A Canadian expatriate who moved to the UK seven years ago has named Weston-super-Mare in Somerset as her favourite British beach town, overlooking more renowned coastal destinations in Devon, Cornwall and Wales. Maria Polansky said she was initially drawn to weekends in London but soon found herself exploring other parts of the country.
Writing in Business Insider, Polansky described the seaside resort as "cheesy in a fun way," highlighting its bustling pier filled with food stalls and arcade games, alongside a sweeping beach. She recommended it as an ideal day trip, noting that visitors to Bath can reach Weston-super-Mare by train in roughly an hour.
Weston-super-Mare has been a beloved coastal destination for more than 200 years, having grown from a small fishing village into a flourishing health resort in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Grand Pier's pavilion was destroyed by a fire in July 2008, but after a £39 million reconstruction it reopened in 2010.
The town welcomes an estimated four to five million visitors each year, the vast majority of whom are day-trippers. Polansky also praised Bath, calling it a must-see for its ancient Roman architecture, and advised against swimming in the Roman baths due to water quality, although she noted the city's many spas offer alternatives.
