Grand Pier
The famous Grand Pier is one of Weston-super-Mare's most recognisable attractions. Following a fire in 2008, the new pier was opened in 2010, extending 400m out into the Bristol Channel. You could easily spend the good part of a whole day on the pier, with the large Pavilion at the end of the pier boasting everything from rollercoaster rides to restaurants and bars. For fun-lovers there are go-Karts, dodgems and F1 simulators to enjoy, as well as a laser maze, a house of horrors, a soft play area and Britain's smallest rollercoaster, the Robocoaster.
There are plenty of restaurants in the Pavilion where you can grab something to eat and drink, including sandwiches and cakes at Tiffany's elegant Georgian tearoom, traditional fish and chips at the Boardwalk Café and a pint of cool beer in the pirate-themed Captain Jack's Bar. The Pavilion also has a venue and regular line-ups of live music and comedy.
Beaches
Weston-super-Mare is home to some of the finest sandy beaches in the country, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each month. Whether you plan on making sandcastles with the kids, swimming in the water or simply basking in the summer sun, Weston-super-Mare Beach is a great place to visit during the warmer months. The beach also hosts a range of events each year, including sand sculpture contests and live music festivals. Another great location, especially if you're travelling with younger kids, is Marine Cove, a sheltered cove close to Knightstone Island.
Indoor fun
If the weather turns sour or you want a break from the sunshine, Weston-super-Mare has a selection of fantastic indoor attractions. Weston SeaQuarium is an excellent place to visit with the family where you'll find a staggering array of sea life. The aquarium has eight different zones, including the Freshwater Zone, the Tropical Reef Zone and Crustacean Cove. There are also a number of hands-on exhibitions and some fascinating educational displays. The best place to learn about the town's history is to make your way to the Weston-super-Mare Museum. Here you'll find a variety of exhibitions covering the history of Weston-super-Mare from prehistory to the present day. If you'd like to experience the area's cultural scene, Weston-super-Mare has two excellent community theatres, The Blakehay Theatre and The Playhouse Theatre. In addition to live drama, comedy and dance, the theatres regularly hold talks, workshops and other events.
Countryside
Close to the town are the Weston Woods, covering an area of 130 hectares and featuring an Iron Age hillfort on the western edge of the woodland. Also nearby are the Mendip Hills, deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to a vast network of walking and cycling routes to explore. The southern edge of the Mendip Hills is where you'll find the Wookey Hole Caves. The caves themselves are spectacular to behold and the area features a number of attractions for kids, including the Valley of the Dinosaurs and a Victorian Penny Arcade.
