Portishead

Portishead - A Town of contrasts

Portishead’s unique position at the mouth of the Severn Estuary makes it a town of contrast. Look one way for the industrial landscape of the busy Avonmouth docks, look the other for peaceful coastal walks including The Two Lighthouses Walk, green spaces and great views or look straight out for breathtaking views over the estuary and across to Wales.

The contrast doesn't stop there either. There's a cosmopolitan Marina, where sleek yachts bob alongside vibrant cafes and shops, but there's alsoa traditional boating lake at the Lake Grounds, an all-year round heated open-air pool and a striking arts and sculpture trail. Throw in two of the most peculiar-looking lighthouses you will see anywhere on the British coast and Portishead really does make for an excellent day out from Weston-super-Mare.

Battery Point 

For panoramic views, Battery Point is a must-visit. This historic spot, once a defensive post during the English Civil War and World War II, now offers one of the best vantage points in the area as well as one of the most bizarre lighthouses you will ever see. More of that later.

From this hillside, you can watch ships navigating the estuary, marvel at sunsets, and see Portishead Point or Battery Point Lighthouse as it is otherwise known. 

The hill gives you Portishead in a nutshell. Face the sea for views to Wales, Look right for the magnificent Severn Bridge spanning the channel or look left for peaceful countryside views. It is a peaceful spot for ship-watching, with vessels of all sizes passing close to shore as they enter or leave the Port of Bristol. 

Portishead's two bizarre lighthouses

Portishead is home to two of the most bizarre-looking lighthouses you will ever see in the British Isles. And you can catch them both in the Two Lighthouses Walk - which is a relatively easy 1.6 mile (3.2 miles if you're walking back) pretty meander along the Esplanade and coast path towards Clevedon.

The Black Nore lighthouse looks like something that has landed from outer space while the Battery Point lighthouse is a low black and white oddly-shaped construction at the end of a short footway.

Portishead Point Lighthouse

The Portishead Point Lighthouse is a striking landmark at Battery Point that offers visitors a glimpse into the area's maritime history. Built in 1931, this small but significant lighthouse stands as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the tricky waters of the Severn Estuary. Its distinctive black-and-white steel structure, often referred to as a "leading light," adds a peculiar charm to the natural beauty surrounding it.

From the lighthouse, you'll enjoy breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel, and across to the Welsh coastline which is so close that you will be able to make out individual cars on the roads on the other side of the bridge.

Battery Point, where the lighthouse is located, is steeped in history, having played a defensive role during both the English Civil War and World War II. 

Black Nore Lighthouse: A Hidden Gem

A little further along the coastal path lies the Black Nore Lighthouse, another captivating piece of maritime heritage. Built in 1894, this Grade II listed structure, which has the appearance of a space ship, once guided ships safely into the Port of Bristol. Its white-painted cast-iron tower stands proudly against the rugged estuary backdrop, and while it ceased operation in 2010, it remains a much-loved local landmark.

The walk to Black Nore takes you along picturesque sections of the Portishead coastline, offering sweeping views of the estuary and opportunities for birdwatching along the way. The path is well-maintained and meanders through peaceful surroundings, making it an easy and enjoyable route for all.

Portishead Lake Grounds & Boating Lake

The Portishead Lake Grounds is a haven for families and those seeking a slower pace. With its boating lake, playground, skate park, tennis courts, cafe and expansive green spaces, there’s plenty to keep kids and adults entertained. It's the perfect place to pack a picnic and feed the ducks or, during the summer, rent a boat.

Portishead Open Air Heated Swimming Pool

If swimming is your thing, the Portishead Open Air Pool offers outdoor swimming with indoor temperatures. The 33-metre pool is heated to 28 C from April to October by a biomass green energy system funded by Good Energy. During the winter months, the pool is open on Saturday and Sunday morning for cold water swimming. The pool itself is easy to spot. It was painted bright orange and yellow by volunteers and with its high terraced steps looks something like an ampitheatre on the side of Battery Point.

Portishead Art Trail

Art enthusiasts will love the Portishead Public Art Trail, which weaves through the Marina and other parts of town. This unique collection of sculptures and installations reflects Portishead’s rich maritime and industrial past. Don’t miss the evocative "Full Fathom Five" installation, an ode to the sea and its seafarers, or the "Arc of Angels," a nod to Portishead Radio's pioneering role in global communication.

Portishead Coast Path

Nature lovers, walkers and dog walkers will enjoy the Portishead Coastal Path, a picturesque trail connecting the town to Clevedon. Along the way, you’ll encounter highlights like Sugar Loaf Beach, Black Nore Lighthouse, and Layde Bay. Kilkenny Fields, with its open spaces and kite-flying opportunities, offers a delightful pit stop.

Feeling peckish? Stop by The Windmill Inn for a pint and unparalleled views over the Severn Estuary. The pub’s large beer garden makes it a perfect spot to relax while watching ships drift by.

Shop, Dine, and Explore

Portishead’s bustling town centre and marina offer a variety of shopping and dining options. Whether you’re after boutique finds, a hearty meal, or a quick coffee, the town caters to all tastes. The marina's lively atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely meal with waterfront views.

Getting there

Portishead is an easy day trip from Weston-super-Mare It can be done by bus, car or for those with extra energy by bicycle. If you are coming under your own steam, it is worth exiting the M5 a junction early at Clevedon and taking the back roads - making sure that you turn left at Walton-in-Gordano and take the coast road into Portishead for some stunning views.