When you book holiday cottages in Minehead you will soon discover why the town and the surrounding area are known as the Somerset Riviera. If you are looking to plan a summer staycation and take advantage of the UK's beautiful beaches, there are few better places.

Part of the attraction of booking holiday homes is that you have the freedom to truly relax and unwind on your break, not worrying about set meal times or returning to your hotel by a certain hour.

Instead, you can come and go as you please; either spending most of your getaway rarely leaving the beautiful house and garden or taking the opportunity to get out and explore the area.

During the days you can soak up the rays outdoors or head to Minehead to stock up on local ingredients, which in the evenings you can transform into a delicious meal.

Minehead has so much to offer, whether you are holidaying with your partner, friends or family. It is a truly traditional seaside town and the perfect place to discover why this type of break has been popular for so long.

The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles, which stretch on for around a mile and take in a traditional promenade and a pretty harbour. Even on the sunniest days, you are certain to find somewhere along this stretch where you can lay out your towel and spend some time working on nothing more than your tan.

Up in the town there is also plenty to do, especially if you are with your children. Older kids will be kept amused at the Minehead Eye, a youth centre that has an internet cafe and a skate park for them to take advantage of.

There are several cafes you can visit for a pot of tea and some delicious cakes, such as Apple Tree Tea Rooms, while the Duke of Wellington pub will make you feel welcome and is the ideal place to cool down with a refreshing pint.

However, if you are looking to be a little more active, you will also find plenty to keep you busy. The South West Coast Path National Trail starts in Minehead and stretches all the way to Dorset, taking in large chunks of Exmoor National Park.

This is an absolutely beautiful route to take a walk along, as you will be able to admire the vista across the Bristol Channel to Wales, along with the protected countryside the national park is home to.

Alternatively, you could hire a bike and explore via peddle power. There is varied terrain to be found in these parts, so you could experience the thrill of mountain biking or enjoy a more sedate cycle by sticking to the roads.

This is a great way to cover even more of this beautiful part of the UK and will help you build up an appetite before you return to your cottages in Somerset for your evening meal.

Pony trekking is another popular activity as it provides you with a way to discover your surroundings you may have little chance to do at home. Riding on horseback, you are certain to feel at one with the nature around you.

Indeed, once your break in Minehead comes to an end you will certainly see why the UK seaside break has been much loved for so many generations.

Don't be surprised if this becomes something of a summer tradition!