Discover the best things to do in Brean with our inside guide to this coastal spot in Somerset.
Is Brean worth visiting?
Poor old Somerset. She gets rather overlooked as Londoners zoom on through to scenic Devon and Cornwall along the M5. I’m as guilty of this as anyone, leaving it way too late in life to really start exploring what’s on my doorstep.
I knew about cider, of course, and the Glastonbury mud and cheddar. But it was only this year that I bundled my family into the car and set off for a beach weekend in the place.
Locals recommended Brean, a mere three hours from London and full of family fun.
So, don’t make my mistake. Get packing and exploring with this guide to the best things to do in Brean and around, giving you a taste of the cheese and apple south west.
Disclosure: I travelled to Brean as a guest of Visit Somerset for review purposes. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, what’s the point?
The Best Things to Do in Brean
Brean Beach
Brean Beach stretches for over seven sandy miles, providing ample space for sandcastle building, beach sports and sunbathing if the weather plays along.
Its vastness ensures that even on busy days, there’s plenty of room for everyone. At low tide, the Brean sands seem to stretch forever but there are a few things you need to know.
Well, just the one, really. Beyond the sand lies mud.
Access: Accessible via various points along Brean Down Road, the beach is easy to reach whether you’re staying locally or visiting for the day.
Facilities: Nearby car parks, cafés, and toilets are available, making it convenient for families and day-trippers.
Brean Leisure Park
This family-friendly amusement park offers a variety of rides, including outdoor roller coasters, water rides, and go-karts. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike, with gentle river boat rides for youngsters and hair-raising rides for those foolish enough to shunt themselves into the air!
We visited Brean theme park during the Euro football matches so didn’t have to queue for a single ride.
Opening Hours: Seasonal, typically from Easter to late October. It’s best to check the park’s website for specific dates and times.
Tickets: Pay-as-you-go ride tickets or all-inclusive wristbands are available, allowing flexibility depending on your preferences and how many rides you plan to enjoy. You can find a full list of rides and prices here.
Brean Down
Brean Down is a natural promontory offering stunning views over the Bristol Channel and the Somerset countryside. It’s a fantastic spot for photography and although the initial climb is pretty steep, it was more than manageable for our seven year old.
At the summit, you can explore the remnants of a Victorian-era fort at the summit. The Palmerston Fort was used for coastal defence in the 19th century and during World War II.
Even if you don’t have time to make it all the way to the fort, you can admire the views of Weston Super Mare and take part in some geocaching adventures.
Access: A moderate hike from the Brean Down car park. The walk is rewarding with restorative views along the way. Look out for the Grand Pier of Weston Super Mare from the top and, if you know what to look for, you can see the outline of Cardiff as well.
Facilities: National Trust café and visitor information centre at the base. These provide refreshments and educational resources about the area’s history and wildlife. You will need to pay a car parking fee unless you are a member of the National Trust.
Animal Farm Adventure Park
While we couldn’t manage to make it here on our visit, we’ve heard good things about Brean’s Animal Farm Adventure Park. Kids can interact with a variety of animals, including goats, pigs, llamas, and more.
Play Areas: Indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides, and seasonal events make it a hit with younger visitors. The park often hosts events like Easter egg hunts and Halloween specials.
Opening Hours: Open year-round, with varying hours. Checking the park’s schedule ahead of your visit is recommended.
Tickets: Family and group discounts available.
Brean Play
This large indoor play centre features climbing frames, slides, and soft play areas suitable for children up to 11 years old. Brean Play is an ideal spot for kids to burn off energy, especially on rainy days.
Café: On-site café for parents to relax while the kids play. The café offers a range of snacks and drinks, ensuring you can keep an eye on your children while enjoying a break.
Opening Hours: Open daily, with extended hours during school holidays. It’s a popular destination, so visiting during off-peak hours might provide a more relaxed experience.
Tickets: Pay per session, with discounts for multiple entries. This allows for flexibility in planning your visit.
Brean Splash Waterpark
Again, we were too busy to test the Brean Splash Waterpark out ourselves. However, the specs include outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, and splash zones. There’s also a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi for relaxation.
Opening Hours: Seasonal, generally from April to October. Be sure to check the specific opening times before you go.
Tickets: Day passes and whole family tickets available, offering good value for a full day of aquatic fun.
Cycle and Walking Trails
Popular routes include the Brean Down Way, which connects Brean with nearby towns and nature reserves. These trails provide a great way to see the natural beauty of the area up close.
You’ll find opportunities to spot local wildlife and bird species along the trails so bring along binoculars and a camera. We spotted water voles nestling into the waterside grass.
Equipment Hire: You can rent bicycles and gear from local shops. This makes it easy to enjoy the trails without having to bring your own equipment.
Brean Down Bird Garden
Home to a variety of birds, including parrots, macaws, and cockatoos, the garden offers an educational experience and the garden’s staff are knowledgeable and passionate about avian care.
Opening Hours: Open daily, weather permitting. It’s best to check the weather forecast and opening times before planning your visit.
Tickets: Modest entry fee supports the garden’s upkeep. It’s an affordable way to enjoy a unique attraction while contributing to a good cause.
Afternoon Tea
Indulge your sweet tooth and pretend you’re in Bridgerton by booking in for afternoon tea at The View at Brean Golf Club. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best afternoon teas I’ve ever tasted and it comes as a visual treat as well. If you can’t make it here in the afternoon, then check out their Sunday Roasts too. The giant yorkshire pudding arrives perched perilously high on the vegetables.
Things to Do Near Brean
You know me, I like to explore! So, while we found plenty of things to do in Brean itself, I couldn’t head to this part of Somerset and miss out on the following…
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge, featuring dramatic cliffs and rock formations. The gorge is a natural wonder formed over millions of years and is recognized for its towering limestone cliffs that reach up to 450 feet.
It’s obviously popular for its hiking trails, rock climbing, and cave tours but if you’re short on time, you can just drive straight through and see the Gorge that way.
If you have the time and energy, the 3-mile circular route offers panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding countryside of the Mendip Hills. Additionally, the area is a hotspot for rock climbing with routes suitable for all skill levels.
You can also explore Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave, which are part of the gorge. Gough’s Cave is famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites and as the place where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, was found. The museum offers insights into the prehistoric significance of the area.
Location: Approximately 16 miles from Brean.
Cheddar Cheese Making
Yes! It’s time for the famous cheese! Visit the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, the only cheese maker left in Cheddar village, to see the traditional methods of cheese production. The process includes handcrafting the cheese and maturing it in cloth, a technique that has been used for centuries. Plus, the staff are born entertainers and so it makes for a great day out.
You can also taste the difference between cheeses that have been aged for different lengths of time, from mild to vintage varieties, plus those matured in the caves.
Plus, find out what else Somerset is famous for here.
Location: Cheddar village, near Cheddar Gorge. If you have a whole day free, you can pop in and out to see each phase of the cheese making process.
Wookey Hole Caves
This quirky site is organised around the impressive limestone caves, home to fascinating rock formations, underground rivers, and the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole. The caves have been used by humans for thousands of years and are rich in history and folklore.
The site includes a paper mill, 4D cinema, and adventure or crazy golf, making it a great destination for families. The paper mill is one of the oldest still operating in the UK, and visitors can see traditional paper-making techniques. You could easily spend the whole day here, we had to rush off, so pace yourself and leave yourself enough time to enjoy everything.
Location: About 20 miles from Brean with easy parking and signposting.
Rich’s Cider Farm
A real highlight of our trip, Rich’s Cider Farm has a lovely farm shop, play area and restaurant that will really give you an insight into Somerset food production.
If you time it right, you can tour the cider farm to see how traditional Somerset cider is made, from apple pressing to fermentation. Rich’s Cider has been producing cider for over 60 years, and the process combines traditional methods with modern techniques.
Enjoy tastings of various ciders and perries, and purchase bottles to take home from the farm shop. The shop also offers local produce, gifts, and cider-related merchandise.
Finally, there’s a tiny but eye opening museum organised around cider production. Look out for the enormous black cider barrel and work out how long it would take you to drink the lot.
Location: It’s just a short drive of approximately 10 miles from Brean to Highbridge. Easily accessible and perfect for a leisurely afternoon trip.
Quantock Hills
Next on our list for next time are the Quantock Hills, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (that’s a thing in England.)
Their rolling hills, wooded combes and expansive heathland are perfect for hiking, cycling, and horse riding, with a network of well-marked trails for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
One popular route is the 8-mile circular walk from Holford, which takes you through ancient woodland and offers lovely views from the hilltops.
For a more leisurely visit, the Quantocks are also dotted with charming villages such as Nether Stowey, home to Coleridge Cottage, where the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge once lived. The landscape itself is said to have inspired many of his works.
Birdwatchers and nature lovers will appreciate the diverse wildlife, including deer and numerous bird species.
Location: About 30 miles from Brean. A beautiful drive through the Somerset countryside leads to this peaceful natural retreat.
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury Tor is a hill topped by the striking remains of St. Michael’s Tower. It offers panoramic views over the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Wales. It’s also steeped in myths and legends associated with King Arthur and the Isle of Avalon. As a result, the Tor has become a spiritual site, attracting visitors seeking both historical insight and mystical experiences.
A well-maintained footpath leads to the top, making for a rewarding climb that is accessible for most fitness levels. The ascent is relatively short but steep, taking about 15-20 minutes.
There’s also the nearby Glastonbury Abbey, just a short walk from the Tor.
Location: Approximately 25 miles from Brean. T
The Practicalities: Brean
How Do I Travel to Brean?
- By Car: Brean is accessible via the M5 motorway. Exit at Junction 22 and follow the A38 and B3140. The village is well-signposted and easy to navigate.
- Public Transport: The nearest train station is Highbridge & Burnham, with local bus services connecting to Brean.
When Should I Visit Brean?
- Spring and Summer: Ideal for beach activities and outdoor attractions. The weather is warm, and most attractions are fully operational.
- Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful coastal walks. It’s a great time for those who prefer a quieter visit.
- Winter: Quieter, but some attractions may have limited hours. However, the scenic beauty of Brean can still be enjoyed year-round.
How Do I Get Around Brean?
- Walking and Cycling: Many attractions are within walking or cycling distance. The flat terrain makes it easy to explore.
- Car: Recommended for exploring the wider area. Parking is generally available at major attractions.
Where Should I Stay in Brean?
Without a doubt, this part of Somerset loves its caravans and a good road trip car game involves counting just how many caravans you can see.
We stayed a the Holiday Resort Unity, which is very convenient for reaching Brean’s Theme Park. It also has a small farm for kids, plus a birdwatching hide and daily entertainment. It has a variety of restaurants so you may not need to venture into the village of Brean (but of course, we did, because that’s just who we are!) It’s not as luxurious as places we often recommend here but if you’re travelling with small children, the playgrounds are absolutely excellent and you are right by miles of flat golden sands.
The Practicalities: Somerset
How Do I Travel to Somerset?
- By Car: Most of these attractions are best accessed by car. The roads in Somerset are well-maintained, and driving provides flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Public Transport: While some attractions can be reached via public transport, it may involve multiple transfers and longer travel times.
