26 things to do in Weston-super-Mare, a Somerset beach town
Are you looking for things to do in Weston-Super-Mare? Here’s all you need to know about visiting this Somerset beach town!
When you think of beaches in Somerset, Weston-super-Mare springs to most people’s minds.
One of the quintessential seaside towns in the West Country, it’s been a resort hotspot since the tourist boom in the 19th century.
Weston Beach is long and sandy, there’s a pier with lots of popular attractions and an abundance of museums for rainy days.
There’s been a lot of investment into Weston recently, and it’s regenerating into a contemporary town with plenty of fun things to do and see for all ages.
Plus, it’s conveniently placed close to Bristol and Bath and sits in some of Somerset’s best nature.
I visited the coastal town a few times when I was living in Bristol as it’s so close.
Nowadays, I live near Exeter in Devon, but this Somerset beach town is only a 50-minute train ride away from Exeter, making it easy to visit from here too!
Recently, I was invited to Weston Super Mare to check out the See Monster art installation and enjoy some of the other highlights in the town.
So if you are looking for the best things to do in Weston Super Mare, read on!
Disclaimer: I partook in some of these activities were provided free of charge, as I worked with the Weston-super-Mare tourism board on one of my trips to the town. Other activities were self-funded on previous trips. All opinions remain my own. This post may contain affiliate links.
Things to do in Weston-super-Mare
The best things to do in Weston-super-Mare include walking along its beach and marvelling at the tidal difference, heading to the pier and its amusements, exploring the town’s street art, trying out Revo crazy golf and Clip N Climb and learning about the town’s history at the immersive Weston Museum.
Weston-super-Mare Beach
Weston’s main attraction is, of course, its beach – with two miles of flat sand, there’s plenty of space to spread out on!
Grab a bucket and spade and enjoy some old-fashioned family seaside fun!
Swimming is possible at Weston Beach, although be aware that this is the Severn Estuary/ Bristol Channel and it’s very tidal.
The Bristol Channel actually has the world’s second-largest tidal range – only beaten by the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
This means that the water can be dangerous, especially when the tide is out, as there’s lots of sinking sand in the area. You can swim when the tide is in, but be very careful and abide by lifeguard guidance.
Weston-super-Mare beach is one of the longest stretches of sand in the area, so it’s still worth visiting even if you don’t take a dip!
Weston Super Mare Grand Pier
Weston Super Mare’s grand pier is arguably its best attraction; it’s ideal for a family day out.
Enjoy the smell of fish and chips wafting through the air, purchase a creamy ice cream or freshly-made doughnuts, take in thrilling rides in the covered amusements area and shop for souvenirs!
The ride area is a huge complex with go-karts, dodgems, a ghost train, a house of mirrors and even “Britain’s smallest ever rollercoaster”, the Robo Coaster.
You can either pay a small fee for entrance and then pay as you go for the rides, or purchase a day-long pass for unlimited rides!
If you’re visiting Weston-Super-Mare as a family, the amusements area of the pier is ideal for letting older children explore at their own leisure.
There’s a cafe and a balcony with views back toward Weston for any adults who don’t want to go on the rides (although plenty of rides are adult friendly).
Weston Museum
Is it raining while you’re on your North Somerset holiday?
Weston Museum is an all-weather attraction, so it’s perfect if the weather isn’t so kind while you’re here!
I was really impressed by this town museum – it’s laid out incredibly well and has some really interesting exhibits, detailing the story of the town and its position in Somerset.
Learn about the first human settlement in the area (with some information about the prehistoric people in nearby Cheddar!).
Then, hear stories about Weston’s boom as a Victorian seaside resort, and how it operated in the 20th century to it today.
It’s free entry, so it’s well worth heading down here and seeing what stories you can uncover!
Clara’s Cottage
Clara’s Cottage is attached to the museum (and also free to visit!) – but it’s easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for!
This small cottage is named after its last resident and Weston-super-Mare local, Clara.
She lived here until the 1950s – but she didn’t change anything since 1901.
So it remains a fascinating snapshot of the Victorian age in the town.
It’s a great place to visit in Weston with kids, particularly if they’ve learned about Victorians at school.
However, as an adult, I found it just as fascinating and a great reminder of how far we’ve advanced in the last 120 years!
To find it, walk to the back of the museum on the ground floor (past the boat) and out the door. Then you’ll see a sign directing you round the corner to the cottage.
Revo Crazy Golf
Weston-super-Mare used to have an aquarium, but nowadays it’s home to a glow-in-the-dark crazy golf course.
Revo Crazy Golf has nine holes, with themes like scrapyard and terminator.
If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Weston-super-Mare, then this is a must-visit!
There’s an on-site bar and restaurant at Revo – more on that below!
Catch a sunset at Revo restaurant
Revo restaurant is definitely one of the best spots in town.
Sitting at the end of Weston’s third pier, this eatery boasts a contemporary menu with burgers, salads, pizza and, of course, fish and chips. There are plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
I went for a superfood salad which I added halloumi to, but there were some delicious veggie burgers and other options to choose from too!
Time your meal for sunset, and you’ll be rewarded. Outside of the restaurant, there’s a wrap-around balcony with epic views of the beach.
As Weston-super-Mare is west-facing, you’ll witness the sun dropping over the sea and turning the sky a palette of warming hues!
Water Adventure Play Park
The water adventure play park is a kid’s seasonal splash pad.
Ideal for roasting hot days in Weston-super-Mare, the splash pads are open from mid-April to the end of August.
It has lots of fountains and sprinklers that kids can run around in, and is located close to Melrose Car Park.
Helicopter Museum
If you’re an aviation fan, you’ve got to check this exhibit out – it’s the largest helicopter museum in the world!
Situated in an undercover hangar, this all-weather museum has more than a hundred exhibits, including some of the fastest helicopters in the world, the Queen’s Royal Flight helicopters, a Russian Hind Gun Ship and a Vietnam Veteran Huey.
Plus, learn more about the aviation history in the area in the historical exhibit!
Lambretta Museum
Are you more into land-based transport? There’s a museum for that in Weston Super Mare too.
The Lambretta Museum is an exhibition of 61 Lambretta scooters; it has at least one from every year from 1947 all the way up to 1971!
Explore Weston’s Street Art
While Weston-super-Mare is, in many ways, a traditional seaside town, it has a buzzing contemporary street art scene with colourful and meaningful murals.
They reflect the town’s links with Somerset nature, its culture and its rich heritage.
They’re spectacular works of art and not only do they add another dynamic to the town, but they tell fascinating stories and offer a snapshot into the past, present and future of Weston-super-Mare.
Click here to see a map with all of the best street art spots.
Silica
Silica is a kiosk, bus shelter and electronic information display; so why is it one of the best things to see in Weston-super-Mare?
Well, it’s a modern design, in the shape of a water droplet, but with the colour of sand, representing the South West England seaside city.
(Locals also call it “the carrot”!).
At night, the LED lights inside create a changing display of colours.
It’s a bit of a random attraction, but it’s worth looking at if you’re walking past!
Clip N Climb
Weston-super-Mare is home to the South West’s tallest indoor climbing wall at Clip n Climb.
A popular UK climbing centre chain, Clip n Climb offers a safe rock climbing experience.
You’ll have a harness and can clip yourself onto ropes that are attached to the walls.
Then, you can safely climb up a wall, venturing as far up as you wish.
The ropes have an automatic belay system, so unlike traditional rock climbing, there’s no need for anyone to stand at the bottom of the wall feeding the ropes.
This makes it safer and easier than traditional climbing!
Clip n Climb is for anyone age 5+, including teenagers and adults.
Kids can tackle the easier walls, and there’s a timed climbing challenge for adventurous teens.
I’d say this is definitely one of the best things to do in Weston with children, especially when it’s raining, but groups of adults are welcome too!
Cinemas
if you’re on holiday in Weston and the weather’s not great, don’t worry – there are plenty of indoor attractions.
The town has two cinemas – one is Cineworld which is in Rockpool Leisure Centre, the same complex as Clip n Climb, and it also has an Odeon on the high street.
Allstars Sports Bowl
Another Weston activity for when it’s raining is the Allstars Sports Bowl.
With ten-pin bowling, pool tables and interactive darts, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.
Food and drink is available too.
I’d never heard of interactive darts before I visited Weston the other week, but it sounds like a really interesting concept and well worth checking out while you’re in town!
Chocolate making at Christopher’s House of Chocolates
If you’re a fan of chocolate, then I’ve heard amazing things about Christopher’s.
It’s a chocolate and truffle shop, but you can book a chocolate-making masterclass where you can create your own incredible treats.
Perfect for Christmas or birthday presents, this is something you can do in Weston year-round!
Puxton Park
If you’re visiting Weston with a family, then Puxton Park is the perfect activity.
With an adventure park, a farm shop, a boating lake and animals, it’s the ideal place to bring the kids – rain or shine!
Brean Beach and Brean Down
Stretching over seven miles, Brean Beach is one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for spacious beaches near Weston-super-Mare – there’s so much room to spread out on the golden sands!
Brean Down is located at the northern end of the beach. It’s two kilometres (1.2 miles) long and 97 metres high.
From the end, you can take in phenomenal vistas over the Somerset Levels and Bristol Channel.
Brean Leisure Park
Brean Leisure Park encompasses more than 40 rides, including roller coasters and merry-go-rounds for the little ones!
There are also plenty of food stalls and restaurants.
Ideal for summer family days, the park is open in the warmer months.
Brean Leisure Park also includes Brean Splash, a water park, and a golf club!
Hike the Mendip Way
The Mendip Way begins in Uphill, which is about two kilometres from Weston Super Mare.
From here, you can walk up towards Bleadon Hill, which has wonderful views over the Mendip countryside – this is a return walk that you can do in a day.
If you fancy a longer hike, you can stay in campsites or B&Bs on the way and walk through places like Cheddar and Wells, taking in the natural beauty and rural atmosphere of the Somerset countryside.
The trail ends in Frome. You can read more about it here.
Explore the Mendip Hills
Nature lovers will adore the Mendip Hills. With a wide range of hikes and countless adorable villages, this is the perfect place for road-tripping – and it’s so close to Weston-super-Mare!
Highlights include:
- Cheddar: This wonderful town is home to the largest gorge in England, and it’s also the home of cheddar cheese!
- Wells: One of the smallest cities in the UK, Wells is charming and historic, with attractions like a beautiful cathedral and the oldest purely residential street in Europe.
- Priddy: One of my favourite hikes in the Mendips is Three Priddy Droves, a circular route around the central Mendips area.
- Blackdown Hill: It’s worth climbing up here, as it’s the highest peak in the hills!
- Blagdon: There’s a lake and water reserve here, and it’s a great spot for a dog walk. Plus, Blagdon town has a few country pubs.
Steep Holm Island
Steep Holm Island is located five miles from Weston Super Mare and only 6.5 miles from Cardiff!
From the top of the island, you can take in panoramic views of both the Somerset and Welsh beaches.
There are military buildings and ammunition stores on the island, or you can just enjoy walking around the clifftops and taking in incredible views!
Thanks to the tidal range, you can only get to the island when the water is high, leaving you with 10-12 hours to explore!
You can organise a boat trip with Bay Island Voyages, and you’ll meet an island guide who will show you around, leaving you plenty of time to explore independently.
Bleadon Levels Nature Reserve
Bleadon Levels Nature Reserve is a 27-hectare area with freshwater lagoons, grassland, reed beds and salt marsh.
You’ll have the chance to see a variety of bird life and take walks around the water.
It’s ideal if you want a day out in the fresh air away from the beach!
Uphill Beach
Sitting two miles from Weston Super Mare, Uphill is a magnificent beach with grassy dunes in the background.
You’ll take in views of Steep Holm Island from the sands and be able to gaze over the Bristol Channel.
Burnham On Sea
Burnham On Sea is another seaside town at the southern end of Brean Beach.
There are a few places to eat in the town, and it’s another pleasant place for a coastal stroll!
Bleadon Hill Golf Course
Bleadon Hill Golf Course is, as the name suggests, located close to the village of Bleadon.
With nine holes and wonderful views over the West Mendips, this is the perfect place for a round of golf!
Places to visit near Weston-super-Mare
If you’re on holiday in Weston-Super-Mare, check out these half or full-day trips that you can take!
- Clevedon: With a beach and the National Trust Clevedon Court, this Bristol suburb is a lovely place for a stroll.
- Portishead: Portishead is a pleasant town, close to Bristol, with a scenic marina, tranquil harbour and open air pool.
- Bath: A glorious historic spa city, Bath has many attractions for history and architecture lovers. It’s even where the hit series Bridgerton was filmed!
- Bristol: The biggest city in South West England, Bristol has so much to offer tourists, including the historic SS Great Britain, the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge, a fantastic food scene and quirky street art.
- Quantocks: The rolling Quantock Hills, which roll down toward the coastline, are an incredible place for hiking and taking in this part of Somerset coastline.
- Exmoor: A stunning national park, Exmoor is a wonderful place for hiking and enjoying nature; plus it’s part of the South West Coast Path, so there are some wonderful clifftop walks from here.
- Exeter and East Devon: Not too far from Weston Super Mare, Exeter is a charming historic city with a cathedral and a beautiful quay. It’s also close to East Devon beach towns like Exmouth.
Where to stay in Weston Super Mare
Holly Lodge is a lovely B&B with cosy rooms and great staff. There are a few rooms depending on your budget and needs. A full English breakfast is in the mornings and is included in the rate. Click here to see rates and book your stay.
The Royal Hotel is right on the promenade and has 44 en-suite bedrooms, some with sea views. It was the first hotel to open in town and remains a favourite until this day! Click here to read more about and see rates for the Royal Hotel.
Beachlands Hotel has individually styled rooms that are furnished to a high standard. Here, you can also enjoy an indoor heated pool and sauna Beachlands Hotel is the perfect spot for a beachy holiday. Click here for rates and to read more about Beachlands Hotel.
If you want to see more places to stay in Somerset, click here.
How to get to Weston Super Mare
Weston Super Mare is fairly easy to reach.
In a North Somerset location, it is at junction 21 of the M5, which ends in Exeter and Birmingham; it also connects to the M4 for London.
Alternatively, trains serve Weston Super Mare from Bristol and Exeter – and there are even some direct routes from London Paddington.
Weston-super-Mare history
With a population of around 80,000, Weston-super-Mare is a large Somerset coastal town that sits about 40 minutes by road from Bristol.
It started life as a small coastal village – the name came from the fact that it was “in the west”.
However, there ended up being about five Westons in the Diocese of Bath and Wells at the time, so the fact that it was next to the sea was added to its name.
It was named by the bishops, who spoke Latin – hence the fact that “Mare” and not “Sea” is at the end of the name!
First, it was called Weston-juxta-Mare, but this was later changed to Weston-super-Mare.
Tourism boom
Weston-super-Mare prospered along with many other UK cities during the tourist boom in the latter 18th and 19th centuries.
Seaside holidays suddenly became popular thanks to the belief that being by the sea was good for various health conditions (I concur!).
The Royal was the first hotel in the town – it dates back to 1807.
The tourist boom only accelerated when the railway came to the town in 1841.
As the town suddenly had a large tourist industry, the permanent population also rose rapidly.
The town expanded into the surrounding countryside and many of its buildings date back to this heyday, such as the Royal Crescent which tourists often think resembles that in Bath.
Birnbeck Pier, the first pier in town, opened in 1867.
Birnbeck Pier is Grade II*-Listed and is the only pier in the country to connect the mainland to an island. It sits just to the north of the Grand Pier.
The Grand Pier opened in 1904 and has been a centre for tourism in the town ever since!
Like many coastal towns around the country, Weston has a very seasonal tourist economy – although plenty of the attractions that I list below are fantastic in the autumn, spring and winter too.
Nowadays, it’s becoming popular as not only a beachy destination but somewhere with plenty of hip attractions for families and groups of adults alike.
FAQs about visiting Weston Super Mare
Where is Weston Super Mare?
Weston Super Mare is located in North Somerset, southwest of Bristol.
Is Weston Super Mare worth visiting?
Yes, Weston Super Mare is worth visiting if you’re looking for one of the nearest beaches to Bristol and want a resort beach town with plenty to do.
What is there to do in Weston Super Mare?
Here are the main things to do in Weston Super Mare:
- soak in the sun on the beach
- hit up the amusements on the pier
- have a day out at Puxton Park
- hike the Mendip Way
- visit some of the other beaches in the area
- see the town’s museums
What is Weston-super-Mare known for?
Weston-super-Mare is known for its dynamic pier and fantastic array of family-friendly attractions.
It’s also famous for its expansive beach, perfect for a summer day trip – although it’s also somewhat renowned for that massive tidal difference, that can make swimming difficult!
What is near Weston-super-Mare?
Weston-super-Mare is near the Mendips and Bristol.
You can reach it from Wells, Cheddar and Bath.
Why is Weston beach muddy?
Weston Super Mare does have a sandy beach, but thanks to the enormous tidal range, the beach can be very muddy as you walk away from the sand.
Visit the beach at high tide to make the most of the sand and sea!
Whether you’re in town for a family holiday or on a day trip to the magnificent beach from Bristol, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do in Weston-super-Mare.
It’s chock-a-block with all the activities and attractions that you’d expect in a British coastal town, including a fantastic pier, fish and chip shops, and, of course, miles of golden sand!
However, the street art, Revo golf course and fascinating museums give Weston the edge when compared to other beach towns in Somerset – there really is so much to do here.
Plus, it’s surrounded by some of the South West’s best nature, so it’s an ideal base to explore the rest of North Somerset!
