Somerset Coastal Holidays for Families

Somerset is home to an un-spoilt coastline that meanders its way along the south side of the Bristol Channel and boasts some of the South West's biggest sandy beaches. The coastline starts around the well-known resort of Western Super Mare and ends at the border with Devon, taking in the Exmoor National Park along the way.

You'll find such an eclectic mix of beach destinations in Somerset, ranging from classic British bucket, spade and donkey ride resorts to wild cliff tops and secluded cove havens. None-the-less, all of these places are embroiled in stunning scenery and wildlife, along with some fascinating history. Western Super Mare has to be the biggest of the resorts. Big is not necessarily best and many people choose to stay in surrounding villages with the intention of enjoying the frills and thrills that the resort offers, especially the beach. Banwell is one such place and only a stone's throw from the grand bay of Western Super Mare, where scenic walks beckon.

Another favourite beach haven among those who seek tranquility and long beach walks is Brean. It has one of the best beaches of Somerset's shores and lies a little South of Western Super Mare. This beach measures seven miles and offers the finest golden sand. The beach is flat and wide and excellent for all kinds of water sports. It is never crowded but has enough facilities to make for a relaxed day by the sea. There is a nice cafe, a large car park, toilets and an area for walking dogs so is ideal for people on pet friendly holidays in Somerset. The beach actually runs all the way to Burnham on Sea, a fabulous and well-established resort favoured by family holidaymakers. In fact, Burnham on Sea is quickly becoming Somerset's favourite seaside getaway, especially for those who appreciate a bit of space to walk and enjoy wonderful wildlife.

These beaches have so much to offer. They are family focused and ideal for large groups, so provide all the facilities of a good family beach, as well as the usual English seaside entertainment, but they are not over commercialised and so are excellent for nature lovers and bird watchers too. Part of the beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve, most notably around the dune areas, so you can imagine the sites these sands behold.

Further along the coast is Watchet, another seaside town that is in a class of its own. It lies very close to Exmoor National Park and visitors can expect to see all the elements of an established and refined resort. It has a sparkling marina, pretty houses, classic cottages, specialist shops, bars and even a couple of museums. Neighbouring Exmoor Park serves as a fabulous place to enjoy all the favourite outdoor sports and activities and the surrounding nature is exotic to say the least. Red deer, otters and birds of prey are regularly seen in the park grounds. Of course the coastline is no less beautiful and wild. It ranges from dramatic cliff top footpaths to pale sandy beaches, where the postcard sunsets are a regular feature.

The historic coastal village of Dunster sits right next door to the Exmoor National Park and is well known for its numerous historic buildings, including a stunning Mediaeval Castle and an antique yarn holding that remains as a reminder of Dunster's important role in the wool trade. The centre has craft shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs and there is a wonderful ambience, especially during the holiday season. The surrounding countryside blends in to the vales of Exmoor Park and the local beach is a mere 500-metre trot down the road. This is a gorgeous beach overlooking the Avill Estuary and there are plenty of coastal footpaths that explore the downs and cliffs that line these scenic shores.

Very close to Dunster lies another superb destination from which to explore these shores. Ellicombe is slightly inland from the coast and so surrounded by the lush, green woodland of Exmoor Park. The walks and wildlife here are quite a bonus to any beach holiday.

Finally we come to the last big resort on the West Coast of Somerset near the border with Devon. Minehead is very pretty and one of those very traditional British seaside havens that families love for the uncomplicated fun that it promises and it won't cost you the earth to stay here with so many cheap coastal holiday cottages for rent within walking distance of the beach. It's all about buckets and spades, fish n chips and promenade entertainment, while taking in the views over a glass of cider. The nature is evident here, as are the local parks and gardens that add a certain charm to the place and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.