Things to Do - Day Time

Welcome to Weston-super-Mare and its vibrant and bustling town centre, just a ten-minute walk from seafront and the Weston railway station, which opened in 1884 and perfectly demonstrates the 19th century roots of our seaside resort. As well marvelling at the ornate exterior of the station, architecture fans will find many more stellar examples of classic Victorian design to admire, notably the Town Hall and nearby Walliscote school, the Weston Mercury building and many of the shop exteriors located along the High Street.

On the High Street itself you’ll find a selection of independent retailers alongside well-known brands. Shoppers can browse fashion, electronics, stationery and more with even more to browse inside the Sovereign Shopping Centre. This light and bright indoor shopping mall, hosts yet more big-name retailers and eateries. Wait around for the hour to strike on the feature clock and watch the animatronic puppets entertain shoppers with their cute and quirky ‘performance’. Reasonably priced multi-storey parking is available for over 800 vehicles from 8:00am until late (closing times vary depending on the season); it’s also a great central location to park and explore all of what Weston has to offer.

The High Street adjoins the Italian Gardens, a recently redesigned open space with outdoor seating, green lawns and kids’ favourite, the decorative pavement fountains – perfect for splashing around in on summer days. This communal space is also where you’ll find Banksy’s Pinwheel sculpture, rehomed here from his Dismaland Bemusement Park installation on the seafront. The Italian Gardens also hosts town events such as the Eat: Weston food festivals.

For fans of history, art and culture there’s lots to see come rain or shine. For mod-scene and scooter enthusiasts, the popular Lambretta museum displays an impressive collection of vintage scooters and memorabilia, open Tuesday to Saturday. The recently refurbished Weston Museum is open seven days a week from 10am and showcases exhibits containing around 50,000 individual objects. Together they tell the story of Weston-super-Mare and its surrounding areas from prehistoric times to the present day as well as a collection of artworks depicting Weston through the ages; there’s also a well-stocked souvenir gift shop and café to tempt you. In the centre of town, Weston Library is open Monday to Saturday; accessed via the side-entrance of the Town Hall and offers many public services including book borrowing, free Wi-Fi, council enquiries, computer access and fax facilities.

Creative types and ‘Culture Vultures’ will love the bohemian districts of Orchard Meadows and Grove Village. These two alternative quarters of Weston play home to a vast array of specialist independent retailers including hobbyist model shops, pet stores and new age supplies. As well as retailers, visitors will find two theatres, a quirky indoor market as well as many more places to eat and drink. Whether you fancy a coffee or a craft ale before you catch the matinee, you’ll find all sorts of options on offer. 

Sitting proudly at the northern end of the High Street and Grove Village, you will find Grove Park. This sprawling Victorian garden comes complete with an original bandstand, café, formal flower beds, community vegetable patch and playground. Grove Park is also home to ‘Jill’s Garden’ - BBC’s Ground Force memorial garden built to celebrate the life of Westonian journalist Jill Dando.

A more recent addition to Weston town centre is the Dolphin Square development. This 21st century leisure complex in the heart of town, boasts a great variety of restaurants, a coffee shop, a state-of-the-art gym, multiscreen cinema and an indoor climbing centre – perfect for families on rainy days. 

Transport links to and from the town centre are excellent. Bus services around Weston and the wider area depart frequently from stops just off the High Street, as well as mini-cab offices also prominently located around the centre of town. When driving around Weston town centre, there is an enforced 20mph speed limit.