Brean Coastline
Brean has some of the most iconic family attractions in Somerset with Brean Leisure having over 40 attractions including indoor and outdoor Roller Coasters, Wild Water Log Flume, Dodgems, Crazy Boats, Wipe Out, JetSpin, Waveswinger, and the UK’s best Ghost Train – Terror Castle!
The character of the coast changes completely around the mouth of the Parrett with the rocky cliffs and shingle giving way to sand flats that run all the way to the promontory that is Brean Down. Sand naturally attracts holiday makers especially those keen to wield a bucket and spade which is one of the reasons for the popularity of the resorts and parks here. The three Bs - Burnham, Berrow and Brean - are famed for their miles of sand, ideal for walking, running, riding, angling, kite-flying and picnicking
The stretch of sand between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean Down is one of the biggest in Europe and includes eight beaches. It is clearly a draw for beach lovers as the campsites and parks that serve it together make up one of the largest concentrations of caravans on the continent! The parks offer a huge range of rides, amusements and eating places.
As well attracting families looking for a fun-packed break, the beaches of Burnham, Berrow and Brean are also ideal for those wanting to get away from it all because there is room for all. There are dog walkers, wildlife watchers, horse riders, sand sailors, wind surfers and sand artists who all find what they’re seeking on these flat, open beaches with one of the world’s highest tidal ranges. Views across the Channel take in the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm and are particularly stunning at sunset.
The tidal range and soft mud flats at low water do mean that visitors need to be cautious and avoid walking towards the sea at certain times. There is plenty of information about the dangers as well as beach wardens and rescue services.
Burnham’s beaches have something for everyone with some focused on family and others appealing to those who want to watch boats or birds. Further along the strip is Berrow which has a section protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare sand dune habitat. Part of this area is managed by Sedgemoor District Council as a Local Nature Reserve. Vehicles are allowed to park on the sand and there are refreshments available in the summer. The beaches at Burnham and Berrow have been given Seaside Awards by Keep Britain Tidy.
At the end of the strip is the headland Brean Down which offers fabulous 360 degree views over the sea on one side, across the Somerset Levels on the other and taking in some of the County’s best known features such as Glastonbury Tor and the Mendip Hills. A bonus some days is an elevated view of the work of sand artists who cannot resist the massive canvas.