We spent a lot of time in Burnham on Sea this summer. Before moving to Cheddar, I had never heard of this coastal area. And now I wonder why! Burnham on Sea has beautiful sand, its not crowded and there are lot of things to do in Burnham on Sea. Here’s what I learnt during my visit there…
Tourism in Burnham on Sea
Burnham on Sea’s rise to fame occurred during the tourism boom in the Victorian era, during which time many British coastal resorts grew from small villages to bustling seaside towns. Burnham-on-Sea was well regarded by the Royal Family and was even mentioned in King Alfred’s will in the late 9th century!
The area of Burnham on Sea has always been at risk of flooding. Situation on the wetlands, the town has always been concerned with sea defences and land reclamation. It has the second highest tidal range in the world at 15m (49 feet) and the tide can recede for 1½ miles!
The beach area is famous for its muddy sand banks, which has proven to be extremely dangerous in history. Whilst it is unlikely to cause tourists any harm, this has been the result of shipwrecks in the past. This resulted in the development of the deep-water channel, marked by a series of lighthouses.
Burnham on Sea is popular with photographers and painters. The lighthouses, first introduced in the 14th century, make for some great imagery, particularly at sunset,
In 1858 the Somerset Central Railway built a stone pier with the intentions of linking it to Wales, but this was never a commercial success. A second pier was then built in 1911, which is famous for being the smallest pier in Britain. During low tide you can walk around the entire structure.
Burnham on Sea was also a key landmark during WW2, when it was used for the Normandy Landings.
Nowadays Burnham on Sea is a popular coastal resort. The local population is approximately 18400 and this can be doubler more during the summer months.Many visitors to the area come from nearby areas in Somerset, this has meant that the area has avoided the extremes of mass tourism and remains largely unspoilt.
How to get to Burnham on Sea
Burnham on Sea is a seaside area in the south west of theUnited Kingdom. It’s not on the international tourism map, so you will mostly find domestic tourists here. It’s easy to reach, especially if you have a car.
Located in Somerset, Burnham on Sea is a seaside town at the mouth of the River Parrett. Whilst the area is most known for Western Super Mare, a popular beach area just a few miles up the coast, I actually prefer to spend my beach days at Burnham on Sea.
Originally a small fishing village, Burnham on Sea has expanded over the years. It is now a bustling seaside resort, popular with tourists. There are some lovely landmarks and beaches, and plenty of things to do in Burnham on Sea.
If you are driving to Burnham on Sea (which is the easiest option), leave the M5 at junction 22 to reach the town. It iswellsignposted from the motorway.
Mega Bus and National Rail both offer long distance buses to Burnham on Sea from major cities. Prices are especially competitive if you book in advance.
Burnham on Sea has a railway station that is well connected. Use the Trainline website to plan your journey.
The best places to stay in Burnham on Sea
To get the most out of your visit to Burnham on Sea you will want to stay for at least a night, and many people choose to stay for a week or two. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to stay in the area. You can search for availability for your travel dates using the map below, or keep scrolling for my personal recommendations…
Booking.comHoliday Parks in Burnham on Sea
There are plenty of places to stay in Burnham on Sea, including a Pontins holiday park and a Haven holiday park. These are great choices if you are visiting Somerset with children. They in themselves offering plenty of exciting things to do in Burnham on Sea, and Haven holidays always come highly recommended. You can grab some great bargains here too!
Holiday Parks are not for everyone though. I stayed in a nearby Airbnb, which was fab- we had lots of space, it was nice and quiet and it was easy to prepare our own meals. It even had a playstation for rainy days! If you would like to try Airbnb you can use this discount code together up to 43% off your first stay.
Here some other places to stay in Burnham on Sea that come highly recommended:
Traditional accommodation in Burnham on Sea
Cheriton Lodge is a highly rated B&B in Burnham on Sea. Rooms have en suites, and the B&B itself is really central. There is free WiFi and free nearby parking, and the beach is really close too. Previous guests have praised the friendly staff, cleanliness, and good value for money. Extra safety and cleaning measures are currently in place too.
The Royal Clarence Hotel is the only hotel in Burnham on Sea that is situated opposite the seafront. It has free WiFi, and there are actually two self-catering units available at the property if this is what you would prefer. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs within a couple of minutes walk from the hotel. Parking is available nearby too. The hotel currently has extra cleaning and safety measures in place.
Something a bit different in Burnham on Sea
Heatherdunne is a gorgeous three bedroom house, perfect for self-catered family holidays. It typically sleeps 6 but there is room for extra beds, and the house is large and spacious. The bathroom comes well equipped, as does the kitchen, and the location is ideal. With the beach and town within walking distance and plenty of other things to do in Burnham on Sea nearby, this is a great choice. Guests have raved about the lovely hosts, and how big the house is.
Sandy Glade Holiday Park has a huge variety of chalets and caravans, with free WiFi in public areas and free private parking. There is a kid’s club, evening entertainment, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Pets are allowed, the park has a sauna and there is a games room with table tennis and more. Previous guests really rate the park for value for money, outdoor space, entertainment and helpful staff. This is perfect for a family trip that doesn’t cost the earth!
The best things to do in Burnham on Sea
OK, so now you know where Burnham on Sea is and where the best places to stay are, lets take a look at how you can fill your time. Fortunately, there is lots to do in Burnham on Sea what ever the weather! Here are my top picks…
Head to the beach
The beach at Burnham on Sea is. great, which make for a great thing to do on a sunny day.
This beach is far quite than neighbouring Western-Super-Mare, meaning that it’s easy to socially distance yourself and to find a nice spot on the sand.
I personally love the sand dunes at Burnham on Sea. The kids had lots of fun running up and down them and playing hide and seek amongst the vegetation. The sand dunes also provide a nice barrier from the wind.
Take photos
If you’re an avid photographer, Burnham on Sea is great.
Low Lighthouse is the last of three active lighthouses in the area, and makes for some amazing photographs. It is a must-see in general!
There is a pier, the shortest in the whole of Britain, another location favoured by photographers when it comes to things to do in Burnham on Sea – especially at night. It is lit up with neon signs and gives off an incredibly cool retro aesthetic.
You can photograph the Berrow Wreck of the SS Nornen on the beach, and the colourful houses along the seafront make for some really cool shots too.
Enjoy a relaxing coastal walk
The South West Coast Path, England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath, goes through Burnham on Sea.
A walk in the fresh air is a great way to spend some time! The path itself is 630 miles long, but you can join it at various points and walk as little or as much as you like. It starts at Minehead, also in Somerset, and ends at Poole Harbour in Dorset.
There are various other walks in and around the area that make for lovely free things to do in Burnham on Sea:
- Brean Down: 3 miles. With plenty of wildlife such as butterflies and birds, as well as the Brean Down Fort, an Iron Age hill fort, the site of a Romano-Celtic temple and much more to see along the way, it is a great option for a small but exciting coastal walk.
- Brean to Pawlett: 9 miles. Following the beach with views of Stert Island and plenty of parkland, this is a longer but lovely walk. You’ll walk along the River Parrett and see the sea wall, old barns and plenty of farm space.
- Highbridge to Weston-Super-Mare: 20 miles. A much longer walk, this is great if you have plenty of time and the energy to complete it. Starting at Highbridge not far from the town of Burnham on Sea, it’ll include the Brean Down as well as plenty of other greenery, creeks, beach views and more.
- Wheddon Cross Circular: 8 miles. Around an hours drive from Burnham on Sea you can do the Wheddon Cross Circular walk. It’s a moderate walk and there is a car park, and you can see open moors for miles in every direction. The views are so worth it!
Have fun at Animal Farm Adventure Park
Animal Farm Adventure Park is much more than an ordinary farm!
With a selection of animals, indoor soft play and plenty of rides suitable from babies to bigger bigger, there is something for everyone here. Get your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
Visit Apex Park
Apex Park is a wildlife haven and one of the best things to do in Burnham on Sea.
It’s fully open to the public and has fishing spots, a kid’s play area, a skate park and more. It covers 42 acres!
There are ducks and herons, mute swans and moorhens; the lake has a level footpath around it which takes around half an hour to walk, and you can even BMX here. Dogs are welcome, too.
Take a day trip
Burnham on Sea is well located in terms of nearby day trips. You could venture out to Glastonbury Tor, to see the famous church ruins, or head down into the Wookey Hole Caves. Visit Weston-Super-Mare, or make your way to the amazing Cheddar Gorge. Somerset has so much to offer, and Burnham on Sea makes a great base for exploring the area as a whole. Here is a list of my favourite day trips (30 minutes drive or less) from Burnham on Sea:
- Cheddar (famous for it’s remarkable gorge and cheddar cheese)
- Wells (the smallest city in the UK and home to the famous Wells cathedral and Wookey Hole caves)
- Axbridge (a quaint and traditional English village)
- The Stawberry Line (a popular walking route where strawberries were traditionally transported)
- The Mendip Hills (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is well worth a visit)
Have a round of golf
There are plenty of gold courses in and around the area.
The Burnham and Berrow Golf Club is a championship course and is loved by golfers from around the country. It is ranked 1st in Somerset and 30th in the UK, and the views as you play across the 27 holes are just outstanding. You can book a golf break here, which is the perfect treat for golf-lovers!
Splash out at Brean Splash
If you love the water, visit Brean Splash.
There is an indoor pool open year-round, with an outdoor splash park open seasonally too. The indoor pool is 25 metres and heated, with 6 lanes. There are slides, waterfalls and more.
Brean Spash offers a sensory guide which is incredible at laying out what children with sensory issues might want to know before they go in terms of what you can see, hear and smell at Brean Splash Park. It is an excellent example of accessible tourism. This sort of inclusivity makes it one of the best things to do in Burnham on Sea.
Ride the rollarcoasters at Brean Theme Park
Covering a huge space, Brean Theme Park is one of the most exciting things to do in Burnham on Sea.
From adventure golf to go-karting, huge rollercoasters and the Wild Water Log Flume, there are over 40 attractions across the park. The theme park is home to the UK’s best ghost train, named Terror Castle, and there are plenty of kid-friendly rides too!
Shelter from the rain
There are plenty of activities you can book here. From pottery painting at Purr-fect Pottery to badminton and trampolining at King Alfred’s Sports Centre, there is plenty to choose from.
Burnham on Sea has a lot of shops, cafés, restaurants and more. Buy fresh fish, souvenirs, unique clothing, beach toys and loads more from a varied mix of independent and chain shops on the busy high street in town.
To conclude: Things to do in Burnham on Sea
Should you visit Burnham on Sea? Absolutely! As you can see, the beaches are some of the best in the UK, the holidays parks are loads of fun for kids and there are many activities token you and the family occupied, whatever the weather. Enjoy your trip!