Weston Super Mare

Hop on any train in the South West heading towards “Westerrn” during the summer and it will undoubtedly be chock full of prams loaded with picnics and spades ready for a day at the “beach”. The word beach is used very loosely here as entry to the water (which is the mouth of the river Severn rather than the actual sea) can be a very sticky experience and gets very dangerous further down the beach. The sandy parts are busy throughout the year and the influx of people on bank holidays and weekends make it impossible to move during the summer months. There is a long historic pier used by generations of couples for romantic strolls. The sea front is equally busy, usually with modified cars exuding thumping dance music day and night.

The area has been inhabited since the Iron Age but did not really establish itself until the nineteenth century. Brunel’s railway connected the area to the rest of the country and the area was put forward for development as a centre for medicinal spas. Is it not worth visiting for this reason today, especially with Bath and the recently refurbished Roman Spas, but many lines of attractive limestone cottage exist. Weston remains a popular holiday destination, although the original vision that was held for the area as a premier resort has fallen short and there is a resounding feeling that the town has definitely had its day.

Attractions

[http://www.seaquariumweston.co.uk/ The Seaquarium] – Despite the dubious name (it was formerly known as the Sea-Life Centre), this is a decent day out and tickets allow re-entry for the day which is very convenient in changeable weather. The only centre of its kind in Somerset, there is a good collection of animals to impress youngsters including sharks, eels and octopuses. The educational aspect is also well executed and there are half hourly displays.

The Helicopter Museum – This claims to be the World’s Largest Dedicated Helicopter Museum and probably is. It might not be as exciting as a hanger full of failed Soviet flying machines, which is probably the next closest alternative, but it is certainly more accessible and informative rather than simply comedic. There are impressive and well-maintained examples from Britain, America, Eastern and Western Europe. Schoolboys young and old will be enchanted here by the machines and associated exhibits. There is a plethora of literature and audiovisual information provided but you are also at liberty to make your own sound effects.

The Promenade – The Victorian structure is wide enough to accommodate a large traffic of visitors and a good number of rides and amusements and sees various events take place on it each year. No visit here would be complete without a donkey ride on the beach, the scene contributing to the sense of nostalgia and things passed.

Shopping

Weston-Super-Mare is certainly not a shopper’s haven. The high street has the outlets required by the local population; post offices, chemist, charity shops and a few superstores. More high-end items are available, the short distance to Bristol or Bath means there is little need to buy anything other than the essentials for your visit and maybe a bucket and spade.

Nightlife and Eating Out

One area that Weston can not be faulted is the fish and chip shops. You’re never far away from one so there’s little excuse not to indulge. The other options are somewhat limited and consist of a couple of American steak houses, a Greek Taverna and various takeaways. Duets and Flute' de Paris are probably the smartest places to dine, the latter having a fairly decent wine list. There are also some better options in the more rural pubs just outside the town centre or towards Bristol, and although these can become very busy in the summer it’s likely to be more pleasant experience than a meal in a pub in the centre of Weston itself.

Seaside towns often have a vibrant and modern nightlife full of holiday makers and locals enjoying the weather and each other’s company. Weston-Super-Mare does not quite live up to this reputation however and is somewhat dwarfed by Bristol in terms of class, choice and appeal. There are currently six nightclubs in and around the centre which have various dance and alternative music nights. None are particularly inviting, Hobbits is popular with the alternative crowd and the majority of people tend to finish the night in Sands. In addition to Hobbits there are live rock bands at the intriguingly named Scallys Bar and various music and theatre events, including the annual pantomime at [http://www.theplayhouse.co.uk/ The Playhouse].

Tourist Information

Tourist InformationWeston Super MareBeach LawnsWeston-super-MareTelephone: 01934 888800Email: westontouristinfo@n-somerset.gov.uk

Airport

The closest airport to Weston-Super-Mare is [http://bristol-airport-guide.co.uk/ Bristol International Airport] which has cheap flights across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Direct flights also operate to the United States, the Caribbean, Middle East and Canary Islands. The Bristol International Flyer coach runs every fifteen minutes at peak times from Bristol Bus Station and Bristol Temple Meads train station. Regular trains run between Weston-Super-Mare and Bristol Temple Meads, the journey taking twenty minutes. There is also an hourly bus from Weston-Super-Mare direct to the airport which takes an hour.