Sand Bay

The untamed sweep of Sand Bay is found in Somerset in England’s West Country, and edges the eastern flank of the tidal Bristol Channel; on a clear day there are awesome views across into south Wales. Squeezed between Weston Woods and the headland at Sand Point, the bay runs north to south, overlooking the mouth of the River Severn; the two suspension bridges crossing the river can also be spotted in decent weather. Most of the beach is comprised of sand and shingle backed by unspoiled dunes, but the north end of the bay is overrun with spiky grasses. The beach is beloved of horse riders, dog walkers and hikers for its remote sandy stretches and there are a couple of cafés and pubs along the way. Sand Point is a protected area of rocky pathways along the promontory, and popular with birdwatchers for its abundance of swallows and curlews.

Practical Info

Near Weston-super-Mare, Bristol BS22 9UZ. There are four free car parks backing on to the beach. The open-top bus service No. 100 runs to the beach from Weston-super-Mare.