On Bristol’s doorstep is Coastal North Somerset, an area with miles of spectacular coast and beautiful rural landscapes.
The North Somerset coast is packed with beautiful seaside towns and beaches, from the Victorian charm of Clevedon and Portishead to the sandy beaches at Weston-super-Mare, Brean and Burnham-on-Sea, there are plenty of coastal spots within easy reach of the city. Whether you're after beach walks, family days out, fossil hunting or spectacular sunsets, there's a stretch of coastline waiting to be explored.
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.
Looking for somewhere to stay right on the beach? The Lauriston Hotel has 35 well-appointed room and a beautiful view of Weston Bay.
Just to the south of Weston, you'll find Brean with its sandy beach and stunning views from Brean Down.
Clevedon
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.
Portishead
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 offers swimming for all ages.
Getting to the North Somerset Coast
Most of the coast is within 30-45 minutes of Bristol city centre by car, and all three main towns are served by direct train or bus links, making this an easy half-day or full-day trip without a car. Weston-super-Mare has a direct rail connection from Bristol Temple Meads, while Portishead and Clevedon can be easily reached by regular bus services.
Weston-super-Mare is around 35–40 minutes by direct train from Bristol Temple Meads or 45 minutes from Bristol by car, making it one of the easiest seaside day trips from the city.
Clevedon is accessible by regular bus services from the city centre and is roughly 40 minutes from Bristol by car, there's no direct train station in Clevedon itself, but Yatton train station is a 10-15 bus, or taxi ride.
Portishead is the closest of the three towns to Bristol, with regular bus services and a 30 minute drive from the city centre.
Frequently asked questions about the North Somerset coast and coastal towns
How far is the North Somerset coast from Bristol?
The coast is within 30 minutes of Bristol by car. Weston-super-Mare is around 45 minutes, Clevedon around 40 minutes, and Portishead around 30 minutes from the city centre.
Can I get to Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon or Portishead by train?
Weston-super-Mare has a direct train station with regular services from Bristol Temple Meads (around 35–40 minutes). Clevedon and Portishead don't have train stations, so bus or car are the best options from Bristol.
Which is the best beach near Bristol?
Weston-super-Mare has the largest sandy beach and the most facilities, making it ideal for families. For a quieter visit, Sand Bay near Weston and Uphill Beach offer more peaceful alternatives with dramatic cliff scenery.
Is Clevedon Marine Lake free to use?
Yes, Clevedon Marine Lake is free to access. It's a tidal sea-filled lake refreshed on high spring tides, popular for open water swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding.
What's the best time of year to visit the North Somerset coast?
Spring through early autumn is best for beaches and outdoor activities, though Weston-super-Mare's illuminated carnival and seasonal events run later into the year. Coastal walks and cycling routes like the Pier to Pier Cycle Route are enjoyable year-round. Weston-super-Mare can get busy on warm weekends and bank holidays, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday is recommended in peak summer months.
Should I check the tide times when visiting Weston-super-Mare beach?
The wide, gently sloping beach is at its best a couple of hours either side of high tide, check tide times before you visit, as the sea retreats a long way out at low tide and currents can be strong.
Where can I park near to the beach in Weston-super-Mare?
Parking is available along the seafront and in several pay-and-display car parks close to the Grand Pier, with additional capacity at Beach Lawns.
Is the North Somerset coast accessible for wheelchair users?
Portishead Marina and the Lake Grounds are flat and accessible. The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare is also wheelchair accessible. Clevedon's seafront and pier are accessible, though some surrounding paths are uneven.
How long is the Pier to Pier Cycle Route?
The Pier to Pier Cycle Route runs 13 miles between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon, following mostly flat, traffic-free paths suitable for most ability levels.
