A Brean Break

My second family holiday of the year sees the WME clan spending a few days in the Sedgemoor District of Somerset where Brean Sands will be our base for the week. We used to come here on camping trips when I was at primary school so I'm intrigued to see what - if anything - I remember of the area...

- Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare -

Monday 17th October heralds the beginning of our break as we make steady progress down the M5 motorway and whizz into the seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare. After pausing for lunch in Clarence Park, there are promenade strolls to enjoy with views of the Grand Pier and a multitude of hotels and guest houses. Marine Lake is a familiar feature from the Twixmas getaway of late 2015, as is the ferryboat 'Westward Ho' which is stationed at Knightstone and provides a link out to Flat Holm Island in the Bristol Channel. The lower half of Marine Parade is dominated by the See Monster installation, repurposing a retired oil rig as a piece of art.

- Homage to Burnham On Sea Station -

We can't check into our accommodation until 4pm so the afternoon is spent further along the coast at Burnham on Sea, a town noted for it's 'low lighthouse' which stands on the foreshore and is a Grade II-listed structure. An Esplanade perambulation here allows me to photograph landmarks such as the Reeds Arms (an elegant Victorian building that now plays host to the local Wetherspoons) and the Royal Clarence Hotel, whilst I also offer a nod to Burnham's former transport significance as a terminus for the Somerset & Dorset Railway. The station's approximate location is indicated by a running board and signal box close to the lifeboat shed.

- Coastguard Character at Minehead -

Having settled in at Brean Sands on Monday evening, attention turns to our Tuesday activities and a drive out to Minehead, another place that holds fond holiday memories from when I was a youngster. A Butlin's camp commands one end of the seafront here so I concentrate on the quaint harbour area, notable for fishing cottages and the Old Ship Aground pub (setting for a quality pint of Badger Bitter, sitting outside as the boats bob up and down). Minehead town centre is focused upon The Avenue and it's great fun trying to spot numerous 'metal head' characters crafted by a welder since lockdown - there's a minion one, a womble, a YMCA tribute and a coastguard among the many creations on show. 

- West Somerset Railway -

Aside from Butlin's, Minehead's other main claim to fame is that it is the final calling point of the West Somerset Railway, a heritage attraction that runs from Bishop's Lydeard via Williton, Watchet, Blue Anchor and Dunster, a distance of some 20 miles all told. I can't resist exploring the station forecourt and period platforms, watching engines such as 'Odney Manor' taking on fresh water supplies. The timetable is operated through a combination of steam and diesel locomotives with coaching stock from the 1950s and 1960s. A magical half hour is spent absorbing the scene before an evening of pain when Wolves lose 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

- St Bridget's Church, Brean -

That footballing disappointment still feels quite raw come Wednesday morning but solace is provided by a variety of pictures around Brean itself. The village effectively comprises a mass of caravan sites although there are other features for me to focus in on, most notably J Plimley & Sons Garage (independent petrol stations are a rare survivor these days) and St Bridget's Church, a compact little place of worship that can trace its origins back to the 13th century. Brean Down Nature Reserve is managed by the National Trust and is recognised for its bird colonies as well as a Palmerston Fort, built in the 1870s to guard against French invasion. 

- Burnham Pier -

Monday's visit to Burnham hadn't perhaps been long enough to do the town full justice so we catch the No. 20 First Bristol & Bath bus across via Berrow and see what else we can find. South Esplanade leads to the River Brue estuary as overlooked by the local Boat & Sailing Club while Burnham Pier's amusement arcade juts out briefly onto the beach. Our revisit enables me to take closer order as regards the Reeds Arms where Wetherspoons's latest beer festival is underway. Mr WME Senior and I therefore each partake of Double Swan, a gluten-free blonde ale brewed specially for the event by Elgood's.

- Wells Cathedral -

Thursday 20th October and our final full day in Somerset involves a wander around one of the country's smallest cities, namely Wells. Of particular prominence here is the magnificent Wells Cathedral and the neighbouring Bishop's Palace, both buildings being a true testament to the religious importance of the area in medieval times. Even in overcast conditions I must marvel at the architecture, particularly the saintly carvings that make up the cathedral's West Front - there are nearly 300 figures in total, including Christ himself plus apostles, angels and biblical quatrefoils. Simply spectacular whatever the weather!

- City Arms, Wells -

Refreshment in Wells comes courtesy of the City Arms, a rustic salmon-toned inn at the western end of the High Street. Old boys such as Terry and Royston are chewing the political fat as I quietly quaff a pint of Hedge Monkey, the Glastonbury Brewing Company's flagship bitter. This all seems a world away from the West Midlands or indeed Westminster, from whence news filters through that Liz Truss has resigned as Prime Minister - history in the making indeed! A couple of closing beverages involving the Brean Down Inn round off the holiday, and Friday morning sees us heading home after a successful Somerset sojourn!