Tucked away in Somerset is a classic seaside town with a very unique accolade. As well as being home to a Victorian pier and three historic lighthouses, Burnham-on-sea is known as one of the longest stretches of golden sand in all of Europe. The quaint seaside escape is home to a sandy beach which spans an impressive seven miles.
According to UK Beach Guide: “The continuous stretch of sand alongside the resorts of Burnham, Berrow and Brean is seven miles long, making this one of the longest stretches of golden sand in Europe.”
However, it isn’t just the glorious sands that attract visitors to the seaside town. Burnham-On-Sea Pier is one of five such buildings jutting out in the Bristol Channel, having been completed in 1914 at the end of the Victorian era.
While the beach may be one of the longest, the pier is the UK’s shortest, spanning just 38 metres in length. At low tide, the pier is up to 1.5 miles from the sea.
The pier and its associated small businesses have been applauded as having a “friendly” feel, with one previous visitor leaving a Tripadvisor review which states: “[A] small friendly pier. We visited the amusement arcade. Mix of 2p machines and slots for adults. Very modern. On leaving a staff member said thank you which was a nice touch.” [SIC]
Other notable structures along the seafront include Burnham’s three historic lighthouses, though just one is still in use today.
Though each of the lighthouses has been important to the area over the years, they are all very different.
Perhaps the most famous of these is Burnham’s “lighthouse on legs” known as Low Lighthouse. The nine-legged wooden lighthouse was built in 1832 and is a Grade II Heritage-listed structure.
This special lighthouse is a key focus of the beach and features on postcards and in many tourist holiday photographs.
Burnham Old Lighthouse, known as Round Tower and Burnham-on-Sea’s Pillar Lighthouse, known as High Lighthouse, are both much-loved features of the region, though are no longer active.
The development of the seafront at Burnham-on-sea began in 1911 when the pavement and wall were constructed. The South Esplanade, which runs from the jetty to the mouth of the Brue, was developed 20 years later in 1931.
Since then, the area has seen multiple changes, including the addition of a holiday village in 1963 and a £7.5 million sea wall in 1988.
Visitors can also expect to find lots of local businesses including pubs and restaurants, as well as a classic seaside arcade. The arcade, in particular, receives lots of positive feedback from previous visitors.
Posting to Tripadvisor, a former visitor wrote: “Spotlessly clean Arcade, staff always cleaning, plenty of little step stools for children to reach and enjoy games, staff very friendly & attentive. Well done Burnham Pier staff keep up the good work.” [SIC]