
4.3
km
Landmark
Dunster Gallox Bridge
4.3
km
Church
Selworthy All Saints Church
5.1
km
Landmark
West Somerset Rural Life Museum and Victorian School
6.6
km
Landmark
West Country Blacksmiths at Allerford Forge
6.5
km
Nearby
Church
St Peter On The Quay
460 m
Restaurants
Echo Beach Cafe
90 m
The Quay
The Harbour Cafe Minehead
240 m
Quay Street
Jubilee Gardens Cafe and Crazy Golf
660 m
The Esplanade Jubilee Gardens
Wheelhouse Snack Bar
890 m
41 The Avenue
Jubilee Gardens Cafe
810 m
The Esplanade Jubilee Gardens
Cafebar 21
900 m
21 The Avenue
Brambles
960 m
56A The Avenue
Coaster Coffee
940 m
15C The Avenue
Minehead Kebab Centre
960 m
15A The Avenue
Duke of Wellington Hotel
660 m
Wellington Square
Explore Minehead
Explore Minehead
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Minehead Museum
11 minutes' walk
Local history displays and exhibitions showcasing Minehead's rich heritage. Free admission every Wednesday.
Blenheim Gardens
8 minutes' walk
Stunning gardens featuring ornamental flower beds and a children's play area, perfect for family outings.
West Somerset Railway
13 minutes' walk
Heritage steam railway offering scenic rides through beautiful countryside. Special events throughout the year.
Dunster Castle
9-minute drive
Medieval castle featuring lush gardens and stunning views. Guided tours available to delve into its history.
Water Sports at Minehead Beach
14 minutes' walk
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and more await thrill-seekers at the beach. Rentals and lessons are available.
Mindfulness Yoga Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused sessions for rejuvenation. Booking required; seasonal sessions offered in nearby studios.
Echo Beach Cafe
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a beach vibe, featuring local seafood and vegetarian options. Great for breakfast and lunch.
The Harbour Cafe Minehead
3 minutes' walk
Cozy atmosphere with homemade cakes and coffee. Ideal for light meals and snacks; gluten-free choices available.
Minehead Eye
14 minutes' walk
A vibrant community hub hosting art events and workshops. Check for regular live music nights suitable for all ages.
The Regal Theatre
10 minutes' drive
Historic theatre showcasing films and live performances. Family-friendly shows and themed evenings are common.
Getting around
City Centre
Minehead12 min
·
1.0
km
Airports
Bristol (BRS)124 min
·
82.4
km
Exeter International (EXT)126 min
·
83.7
km
Train
Minehead Railway Station12 min
·
1.0
km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Old Ship Aground serves a full breakfast for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
11
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Old Ship Aground Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 671 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
85%
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Comfortable bed
Good food
Great location
Cons
Outdated rooms
Small bathroom
Breakfast service
Guest reviews
based on 1442 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Old Ship Aground
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Old Ship Aground?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is The Old Ship Aground from Minehead Beach?
The hotel is located 80 meters from Minehead Beach.
Is parking available at The Old Ship Aground?
Complimentary parking options are available near the hotel.
What dining options are available at The Old Ship Aground?
The hotel features a restaurant serving British, Seafood, and local cuisine, as well as a bar serving artisanal drinks.
What breakfast options are available at The Old Ship Aground?
Breakfast includes continental, Full English/Irish, and vegetarian options, with special dietary requests available.
Are pets allowed at The Old Ship Aground?
Pets are allowed on request, with possible charges.
What are some nearby attractions to The Old Ship Aground?
Nearby attractions include Dunster Castle (5 km) and the West Somerset Railway (0.5 km).
What room amenities are provided at The Old Ship Aground?
Rooms include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Does The Old Ship Aground offer any activities?
The hotel offers activities such as mini golf, cycling, and fishing.
How far is The Old Ship Aground from Exeter International Airport?
The hotel is located 74 km from Exeter International Airport.
What type of hotel is The Old Ship Aground?
It is a historic, family-friendly hotel located on the harbour in Minehead.
What languages do the staff at The Old Ship Aground speak?
The staff primarily speak English.
Are there options for children at The Old Ship Aground?
The hotel offers a children's menu and family-friendly accommodations.
What is the distance from The Old Ship Aground to the center of Minehead?
The hotel is approximately 1 km from the center of Minehead.