Attractions in and around Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is jam-packed with attractions and things to do whenever you visit and whatever the weather. We've got Europe's biggest helicopter museum, our famous Grand Pier, a stunning outdoor gallery of street art, Banksy's Pinwheel and, during the winter, the UK's largest undercover ice rink. We've got two theatres, comedy venues and a vibrant live music scene as well as donkeys, indoor and outdoor crazy golf, an amazing climbing centre, laser quest venue and tenpin bowling. So, sit back, read on and get planning some great days out...

The Grand Pier

Weston's famous Grand Pier - which has been dubbed The West Country's favourite attraction - is a one-stop destination for family fun and a must-visit on any itinerary. All its attractions - such as Go-karts, F1 simulators, arcade games, fairground rides, a laser maze, House of Horrors, crystal maze, a crazy circus and disco bikes - are all under one roof, so rain won't stop the fun. 

Weston Wallz - Street Art trail 

Weston-super-Mare has one of the biggest and best outdoor galleries of street art in the South West.

For the last three years, The Upfest Weston Wallz project has been transforming the town and turning some of its walls into giant canvasses.

For one week each year, Weston becomes a playground for some of the UK's top street artists who come and leave their mark on the town at the Weston Wallz Festival and it doesn't matter if you're not here for Paint Week because these talented artists leave their work behind.

Weston Helicopter Museum

Weston has the largest dedicated helicopter collection in the world with over 80 exhibits on display in an all-weather hangar. The collection covers civilian and military machines. Exhibits include the Queen's Flight helicopter and the Westland Lynx that still holds the helicopter world speed record of 249mph. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Banksy's Pinwheel

Banksy's iconic pinwheel is on display in Weston's museum. This seven-foot structure was part of his iconic Dismaland exhibition.

Weston Museum

Weston Town Museum is a museum with a difference offering fun digestible information in entertaining chunks.  As well as being able to try on a swimming hat, similar to the one worn by Weston's four-times Olympic gold medallist Paulo Radmilovic, you can step inside Clara's Cottage - a full Victorian re-incarnation - and also see a real Banksy with the artist's famous pinwheel on show.

Wookey Hole 

Wookey Hole is home to the largest show caves in England - which you can visit in the traditional fashion or, for those braver explorers, by booking the Wild Wookey experience. In addition to the caves, there's a Dinosaur Grove, a vintage arcade, magic mirrors a museum and the Wookey Circus at weekends. It is around a 20 mile drive from Weston.

Tyntesfield House National Trust property

Tyntesfield house is a lovely National Trust property built from the profits of bird poo! The huge house at Wraxall was built on the proceeds of the guano trade, bird mess turned into fertiliser. The result is a stunning house and estate.

Shepton Mallet Prison

Shepton Mallet Prison, which was once home to the infamous Kray Twins, is now one of the South West's best and most chilling tourist attractions, It was the world's oldest prison, prior to its closure in 2013, and held murderers, lifers and inmates on death row. Open daily, you will spend time on the wings, step into the cells, walk in the exercise yard and visit the execution area from which there was no return. You will see the governor's room, the hard labour yard and learn all about slopping out. In addition to guided tours you can also spend the night locked up in one of its cells. It is around an hour's drive of roughly 30 miles.

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is home to some of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhinos, Giraffe, Lions, Zebra and Spectacled Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see with over 100 species of animals, set in 100 acres of Somerset countryside. It is a short drive from Weston-super-Mare.

Clevedon Pier

Clevedon Pier is the only Grade 1 Listed Pier you can still visit in England, and was described as ‘the most beautiful pier in England’, by Sir Jon Betjeman,  More recently, pop group One Direction filmed one of their music videos there and marked the occasion by adding their own plaque to the many that adorn this lovely old pier.

Puxton Park

The award-winning Puxton Park is a great day out especially for families with younger children. It's got an adventure area, mini-railway, animal zone and water fun area. It's so popular with locals that many buy a season ticket. It's just the other side of the M5 motorway but can be easily accessed by bus if you haven't got a car.

Oakham Treasures

Situated just off the Gordano Services Junction on the M5 at Bristol this is a wonderful museum of all the things that your parents, grandparents and great grandparents used to use. It is a hoarder's treasure trove of everything you could think of from days gone by. It is a hundred years of stuff all laid out inside some farm barns. Some of the displays are set out like old shop counters and there is a big leaning to farming and farm machinery.

Winter Gardens Pavilion

Nestled along the seafront lies the historic and stunning Winter Gardens Pavilion. This famous venue stands as a beacon of elegance and entertainment, offering a myriad of experiences that cater to every taste and occasion. From concerts to ballroom dancing and from sporting dinners to themed nights the Winter Gardens Pavilion is an iconic venue.

Cheddar Gorge and Caves

Cheddar Gorge is one of Britain's most beautiful and breathtaking sights attracting walkers, climbers and sightseers.  It is England's largest gorge and boasts spectacular caves you can visit. You can take the three-mile cliff-top walk or climb Jacob's Ladder's 274 steps and head in the direction of the lookout tower which offers amazing views. And, if you are lucky, you can marvel at the goats which cling to the rocky outcrops before you descend deep underground into the beautiful caves. In addition, there's plenty of cafes and interesting gift shops, including the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, to visit as well as toilets and parking. Cheddar is around a 30-minute drive from Weston but it can be done on the 126 bus.

Brean Down Fort

Brean Down Fort, or Palmerston Fort, sits at the far tip of Brean Down. It was built to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion. It was later rearmed during the Second World War and used for experimental weapons testing including the bouncing bomb. The fort is now a ruin, but you can still wander for free around the buildings.

The Bishop's Palace, Wells 

This stunning medieval palace, in the heart of the medieval city of Wells, is a real picture-postcard palace so make sure you bring your camera. Cross the flagstone drawbridge over the breath-taking moat to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. Explore the ruined Great Hall and discover the Bishop’s private Chapel. The Bishop’s Palace is also world famous for its resident mute swans that ring a bell alongside the Gatehouse when they want to be fed. A trip to the palace makes a great combo with a visit to Wells Cathedral.