Burnham-on-Sea has been hailed as a ‘classic’ British seaside town with its picturesque Victorian pier, array of fish and chips shops and ice cream parlours – and of course the sandy shores
Despite the British weather’s best attempts to suggest otherwise, spring has sprung – and if you’re on the hunt for some staycation ideas for the upcoming warmer days, there’s a charming UK seaside town that should be on your list. Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset is often described as a ‘classic’ British seaside town, with its scenic Victorian pier, an abundance of fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and sandy beaches.
In fact, it’s located on a seven-mile stretch of beach, which is one of the longest sandy beaches in Europe. The section in Burnham-on-Sea offers plenty of room for sun worshippers, as it’s divided into three parts – Main Beach, South Beach, North Beach.
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The main beach is, unsurprisingly, where most of the action takes place. Here, you can rent sun loungers, lifeguards patrol the area during peak seasons, and the Victorian pier is just a stone’s throw away.
Sadly, you’ll have to leave your furry friends at home as dogs are not allowed on the beach all year round. Facilities for visitors include parking, a supermarket, and public toilets and showers.
The shallow waters are perfect for paddling, but strong currents mean that swimming isn’t particularly safe – hence the presence of lifeguards. However, you can still enjoy the vast expanse of sand and take a quick dip to cool off when needed.
Despite being the shortest in Britain, the quaint pier is packed with entertainment. It houses a variety of arcade games and numerous food and drink stalls.
The South Beach, located near the jetty, is more pebbles and mud than sand, making it perfect for a scenic walk to watch boats sail in and out. The North Beach, on the other hand, is a blend of sand and mud, and is home to the town’s picturesque lighthouse.
There are also plenty of pubs nearby. If you’re planning to bring your dog, remember that pets are not allowed from May to September.
But Burnham-on-Sea offers more than just beaches. The town is brimming with charming pubs and shops, and even boasts a theatre and cinema for those days when the British weather isn’t cooperating.
On sunny days when you want a break from the beach, the town’s 42-acre Apex Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
The town also hosts the Brean theme park, which features over 40 rides and attractions including mini golf for the whole family to enjoy. During the warmer months, there’s also a fantastic waterpark available.