 Early areas of development of the town include Higher Town with its cottages , many of which are " listed " buildings of historic interest , some of which are still thatched , and the Quay area . In Victorian times wealthy industrialists built large houses on North Hill and hotels were developed so that tourism became an important industry . There was a marked increase in building in the early years of the 20th century when the landowners , the Luttrells of Dunster Castle , released extensive building land . Probably the most prolific Edwardian architect was <unk> from North Devon who settled in the town and was responsible for designing several hundred domestic properties as well as the Market House , Town Hall and Queens Hall . It was in the Edwardian and Victorian era that tourism in the town increased . | Edwardian style architecture . The steamship SS Pelican grounded in Minehead Bay on 22 June 1928 , on an unmarked reef known as the Gables that circles Minehead Bay , 0 @.@ 7 miles ( 1 @.@ 1 km ) from land . The Pelican was sailing from Port Talbot to Highbridge . The crew of five were rescued by the Minehead Lifeboat . Evacuees were billeted in Minehead during the Second World War . Butlins opened in 1962 , and has brought thousands of visitors to the town . 
