You can find sandy beaches, attractions, stunning seafronts, and more to enjoyPeople on the beach at Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset.People on the beach at Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset.(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Staycations are hugely popular in the UK, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, and many Brits will be looking for seaside destinations to spend some of their summer.

Luckily for us here in Bristol, we’re not far from some of the country’s best and most beautiful coastline (and countryside). But if you don’t want to drive all the way down to the very edges of Cornwall and Devon – or you simply fancy a day out by the sea – then we’ve got you covered too.

We’ve created a handy guide below of some of the best seaside towns and villages within reach of Bristol that may be worth a visit this summer…

Fancy visiting some of the best beaches nearby? Check out a list we made earlier here.

Weston-super-Mare

How far from Bristol? Around a 40-minute drive

Many a Bristolian will have ventured to Weston for a day trip. The beach, contrary to popular belief, is made of sand for the most part (but don’t venture out too far or you’ll be at risk of those ominous ‘sinking mud’ flats).

The Grand Pier is probably the best known landmark in the area, boasting arcade machines, rides, restaurants and other attractions. Meanwhile the town itself is known as an ‘all-year-round family coastal destination’ due to its vast array of other indoor attractions – museums, food and drink spots and the like – as well as outdoor sports, donkey rides, and walks.

When it comes to events, Weston boasts live music, comedy, and Weston Wallz – an annual street art festival. So Bristolians should feel right at home.

ClevedonPeople enjoy the warm weather on the Victorian Pier at Clevedon, North SomersetPeople enjoy the warm weather on the Victorian Pier at Clevedon, North Somerset(Image: PA)

How far from Bristol? Around 35 minutes driving

Clevedon, another seaside town many of us in Bristol will no doubt be familiar with, also boasts its own pier. While not as ‘grand’ as Weston’s, this one has featured on our screens, most notably in the music video for boyband One Direction’s hit track ‘You & I’ (there’s even a plaque here to commemorate the filming).

But if you’re not a fan of One Direction per se, then don’t fret, as the town also boasts a hugely popular marine lake for swimming, picturesque walks and cycle routes, a National Trust venue, and plenty of attractions and food and drink spots to enjoy.

PortisheadThe marina at Portishead has developed into a bustling waterfront(Image: Tanya Waterworth)

How far from Bristol? Around a 30-minute drive

Boasting a long history as a fishing port, Portishead boasts its own Marina and sea front. There’s even an area of a waterfront development that has been modelled on the Cornish seaside town of Polperro, with narrow streets and multi-coloured homes.

Along the waterside you’ll find bars and restaurants to tuck into, and at the top of the marina sits an RNLI lifeboat station only opened in 2015.

There’s even a lighthouse – Portishead Point Lighthouse – which was built at Battery Point in 1931 and stands at 30ft tall.

And music fans will no doubt already know that this seaside town was the inspiration behind the name of the band, Portishead, who hailed from here.

Burnham-on-SeaBurnham-on-SeaBurnham-on-Sea(Image: (Image: Getty Images))

How far from Bristol? Around a 48 minute drive

Slightly further afield, but still sitting in the boundaries of Somerset, Burnham-on-Sea is a popular spot for holiday goers in our neck of the woods – no doubt because of the miles of sandy beaches it offers.

You’ll find three main beaches here – Main Beach, North Beach and South Beach – each offering different things, from building perfect sandcastles to watching boats go by, and even tucking into an ice cream or some fish and chips.

Around the town you will find a plethora of cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs to explore and relax in, and other attractions include a theatre, cinema, historic pier and parks.

BreanBig skies over Brean beachBig skies over Brean beach(Image: Western Morning News)

How far from Bristol? Around an hour’s drive

Another Somerset location many of us have staycated in over the years, Brean has a plethora of things to do.

Miles of sandy beach, that’s dog friendly, awaits you, while there are historic landmarks like Brean Down Fort, luxurious activities at the likes of Brean Golf & Country Club, and more family-focused attractions, such as Brean Splash water park, and Animal Farm Adventure Park, among others.

There’s a variety of foodie spots to enjoy meals with loved ones – even a cider farm you can visit – farm shops, nightlife, and more.

PorthcawlRest Bay, PorthcawlRest Bay, Porthcawl

How far from Bristol? An hour and 15 minutes drive, roughly

A town over the bridge in Wales, Porthcawl is located on the south coast, 25 miles west of Cardiff and 19 miles south-east of Swansea.

Celebrated as one of South Wales’ most popular holiday resorts, the seaside town boasts seven beaches – from sheltered bays to stretches of white sand, and featuring everything from water sports and amusements to relaxation aplenty.

The town is also home to a museum, RNLI lifeboat station, the ruin of Coity Castle (slightly further afield to Bridgend), and a range of holiday and amusement parks, including the Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Amusement Park.

A short drive away, you’ll find a farm, country park and nature reserve, perfect for animal lovers.

Meanwhile, within the town itself there’s a new watersports centre, marina, golf club, traditional funfair that runs from March to October, and even the world’s largest Elvis festival, would you believe?