There are several beaches to enjoy in North Somerset.  The sands are extensive and at low tide the water is a long way out.  The Severn Estuary  enjoys some of the largest tide changes in the world – some 43 feet.  It is famous for its annual ‘boar’ which sends a tidal wave several miles up the Avon towards Bath.  Its just a few feet high but surfers gather to ride this ‘tidal wave’ for several miles.

Many of the beaches are open to dogs all the year round.  Click here for details.

The Tide Timetable can be found here

Weston Super Mare beach and pier

Weston-super-Mare has everything you’d expect from an archetypal Victorian English seaside resort, including a pier, a promenade, donkey rides, fish and chips shops, amusements galore and a vast stretch of fine golden sand.

The main beach area lies south of The Grand Pier and during the summer season visitors flock here to sunbathe, build sandcastles and partake in all the traditional Great British seaside activities. The Uphill Sands section of the beach is partitioned off for kitesurfing and other watersports.

From the beach there are views across Weston Bay towards Wales, and south towards Exmoor.

The promenade, which runs along the 2-mile stretch between Royal Sands and Marine Lake has been significantly redeveloped in recent years and is perfect for strolling along or even cycling. Visitors who want to take in the views but don’t fancy the walk can take the Weston Land Train, which runs from Royal Sands or from the Victoria Café to Knightstone Island.

The Bristol Channel has a tidal range of 14.5 metres, making it the second highest in the world. When the tide is in the water can come all the way up to the pier. At low tide a wide expanse of dangerous mudflats are exposed. Visitors must on no account attempt to reach the sea at low tide. If planning a dip in the sea here, despite the absence of any lifeguard, it is a good idea to check tide times in advance.

Dogs are allowed on the section of beach between The Grand Pier and Royal Sands from the beginning of October until the end of April.

Brean Beach

The 7-mile stretch of sand and dunes that make up Brean beach lies just over two miles down the coast from Weston-super-Mare. It boasts one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe and at low tide a vast expanse of mud flats are exposed. (It is however dangerous to walk too far out at low tide).

The beach is popular with walkers, dogs (all year round), and beach sport enthusiasts (both on and off the water).

Access to the beach is easy as there is plenty of parking both next to and on the beach in designated areas.

From the beach, Brean Down dominates the skyline. This 97 metre high headland stretches out into the sea, forming a natural pier. The more energetic may enjoy climbing up the down and will be rewarded with excellent views over the Bristol Channel and the Somerset Levels.

Brean down is also home to a number of interesting archaeological sites. There is evidence of the area having been inhabited in the Stone Age. The remains of a Roman temple have been excavated on the south side of the down whilst the remains of an Iron-Age fort lie on the east side.
At the summit, the remains of a 19th century fort, built to defend against a possible Napoleonic invasion, can be found.

Uphill Beach

At the southern end of Weston-super-Mare’s lengthy stretch of beach, Uphill is a world apart from the hustle and bustle you would expect from the seaside resort.

Sandy, expansive and with parking on the beach.

The River Axe flows out to sea here.

Behind the beach and following the course of the Axe is Uphill Local Nature Reserve. As well as an abundance of wildlife there is also a tower atop the hill which gives great views of the beach and coast below.

Sand Bay

Just north of Weston Super Mare this large and relatively wild beach with good views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. Popular with dog walkers all year around.

Between Weston Woods and the National Trust headland at Sand Point.

Burnham-on-Sea

One of Somerset’s classic seaside resorts due to the exceptional stretch of beach here.

Complete with promenade lined with Victorian and Edwardian guest houses.

The beach is lively enough in the summer and retains much of its traditional charms – right down to donkey rides on the beach.

Burnham-on-Sea is also home to Britain’s shortest pier. Built in 1911 and measuring just over 100 ft (37 m) it is basically just a pier end pavilion, but at the start of the pier!

Dogs not allowed on this beach.