Whether you’re in Bristol for a proper getaway or just passing through, there’s plenty to do. From museums to monuments, there’s so much more to Bristol than people realise.
Step just slightly outside of Bristol, and you’ll be treated to incredible beaches that are amazing places to make memories.
Here are some of our favourite beaches around Bristol.
Does Bristol have a beach?
Despite being near lots of beaches, Bristol itself doesn’t have any beaches because it’s an inland city! Having said that, it’s only a short drive from some of the country’s best beaches with seaside towns surrounding them.
Over the course of a trip, Bristol is a great base to centre your holiday around, with Bristol Aquarium complementing the natural beauty of the beaches in the area.
6 beaches near Bristol to visit
Let’s take a trip down to Bristol’s brilliant beaches!
Berrow Beach
Berrow Beach is a sandy beach in Somerset, about 35 miles away from Bristol (or about an hour’s drive).
The SS Nornen is shipwrecked on this beach, making it a great attraction for history lovers or anyone who loves adventure! The SS Nornen was a goods vessel that was carrying resin and turpentine into the port of Bristol when it ran ashore. The figurehead from the ship is currently displayed in Berrow village hall.
You can see Bristol Aquarium’s very own Shipwreck Exhibit if you’re keen to learn how marine life can turn a disaster into a thriving ecosystem.
Clevedon Beach
Clevedon is a historic seaside town with an incredible pier stretching out into the Bristol Channel. Clevedon Beach is a pebble beach that welcomes families, friends, and four-legged companions year-round.
The historic 156-year-old pier is now home to a café in the Victorian Pagoda that also doubles as a licensed wedding venue.
The beach is located just outside of Bristol, just a 30-minute drive away.
Brean Sands
One of Somerset’s best beaches, Brean Sands, is located just down the road from Berrow Beach, about an hour away from Bristol.
This large, sandy beach is a great place to spend a summer’s day relaxing with an ice cream and some fish & chips, with enough space to have a kickabout or a game of frisbee without disturbing anyone else.
Burnham Beach
You may have heard of Burnham Beach because of the awards it has collected over the years. From Quality Coast Awards to Seaside Awards, Burnham Beach’s trophy cabinet is bustling.
Just a 50-minute drive away from Bristol, with 8 beaches scattered across Burnham on Sea, it’s an ideal way to spend a day in the South West of England.
Weston-Super-Mare Beach
The two-mile-long stretch of beach has long been a favourite of UK holidaymakers who are looking for a vast, sandy beach to soak up the sun or paddle in the sea.
Weston-Super-Mare’s historic Grand Pier, first built in 1904, stands proud on the seafront. With its exciting rides and attractions, alongside traditional seaside food and drinks, it’s a real hit for all ages.
Kilve Beach
If you’d like to explore the South-West’s geological past, then Kilve Beach might be the best beach you could possibly visit. Kilve Beach is a geological site of special interest, so make sure you’re collecting responsibly in accordance with the fossil collecting code during your visit.
If fossil hunting is your thing, look no further than Kilve Beach. It’s located a bit further out than some of our other beaches, but there’s a good reason for it: it’s one of the best rocky beaches in the country!
4 family fun activities to do at the beach
While you’re at the beach, why not try something new? Here’s a list of things you might never have tried during your trips to the beach.
1. Go for a walk
The beach is usually about relaxing, but that doesn’t mean it’s not also a great place for a gentle walk. Done right, this is just as relaxing as sunbathing!
2. Cycle
Although this isn’t allowed on all beaches, larger councils allow you to cycle (responsibly) on their beaches.
3. Build sandcastles
It might have been a while since you built your last sandcastle, but you’re never too old to get the bucket and spade out.
4. Rock pooling
Britain’s beaches are excellent places to spot the incredible wildlife that finds its home in rock pools. Be mindful of respecting the habitats, and don’t forget that you can see even more rock pool animals at the Learning Lab Zone at Bristol Aquarium.
Remember, whatever you decide to do, do it respectfully and keep the beaches clean. Dispose of litter properly so that beaches can continue to be enjoyed by humans and other animals for many, many years to come.
If you’re not already booking your next trip to Bristol, you should be now! Bristol has some of the most incredible beaches in the world right on its doorstep, so be sure to check them out during your trip.
If you’re planning a trip to Bristol, why not book your tickets to Bristol Aquarium? Bristol Aquarium is home to sharks, rays, and an incredible array of other marine animals!