8 of the best beaches to visit in Somerset

The coastal resorts are perfect for people looking to enjoy a traditional day out at the seaside. They are also hugely popular with water sport enthusiasts and walkers.

Check out our tips on some of the best beaches to visit in and around Weston.

Weston beach

A view of Weston-super-Mare seafront from the Weston Wheel. (Image: Mark Atherton)

Thousands of tourists flock to Weston during the summer months to enjoy its golden sands, and the town boasts one of the longest and naturally occurring beaches in the country.

Many activities and events are held at the beach and seafront throughout the year, including Weston Beach Race and air festival. Regular attractions include the world-famous Grand Pier, Weston donkeys, Marine Lake, Weston Wheel and Funland at the Tropicana.

Uphill

Uphill Beach. Picture: Pete Watson. (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Uphill sands is a peaceful, expansive beach with a dedicated wind zone for power kiting enthusiasts. It feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Weston beach. The River Axe flows out to sea here, while Uphill Nature Reserve is situated behind the beach.

Sand Bay

Sand Bay. Picture: Lee Headington. (Image: Lee Headington)

Sand Bay is an expanse of flat sand two miles north of Weston. It is the ideal place to visit with family and dogs and is popular with both beachcombers and horse riders, due to its flat landscape. Visitors can also enjoy an open-top bus ride to the beach along the scenic coast road.

Middle Hope

With stunning scenes like this of Middle Hope beach near Weston, it's no wonder people are happiest living by the sea. (Image: Darren Cameron)

Middle Hope sits north of Weston with breath-taking views, and is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of North Somerset. The Sand Point car park is at the end of Beach Road, which runs through Sand Bay. It is a short up-hill trek to the pebbly cove, but it is definitely worth it.

Burnham

Burnham and Berrow beaches need traders for the next three summer seasons.Picture: Mark Atherton (Image: Archant)

Visited by thousands of visitors, Burnham beach is lively in the summer and retains many of its traditional charms. It is home to Britain’s shortest pier and the resort's iconic lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30.

Burnham Lighthouse. (Image: Archant)

Brean

Artist Simon Beck created a thank you sand mural at Brean Cove beach yesterday (Monday). (Image: The Community Council for Somerset)

The beach boasts a seven-mile stretch of sand and dunes and is popular with visitors, dog walkers and beach sport enthusiasts. From the beach, Brean Down dominates the skyline and there is parking both next to and on the beach in designated areas.

Berrow

Berrow Beach in winter. Picture: Sarah Doe (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Berrow south is a six-mile stretch of sand and mudflats between Burnham and Brean Down. It is a more tranquil spot along the stretch of coast, and a great place to escape the crowds.

This beach is used by walkers, horse riders, fishermen and beach sport enthusiasts and is dog-friendly.

Layde Bay, Clevedon

Layde Bay © Ian Knox (Image: Ian Knox)

The small cove at this destination is arguably one of the prettiest beaches along the North Somerset coast. Layde Bay is also a popular climbing spot in the area.