On a brilliant early August day, I found myself at Burnham-on-Sea beach in Somerset, captivated by its stark beauty. The sun shone brightly, but an unusually cool and brisk wind swept across the dunes, sending fine sand stinging my face. With no shelter, no trees, and no gentle bays, the landscape felt raw and untamed—a harsh beauty that left a lasting impression.
Looking out across the Severn Estuary, the sunlight danced on the water, crafting a picture-perfect scene. Yet, something felt unsettling—why was the beach almost deserted on a warm summer day? Unlike other seaside towns bustling with swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and families enjoying donkey rides, Burnham-on-Sea’s sandy expanse was eerily quiet.
Tourists filled the town’s High Street and Victorian amusements, but no one dared to swim. Warning signs about dangerous sinking sand were posted, and the imposing silhouette of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant loomed distantly on the horizon.
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Local dog groomers Katie and Donna shared stories of pets covered in mud from the quicksand-like sinking sand, requiring thorough cleaning. This isn’t just a pet problem; the Coastguard has also been called to rescue people trapped in it.
The dangers don’t stop there. Burnham-on-Sea is renowned for having some of the highest tides in the world. Donna, a lifelong resident, warned, “The beach can be a bit lethal with the tides. They come in very quickly, and the currents are strong even in summer.”
Local artist Amy expressed concern for tourists who often ignore the signs: “Holidaymakers don’t always look, and the tide is genuinely dangerous. Lifeguards are vigilant and warn people if they stray too far.”
Tragically, these warnings are all too real. In October 2023, a woman leapt into the sea to save her dog and got into trouble. A Good Samaritan named Peter Jeffrey went to help her but was overcome by the strong tides; his body was found two weeks later.
Another issue is water quality. The Environment Agency maintains a permanent no-swimming warning for Burnham-on-Sea. While Hinkley Point C has brought economic benefits to the town, it has also made some feel uneasy about entering the water. Katie noted, “Hinkley’s big presence doesn’t stop business, but it certainly makes the water less appealing, especially for my children.”
Despite these hidden risks, the beach’s charm remains undeniable. Sitting in the dunes, with a good book and a warm cup of tea, you can lose yourself in the tranquillity. A few windsurfers braved the waters, either undeterred by warnings or prepared to take their chances. Even Hinkley Point carried a strange, otherworldly allure—an industrial titan foreign to the eyes of past generations.
Burnham-on-Sea is truly a gorgeous spot to visit—just remember to respect the power of nature. The tide can turn abruptly, and beneath that placid surface lies a force not to be underestimated. If you’re planning a visit, check the local tide times online, and stay within lifeguarded zones marked by red and yellow flags, patrolled daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer.