Weston-super-Mare was a very big part of my childhood. I mean, I was born there and lived my first three years of life there before moving closer to Bristol then down to Devon. We would visit my grandparents in Weston as often as every weekend and I have so many memories of riding the donkeys on the sand and braving the ghost train on the pier. Now, with my parents also living in Weston, I have a great excuse to relive those memories with my own children.
Since returning to the UK (yep, we’re back. I should really write an update post on our whole situation soon), the kids and I have been staying at my parents because Isaac is still in Germany for a couple more weeks. And we have done a fair bit of exploring in that time. Ava absolutely loves the beach (and throwing sand at me) and I really love the effects of the sea air on Ava (honestly, it is the best antidote for kids who don’t sleep well). So, I thought I would write out a little post all about my favourite things to do in Weston – some old favourites and some new discoveries – just in case you happen to be travelling through.
Head to the seafront
The seafront is my favourite part of Weston-Super-Mare, hands down. It has been totally refurbished over the past few years and it is so much better for it. As you walk along the seafront, you’ll find many little shops selling candyfloss, ice cream, and fresh donuts as well as a couple of cafes where you can get a hot drink and take in the views. And, if you come in summer, there are donkey rides and other things to entertain the kids like horse-drawn carts, big swings, and sometimes even a bouncy castle. You will also find some newly built chain restaurants (like Nandos) opposite as well in case you feel a bit peckish.
Play the slots on The Grand Pier
The Grand Pier is probably the most famous thing about Weston-Super-Mare and is definitely worth dropping by. It is situated on the seafront just outside of the centre of town and, since being rebuilt following a fire, now costs £1 to enter. Inside, there are lots of amusement games, a soft play, and I think even a 4D cinema. It is also home to the smallest rollercoaster in the UK. It is also home to a Costa. No prizes for guessing which one of those two things I prefer.
Discover the ‘walking on water’ pathway
This is a real hidden gem in Weston – I’m not sure I even knew it was there until my little sister took me there one evening to see it at sunset. Basically, just past the pier there is a walkway between a dam and the sea but, from some angles, it looks like you are walking on water. And the views are incredible.
Cool down at the seafront waterpark
This waterpark is an absolute godsend for summer days with kids. Pop them in their swimming costume, whack a tonne of sun cream on them, and send them off into the water fountains whilst you sit back and relax for a solid hour or two (preferably with a crisp glass of coke in your hand and a plate – or polystyrene tray – of chips in the other).
Learn more about the town at Weston Museum
Weston Museum is somewhere that I actually haven’t been for a good few years but absolutely adored as a kid. One thing that Weston Museum does especially well is catering to kids. They have Punch and Judy, treasure hunts, and other activities like Lego Days (mostly on weekends). Despite being a fairly small museum, the collections are quite unusual. They have a cottage which is furnished top to bottom like it would have been in the early 20th century and even a massive collection of rare Barbie dolls. They have recently renovated the museum so I can’t tell you everything it has to offer now but I am sure it is a great way to pass a few hours if it is a rainy day and you get tired of shopping. Oh, and it is free admission – possibly the best part of the whole thing.
Bag a free coffee at Cake Café
Cake Café is a new discovery of mine – but a very welcome one! Situated in the centre of town, this little café is nicely decorated and, more importantly, full of lush cakes to buy. When I visited, I got a hot chocolate (with all the trimmings ofc), three macarons, and a big slice of Victoria sponge. It was all so nice (although possibly too much sugar for one sitting because I felt slightly queasy afterwards) but it was a bit on the more expensive side with all this coming to £10. However, I think this is a great place if you are looking for a bit of a treat. But, the best thing about this café, is that everyday they put out a billboard offering a free drink to everyone with the name chosen for that particular day. So, one day everyone called John could get a free drink. I am still waiting patiently for the day that Lauren is the chosen name.
Have you ever been to Weston-Super-Mare?
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