Weston-super-Mare – you may know it for its donkeys, spectacular Grand Pier and miles of golden sand, but those in the know wax lyrical about its spectacular sunsets, jam-packed event programme, and year-round marine lake swimming, breathtaking coastal cycle paths, countryside walks, fantastic parks, independent restaurants, theatres and live music.
For years, the amusements on the Grand Pier and donkey rides have taken centre stage, but now more people are cottoning on to more of Weston’s seaside perks.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, family daytripper, culture vulture, after some seaside nostalgia or fresh air and big skies, we’ll introduce you to the best things to do in Weston.
For more information about what’s on and things to do, head to Visit Weston
(Left Super Culture’s Whirligig Festival, Photo Paul Blakemore)
1. Open-water swimming
Contrary to some people’s belief, there’s much enjoyment to be had from a plunge in the Bristol Channel around Weston!
Weston is also home to an infinity-style marine lake, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Created as a safe place to swim in Weston that doesn’t depend on high tide, this seafront pool is a favourite with visitors looking for a sandy beach, swimming, paddleboarding and canoeing.
Discover more about swimming in Weston.
2. Enjoy Weston's beaches
Weston has one of the longest naturally-occurring beaches in the UK. Here the sea can go out as far as one mile from the promenade, leaving behind mud flats, but also a huge sandy stretch.
The main beach area, with its donkey rides and family entertainment, lies south of The Grand Pier, but you’ll also find sand to castle and sunbathe on by Weston Marine Lake.
A range of events take place here – everything from the Marine Parade Parkrun to a Beach Rugby and Netball festival, live music, adrenaline-fuelled offroad motorsport races and more.
Weston is one of the best beaches in the country for kitesurfing in the right weather conditions.
Blokarts pilots and kite surfers flock to Uphill Slipway at one end of the beach, known locally as ‘the Windzone’ – one of the only dedicated kite zones on any UK beach.
Just watching them is exhilarating! Hear more about adrenaline sports or check out Visit Weston.
4. Ride a bike through spectacular scenery
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and excellent cycle routes, Weston-super-Mare is a fantastic place for a pedal, whether you’re an avid mountain rider or prefer more of a leisurely pace on two wheels, you’ll find everything from flat seafront promenade to coastal paths and stunt jumps in the woods.
5. Walk in gorgeous Somerset countryside
Perched on the edge of the Mendip Hills and surrounded by gorgeous Somerset countryside, Weston-super-Mare is a walker’s paradise.
Locals name Weston Woods, Brean Down, Uphill, Sand Point, the seafront promenade and Mendip Way as some of their favourite places to walk around Weston. 2024 will see the opening of the King Charles III England Coast Path.
Discover more walking trails on the Visit Weston website.
(Left cycle path, Uphill, Photo Paul Blakemore)
6. Listen to live music
Dipping into Weston’s thriving live music scene is an exciting way to spend a night out. You’ll find a host of venues in the town featuring gigs from local musicians, covers bands (including an annual three-day Elvis Fest, Harbor Nights in February), and open mic nights.
(Right Whirligig Festival Paraorchestra’s SMOOSH! Photo Paul Blakemore)
During the summer months, Grove Park bandstand is the place to be for free live music entertainment, ‘Garden Grooves’ – grab an oat milk latte and slab of cake from plant-based park cafe, Sprout, and tap along to a diverse selection of musical acts.
7. Plan an evening out at Weston's pubs and bars
From sundowners overlooking the beach, to cosy nights in tapping along to local bands, craft ales at local microbreweries, to livelier cocktail-fuelled nights out, Weston has a wide variety of pubs and bars.
See the Visit Weston website to plan your evening out in Weston.
(Image credit left, Revo)
8. Exercise in the great outdoors
Join the free Parkrun along the promenade at 9am every Saturday morning. The 5k course takes runners along Weston beach and is run entirely on sand! Kids (4 to 14 year olds) can burn off some energy on Sundays at 9am with a special 2k juniors event.
Nurture body and mind while breathing in that sea air at a free yoga class at Ellenborough Park every Sunday with 150 other like-minded folk.
Discover more ways to be active in Weston.
(Right photo Paul Blakemore)
Weston’s iconic landmark, The Grand Pier, has been around since 1904. Under its roof you’ll find seaside favourites like the Dodgems, House of Horrors, Mirror Maze and Helter Skelter, Mini golf and a thrilling 300m Go Kart racetrack (plus lots more!)
(Left The Grand Pier, Photo Neil O’ Donoghue, @nodpics, Community Renewal Fund)
10. Go street art spotting
In partnership with Weston-super-Mare Town Council, Super Culture and supported by Arts Council England, the team behind Upfest – Europe’s largest street art festival – has adorned the town’s walls with fabulous large-scale artworks for Weston Wallz, giving nearby street art capital, Bristol, a run for its money.
11. Be entertained at one of Weston’s three theatres
The newest venue, The Front Room, has a great line-up, attracting sell-out crowds with its eclectic programme and hosting regular family-friendly shows.
A creative hub for artists and performers in the area, The Blakehay Theatre brings national popular shows to the town as well as local productions.
Meanwhile The Playhouse Theatre programme of events includes around 350 performances a year ranging from opera and ballet to comedy, music and pantomime performances, with major stars treading the boards over the years.
12. Eat out at one of Weston's independent restaurants
Thanks to its seaside credentials, Weston has long been famed for fish and chips, but the town is also home to some fantastic independent eateries, just a short walk from the seafront.
(Right Sakura, Photo Siddiqui Media)
13. Attend one of Weston’s annual events
Weston’s jam-packed events calendar means there are always things to do in the town regardless of the weather, season or budget.
Annual events:
February – Glow
August – Weston Beach Rugby & Netball
September – Whirligig
October – Weston Beach Race
November – Fireworks at Sea , Weston Carnival
December – Town Centre Light Switch on
(Right Glow, Photo Paul Blakemore)
Planning a trip to Weston? Make sure you check out the Visit Weston website for more information on things to do, what’s on, places to stay in Weston and how to get here.