Minehead Golf Club and The Windmill Inn: the perfect pairing for a classic Somerset golf getaway

Tucked along the sweeping Somerset coastline, Minehead Golf Club is a special place one of those rare courses where history, sea-swept scenery and honest golfing challenge combine to create a day on the links you won’t quickly forget. For guests of The Windmill Inn, this celebrated club becomes even more appealing: the Inn offers exclusive access to discounted green fees and helps guests secure tee times, making it simple to turn a country escape into a memorable golfing break.

A short introduction to Minehead Golf Club Established in 1882 and still playing on its original layout, Minehead (officially Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club) is the oldest golf club in Somerset to have kept its original course. It’s a classic links-style course set beside the Bristol Channel, with fairways and greens shaped by sea winds, shifting light and a rugged, natural coastline. The course layout rewards strategic thought as much as technical skill — placement, trajectory and an ability to read the land matter just as much as raw power.

What makes Minehead special isn’t only its history. Walk the course and you’ll find lively, fast-running fairways, subtle but testing bunkers, and greens that demand attention. The views are a bonus: expansive panoramas over the Bristol Channel and across to the rolling contours of Exmoor provide a dramatic backdrop to every hole. The club is also well-regarded in the county golfing scene — it hosts county competitions, regional tournaments and PGA-affiliated events — but it always keeps a warm welcome for visitors and casual players.

Why The Windmill Inn is an ideal base The Windmill Inn, located in West Quantoxhead a short drive from Minehead, is a quintessentially English country inn with a modern touch. It’s a comfortable, stylish place to stay after a round — rooms that blend rustic charm with contemporary comforts, and a dining experience that showcases local produce and classic cooking. For golfers, there’s a practical and attractive extra: The Windmill has a formal connection with Minehead Golf Club that makes arranging a tee time and securing a good green fee quick and straightforward.

The connection: discounted green fees and easy booking One of the easiest ways The Windmill Inn makes a golf break seamless is through its partnership with Minehead Golf Club. Guests at The Windmill can take advantage of discounted green fees compared to visiting rates — a significant perk for anyone planning multiple rounds or a golfing weekend. Tee times for guests are booked through the Inn’s office, and the green fees are invoiced at the time of booking, simplifying the payment process and avoiding last-minute hassle at the clubhouse.

This arrangement is an ideal fit for visitors who want to relax and let someone else handle the logistics. Instead of calling around for times or worrying about peak pricing, you can book your room, arrange your tee time with the Inn, and enjoy the rest of your stay without extra admin. For groups, couples or solo players, that convenience can transform a good trip into a great one.

What to expect on the day Plan to arrive at Minehead with a comfortable margin before your tee time — the course has a friendly clubhouse where you can check in, grab a coffee and settle into the atmosphere. The course can play differently depending on the wind; a calm day will reward confident lines and approach shots, while a breezy day will test shot control and course management. Take time to appreciate the views between holes, and if the clubhouse is open after your round, it’s a pleasant place to relax with a drink and swap stories about the shot that got away.

Local flavours and après-golf at The Windmill After your round, The Windmill Inn is perfectly placed for relaxation. The inn’s food and drink focus on regional ingredients — fresh, seasonal and well prepared — making it a satisfying place to celebrate a good round, or commiserate a tricky back nine. The cosy bar and comfortable dining room create a welcoming setting to unwind; in the evenings, consider a slower pace with a hearty supper and a local ale or a glass of wine.

Beyond golf: explore Minehead and the coast A stay at The Windmill with a round at Minehead also opens up other local possibilities. The seaside town of Minehead itself offers coastal walks, charming shops and easy access to Exmoor National Park for those who want to combine golf with outdoor adventures. Coastal paths, dramatic clifftops and quiet country lanes give you options for post-round exploration or a rest day between tee times.

Why golfers return Players often come back to Minehead because the course delivers both challenge and character without pretension. It’s the sort of place where careful play is rewarded and where the natural setting contributes as much to the experience as the bunkers or the green complexes. Paired with the practical comfort and hospitality of The Windmill Inn — friendly service, good food and the convenience of arranged tee times and reduced green fees — it’s easy to see why golfers choose this combination for a short break or a longer stay.

Practical tips

• Book tee times in advance through The Windmill Inn’s office to secure the discounted green fee and to ensure your preferred slot. Green fees are invoiced at booking, so plan accordingly. - Check the weather and wind forecasts: Minehead’s links character means the course can play very differently depending on conditions. - Bring layers and windproof clothing; seaside golf is beautiful, but it can be breezy. - Allow time to enjoy the clubhouse and the local scenery; the coastline and nearby Exmoor are well worth a stroll.

Final thought Minehead Golf Club and The Windmill Inn form a natural partnership: a historic, beautifully sited course matched with warm accommodation, good food and a practical booking connection that takes the stress out of arranging golf. Whether you’re planning a focused golf break with friends, a relaxed weekend by the coast, or a mix of both, this pairing makes it simple to enjoy excellent golf, comfortable lodging and the best of Somerset hospitality.

Ready to plan your trip? Contact The Windmill Inn to book your room and arrange your tee time at Minehead Golf Club — let them handle the details so you can focus on the golf, the views, and a well-earned pint at the end of the day.