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Weston-super-Mare: A Guide

Situated by the side of the Bristol Channel, some 30 Kms from Bristol, and a two-hour drive from Birmingham is the seaside resort town of Weston-super-Mare.

Popular with all ages due to a long sandy beach, a promenade that comes with multiple attractions, and owing to easy connectivity from nearby cities – day trips galore – the town has become one of the most popular seaside resorts of the country. 

Weather permitting, Weston-Super-Mare can be a lovely place to spend the day with family and friends. Our day trip from Birmingham, unfortunately, happened on a cloudy and partially rainy day limiting our experience to mostly indoor activities. Still, there are enough attractions that can entertain the young especially when the British weather plays spoil-sport. 

The Grand Pier, built anew after the old one burnt down, is the focal point of the entire promenade. A large gaming center of sorts with indoor machines and rides for children, it is the perfect escape from the rain. With a number of eating places and more than enough bright lights, tickets to be won, a 4D Cinema, Dodge Ems, and the like, Grand Pier is the perfect playground for any child, and that includes the young at heart. However, it is also slightly hard on the pocket, once the kids get going, with games ranging from 50 cents up to a couple of pounds each.

The Grand Pier boardwalk is a lovely place to get panoramic views of the town and the seaside or just sit back and take in the rays (if there are any). A word of caution, they have a No Outside Food policy which they strictly enforce and that can be a bit annoying when traveling with small children.

The beach at Weston-super-Mare is sandy and relatively clean. There are areas where small rides for children are set up. A couple of pounds can get you a 5-minute donkey ride or a short trip on a horse-driven carriage.

There are shops along the entire beach-side selling standard touristy beachy accessories. The real fun though is when the low tide hits the water, and the beach expands into an enormous playground filled with natural aquatic finds. Remember to take your wellies so you can walk for miles hunting crabs and shells.  

Weston-super-Mare proudly organizes a number of events from time to time such as often holding T4 at the Beach (a music festival) or a Beach Volleyball event that we were lucky to witness during our visit. It is recommended that you search the internet before planning your stay to catch one of the numerous events or carnivals that happen in the town throughout the year.

The boardwalk is usually alive with people walking, eating, resting, and lounging around taking in the gentle cool breeze flowing in from the sea. If walking is not your thing, there is also a toy train running from one side of the boardwalk to another for a leisurely ride. It is also the best place to be out in the open if you don’t want to get your shoes dirty in the sand.

On one end of the promenade is The SeaQuarium which has a similar feel to is as a petite SeaLife Center. Once again, it serves as a great way to dodge the rain. The staff at the center is amicable and informative, paying particular attention to kids, and helping the visitors make the most of their visit.

Since most places at the Weston-super-Mare promenade close by 5 PM with last entry around 4 PM, it is advisable that you visit the SeaQuarium at the beginning of your day trip.

The Weston Sand Sculpture Festival is another attraction somewhat worth a visit. Entry into the “theme attraction” is on chargeable basis and you get to walk around a path showcasing some vast and impressive sand sculptures. There is also a small play area towards the end where kids can get their hands dirty trying to make some sand art of their own.

The real charm of Weston-super-Mare is that it is family friendly with lots of people visiting from different parts of the country and enjoying the sun and the sand along with some unwanted rain.

It can, however, turn out to be an expensive trip if you don’t keep a watch on your pocket because although the rides are around a pound or so each, by the end of the day if you are traveling with family, you can expect to spend anywhere from £80 to £100 including snacks and drinks.

It isn’t a bad idea to take your own homemade food and have a nice little picnic by the beach, which can undoubtedly keep things within budget.

There is a lot more to Weston-super-Mare obviously. A sunny day is likely to attract bigger crowds and thus can prove to be more entertaining. There is also always the joy of simply sitting and enjoying some people watching; with individuals from all walks of life strolling with smiles on their faces. Then there is the Helicopter Museum, the Weston-super-Mare Museum, and the architecture of the city, that further add character to this beautiful town.

Weston-super-Mare makes for a great day trip. As with most places, it is highly recommended that you choose a day that is relatively sunny for it brings about a whole new side to this small and charming seaside town.  

32 Comments

  • GeorgieMoon
    Posted 8 November, 16 at 9:11 PM

    Brings back memories! When I was around 9 or 10 years old, my family went on holiday to Weston with my grandparents. I vividly remember the donkey rides. The weather sounds typically British!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 8 November, 16 at 9:47 PM

      That’s sweet. Yeah the weather is well it’s just. But because of the low tide my daughter had fun. Thanks

      Reply
  • sudhagee
    Posted 23 November, 16 at 2:40 PM

    I never made it to Birmingham during my year in the UK and I bitterly regret that. Each post of yours from Birmingham makes me realise what all I have missed out on, particularly your post on the Pen Museum.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 November, 16 at 3:07 PM

      While the Pen Museum would have been there a lot has only come up recently. Birmingham was a real sleepy city till about a decade and a half back but I’m glad it has changed for the better especially with emphasis on food and culture. Thanks

      Reply
  • ramie1970
    Posted 22 January, 17 at 9:12 AM

    Informative post. I assume you are a local of Weston-super-Mare. Nothing better than a good, old, British, seaside town. I’m a Scotsman and I’ve just written a post about Ben Nevis from a local’s perspective, but I used to live in Boscombe in Bournemouth, and I think my next post will be about there. I always like being inspired after reading a good post. Good job!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 22 January, 17 at 10:23 AM

      Thanks. Not a native of Weston or England for that matter. I’m Indian and travel to the UK often. Thanks and read your post and loved it. Seaside resorts have a certain charm and the smaller the better.

      Reply
      • ramie1970
        Posted 22 January, 17 at 10:40 AM

        Yours was an informative post for a non-native. Well done. And glad you liked/loved mine too. Stay lucky. All the best on your travels.

        Reply
  • Michaela Harrison
    Posted 22 January, 17 at 10:15 AM

    Looks like a great place to visit, though a little cold and it be great to see the Weston Sand Sculpture Festival. This kind a place makes me want to have some fish and chips

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 22 January, 17 at 10:24 AM

      Yeah very typical of a seaside town. Lots to do but you’re right a lot depends on the weather.

      Reply
  • Neha Verma
    Posted 22 January, 17 at 10:46 PM

    This does sound like a perfect place for my choice. SeaQuarium particularly sounds fun and interesting. I will love to go here sometimes.

    Reply
  • Ticking the Bucketlist
    Posted 22 January, 17 at 11:16 PM

    Loved the sand sculpture! Which is the best month to visit? And can I carry a picnic basket here…would be great to have a picnic here on a warm sunny day!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 January, 17 at 12:24 AM

      The sand structures are pretty impressive. Considering the British weather I don’t think I can recommend a month but keeping in view the sea, summer is a good time, but on a day that is free of rain is the best. Yes! To the picnic basket. Most people do that.

      Reply
  • Christina from Happy to Wander
    Posted 23 January, 17 at 12:31 AM

    Looks like a great place for a family trip!! It reminds me a lot of Bournemouth actually! I was there last May and had so much fun walking along the boardwalk, enjoying the beach… Also that sand sculpture is amazing haha. Super helpful post. My boyfriend is from Southern England so maybe I’ll be having family vacays here someday too 😉

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 January, 17 at 12:46 AM

      That’s cool and yeah he would know more about the place. It’s a typical British seaside town. In fact there is a famous TV series that is shot by the boardwalk there in a restaurant – I can’t remember the name. Just pick a sunny day. Cheers

      Reply
  • Caroline @ The Travelling Sloth
    Posted 23 January, 17 at 2:37 AM

    I haven’t been here before… But it certainly reminds me a little bit of Woolacombe and Weymouth – probably because they are all seaside towns. Will probably have to check it out, especially since they host a music festival!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 January, 17 at 8:39 AM

      Cool and yeah similar to seaside town but with just a little bit more

      Reply
  • Clare
    Posted 23 January, 17 at 10:21 PM

    I have family that live in Weston Super Mare but I have never visited. It looks so beautiful from your pics. I need to get a date in the diary to go visit them 🙂

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 January, 17 at 10:23 PM

      😜 Yes you do and I’m sure they’ll be able to guide you through all that we missed out on

      Reply
  • Star Lengas
    Posted 24 January, 17 at 5:15 AM

    I’ve heard of Brighton but this is my first time learning of Weston. It sounds like a charming beach with a ton to do. I just love being near water, so an overcast day wouldn’t bother me too much. ^^

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 24 January, 17 at 8:34 AM

      That’s a great approach but the cold windy rain can be a damper sometimes. Still, hope you get to visit Weston someday and experience it. Cheers.

      Reply
  • Tracy Chong
    Posted 24 January, 17 at 10:56 AM

    Looks like a great place for family outing. 🙂 Wish to have one here in Jakarta. We have a similar one but not with sandy beach kind.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 24 January, 17 at 11:02 AM

      Sandy beaches do make a difference. Still, nice to be near the sea. Thanks

      Reply
  • Nicole Anderson
    Posted 11 November, 17 at 2:25 AM

    Although I have visited the UK a couple of times, I hadn’t heard of Weston-super-Mare until reading this post. It really does sound like an ideal family getaway so long as the weather holds. Great tip also regarding checking ahead for any festivals and events and to also be careful with your budget.

    Reply
  • Lisa
    Posted 11 November, 17 at 5:22 PM

    Weston Super Mare is really a quintessential English seaside. The sand sculpture festival looks fun, and I’m sure is great for the kids! You’re right about the cost going up quickly. Even though it’s not London, £1 a ride can build up very quickly!

    Reply
  • Bhushavali
    Posted 11 November, 17 at 6:03 PM

    English weather is always miserable! There have been days when it will be sunny in morning, windy & cold by noon and raining by evening and you’ll be so lost about how to dress!!! Lolz… Inspite of the bad weather, you seem to have had a good time in Weston super Mare. Thanks for the headsup about the costs in the pier!!!

    Reply
  • Kathy VA
    Posted 12 November, 17 at 1:51 AM

    It’d be a nice idea to have a family getaway at Weston-super-Mare. There is so much to do and everyone would surely get busy with fun-filled activities. I like the idea of a boardwalk, I’d love to take participate in one. Also, the seaquarium seems like something my granny would like(she has this obsession with anything sea). It’d be the perfect place for a family reunion because even the toddlers won’t be left out.

    Reply
  • Rashmi and Chalukya
    Posted 12 November, 17 at 8:09 PM

    The Weston-Super-Mare sounds fun packed town indeed with so many activities for kids. We would love to visit The SeaQuarium and the Sand sculpture festival sounds fun too and our kiddo would love some sand play. A toy train to explore the promenade sounds like a great idea especially for the kids. We have been to Bristol but not Weston-Super-Mare definitely on the list for next time.

    Reply
  • Bee
    Posted 13 November, 17 at 1:16 AM

    Weston Super Mare looks like a great place to spend a weekend away. It’s great they have so much facilities to keep everyone entertained. im sure Londoners def love the bit of fresh air and getaway so nearby.

    Reply
  • Yukti
    Posted 13 November, 17 at 10:35 AM

    A beautiful way to spend weekend with family on seaside of Weston super – Mare. Beach volley ball is nice thing to do and a perfect beach side activity. Sand sculpture is so beautiful. Grand Pier is also interesting.

    Reply
  • Cat
    Posted 13 November, 17 at 4:25 PM

    What a fun place to bring the family! With so many entertainments, you can easily spend a day here. If the weather is nice, I wouldn’t mind to have a picnic there!

    Reply
  • Allisok
    Posted 13 November, 17 at 10:30 PM

    Way to make the best of a bad weather situation. It still appears as though you had fun and saw a decent amount. The beach looks alive with all the games, and walking the boardwalk is always relaxing.

    Reply

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