Weston-super-Mare often suffers from a harsh reputation, recently ranked as the eighth-worst seaside town in the UK by consumer magazine Which?. It trails behind notorious destinations like Bognor Regis, Bangor, and Clacton-on-Sea, yet those who know it well see a far richer story.
This Somerset coastal town symbolizes classic British beach culture. Its two-mile-long seafront features the world’s second-highest tidal range, inviting donkey rides, a variety of chip shops, ice cream parlours, and the iconic Grand Pier—rebuilt after a devastating fire. The town also offers everyday conveniences such as a Wetherspoon’s pub and a Premier Inn.
Adding a brushstroke of fame, renowned Bristol-born street artist Banksy holidayed here as a child. Over the years, his distinctive artworks have made appearances in Weston. Most notably, Banksy’s “Dismaland” in 2015 transformed the town with its dark, satirical take on Disneyland, boosting local morale and tourism significantly.
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Having lived in Weston-super-Mare for three years and worked as a local reporter for The Weston, Worle and Somerset Mercury, I gained firsthand insight into the town’s character. Reporting on everything from cider festivals and parish councils to Banksy sightings and tragic incidents gave me a deep understanding of its heartbeat.
Outside the busy summer months, Weston can feel quiet and somewhat worn, with a high street filled largely by charity shops, quaint cafes, and elderly residents. Nightlife often attracted rowdy crowds, especially from nearby Cardiff. When summer arrived, the town swelled with visitors, causing traffic jams and crowded beaches.
Despite these contrasts, the town had its bright moments. Events like T4 On The Beach in 2012 brought glamour with stars such as Rita Ora, while Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition in 2015 drew international attention. Locals display genuine pride, and areas criticized as “rough” are often more upmarket than one might expect.
Most visitors miss Weston’s true hidden treasure—Uphill. Just a short distance from the main town, Uphill is a quaint, picturesque village with its own beach, a small play park, two welcoming pubs, and a cozy café. Its annual scarecrow festival adds to its charm, cementing it as a genuine hidden gem.
Historically, Uphill’s serene seaside air was prized for healing, dating back to before 1066, when it became a favored convalescence spot in the 1700s. Even today, it serves as a peaceful retreat for those overwhelmed by the busier Weston-super-Mare, maintaining the tranquility it has offered for centuries.
So while Weston-super-Mare might be written off by some, it holds charm, culture, and quiet corners that make it a place worth discovering beyond the headline rankings.