On Bristol’s doorstep is Coastal North Somerset, an area with miles of spectacular coastline and beautiful rural landscapes.
Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead are the three main towns along the coastline with attractive villages and glorious countryside in-between.
The area is a paradise for cyclists and walkers with a huge variety of trails and paths boasting scenic views. Some of the best routes in North Somerset include the Clevedon Coastal Path to Portishead, the National Trust’s Sand Point coastal path at Sand Bay and the 13-mile Pier to Pier Cycle Route from Weston-super-Mare to Clevedon.
Weston-super-Mare
Great for the kids, Weston has all the traditional treats; miles of sandy beach, donkeys, deckchairs, dodgems, a Marine Lake for paddling and boating, watersports, rock pools and a Water Adventure Play Park, followed by good food and wine in a seafront restaurant, watching fabulous sunsets.
Weston is also home to the famous Grand Pier, which offers family fun for all ages, as well as The Helicopter Museum just outside the town centre. Weston hosts a full programme of events throughout the year; including a spectacular motorcycle beach race, illuminated carnival, air show, sand sculpture festival, food and real ale festivals, water-ski championships, and more.
Find out more about Weston-super-Mare
Just to the south of Weston you'll find Brean with its sandy beach and stunning views from Brean Down. Experience over 40 rides and attractions at Brean Theme Park - the UK's biggest free admission theme park - or don your swimming attire for a day at Brean Splash Waterpark.
Clevedon and Portishead
Clevedon is a charming Victorian seaside town and home to a Grade 1 listed pier dating from 1869, which starred in the One Direction video “You and I” in 2014. Clevedon was also a main location for the TV series Broadchurch.
There are seafront cafes with amazing views, an excellent independent shopping area and the Curzon Cinema, the oldest continuously working cinema in the UK. Clevedon Marine Lake, a sea filled lake, refreshed on high spring tides is a popular open water swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding location. Find out more about Clevedon.
Further north is Portishead, famous for lending its name to the world-famous electronic group that hit the world music scene in the 1990s. Here you'll find sweeping scenic vistas across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Portishead Quays Marina with its public art trail. Or soak up the laid-back coastal vibe in the cafes, bars and restaurants lining the water's edge. The Lake Grounds boasts a boating lake where you can hire pedalos. At the north end of the Esplanade you’ll find the Portishead Open Air Pool, a lido that offer swimming for all ages.
