Bristol has a lot of great things to offer, but one thing it doesn’t have is any beaches. Although very close to the coast, most would laugh if you tried to call it a seaside town. (That’s even with all the seagulls flying about.) Luckily you don’t have to travel far at all to enjoy coastal delights. So when you’ve explored all of the nearby fresh-water outdoor swimming spots, jump in the car and enjoy the salty shores of these brilliant seaside towns near Bristol. All that you can easily visit this summer.
1. Weston-super-Mare
Probably among the best-known seaside towns near Bristol, Weston-super-Mare is less than an hour’s drive from here (and less than two hours by train). It makes for a brilliant day trip if you’re looking for some glorious time spent at the beach. But there’s so much more to this seaside resort than its two miles of sandy shores.
The town itself is full of independent shops, cafes and bars to explore, as well as museums, theatres and more activities. The iconic Grand Pier is like a classic amusement park from the outside, with seaside classics like Dodgems and a Helter Skelter. But it is full of endless, up-to-the-minute entertainment, such as an indoor Go-Kart track, axe throwing and virtual reality, plus so much more inside. Meanwhile, the Marine Lake offers sea-water bathing and its own sandy beach when the tide is out. And you’ll find some splashing fun at Water Adventure Play Park!
2. Clevedon
If you’re after somewhere even closer, however, then you must check out Clevedon. Around half an hour by car and less than an hour by train, this a quick trip to a seaside town from Bristol. The tidal infinity pool filled with seawater, offers a safe place to swim, play and boat on the coast. But it’s the cute, Victorian vibe that keeps us returning every year!
Clevedon Pier was opened in 1869 and is the only Grade 1 listed pier you can visit in England. Several guided walks make it an ideal place to potter about too, as you traverse the landscape visiting fish ‘n’ chip shops, ice cream vans, tea rooms, fine dining restaurants, and plenty of other Great British institutions. Other highlights include the Salthouse fields, the National Trust’s Clevedon Court and the Curzon Cinema (for a rainy day).
3. Burnham-on-Sea
If the thought of Weston Super Mare sounds a bit too busy for your liking, but you still want to stick close by. One of the best beaches near Bristol is only a short drive away (though a little more awkward by public transport). Burnham-on-Sea is becoming more and more popular for its award-winning, sandy beach great for swimming, paddling and sunbathing. While its famous pier is just a short walk away, with lots of shops and cafes close by. If you like, there’s also a separate area for boats and jet skis to launch.
4. Lyme Regis
Sometimes called the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is worth travelling that bit further for. (It will take you under two hours by car and three by public transport.) With both sandy beaches for building sandcastles and sunbathing, and quiet pebble beaches away for fossil hunting, there’s something for everyone here. Be it family outings or a romantic getaway.
Situated on the world-famous Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of breathtaking views too. Walk you can walk along the South West Coast Path or stroll along The Cobb. Plenty of places will also let you try your hand at water sports, sailing, or fishing if that’s more up your street. Make sure to check out the Lyme Regis Museum while you’re there too. Where you can learn about, local history, famous writers, fossil hunting walks and Lyme Regis’ most famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning.
5. Minehead
Most will know it for Butlin’s seaside resort, but the coastal town of Minehead is also known as ‘The Gateway to Exmoor’. Making it an ideal base for visiting the beautiful Exmoor National Park. There are some brilliant beaches to explore too (check out the nearby Kilve Beach as well), but its fishing quarter and historic harbour make it unique among seaside towns near Bristol. A vintage fairground, flower-filled Blenheim Gardens and opportunities for some paddleboarding or kayaking on the water are equally enticing.
6. Barry Island
If you’re a fan of the hit BBC show Gavin & Stacey, this place should already be on your radar. Crossing the Severn, it should take an hour and a half by both car and public transport. Where you can, at last, relive all your favourite scenes in this cute seaside setting. Of course, you don’t have to be a fan to have fun here. There’s something for everyone in the Welsh peninsula of Barry Island.
Not only does it contains some of the best beaches near Bristol (like the golden sands of Whitemore Bay or the pebbly cove of Cold Knap), perfect for swimming, fishing, windsurfing, walking, or rockpool diving. But Barry Island Pleasure Park will get the heart racing with a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. While there are some gentler rides for smaller children too. Elsewhere discover leafy parks and gardens for picnics, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink.
7. Teignmouth
It might seem far away, but Teignmouth in Devon is surprisingly simple to visit. Taking no more than an hour by train or car. It’s a stunning seaside town and fishing harbour (which means plenty of fresh fish for dinner!) The town itself sits on the edge of the River Teign and Devon coast, with long sandy beaches running off it. It’s also jam-packed with activities, like a Victorian Pier, arcades, crazy golf, watersports and more, while still maintaining a quaint village feel. Check out Teignmouth Arts Quarter for plenty of galleries or enjoy coastal strolls along the South West Coast Path.