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Best Coastal Walks in Somerset

Aug 31, 2022

8 Coastal Walks near our Somerset Holiday Parks

The beautiful county of Somerset offers a dramatic coastline rich with coastal walks, sensational views and interesting places to explore.

Spanning much of the length of the Bristol Channel, one of the UK's busiest waterways, the Somerset coast is just minutes from many of the county's most popular towns - making it the ideal location for a short break or weekend away at one of our Somerset Holiday Parks.

So, pull on your walking boots, dig out your compass and read on for some of the best coastal walks in Somerset;

The England Coast Path in Somerset

Stretching 58 miles from Brean Down to Minehead, the England Coast Path in Somerset will take you on a journey through the sandy beaches of Berrow and Burnham-on-Sea, along the River Parrett to the Victorian docks of Bridgwater before turning back to the Salt Marshes of Steart Point and the Bridgwater Bay Nature Reserve. Search for fossils on the Jurassic Beaches between Lilstock and Blue Anchor where the towering cliff formations have been classified as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest. Continue past the harbour town of Watchet and follow the coastal path as it shadows the West Somerset Steam Railway through Dunster, where you can take a detour to visit Dunster Castle, before ending your journey in Minehead on the south bank of the Bristol Channel.

This path is great to divide up over a number of days so that you have plenty of time to enjoy each location. Visit nationaltrail.co.uk for a complete 4-day itinerary of the England Coast Path in Somerset.

Many of the following coastal walks will take you along sections of the England Coast Path;

Weston-super-Mare to Burnham-on-Sea

You can walk this 8-mile coastal trail either starting in Weston-super-Mare and finishing in Burnham-on-Sea, or starting in Burnham-on-Sea and ending in Weston-super-Mare - the choice is yours! Either way, we suggest that you take a detour via Brean Down where you'll enjoy spectacular dual aspect views of both seaside towns. A National Trust managed promontory and natural pier, Brean Down shows signs of life dating back to 10,000BC and is also home to a Napoleonic Fort. And whichever town you end up in, you’ll be spoilt for choice with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants to enjoy a well-earned treat!

Portishead to Clevedon Pier

Explore the 6-mile trail linking Portishead to Clevedon and you'll pass several beautiful beaches along the way including Sugar Loaf Beach, Charlcombe Bay, Pigeon House Bay and Blackhill Sands - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Finish your day in Clevedon and you could visit Clevedon Pier, the only Grade 1 listed pier in England, or take a dip in the town’s tidal infinity pool.

Birnbeck Pier to Sand Bay

Generally considered an easy trail, you'll begin at Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare, which was largely abandoned in favour of the Grand Pier in 1930’s. This coastal walk spans 6 miles with fantastic views of the Bristol Channel. On the way to Sand Bay, you'll encounter lots of local amenities, and if you don't feel like taking the trail back to Weston, you can always take a ride back on the open-top bus!

Berrow to Brean Down

Set-off from Berrow Beach during low tide and you'll see the remains of the Norwegian barque SS Nornen, wrecked on Berrow Beach in 1897. Follow the 5-mile coastal path north to Brean Down and you'll find yourself immersed in glorious countryside with spectacular sea views along the way.

Minehead to Porlock

Begin this 9-mile trek in Minehead woods and you'll emerge high on the cliffs, where your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views of the Bristol Channel. Much of the coastline is under the care of the National Trust and if you approach Porlock beach during low tide you'll catch a glimpse of a submerged forest!

Blue Anchor to Dunster Beach

An easy 8-mile ramble along the Somerset Coast Path. This walk takes you through varied scenery, from the rolling hills between Blue Anchor and Watchet, to the flat expanse of Dunster Beach. And if 8 miles isn't long enough for you, you can continue on to Minehead Beach.

Watchet to Minehead

The picturesque harbour town of Watchet is well worth a visit, even if you decide to swerve the coastal walk! Set-off from the harbour, out of the town and onto the coastal path and you’ll be met with spectacular views along the clifftop. Follow the path through glorious woodland and fields until you emerge in Blue Anchor, where you could stop for refreshments at the Blue Anchor Pub. Pick-up the costal path again and continue past the village of Dunster. Eventually you will find yourself in Minehead, where the West Somerset Coast Path ends and the South West Coast path begins.

So, as you can see, Somerset has some fantastic coastal walks for you to experience, and our Somerset holiday parks are the perfect base from which to plan your next trip. Whether you have a caravan, motorhome, tent or want to experience Somerset from a static caravan or lodge, we have holiday parks for any style of break.

Find out more about our Somerset Holiday Parks.