Weston-super-Mare has been ranked the 10th worst seaside town in the UK by consumer magazine Which?, but former resident Alex Evans argues that tourists are missing out on one key attraction: the nearby village of Uphill. Evans lived in Weston for three years and says Uphill, with its own beach, two pubs, a cafe, and an annual scarecrow festival, is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the crowded main resort.
Weston-super-Mare's Ranking and Reputation
Which? rated Weston-super-Mare as the 10th worst seaside town in the UK, with neighbouring Burnham-on-Sea only nine places from the bottom. The only resorts rated worse include Bognor Regis (bottom), Bangor in North Wales, and Clacton-on-Sea, the parliamentary seat of Nigel Farage. Despite this low ranking, Weston boasts a two-mile-long seafront, the second-highest tidal range in the world, donkey rides, numerous fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, the Grand Pier (rebuilt after a major fire), a Wetherspoon's pub, and a Premier Inn.
Personal Experience of a Former Resident
Alex Evans, who worked as a local newspaper reporter for The Weston, Worle and Somerset Mercury, described Weston as a ghost town for three-quarters of the year, with a high street dominated by charity shops, cafes, and pensioners. Nightclubs were often the scene of fights, especially from stag parties visiting from Cardiff. During the summer quarter, the town became overcrowded with day trippers, causing gridlock and litter. However, Evans noted that locals are fiercely proud of their town, and the more run-down estates are not as rough as some streets in his hometown of Sheffield.
The Hidden Gem: Uphill
Uphill, a small parish just a few miles south of Weston-super-Mare, offers a tranquil alternative. It features a little beach, a small play park, two pubs, a cafe, and an annual scarecrow festival. The area, thought to pre-date 1066, was popular in the 1700s as a convalescence destination, with doctors prescribing its sea air and coastal beauty for health recovery. Evans says Uphill remains a perfect escape from the crowds and challenges of Weston-super-Mare, serving the same restorative purpose it did 300 years ago.
Notable Events and Attractions
Weston-super-Mare has hosted major events like T4 On The Beach in 2012, featuring Rita Ora and The Wanted, and Banksy's Dismaland exhibition in 2015, a dystopian theme park spoof that boosted the local economy. Banksy, who is from Bristol, holidayed in Weston as a child and has left several artworks in the town. Despite its drawbacks, Evans concludes that Uphill alone makes Weston-super-Mare worth a visit.
