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Burnham-on-Sea

Burnham-on-Sea

A thriving seaside town, Burnham-on-Sea offers everything from horse riding and water sports to amusements, theatre and cinema. A traditional seaside holiday town, it boasts the shortest pier in England and its golden sands stretch north for seven miles. Known worldwide for its iconic ‘lighthouse on legs’ – the Low Lighthouse – its open sands make for some incredible sunsets. To the south there’s also the award-winning 42-acre Apex Park for picnics, games and wildlife watching.

This stretch of coast is perfect for walking, flying kites, and splashing about in the sea – when the tide is in! (you can check here for today’s Burnham-On-Sea tide times).

  • Burnham-on-Sea beach
  • Burnham-on-Sea Church
  • Low Lighthouse at Burnham-on-Sea
  • Low Lighthouse at Burnham-on-Sea
  • 19th Century Terrace in Burnham-on-Sea
  • Marine Cove Gardens
  • Lake in Apex Park

Arriving in Burnham-on-Sea on the beach, the trail now moves away from the beach to Burnham-on-Sea’s vibrant Esplanade. In the 19th century Burnham was fast becoming a popular seaside town and it owed much of its prosperity to George Reed. Born in Bristol, Reed moved here in 1841 and used his inherited wealth to improve the town. His achievements included creating the first Local Board of Health, which improved sanitation, bringing in clean piped water and gas, and bringing the railway to Burnham-on-Sea generating more visitors, trade and wealth. The grand curved terraces at the beginning of the Esplanade were built by Reed in the 1850s and 60s, and were originally named after his daughters – Catherine and Julia.

Continuing along the Esplanade to South Esplanade the trail follows the banks of the River Brue past the ponds of Brue Pill and the award-winning Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park, before reaching Highbridge where it leaves the coast to follow the River Parrett to Bridgwater.

Burnham’s generally flat landscape means it’s great for walking, with several self-guided walks on the seafront, including the Burnham-on-Sea Storywalk, and a series of circular walks that take in this stunning stretch of coast from here all the way to Brean Down. Dog walkers should note that there are sections of the beach where dogs are not allowed, so do check the map to be sure you and your dog are in the right place Burnham-on-Sea Beach Dog Ban Areas.

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Walks in this area

Where to stay

Please note: this map shows approximate location
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