Things to do in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Its broad flat sandy beach is on the Bristol Channel, 18 miles southwest from Bristol itself.
Occupied as a small coastal fishing village since the Iron Age, the Romans settled in the area from 43 AD to 410 AD.
All that remains of 18th century Weston is the Old Thatched Cottage Restaurant building and Glebe House, once a rectory, in Grove Park.
In the 19th century, the town became a thriving Victorian seaside resort.
The first hotel opened in 1910 and soon the sands were covered with bathing machines and the promenade was thronging with visitors.
In fact, it had not one but three piers, which still remain in use.
Tourism in the town declined in the mid 20th century as sunshine holidays abroad became more affordable.
The Grand Pier was built in 1903 and was extended a further 1,500 feet in 1907 to provide a dock for boat trips to Cardiff.
However, the dangerous currents quickly made landing too risky and the extension was demolished.
Just weeks after multi-million dollar improvements had been completed in 2008, the pier caught fire.
The fire alarm alerted the alarm monitoring company in Essex who could not contact the keyholders by mobile phone and ignored the alarm.
The fire burnt from 1.35am until 6.46am when the local fire brigade was finally notified.
The 85 firefighters arrived too late to put out the blaze.
Present Day Weston-super-Mare
Modern-day Weston-super-Mare has over 70,000 inhabitants, according to the 2001 census.
Go-karts, dodgems, simulator rides, a laser maze and a funhouse makes this a great all-weather attraction.
The town has plenty of shops and services serving the local community and its many visitors.
Things to do in Weston-super-Mare
The town also has a SeaQuarium and is popular for windsurfing and other watersports on the lovely beach.
Regeneration funding in Weston-super-Mare has produced a number of excellent tourist attractions.
The Helicopter Museum has a fine collection of military and civilian helicopters and autogyros.
Helicopter Experience Flights can be booked by appointment.
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Days Out in Weston-Super-Mare
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Seaquarium Ltd. Weston-Super-Mare (1 Mile)*
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Helicopter Museum (2 Miles)*
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Animal Farm Adventure Park (4 Miles)*
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Court Farm Country Park (4 Miles)*
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Clevedon Court (9 Miles)*
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Cheddar Caves and Gorge (10 Miles)*
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Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village (10 Miles)*
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Techniquest (11 Miles)*
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Cardiff Castle (12 Miles)*
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National Museum Cardiff (12 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Weston-Super-Mare
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Brean (5 Miles)*
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Burnham-on-Sea (8 Miles)*
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Cheddar (10 Miles)*
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Priddy (11 Miles)*
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Wedmore (11 Miles)*
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Barry (12 Miles)*
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Cardiff (12 Miles)*
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Portishead (12 Miles)*
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Rodney Stoke (12 Miles)*
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Kilton (14 Miles)*
Also near Weston-Super-Mare |
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