Nestled on the coastline of Somerset, Weston-Super-Mare is one of England’s classic seaside spots that’s been a favourite since Victorian times. With a typical seaside vibe, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare dotted all across the shorefront.
Yes, over recent years, Weston-Super-Mare seems to have fallen out of favour with some seaside go-getters; but don’t let that put you off! The seaside town has a charm of its own and well worth a day trip or a classic seaside break whilst in Somerset.
So, to get the most out of your time in the town, I’ve popped some dazzlers you’ll want to check out when you visit.
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare. Have a fun trip!
1.) Grand Pier
The Grand Pier is easily Weston-Super-Mare’s most familiar and well-known spots in the town.
With a cosy indoor-fairground and daily events in the summer months, it’s one of the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare whilst you stroll the shore.
A mix of fun, cheesy and totally kitsch seaside vibes, you’ll get to see tribute acts like Queen, and also heaps of rides for the whole family to enjoy. From the cutest little roller coaster to the Formula One simulator, you’ll be in for a treat.
Whilst here, grab a treat to eat at one of the Grand Pier’s foodie spots, like; the Donut Factory for their fluffy ring doughnuts. Oh, and before you leave don’t forget to check out the Museum of Memories, where you’ll be transported way-back-when through memorable foods, toys and tv shows.
Read more: Best beaches in England
2.) Weston-Super-Mare Beach
Weston-Super-Mare Beach is a firm favourite on a sunny day!
With a huge area of sandy goodness, it’s perfect for traditional seaside chillout right on the shoreline. Plus, the water is quite calm for a little dip, too.
Though always remember that the tidal range in Weston-Super-Mare is extreme, this means the water can go out quite significantly, exposing boggy areas of the shore.
These can be dangerous as you can get stuck. Always explore with caution and remember the tide comes in very fast.
Afterwards, take a walk down the pier and try your luck on the penny drops, slot machines and soft toy grabbers.
Also, if you’re wanting to avoid the crowds around the Grand Pier, take a stroll or drive over to Brean Beach. It’s huge and just as stunning.
Read more: Best seaside spots in the UK
3.) Mendip Hills
Nestled just east of Weston-Super-Mare, the Mendip Hills is one of Britain’s most beautiful natural landscapes to explore.
With its picturesque limestone hills, the Mendips was officially declared an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and perfect to visit for a day trip.
Spend a day traversing the hills, enjoying the amazing scenery, walking the trails that are totally tranquil. It’s one of the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare if you’re fancying a getaway from the sea and to enjoy the natural beauty around the town itself.
Of course, one of the most famous spots has to be Cheddar Gorge that’s nestled right within the Mendip Hills. It’s incredible for the trails over and through the gorge (which is the largest gorge in all of Britain).
Not only that, the caves are where the oldest complete human skeleton was found in Britain, the Cheddar Man (who is over 9,000 years old).
Don’t forget to stop in the little tea rooms (for some scones and tea) and buy some cave-aged cheddar cheese (from the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company) whilst you’re here! We loved it.
Afterwards, stop by for a little gander in Axbridge – a tiny market town that’s just shy of the Mendip Hills itself.
Here, you can stroll the centuries-old streets, visit King John’s Hunting Lodge and pop into the Oakhouse for a yummy lunch and tipple.
Read more: Prettiest places in England to visit
4.) Steep Holm Island
Just off the shore of Weston-Super-Mare, Steep Holm Island is really easy to visit by boat from the area around Marine Lake in the town.
With human settlements dating back to prehistoric times, there’s a heap of diversity and history to discover; especially on the island trails.
Despite being uninhabited, the island was once a thriving home to 6th-century British monk, St Gildas. Even the Vikings called the island home at one point!
One thing to note, It will be a full-day trip so be prepped for 12-hours exploring with Bay Island Voyages. This means you should pack all the foods, snacks and water for your trip on the island itself.
Read more: Best islands in England to visit
5.) The Museums
Just shy of Meadow Street, the Weston Museum is one of the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare if you’re something of a history buff.
Starting from prehistoric times all the way to the modern-day. Don’t miss Clara’s Cottage, a well-preserved 1940s home. It’s a perfect spot to visit for an hour or so, especially on a rainy day.
If history isn’t your thing, then check out the Helicopter Museum instead. Every helicopter enthusiast dream spot, it’s the largest helicopter museum in the whole world. Holding over 80 different types of helicopter models, collected from all over the world, it’s one of the best things to do in Weston-Super-Mare for anyone interested in aviation history.
Once here, you’ll get to see the world’s fastest helicopter and check out the historic models that are pretty cool to see.
For a more quirky and cosy museum, head to The Lambretta Museum. A kitsch little place that shows off gorgeous vintage scooters, posters, badges and other memorabilia. Not necessarily for everyone, it’s best saved for those that are interested in Lambretta.
6.) Weston Street Art Trail
Whoever said cool street art can only be found in the big cities clearly hasn’t been to Weston-Super-Mare!
If you love your art, then you will totally love the Weston Street Art Trail, painted by JPS, a local artist who became inspired to create street art after witnessing Banksy’s work. Anyone else remembers Dismaland? The theme park that Banksy once built right in Weston-Super-Mare?
The Weston Street Art Trail guides visitors past 15 different points that JPS has painted in his witty signature style. Take a look at this PDF map for the route to follow.
7.) Bleadon Levels Nature Reserve
With acres of natural landscapes to explore, the Bleadon Levels Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise!
With diverse environments and ecosystems, like wetlands, saltmarsh, grasslands and lagoons, Bleadon Levels Nature Reserve is the perfect place for cyclists to hit the trails in peace, and for relaxing walks amongst the stunning countryside.
8.) Silica
A few minutes stroll from the Grand Pier, Silica is a slice of artwork that’s actually a bus stop too!
With thousands of glass prisms, the Silica shines away at night and is totally unique. Now, although it will be a fleeting visit to see, you can easily partner this with a wider stroll to the Weston Museum and the Lambretta Scooter Museum I mentioned earlier.
9.) Burnham on Sea
Around 20-minutes south of Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham on Sea is a smaller seaside town that’s well worth a visit for the sunset views.
Nestled on the banks of the Bristol Channel, you can partner this with a wider trip to the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve.
Read more: Best beaches in England to visit
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