There are 169 seaside towns in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics. So when it comes to coastal staycations, we’re spoiled for choice.
But while a few always get their roses — eg Brighton, Whitby, and Newquay — others don’t have the best reputation.
One of these is Weston-super-Mare, a Somerset town that’s been named one of the country’s ‘worst seaside towns’ by Which? and The Telegraph.
Once a thriving Victorian health resort, known for its elegant pier, long sandy beach, and family-friendly amusements, it fell into decline in the 1960s when cheap package holidays became the order of the day.
Sadly, this neglect led to run-down buildings, boarded-up shops, and high levels of poverty.
On Reddit, the town has been described as ‘depressing’ and ‘bleak.’ It even as a nickname: ‘Weston-super-Mud’, which refers to the sea’s murky colour due to sediment from the Severn Estuary. Charming.
However, 2026 looks set to be a time of renaissance for poor ol’ WsM.
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FlixBus, the UK’s favourite low-cost coach service, has crowned the town number one in its trending destinations for next year.
A spokesperson said: ‘The Somerset town is making a comeback thanks to a renewed love for quintessential British beach breaks.
‘Search interest has surged as Weston-super-Mare continues to reinvent itself with refreshed promenades, restored attractions, and plenty of reasons to just hang out.’
So, what’s all the fuss about?
Things to do in Weston-Super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare is undergoing a major restoration project, with over £20 million being poured into the town.
Projects include the rebuilding of Grade II* Birnbeck Pier (the only pier in the UK to connect to an island), a major town centre re-development, and the rejuvenation of the Tropicana, the former lido, which was the home of Banksy’s 2015 Dismaland exhibition.
The pier and lido are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Beach for days
If you’re looking for a traditional British beach, Weston-super-Mare ticks all the boxes.
At two miles long, spend your afternoons making sand castles, sunbathing, eating fish and chips, or walking along the accessible flat promenade.
On TripAdvisor, Papa’s Traditional Fish & Chips is hailed the best spot to indulge in this seaside treat.
The Grand Pier will keep kids occupied for hours with indoor rides and arcade machines, plus candy floss and ice cream kiosks. Rides open from 11am on weekends, and 12pm Monday to Friday.
The Marine Lake — a small cove in the north of Weston Bay with its own sandy beach — offers free seafront wild swimming, and is considered a safer place to enjoy the ocean.
Anchor Heach beach is a smaller rocky cove next to the Anchor Head Hotel. It’s accessed by steep steps, and overlooked by a small cafe.
Here, you’ll catch some of the best sunrises and sunsets.
Culture, arts, and entertainment
Weston-super-Mare is quietly becoming a bit of a culture hub.
Street art is a huge deal here — the town has one of the biggest outdoor galleries in the South West.
The Weston Wallz Festival, which is part of UpFest, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival, takes place here for a week each July. Around 20 walls across town are transformed by some of the UK and Europe’s leading street artists.
The weekend festivities also include the Spray Jam in the Italian Gardens in the town centre. Locals watch artists in real-time, as they paint giant canvases and host workshops.
The Italian Gardens is also home to the weekly Weston Independent Market. Launched in 2025, it brings together the best artisan traders in the South West.
On Wednesdays and Sundays, expect live music, pop-up food festivals and fashion stalls.
Should the weather take a turn for the worse (we are in the UK, after all), Weston-super-Mare has multiple museums to choose from.
The free town museum showcases Weston’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Banky’s giant Dismaland pinwheel is on permanent display here.
The award-winning helicopter museum houses over 80 civilian and military helicopters. Entry costs £14.
Parks and recreation
Grove Park and Puxton Park are two of Weston-super-Mare’s idyllic green spaces.
The former dates back to Victorian times, and is complete with a war memorial and traditional bandstand, which hosts free concerts throughout the year.
There’s also the Jill Dando Memorial Garden, dedicated to the late journalist and TV presenter, who was born in the town.
The ‘area of reflection’ was created in 2001 by Alan Titchmarsh, Charlie Dimmock, Tommy Walsh and Will Shanahan, and features a pond and some of Jill’s favourite flowers: roses, clematis, and lavender.
Alternatively, Puxton Park is perfect for a family day out. Set across 40 acres of Somerset countryside, enjoy the adventure area, animal zone, water park and soft play. There’s also a restaurant and farm shop on-site.
Adult entry costs £16.50 in peak season, or £12.50 in low season. For kids, it’s £17.50 or £13.50, respectively.
How to get to Weston-super-Mare
Getting to 2026’s ‘must-visit seaside town’ won’t break the bank.
Regular direct trains go from London Paddington to Weston-super-Mare, and take just over 2 hours.
Ticket prices average around £30 one-way.
