On a radiant early August day, I found myself drawn to the expansive sandy beach of Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. The sun shone brilliantly overhead, while a cool, brisk wind carried grains of sand from the dunes across my face. There was no shelter—no trees or natural bays—to soften the bite of the wind. It was a stark beauty, raw and captivating.
From the shore, the vast Severn Estuary stretched out, its waters sparkling under the sunlight. Yet, despite the inviting scene on a peak summer afternoon, the beach was surprisingly empty. My editor’s half-joking comment, “Where are all the people?” stuck with me. This was a beach that seemed almost deserted, devoid of swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and even the usual donkey rides typical of seaside towns in August.
Burnham-on-Sea itself bustled with visitors, evident along the High Street and the Victorian amusements. But the beach told a different story. As I observed more, things felt unsettling—no one dared swim or venture far into the estuary. Warning signs around the beach cautioned about dangerous sinking sands, a hidden peril just beneath the picturesque surface.
Locals like dog groomers Katie and Donna have firsthand experience with these quicksands. Donna recounted how pets often return covered in mud and sinking sand, requiring baths to clean them thoroughly. She also noted that it’s not just animals who get trapped; the Coastguard frequently carries out rescues for people caught in these treacherous sands.
Sinking sands are just one hazard. Burnham-on-Sea also experiences some of the highest tides in the world, and they can return with alarming speed. Donna, who has lived in the town since childhood, warned, “The beach can be a bit lethal with the tides. They come in very quick. The currents are quite strong even this time of year.”
Local artist Amy echoed this concern, worried that tourists often ignore the warning signs: “Holidaymakers don’t always pay attention to the signs. The tide is quite dangerous. Lifeguards keep a close watch and will warn people if they venture too far, but it’s still risky.”
The risks are real and recent tragedies underscore the dangers. In October 2023, a woman jumped into the water to save her dog, only to get caught in the strong tides. A passerby, Peter Jeffrey, heroically went to help her but was swept away and tragically lost. His body was found two weeks later.
Water quality is another concern. The Environment Agency maintains a permanent warning against swimming at Burnham-on-Sea. The looming presence of Hinkley Point C, the controversial new nuclear power station visible on the horizon, has also deterred some visitors. Though Katie acknowledges the plant has boosted the town’s economy, she admits it affects the appeal of swimming in the water for her children.
Despite the hidden dangers, the beach remains a special place. Sitting among the dunes with a book and a cup of tea, the tranquil atmosphere is intoxicating. A few adventurous windsurfers danced on the waves, seemingly unbothered by the warnings or perhaps adept enough to navigate the risks. Even Hinkley Point C, with its futuristic silhouette, holds an eerie, haunting beauty—something beyond the ken of past generations.
Burnham-on-Sea is undeniably remarkable and worth visiting. However, it’s essential to respect nature’s power. Beneath its calm and beauty lies unpredictability that can overwhelm in an instant. If you plan to visit, check tide times before heading to the beach, and stay between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer.