Lighthouses, Beach Walks and Britain’s Shortest Pier
Hop on the number 20 bus from Weston-super-Mare and within minutes, you’ll find yourself in Burnham-on-Sea – a distinctive Somerset town that boasts three lighthouses, Britain’s shortest pier, and a leaning church.
The Three Lighthouses
Burnham-on-Sea is famously home to three lighthouses, but only one remains operational today – the iconic Low Lighthouse. Perched right on the beach, this quirky structure, standing on nine slender legs, has been likened by some to a Punch and Judy stand, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the south west.
The other two lighthouses, the High Lighthouse and the Round Tower, are part of Burnham’s maritime heritage, with each offering a glimpse into the town’s seafaring past.
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The leaning church of St. Andrew
Another must-see is St. Andrew’s Church, known for its distinctive leaning tower. This charming medieval church stands proudly on the seafront, its tower listing due to centuries of settlement. It’s not on the scale of the Leaning Tower of Pisa but it’s still a curious and impressive sight that adds a unique charm to the town’s landscape.
Britain’s Shortest Pier
A little further along the promenade, you’ll come to Burnham Pier – officially the shortest pier in Britain. While it may lack the length of its counterparts, it more than makes up for it in quirkiness. Enjoy playing the amusements or grab a bite to eat.
A Beach Walk to the SS Nornen Shipwreck
For those with a bit of extra energy, take a leisurely walk along Burnham’s expansive sandy beach. Head beyond the Low Lighthouse and make your way toward Berrow, where a fascinating piece of history lies waiting.
When the tide is out, you can see the skeletal remains of the SS Nornen, a Norwegian shipwreck that has become part of the landscape. The ship ran aground during a fierce storm in 1897, but thanks to the bravery of the ten-man crew, everyone survived. The wreck is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Burnham’s maritime history and offers a great photo opportunity for history buffs and beachcombers alike.
Burnham Beach
Burnham’s magnificent sandy beach stretches seven miles to Brean Down making it perfect for dog walks and even horse riders. Dogs are permitted all year round on all the beaches North of the sea wall at Maddocks Slade in Burnham all the way to Brean Down, which includes both Berrow beach and Brean Beach. Due to other users they need to be under control or on a lead. As you head away from Burnham town centre to the north, much of the beach is backed by glorious sand dunes.
FAQS
Can you walk from Burnham to Brean Down?
You can walk the full seven-miles all the way along the sandy beach from Burnham to Brean Down.
What is Burnham-on-Sea famous for?
Burnham-on-Sea is famous for its iconic wooden lighthouse on stilts, and holding the title of having Britian’s shortest pier.
How long is the beach at Burnham-on-Sea?
The sandy beach at Burnham-on-Sea is seven miles long.
