Brean is a small coastal area just a short drive north of Bridgwater. The area is stunningly beautiful and surprisingly undeveloped with fantastic walks along the beach and over brean down.
Brean Beach
Brean beach is an unspoiled strip running between Burnham and Weston Super Mare. The beach is seven miles long and you can actually park on the beach as the sand is so firm. The area has one of the largest tidal reaches in the world with the beach stretching for miles at low tide. If you drive to the down end of the beach you will find the national trust café and also a bird sanctuary café which has a small but interesting range of birds on display.
Brean Down
Brean down is a national trust protected area and is a short point offering stunning views out to Wales and across to the Severn Bridge and back inland to Glastonbury tor. There are two paths out to the point with the steps offering a steep and quick climb. The long path starts off to the right and sweeps up around the point. The left hand walk lets you take in the WW2 bunkers and the remains of an iron age fortress while the quick path skips this. On the walk look out for peregrine falcons and other sea birds. Either walk takes you down and round until you reach brean fortress.
Brean Down Fort
Brean down fort sits on the farthest point and is the remains of a fort that was built in the 1860’s to provide defense for the Bristol channel. The fort features a range of interesting buildings including barracks and ammunition stores. During the second world war the fort was used for weapons testing and as a defensive position featuring large guns covering the Bristol Channel. The location has been settled since the early to middle bronze age and also offers stunning views of the Bristol channel – and great spots to fish from.
Brean Leisure Park
Brean leisure park is a sprawling complex with plenty of great leisure facilities. For family fun the theme park has 40 different rides. Though absolutely not on a par with major theme parks this is still great fun for a day out. The indoor play centre is perfect for younger children. In the summer the water park is a fantastic day out with an indoor pool, indoor splash play park and an outdoor park with plenty of rides. Finally Brean leisure park has a fantastic golf course with brilliant sea side views – perfect for a round or two.
Brean makes for a perfect afternoon out with a cream tea and a nice long walk or as a fun family day out. At only a 30 minute drive from the Apple Tree Hotel this is one of our favourite day’s out in any weather.