Between Bristol And Weston-Super-Mare Is A Charming Coastal Town With Beaches, Quaint Shops, And A Historic Pier

When one thinks of England's coastal towns, the mind is often drawn to the south coast of the British isle, with famous fishing harbors and sunny shingle beaches. Yet, tucked away to the west along the Bristol Channel lies Clevedon, a quaint town with cute shops housed in old stone buildings, several stunning beaches, and a long, Victorian-era pier with its own distinct history. The town is mostly recognized for its appearance in the beloved television show "Broadchurch," with the venerable St. Andrews Church and the lovely Hill Road shopping district serving as landmarks.

With its modern hustle and bustle, it may come as a surprise that it long stood as a hub for farming and was recorded in the medieval census known as the Domesday Book, where its listing states, among other details, "Households: 8 villagers." City Population notes that the tiny village has grown into a town of over 21,000 people, and it's now a lively tourist destination peppered with interesting landmarks. One historic building, Coleridge Cottage, even inspired the famous poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, since it's where he spent his honeymoon in 1795.

Visitors arriving by air to Bristol Airport (BRS) can drive to Clevedon in about a half hour, while buses take around an hour and 20 minutes. Taxis and airport transfers are as quick as driving. From Weston-super-Mare, the drive is between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and a bus takes about 15 minutes. You'll see some rather pretty farmland from the road no matter the direction you take, before getting a refreshing glimpse of the sea and the town's pier stretching into the waves.

Like most of the beaches along England's coastlines, those in Clevedon are pebbly shingle beaches with beautiful ocean views. The half-mile wide Clevedon Beach is the main stretch of seaside fun, with a rather sizable tidal range. Low tide exposes patches of seaweed and allows visitors to search for pretty shells and little critters. It never closes, so one may enjoy listening to the waves while gazing at the stars. Stretches of green back parts of the beach, with a charming, ornate water fountain and a gazebo-like bandstand that was built in the late 1800s.

The main attraction at this beach is the Clevedon Pier, one of England's hands-down best piers for ocean views and seaside fun. Gracing the seaside for over 150 years, it oozes Victorian style and charm. One can imagine couples walking along it, arm-in-arm, dressed in their finest couture, taking in a mesmerizing sunset view while enjoying a tasty treat. Today, while fashion is more relaxed, locals and tourists enjoy the same experience, which is lucky, as it has survived massive restorations over the years, and was only saved from demolition due to its public adoration and significance (via National Piers Society). Clevedon Pier remains as England's sole Grade I historic pier, and a local gem.

Just north of Clevedon Beach lies Ladye Bay, with short, foliage-topped cliffs making this little cove a visual treat. While it's a wonderful stroll, swimming is not advised here due to the intensity of the currents. On the southern end of Clevedon Beach, a much safer swimming option is available at the Clevedon Marine Lake, which has been a center of recreation since 1929. The water remains fresh as the lake is fed daily by the tides.

Clevedon is awash in Victorian charm alongside its seaside pier. One standout example is the elegant Clevedon Court, which has been an entrancing site since the 14th century. Its interior is bedecked with majestic, old-fashioned furniture, and it can be toured for a modest fee. Otherwise, the venerable Curzon Cinema & Arts theater, with its impressive stone exterior and rich scarlet interior, has been entertaining filmgoers since 1912, predating the famous Hebden Bridge Picture House found in the eponymous artsy town with Victorian streets. It remains as stylish as ever, maintaining an array of cinema gear from throughout the decades.

The quaint Victorian vibe extends to coastal Clevedon's shops, with Beach Pottery & Gallery housed in a glorious, hedge-fronted white mansion. It is replete with fascinating statuary and other works crafted by hands from all over the U.K., and visitors can peruse local historical photographs. Meanwhile, bibliophiles will find tomes to treasure at Books on the Hill, with a wood and stone storefront drawing browsers to sit and enjoy tea and cakes while turning pages. It goes the extra mile for accessibility with an entire section devoted to books for dyslexic readers.

Spend the night by the pier and the sea at The Moon & Sixpence, which offers even more Victorian splendor with comfortable rooms and hearty fare, including breakfasts, burgers, and a large and varied menu full of savory and sweet options. Visitors can also get a taste of local food and community at the Clevedon Market, which runs every Thursday in the historic Queen's Square, and offers a combination of local culinary and crafty creativity. For an even larger sample of local artistry, the vibrant, artsy city of Bristol is only around a 30-minute drive away.