Clevedon

Clevedon is a must-visit charming seaside town in North Somerset combining stunning landscapes, an iconic Victorian pier, an historic cinema and a fine array of independent restaurants, cafes and shops. Here are some compelling reasons to add Clevedon to your travel itinerary:

Stunning Coastal Scenery

Clevedon boasts some of the most picturesque coastal views in the region. The town's location along the Bristol Channel offers visitors sweeping vistas of the sea which are particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The rugged coastline, pebbled beaches, and the tranquil Marine Lake create a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography.

Iconic Victorian Pier

One of Clevedon's most celebrated landmarks is its famous Victorian pier, which was described by poet Sir John Betjeman as the most beautiful in England. Opened in 1869, Clevedon Pier is the only Grade I listed pier in England, showcasing elegant engineering and historical significance. Walking along the quarter-of-a-mile boardwalk pier, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Severn Estuary across to Wales and the Holm Islands as well as up to the Severn Bridge. Fans of the pop band One Direction will know this pier well as their idols filmed their You and I video on it and the group have one of the 14,000 'sponsor a plank' plaques along the pier. 

Historical and Architectural Gems

Clevedon's historic Curzon Cinema is one of the oldest in the country and has been entertaining the townspeople of Clevedon ever since 1912 when it opened to raise money for victims of The Titanic disaster. It is one of the oldest continuously running cinemas in the world and is a cultural hub showcasing both contemporary films and classic cinema as well as comedy nights. The reception and bar areas are set out like a mini-museum with memorabilia from this famous film house's past.

There's also Clevedon Court, a 14th-century manor house owned by the National Trust which offers a glimpse into medieval architecture and gardens.

Looking out to sea, on the cliff above Marine Lake, is the Lookout Tower or The Sugar Lookout as it is known locally. The observation post was built in 1835 to look out for the arrival of sugar ships from the West Indies. Today it gives a bird's-eye view of the Victorian pier, Bristol Channel, and Severn estuary. It also provides a welcome breath-taking stop on Poet’s Walk where you can follow in the footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Alfred Tennyson.

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

Clevedon's cold water swimmers were made famous by BBC Television and today there hardly seems to be any time of day or evening when somebody isn't taking a dip in the town's Marine Lake which, is reportedly,  the world's largest sea water infinity pool. The sea-water lake is also the ideal place for paddle-boarding and kayaking. It also has a separate area for paddling.

There’s a skate board and scooter park on the Salthouse House fields as well as miniature golf and free tennis courts. That area also houses a small amusement arcade  

Clevedon is home to two golf courses – one of which, the Clevedon Golf Centre is pay and play and as cheap-as-chips for 18 holes. Both courses have great views over the sea. 

Walking

Clevedon is excellent for both the serious walkers and the strollers. Its promenade from the pier to the end of Marine Lake is a delightful mile long stroll with benches and seats along the way.

Walkers can pick up the coast path just a few hundred yards north of the town’s pier and enjoy a six-mile walk to Portishead taking in two bizarre looking lighthouses on the way.
There’s also the foot-pathed Poets Walk – Clevedon is said to have inspired the poets Tennyson and Coleridge – which rises up into the trees above Marine Lake and over the top of Wains Hill stopping to admire glorious views across the Bristol Channel to the two Holm Islands. You can return to the town on a circular walk or continue further south beyond the boats on The Pill and out along the sea wall.

Vibrant Cultural Scene

Clevedon has a thriving cultural scene with regular events, festivals, and markets. The town's markets and fairs offer local crafts, foods, and unique finds, reflecting the vibrant community spirit. The Riff Corner provides regular live music in the town centre, while The Theatre Shop in the town square is a small intimate theatre in the space of what used to be a shop.

Culinary Delights

Food lovers will appreciate Clevedon's diverse culinary offerings. From quaint tea rooms and traditional pubs to fine dining restaurants, the town caters for all tastes and provides a delightful gastronomic experience. There are cafes and pubs along the seafront. Away from that, head to the Hill Road area for a top culinary experience in a variety of excellent independent restaurants.

Waverley Week

Multiple cruises aboard The Waverley - the world's last sea-going paddle steamer - depart from Clevedon Pier every summer. Waverley Week has become so popular that it has now become almost a Waverley fortnight with several of the trips selling out quickly.

Clevedon and TV

Clevedon has garnered significant attention as a desirable film and TV location. Its unique blend of picturesque scenery, historical architecture, and quintessential English charm make it a perfect backdrop for a variety of genres and settings.
Clevedon has already made its mark with several high-profile productions.Viewers of popular TV show Broadchurch will already feel like they know the town which featured heavily in its filming. Meanwhile, films such as "Never Let Me Go," starring Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan, have also utilised Clevedon’s evocative landscapes to enhance their storytelling. Clevedon also recently featured in Channel Four's recent True Love

The final scene of the 1993 movie, The Remains of the Day starring Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson and Christopher Reeve was filmed here and there are many scenes of Clevedon in the Laurie Lee’s Cider with Rosie (1998). You may also know Clevedon from the BBC’s features on Clevedon’s Sea Swimmers who take a dip 365 days-a-year regardless of the weather.You can find a cycling route of film locations here.

Getting There 

Clevedon is easily accessible from Weston-super-Mare either by car or bus. And, from the summer of 2024 it will even be easily accessible by bike when the Pier to Pier cycle route linking the piers of Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon is opened.