Family camping

Somerset is home to some great beaches that offer plenty of things to do whether you’re looking for family fun, a little adventure, gentle walks or just some time to relax and unwind. Here is our pick of the best Somerset beaches…

Weston-super-Mare – a classic family day out

Weston-super-Mare is a great traditional seaside resort and a wonderful choice for a family day out. The beach has all the attractions and amenities you could expect including miles of clean sand, an aquarium, a pier, museums, donkey rides and an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés and bars. If you fancy having a go at water sports then Weston-super-Mare has a whole range on offer and you can also take a boat trips around Weston Bay. This is the ideal beach to take the family and will keep the kids entertained for hours!

Porlock Weir – a hidden gem

Porlock Weir is one of the most beautiful locations on the Somerset coast with its picturesque hamlet and serene harbour full of delightful fishing boats. Located at the foot of Exmoor National Park, this stunning piece of coast is a hidden gem. Behind the beach is an interesting area of marshland where you could take an afternoon stroll and see a variety of birds and other wildlife.

Dunster – for wonderful walking

Dunster beach is the place to go if you’re looking to take a gentle walk and enjoy the local surroundings. There are some great coastal walks to be taken here, including the Dunster beach to Blue Anchor beach route which is about 1.6 miles long. During the walk you’ll see delightful woodland and rolling fields and even Dunster Castle in the distance. This sand and shingle beach has convenient facilities, beach shops and cafés as well as activities such as fishing and mini golf. The beach is in a stunning location and a must visit.

Berrow – a dog friendly adventure 

Berrow beach is wonderfully atmospheric and a perfect place to take your dog as there are no restrictions all year round. There is a shipwrecked Norwegian boat here that ran aground in 1897 and the beach is backed by fabulous sandy dunes.  If scampering around the beach isn’t enough to tire your pooch out, you can take a walk along the beach's own walking trail and explore the nature reserve close by. There is car parking available at the beach as well a number of good cafés and leisure activities. 

Blue Anchor - for real relaxation

Blue Anchor Beach is the ideal relaxation spot. It’s long, sand and shingle beach is peaceful all year round and has a great local pub to stop by for a refreshing drink after spending time in the sun. The beach is popular with walkers and anglers and there is some spectacular scenery surrounding the beach including some wonderful alabaster cliffs. If you’re interested in geology then this beach is also ideal for fossil hunting.

Burnham-on-Sea – a fun day out with friends

Burnham-on-Sea beach is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends. You can partake in traditional seaside activities like relaxing with an ice-cream, but this beach also has the allure of a busy town centre nearby full of shops and places to eat. This award-winning beach also has a lighthouse and one of the shortest piers in the UK so you won’t find yourselves with nothing to do! If you enjoy sports then Burnham-on-Sea has become a popular location for kite-surfing and is also ideal for activities such as sailing and paragliding. If you take a walk further down to Brean Down you can see the ruins of Palmerstone Fort and enjoy the fantastic views at Brean Cove. You'll find we have some of the best Brean caravan parks and holiday parks in Brean too.

Somerset has some lovely beaches that offer something unique for everyone whether you are visiting as a family, with a group or friends, with your dog or looking to take a relaxing stroll through some stunning scenery. The beauty of Somerset’s coastline is sure to delight everyone!

This guide was last updated on February 02, 2023
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6 superb Somerset beaches
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