I'm looking for a recommendation on a small town on south coast or Bristol Channel with easy rail connection to Bath that is worth a couple of nights. After many episodes of The Cafe', Weston-super-Mare seemed like a good candidate, but seems to have a poor reputation. Any suggestions welcome.
Posted by
Green Bay
20017 posts
The only thing I know about Weston-super-Mare is that it was featured in the hilarious stage comedy "Noises Off", by Michael Frayn. It included a faux playbill with goofy advertisements for local businesses in Weston-super-Mare. Now it is on my bucket list.
Its a short ride, why not?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32701 posts
Well, Weston super Mare has sand (yellow if I remember correctly) and was where my father wanted me to take him as he was dying, so it must have something.
It certainly wouldn't be my first choice, but you could do lots worse.
You should be able to get decent fish and chips, and see the sea.
Posted by
2399 posts
I would not recommend Weston. The sea is muddy due it being on the Severn estuary. Even the beach is mud at low tide.
I would consider going by direct train to Weymouth, on the south coast.
http://www.visit-dorset.com/about-the-area/areas-to-visit/weymouth-and-portland
Posted by
Bristol, UK
619 posts
What are you really looking for? Weston super Mare is a medium-size town with not much charm but lots of sand at low tide. It hosts sand sculpture competitions and people race along the beach on wind-powered vehicles, so the idea that it is all mud is wrong. It's not a modern, sophisticated resort, more a reminder of the 1950s. By the way, don't ask for the way to Weston when you are in Bath, because it is the name of one of the Bath suburbs.
Weymouth is a port as well as a beach resort, and my cousin goes there often. The train journey from Bath is rather slow, but is direct. Small places on the Devon coast like Sidmouth, Exmouth or Dawlish would require a change of train, as would the larger towns of Torquay or Paignton.
Posted by
OP
The Heartland USA
8421 posts
Thanks for the input, all. I've been to England but not the south/southwest.
Bob, I am really just looking for a (back door) town on the sea, that is reasonably close to Bath. Someplace with more to see than just the beach. I only know of Weston-s-M from television, so have no other knowledge of it. Will take a closer look at Weymouth.
Posted by
2399 posts
The train from Bath to Weymouth takes around 2 hours = a slow train that stops in numerous villages en-route. The fare is £17.50 and you pay on the day at Bath station. (A one way fare is the same price as the return).
Should you go to Weymouth, I would consider taking a bus to Lulworth Cove and then walk (steep) to Durdle Dor. See > http://www.lulworthonline.co.uk
For the local bus service:> www.traveline.info
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Without a car, Weymouth is probably the easiest, but it isn't a quick line. Weston super Mare IMO isn't worth the journey. Burnham on Sea is pleasant and Minehead is a traditional seaside resort, but neither have rail stations in the town, so you would have to take a short bus ride or taxi from the nearest rail station