The Somerset beach guide

Somerset boasts a diverse coastline which encompasses dramatic cliffs on the moors, traditional seaside resorts, picturesque harbours and quieter bays. From Clevedon in the North to Porlock Weir in the West, there’s a whole wealth of fantastic beaches to discover. If you’re looking for a holiday beside the Somerset coast, then read our handy guide to help you decide where will suit your needs best.

Beaches for families:

Weston-super-Mare, Burnham, Brean and Minehead all have a huge appeal to families due to the extent of activities and attractions that they offer. During the summer months, you will find donkey rides, fun-filled piers and paddling pools at selected beaches, which all make for long-lasting memories. The beaches themselves are mostly sandy so be sure to bring along buckets and spades as well as your swimming costume in preparation for sandcastle building and dips in the sea.

Picturesque beaches:

For a beach that looks just like the front of a postcard, head to Dunster, where you will find a colourful array of 200 beach huts. The sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing and the waters are also great for swimming. If you’re hoping to relax, Blue Anchor beach (above) is another peaceful stretch of sand or if you want to visit the beach that has inspired Wordsworth himself, head to the ‘delightful shore’ of Kilve.

Romantic beaches:

If you’re searching for a romantic break or a holiday that is a little more active, then the stretch of Exmoor coastline is well worth exploring. Bring along a picnic and stroll along the coastline before settling to watch a breath-taking sunset. Walkers will delight on the South West Coast Path which offers a variety of routes to popular destinations such as Minehead while taking in the spectacular scenery that Exmoor is home to.

Dog-friendly beaches:

Somerset is also a great place to bring your four-legged friend, with many of the beaches dog-friendly all year round. One of these is Berrow, which is the second longest stretch of beach in Europe at six miles long making it perfect for walkies that are sure to tire both you and your loyal companion. Backed by limestone cliffs and offering views of Brean Down, there’s plenty of beauty here, that you and your dog will enjoy, as well as a shipwreck to discover.

Village beaches:

There are a whole host of coastal villages in Somerset, many of which have pretty harbours or hidden bays. Porlock Weir, said to be one of the most beautiful spots in the South West, was once a busy port and is still a working harbour today. The South West Coast Path flows through this hamlet, leading into more pretty villages on Exmoor. The charming town of Watchet is another coastal destination which is well worth a visit during a holiday in Somerset, as it boasts a delightful marina as well as an esplanade, which is a wonderful place to perch while eating a delicious portion of fish and chips.

As you can see, there are so many coastal delights to explore in Somerset, with a beach to suit everyone’s taste. Make sure you use our Somerset beach guide to help you make the most of your visit to the county.