There’s nothing better than being at the beach. There’s just something about the sea air, crashing waves, fish and chips, and the most delicious ice cream that make the seaside a special place to be.
Somerset is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the UK. Offering fun and exciting activities to enjoy by the sea as well as untamed beaches where you can spot wildlife and find fossils, if you’re looking for a beach adventure, Somerset should be your first port of call.
Here’s a guide to our top 10 best Somerset beaches.
Middle Hope Beach
If you want to spend your day hiking, fossil finding and exploring the beach off the beaten track, Middle Hope Beach is well worth a visit.
Located at Kewstoke, Weston-super-Mare, this beach stretches from the Sand Point peninsula and is renowned for its scenery, energetic pier areas, quiet beach areas, and interesting rock formations.
With its magnificent coastal landscape, this beach is a great option for those who love to hike and take in stunning scenery.
Brean Beach
No trip to Somerset is complete without paying a visit to Brean Beach. One of the longest beaches in Europe, Brean Beach attracts visitors from far and wide every year.
Located on Brean Down Road, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea, the beach stretches for as far as the eye can see and is perfect for beach sports, coastal hikes, dog walking, or an action-packed day at by the sea.
There’s plenty to keep you busy in the local area, including archaeological sites with Stone Age and Roman remnants to explore.
Dunster Beach
Known for its picture-perfect setting, wide sandy beach, and beautiful views of Blue Anchor Bay and the Bristol Channel, Dunster Beach offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Visitors flock to this beach all year round and it’s particularly popular for water sports and swimming due to the calm nature of the water. There’s also a dedicated fishing area.
What really gets visitors excited about Dunster Beach is the West Somerset Railway Line, which passes near the beach, offering a heritage steam train ride into the famous Quantock countryside.
Minehead Beach
Minehead Beach is the ultimate destination for those that love swimming. The water is incredibly calm and there’s a beautiful sandy beach. A family favourite, this beach has all of the components needed for the perfect day at the seaside including sandy areas, water sports, and waterfront dining options.
Located on the south bank of the Bristol Channel, you can spot the Wales coast from the shoreline.
Weston-Super-Mare Beach
One of the longest natural beaches in the UK, Weston-Super-Mare Beach is a popular beach in the area.
Bustling with visitors during the summer months, Weston-Super-Mare Beach hosts a variety of high-profile events throughout the year, including the Weston Beach Race and the Weston-Super-Mare Air Festival.
The beach is just as popular during off peak season, with many people taking part in water sports, or walking along the sands to blow the cobwebs away.
Sitting on Bristol Channel coast, this special beach is well worth a visit.
Stolford Beach
If you love nothing more than hitting the beach with your furry friend, Stolford Beach is a must visit. A fantastic spot for dog walking and fishing, this popular beach is quietly nestled in the mudflats of the Bristol Channel.
One of the quieter beaches in Somerset, Stolford is a great choice for enjoying a spot of fishing, exploring rock pools, and spotting geological wonders at low tide. If you’re craving adventure, this beach won’t disappoint.
Brean (South) Beach
Brean (South) Beach is situated near Burnham-on-Sea and has plenty of dunes, marshlands and sandy areas to explore.
A firm family favourite, this beach is also popular with nature lovers as there’s plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, in and out of the water.
Kids and families love this beach due to the seaside resort areas and piers with seaside amusements and attractions. There are also water sports on offer in the area, including boating, sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
Burnham-on-Sea Beach
If you’re looking for a traditional seaside resort that captures the magic of the beach, look no further than Burnham-on-Sea Beach. This beach epitomises a traditional seaside resort, with its old-fashioned promenade, and beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes.
With lots of exciting amusements and classic seaside attractions, including donkey rides, there’s plenty to see and do. The beach is located at Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea.
Kilve Beach
Finally, if your perfect day at the beach involves exploring rock pools for interesting marine life, Kilve Beach will be right up your street.
Located in Bridgwater, Kilve Beach has plenty of rock pools where you can spend the day searching for wildlife, as well as sandy and grassy areas to explore. Dogs are welcome at this beach.
Whatever beach you decide to visit, always remember your sun cream and only swim on beaches with a lifeguard patrol.