A Canadian expat who relocated to the UK seven years ago has named Weston-super-Mare in Somerset as her favourite beach town, surprising those who expect Devon, Cornwall or Wales to top the list. Maria Polansky, writing in Business Insider, described the seaside resort as 'perfect for a day trip' and 'cheesy in a fun way', highlighting its bustling pier with food stalls and arcade games, as well as a sweeping coastal strip ideal for exploration.
Why Weston-super-Mare Stands Out
Maria, who initially thought she would spend most weekends in London, found herself drawn to other parts of the country. She noted that visitors to Bath can easily venture roughly an hour by train to experience an authentic beach town. 'Visiting Weston-super-Mare is a fun day trip that offers proper cultural immersion and a look at what the locals like to do for a staycation,' she wrote.
A Historic Coastal Destination
Weston-super-Mare has been a beloved coastal destination for more than 200 years, evolving from a modest fishing village into a flourishing health resort during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The town's Grand Pier pavilion was gutted by a devastating blaze in July 2008, but underwent an extensive £39 million reconstruction and reopened its doors in 2010. Today, the town welcomes roughly four to five million visitors annually, with the overwhelming majority being day-trippers. The seaside resort traditionally attracts around 4.2 to 5.1 million day visitors each year, compared to approximately 175,000 to 246,000 guests who choose to stay overnight.
Bath Also Praised
Maria also spoke fondly of Bath, which she described as a favourite destination for 'glimpses of ancient architecture'. She wrote: 'In my opinion, the architecture in Bath makes this city a must-see. This former Roman settlement is one of England's most picturesque destinations. It's named after the city's Roman baths, which can still be seen today. Although it's not advised to take a dip in the ancient baths because of the water quality, there are a number of spas in the city perfect for any swimming needs. In addition to the actual baths, I love strolling through the city to take in the ancient architecture. The city centre also has plenty of interesting specialty shops, cafés, and pubs to stop in along the way.'
