The UK’s coastline tells a story of changing times. Once glamorous seaside resorts, thriving on fishing and shipbuilding, blossomed into beloved holiday destinations for generations. Yet, with the rise of affordable foreign travel in the 1970s—especially to sunnier spots like Benidorm—many British coastal towns experienced a downturn. Budget flights and guaranteed sunshine lured tourists away, while environmental issues like sewage pollution and rising prices added to the decline.
Weston-super-Mare, nestled in Somerset, exemplifies this shift. In 2023, the Telegraph ranked it among the UK’s “worst” seaside towns, awarding a low score of 18 out of 100. This reputation seemed harsh, especially when considering its role as the host of Banksy’s 2015 Dismaland exhibition—a darkly satirical “bemusement park” ironically highlighting the town’s faded allure while attracting millions in tourist revenue.
Curious to see if Weston’s image matched reality, I visited on a sunny 13°C Sunday. Located just 23 miles from Bristol, it’s important to adjust expectations—Weston-super-Mare isn’t the picture-postcard beach of white sands and turquoise waters. The estuary’s sediment often tints the sea brown, but this hasn’t stopped families building sandcastles or visitors enjoying classic seaside pleasures.
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The beach may not be Instagram-perfect, but it hums with a uniquely British charm. After savoring vinegar-soaked chips on the shore, I explored the Grand Pier. Although access now costs £2, the views and arcade games make for a timeless seaside experience, rounded off with a classic ice cream cone.
Weston-super-Mare may lack trendy cafés or exotic dining options, but its vibrant, welcoming energy remains. Wandering through souvenir shops and old-fashioned amusements, I felt transported back to a simpler holiday era—unpretentious, lively, and unapologetically itself.
For me, Weston-super-Mare embodies the quintessential British seaside escape: lively, spacious, and full of character. It embraces its identity without pretense, drawing visitors in with its warmth rather than glossy facades.
As local MP Dan Aldridge puts it, “The town has so much to offer. It might not have the white sands of Barbados, but I’ve never seen an arcade this good—or had fish and chips as tasty—in the Caribbean. The Ultraviolet Crazy Gold and Dr Fox Tea Room are unmatched. No five-star resort can beat Weston’s charm. It’ll always be my favourite.”
Looking ahead, Weston-super-Mare is embracing a brighter future. Councillor Mark Canniford of North Somerset Council shared that millions have been invested recently, including a £20 million government fund supporting major projects. The Grade II-listed Birnbeck Pier is poised for revitalization, and the Tropicana event venue is set for significant upgrades pending planning approval.
Moreover, the housing market is booming with demand exceeding supply, and house prices rising above the national average. Inward investment is growing, with tech giant Epic establishing a presence locally. The town’s revival is well underway—and its authentic seaside spirit endures.