Weston-Super-Mare is a town on the Bristol Channel and was first of all an Anglo-Saxon Settlement.
Early in the 19th century there were only thirty houses but in 1808 the first hotel was built and named the Royal Hotel. It was around this time that the town became popular with tourists especially after the railways arrived in 1841. Visitors arrived from Bristol and the Midlands on works outings and on Bank Holidays. Those from Wales arrived on the Paddle Steamer Ferry.
Bimbeck pier opened in 1867 and had tea rooms, funfair and an amusement arcade this soon was to become a very popular venue. The pier is now derelict and almost falling into the sea. The clever constructions can still be seen from behind a barbed wire fence and the pier is now a Grade II listed building.
In 1904 the New Pier was constructed nearer to the town to attract more people to the centre of town as retailers were complaining that trade was low as people visiting only went as far as the beach and Bimbeck Pier.
Weston-Super-Mare’s station is situated just five minutes walk from the beach. The town is also close to the M5 motorway and to make travelling to the town easier in l990 a road was built from the M5 to the centre of town.
The resort, like many others, fell into a decline when ‘package holidays’ became popular. The towns main employers now being the County Council and Weston College.
The beach lies to the west of town and is sandy on the upper part but nearer the sea it is very muddy hence the town sometimes being known as Weston-Super-Mud. When the tide is out it is very dangerous to try to reach the waters edge as the mud, in places, is very deep and has claimed the lives of several people. Cars can be driven on some parts of the beach but again care must be taken not to get sucked into the mud. The tidal rise is sometimes as much as fifteen metres in the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel.
Weston-Super-Mare’s entertainment is varied and includes the Playhouse Theatre, this is popular with both tourists and residents. The Winter Gardens have variety shows, exhibitions and conferences. The Blakehay Theatre and Community Arts Centre is a small venue in what was originally the local Baptist Church.
The town has a Helicopter Museum and a miniature railway on the beach lawns annually at the end of July when helicopters from all over the world are displayed. There is also an annual display by the Red Arrows usually at the same time.
The town also hosts the final event in November of the West Country Carnival Circuit when brightly lit floats drive round the town’s streets.
The end of October sees the Weston Beach Race this is an annual Motorcross Enduro event.
Famous names that have resided in Weston-Super-Mare include Jeffrey Archer, John Cleese, Jill Dando and Roald Dahl.
Property for rent is available at prices from £525pcm for a 2 bed flat and £725pcm for a 3 bed house.
There are plenty of shops for some retail therapy and these include Ann Harvey, Rookery Manor Bridal, True Trends, Officers Club, Lindars, Top Gear, Clobber and a number of chain stores.
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