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A trip to England’s South West would be incomplete without a day or two spent at one of its many wonderful Somerset beaches.
With the help of our guide, discover the best and most beautiful Somerset beaches for your next coastal getaway, complete with pristine golden sands, hidden coves and adventurous walking paths.
Keep reading to uncover the 12 best Somerset beaches that you must visit…
First on our list of Somerset beaches is Brean Beach. Known as the second-largest stretch of sand in Europe, Brean Beach is a sandy haven situated in-between the seaside resorts of Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare.
Boasting six miles of imposing dunes, wild marshlands, and thrilling watersports, this incredible Somerset beach is sure to entice all the family, including furry friends who are welcome all year round!
Make sure to venture out to the top of the striking Brean Down, which reaches up to 97 metres in height, where you’ll find exceptional views of other Somerset beaches and glistening waters, as well as a peek out to the iconic town of Glastonbury and Mendip Hills.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: TA8 2RS
Our second beautiful Somerset beach lies on the edge of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, between the bustling towns of Minehead and Bridgwater.
Explore the rocky shoreline at a low tide, great for kids and pets who want to search for fossils and go crabbing in the rock pools. Take a homemade picnic and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding seascape from the top of the tall cliffs, or head to Chantry Tea Gardens for a spot of brunch after a day of exploration.
Famous English poet, William Wordsworth when he briefly lived with his sister Dorothy at Alfoxden House, once referred to this Somerset beach as ‘Kilve’s delightful shore’.
Type of beach: Rock and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: TA5 1EG
Find this gorgeous Somerset beach along the southwest coast near the Victorian town of Clevedon, with lovely pebbles and soft sands lining the edge of this dramatic coastline.
Clevedon Beach is great for those seeking a peaceful day at the seaside away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, yet within a short walk from the vibrant seafront with amenities along the lively Clevedon Pier.
Be sure to stop off at Layde Bay when you fancy a moment of serenity and relaxation within a beautiful sheltered cove. Alternatively, stroll along the pier and admire fishermen and their bobbing boats setting sail to one of the many other beaches in Somerset.
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Dog-friendly: No pets allowed
Car Park: Parking with a 2-hour limit
Postcode: BS21 7RH
Minehead Beach is a popular beach in Somerset where families can join together for a whole host of seaside fun.
Large warm sands, as well as charming areas of shingle and several small rock pools, perfect for sandcastles and sunbathing, encompass this gorgeous Somerset beach! Soak in the infectious atmosphere along the bright promenade during the height of summer during your trip.
With its dreamy location in the heart of Minehead, the beach is the starting point for the adventurous South West Coast Path, running through Lands End in Cornwall and ending at Poole in Dorset. Take on this adventurous path via foot, car or train, stopping off at Cornwall’s best surfing beaches along the way.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May and the end of September
Car Park: Parking along the seafront
Postcode: TA24 6GQ
Our next Somerset Beach, Sandy Bay sits along the Bristol Channel and is a rare find for horse riders and pet owners! Additionally, this flat sand and shingle beach has been named ‘Weston-super-Mare’s hidden gem’ and is an ideal hotspot for families and friends alike.
There’s no shortage of quaint tea rooms and cafés to visit during a sunny afternoon out, whilst a selection of restaurants and bars await at the end of the town towards Kewstoke.
Perfectly located between National Trust headland at Sand Point and the magical Weston Woods, Sand Bay is one of the most attractive beaches near Weston-super-Mare!
Continuing to impress, this Somerset beach is just one of the many dog-friendly beaches that the entire family can enjoy.
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: BS22 9UZ
Next on our list of Somerset beaches is Blue Anchor Beach, sprinkled with delightful sand and shingle along a sparkling coastline, as well as remnants of alabaster rocks and ancient fossils to discover.
This alluring corner of the seaside is a convenient stop along the West Somerset Railway line, spanning over 20 miles of a heritage railway, passing magical landscapes of the Somerset coast and countryside.
Before you leave, stop off for some leisurely lunch and ice cream at The Driftwood Cafe. Alternatively, enjoy a refreshing pint and some pub grub at The Smugglers Inn, a cosy bar and restaurant right next to the sea.
Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: TA24 6LD
Sitting conveniently at the foot of the Quantock Hills is St Audries Beach, a truly unique Somerset beach with so much to see! You can take off your shoes and step onto the soft sands as you relish in a gentle stroll along the coastline, looking out to the large waters of the Bristol Channel.
This attractive seafront is one of the best beaches in Somerset, boasting two cascading waterfalls found along the back of the beach. These sensational waterfalls are backed by tall, imposing cliffs, offering a view not to be missed.
St Audries Beach is a magnificent location for those who want a quiet day out, surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife. There’s also a small shop to pick up any essentials for your day out.
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Parking at the holiday park
Postcode: TA4 4DY
Next on our list of Somerset beaches is the impressive Burnham-on-Sea Beach. This award-winning beach is a classic seaside resort with a wide stretch of sand and traditional seafront charms; including donkey rides, amusement parks, and a bustling Victorian promenade.
This incredible Somerset beach is perfect for exciting watersports with a designated area for jet skis and boats to launch. Whilst those who want to experience a relaxing day out can lay back on the soft sands and sunbathe, accompanied by a delicious treat from the nearby ice-cream van.
Continuing to impress is a historic pier which was built in 1911, recognised as the shortest pier in Britain. You don’t want to miss this lively seaside hotspot on your next trip to Somerset.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May and the end of September
Car Park: Parking on the seafront
Postcode: TA8 1BB
Doniford Beach is one of the most tranquil Somerset beaches near Taunton, perched on the outskirts of the bustling harbour town of Watchet. The beach is covered in golden sands, unique shells, rugged rock pools and mudflats, great for avid explorers.
This stunning corner of Somerset fuses an array of features, including a nearby shop and pub, as well as an aura of rural wildness – a hidden gem in this fabulous corner of Somerset.
If you’re looking for a different Somerset beach then Doniford is a lovely choice for family days, romantic strolls or letting your furry friends loose for a brisk run in this refreshing sea air.
Type of beach: Sand and mudflats
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: TA23 0UG
Backed by an exceptional golf course and popular holiday village is this fantastic beach in Somerset, Dunster. This quiet corner of Minehead boasts stunning views out to the South Wales coastline and along Blue Anchor Bay!
Avid walkers can venture along the West Somerset Coastal Path for 25 miles, or enjoy a memorable journey on the West Somerset Railway Line. Both journeys offer the opportunity to admire the serene Quantock coast and countryside views.
This privately-owned beach sits on 450 acres of golden sands, quaint shingles, and sparkling sea waters, as well as enchanting woodland and wildlife throughout a unique nature reserve. Dunster Beach has it all!
Type of beach: Sand & shingle
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round (must be on a lead near the grass)
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: TA24 6TH
If you’re looking for a tranquil escape away from the traditional busy seaside then this next Somerset beach may be the one for you! Uphill Beach sits at the southern end of Weston-super-Mare’s main strip, surrounded by soft sands and the striking headland of Brean Downs.
This is one of the only beaches in Somerset where the River Axe flows out to the sea, hosting an array of bobbing boats and the Uphill Hill Nature Reserve rising above.
Don’t leave without visiting the Uphill Wharf Cafe-Bar, a welcoming dog-friendly eatery where you can sample seaside classics including cream teas, fish and chips, and even dog sausages for your furry friends!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: BS23 4XY
Last, but certainly not least on our list of Somerset beaches is Weston-super-Mare Beach. This incredible Victorian seaside resort is one of the best and most impressive Somerset beaches near Weston-super-Mare. It boasts exceptional views out to Weston Bay towards Wales, as well as Exmoor to the south; no wonder it made it onto our list of the best beaches in England too.
Explore the exciting promenade, which runs between the Marine Lake and Royal Sands; lined with classic amusements, donkey rides, delicious fish & chips, and the colourful Grand Pier. Try your luck at the immense choice of watersports at the Uphill Sands area. Those looking for relaxation can settle in for some sunbathing on the stretch of warm sands.
This gorgeous Somerset beach is perfectly situated in the centre of Weston-super-Mare. There is a wealth of amenities here, including shopping and eateries, as well as a fantastic aquarium and helicopter museum. Everything you need out of a beach in Somerset can be found right here!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply between May and the end of September
Car Park: Yes
Postcode: BS23 1BE
Ready for a memorable beach holiday? For more inspiration, take a look at the UK’s most exotic beaches or explore the best Isle of Wight beaches! Alternatively, choose to stay close to these wonderful Somerset beaches and browse through a selection of Somerset cottages for your next seaside getaway.
Image credits: Bazz – (CC BY-SA 2.0); John C – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
I'm Courtney and I joined the marketing team in February 2020! I love all things writing and travel and my favourite UK holiday de...
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