Weston-super-Mare Town in Somerset

Location

Weston-super-Mare is a busy resort on the Somerset coast. The town is located on the Bristol Channel, about 18 miles southwest of Bristol. The name Weston comes from the Anglo-Saxon for the 'west tun' or settlement, the suffix 'super-Mare' is Latin for 'upon sea' and was added to distinguish it from the many other settlements named Weston.

The settlement of Weston-super-Mare dates from the Iron Age although it remained a rather insignificant village until the coming of Victorian leisure seekers in the 19th century, when it became a seaside resort. Two piers were built and the burgeoning town connected to the railway network. The town and surrounding area has a population of about 72,000, making it the largest town in Somerset. Recently Weston-super-Mare has undertaken a regeneration programme including the rebuilding of its Grand Pier destroyed by fire in 2008.

Attractions include the Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare Museum, the Grand Pier and the SeaQuarium aquarium. The Paddle Steamer Waverley and MV Balmoral offer day sea trips from Knightstone Island to various destinations along the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. Cultural venues include The Playhouse, The Winter Gardens, and The Blakehay Theatre & Community Arts Centre. Just to the north of the town is Sand Point which marks the lower limit of the Severn Estuary and the start of the Bristol Channel. It is also the site of the Middle Hope biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.