Somerset boasts a collection of lesser-known beaches that are well worth a visit. With its recent feature in a Jane Austen adaptation, Sand Point and Middle Hope Beach have become a hidden gem for visitors seeking tranquil beauty.
This picturesque enclave, featuring sandy stretches and pebble areas, offers a serene spot for a refreshing swim, depending on the tide, as highlighted by BristolLive.
Accessible exclusively by foot, a breathtaking scenic trail connects Sand Point and Middle Hope Beaches, weaving along the rugged coastline from Clevedon and Portishead to Avonmouth’s estuary.
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A Trip Advisor user, FloandStan, described the area as having “amazing scenery” and praised the beautiful walks. The site offers visitors the opportunity to explore the coastline and enjoy its captivating views.
The National Trust car park at Sand Bay serves as the primary starting point for visitors, situated past Weston’s popular beaches.
Moreover, the coastal gem served as a filming location for the acclaimed ITV series ‘Sanditon’, attracting attention with its stunning backdrop based on Jane Austen’s work.
Driving through Weston, Kewstoke, and Norton brings visitors to a tucked-away road behind Sand Bay’s dunes, leading to the lofty elevation of Sand Point. From the National Trust car park, trails ascend the hillside, offering access to expansive downland and a medieval priory, as reported by BristolLive.
Heading westward leads visitors to the furthest reaches of Sand Point, where breathtaking views extend across the Bristol Channel to North Devon, Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons, and the Severn bridges.
Beyond the headland lies Middle Hope beach, a secluded spot with inviting sandy stretches and safe, shallow waters for swimming, complemented by picturesque views of Clevedon and Portishead in the backdrop.
Triston Cork from Bristol Live noted, “On a sunny, summer’s day, this could be Cornwall or the Gower,” highlighting the timeless allure of the area, which was a selected outdoor location for the TV series ‘Sanditon’.