10 Best Beaches Near Bath, England (by Train and Car)

Although Bath isn’t located directly next to the sea, it is a great starting point for accessing some picturesque and pristine beaches by car or train. In this post, I’ll take you through my list of 10 of the best beaches near Bath.






Located in the southwestern side of England, Bath has great transport links to the coast. The delta of the River Severn flows into the Bristol Channel just a few short miles from the city. So if you have a car and are happy to drive, or are using public transport, a beach is never too far away.



I used Bath Spa train station to visit some of the best beaches near Bath. Reliable and regular services can easily open up nearby regions of the country. So, after a morning of enjoying the beautiful culture and history of Bath City, a short hop to one of many wonderful beaches for the afternoon – or even a weekend – is a great way to fill your time during your stay.



10 Best Beaches in Bath



After spending 2 months in Bath over the summer, access to a beach was imperative for me. Sometimes, it’s nice to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air and blue horizon views! I managed to visit a lot of nearby beaches during my time in the southwest of England. Here is a list of my 10 best beaches close to Bath:



1. Portishead Beach






One of the best beaches close to Bath is in Portishead. The second largest town in North Somerset , Portishead is a coastal location full of traditional English seaside charm. I really enjoyed visiting this place for its mixture of history and modern amenities.



The views across the Bristol Channel are stunning and you can even see Wales across the water. The many seafront family attractions make Portishead a popular destination for beachgoers, day trippers, and holidaymakers. It was a really hot day when I last went, so I took a dip at the unique open-air pool at the beach’s north end – it’s a great addition to the beach and ideal for families.



You can enjoy some spectacular sunsets from the west-facing beach too, which combines sand, shells, pebbles, and rocks. It makes for the perfect relaxing beach setting and is ideal for admiring the view over the Channel.




Location : Portishead Beach, Portishead, United Kingdom



How to Get There : It is a 23-mile drive from Bath and should take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Via train , it is also easily possible to get to from Bath, though the journey requires a change in Bristol.



Best For : Family days out, sunsets, seaside attractions, and calm waters.



Amenities : Public parking and toilets are available next to the beach. There are many cafes , pubs , and restaurants within a few minutes walk of the coast.




Accommodation Near Portishead Beach






If you’re planning a night or more by Portishead Beach, have a look at these excellent options I found. All within steps of the beautiful coastline.



The Royal Inn : Featuring free parking and a restaurant and bar on-site, this excellent hotel option is ideally located for walking to Portishead Beach and has great sea view rooms.



Liberty Suite : This stunning apartment is close to the Portishead Quay Marina and is walkable to the coastline in two directions. It has everything you need for a perfect beach holiday.



Penthouse Apartment : With amazing sea views this comfortable and stylish penthouse apartment is a great option for exploring everything Portishead has to offer and is ideal for couples.



Restaurants Near Portishead Beach






There are a number of great restaurant options in Portishead. From traditional pubs to local cafes you won’t struggle to find a good place to eat.



The Windmill Inn : A huge sea-facing glass wall makes the most of some spectacular views while you dine. This is a great option for traditional pub classics like fish and chips and sausage and mash. Click here for directions.



The Posset Cup : A part of the 800+ strong J.D. Wetherspoons pub chain that serves some of the most affordable meals and drinks around. Click here for directions .



Mokoko Coffee & Bakery : A small Bristol and Bath chain that serves great coffee as well as some terrific freshly made onsite focaccias and sandwiches. The same chain is featured in my list of 15 best coffee shops in Bath. Click here for directions.



2. Weston Super Mare






Weston Super Mare was my beach of choice several times during my stay in Bath. The soft sands stretch for miles and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the seaside. It’s a family-friendly destination, with plenty going on to keep everyone busy.



The beachfront promenade is lined with various attractions such as amusement arcades, cafes, and ice cream vendors, which make for a lively atmosphere during the warmer months. I enjoyed exploring the Grand Pier – an iconic Victorian pier featuring amusement rides, restaurants, and an indoor funfair – great fun!



If you have kids, they’ll love the donkey rides along the beach, they’re a real nostalgic treat for British adults too. With its scenic beauty and seaside charm, Weston Super Mare’s beach continues to be a popular destination for anyone seeking a traditional British seaside experience.




Location : Weston Super Mare, United Kingdom



How to Get There : The beach is under 50 miles from Bath and should take around an hour by car. Equally, regular trains and buses should also get you to the coast in around an hour.



Best For : Soft sand, family-friendly entertainment, paddle boarding, and water sports.



Amenities : Numerous parking facilities and public toilets are to be found along the beachfront. There are all the facilities of a town within a short walk of the beach.




Accommodation Near Weston Super Mare Beach



There are several great hotels and apartments available in Weston Super Mare. Have a look at these excellent options:



The Kyrenia: A range of private apartments that are practically on the beach. Each features amazing sea views, access to a fitness room, and free parking.



The Sunfold: A family-run guesthouse just steps from the beach, and a 10-minute walk to the pier, with rooms offering sea views.



Rosita Guest House: An adorable guesthouse set away from the coast but still only a few minutes walk to the sand. Includes free parking and a great breakfast.



Restaurants Near Weston Super Mare



Being the second biggest town in North Somerset, you can expect to find many great food options. Here are a few of my top picks:



Tiffany’s Restaurant: Located at the far end of the pier, with exceptional views of the water, Tiffany’s serves everything from light bites to main meals. Click here for directions.



Weston Beach Cafe : It’s an English right of passage to have fish and chips at the seaside. Weston Beach Cafe is a great spot to tick that off the list. Click here for directions.



The Old Thatched Cottage: A great restaurant in an 18th-century cottage that has an excellent steak and fish menu. Click here for directions.



3. Brean Beach






Just 2 miles further south down the coastline from Weston Super Mare is the lesser-known Brean Beach. It’s one of the more private beaches near Bath, with an impressive 7-mile expanse of sand making it one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe.



Although Brean is a popular spot with locals, beachgoers, and tourists alike, it felt significantly quieter than Weston or Portishead Beach. It’s well worth traveling the few extra miles to enjoy the tranquil beach and less touristy offerings of this town. You’ll still have everything you need on hand for a nice day at the beach.



You won’t be able to miss Brean Down , a 320-foot-high headland that forms a natural pier as it stretches out into the sea. If you’re up for a climb, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Bristol Channel – I highly recommend it.




Location : Brean Down Rd, Brean, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2RS, United Kingdom



How to Get There : Just 2 miles further south than Weston Super Mare and with good transport links to the surrounding towns. The beach is around 50 miles from Bath and should take about an hour by car. Regular trains and buses are available from Bath but may require a couple of changes.



Best For : Quiet family beach days, and exploring.



Amenities : Ample parking is available right next to the beach, as are toilets and disabled facilities. There’s also a first aid point.




Accommodation Near Brean Beach



There aren’t many big hotels in Brean but you will find several great guesthouses, apartments, and luxurious static caravan sites available. Have a look at these great options:



Deluxe Apartment: Situated on the coast and just a few minutes walk south of Brean Down. This highly-rated apartment includes breakfast, free parking, and incredible views.



The Old Rectory: Located within an easy walk to the beach, The Old Rectory offers units that include terraces and gardens. There’s also a children’s play area, making it ideal for families with small kids.



Luxury Static Caravan : Static caravan parks go hand-in-hand with English seaside towns. This 2 bedroom, 4 berth option is a great place to locate yourself with access to the beach and all Brean has to offer nearby.



Restaurants Near Brean Beach



Despite being just a small town, there are still some great food options in Brean. From cute cafes to traditional pubs there are plenty to choose from.



The Beachcomber: A family-oriented pub that serves a hearty menu of pub classics. It has a nice, partially-covered beer garden too and serves an excellent traditional British carvery lunch on Sundays. Click here for directions.



The Brean Down Inn : A welcoming and friendly pub along the coast. This inn serves a simple menu of burgers, pizzas, grilled meats, and fish and chips. It also has a nice beer garden for those warmer evenings. Click here for directions.



Cafe 33 : A lovely cafe located away from the beach, but easily walkable from the coastline. Serving up some great breakfast options and delicious lunchtime sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. Click here for directions.



4. Blue Anchor Bay






Blue Anchor Bay is a lovely coastal town nestled in the heart of Somerset. This idyllic stretch of coastline is a tranquil and serene place to escape to. It’s easily accessible from Bath via car but I took the Great Western Rail Line which stops here and also provides great access to other coastal towns and cities.



The bay is renowned for its long, sand and pebble-covered beach – it’s really pretty and seems to stretch into the distance endlessly. For me, it’s the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll and a peaceful beach day spent soaking in the beauty of the Bristol Channel.



The bay is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its significant intertidal zone, which is home to a variety of marine life and bird species. The area is also popular with geologists and fossil hunters as the cliffs and beach are known to be rich with prehistoric fossils; entire reptile skeletons have been found at Blue Anchor Bay!




Location : Blue Anchor, Minehead TA24 6JT, United Kingdom



How to Get There : It’s a 60-80 mile drive, 1.5 – 2 hours from Bath, depending on your route. The Great Western Railway Line stops in Blue Anchor Bay connecting it with numerous other big towns and cities.



Best For : Pleasant sandy beaches, fossil hunting, exploring, and relaxing.



Amenities : Toilets and free parking are located close to the beach.




Accommodation Blue Anchor Bay



Blue Anchor Bay is a small seaside village but it offers a surprising number of excellent accommodations. Here are a few recommended options:



Blue Anchor House: Offering amazing sea views and your own hot tub, this entire luxury apartment is a stone’s throw from the beach.



The Smugglers Inn : A cozy traditional English pub and restaurant with 3 beautiful and spacious ensuite rooms.



Seaside Jollys : A 6-berth static caravan by the sea, great for a family. It has excellent amenities and facilities onsite. Everything you need for a British beach vacation.



Restaurants Near Blue Anchor Bay



There are just a couple of places to eat in Blue Anchor Bay itself, but the village is not far from some bigger, nearby towns that are easily accessible by car and public transport.



Driftwood Cafe : A lovely cafe that serves everything from coffee and snacks to fish and chips. It has outside seating that looks out onto the beach. Click here for directions.



The Smugglers Inn: A cozy pub and restaurant that serves an extensive lunch and dinner menu filled with traditional English pub classics like pie and mash and pork belly with black pudding salad. Click here for directions.



Hoburn Cafe: Located inside Hoburn Blue Anchor Caravan Park , this is a delightful restaurant by the sea that has an emphasis on locally sourced quality food. Their daily specials are excellent. Click here for directions.



5. Sand Bay & Middle Hope Beach







I’ve combined the next two beaches as they’re quite close to one another. Just north of Weston Super Mare , you’ll find a couple of the best beaches around Bath. Sand Bay and Middle Hope Beach sit on either side of a National Trust Sand Point and are two of the most peaceful beaches I’ve ever come across.



A world away from the donkey rides, and fairground amusements, these two beaches near Bath are an excellent option for a relaxing day by the sea. Both are popular with dog walkers and locals of the bigger coastal towns seeking refuge during the busy tourist seasons.



I didn’t come across much in the way of amenities, but a couple of local cafe options nearby seem to handle visitors without a problem. It’s another great spot for looking out over the Bristol Channel.




Location : Sand Bay, Beach Rd, Kewstoke, Weston Super Mare, BS22 9UR, United Kingdom



Location : Middle Hope Beach, Weston Super Mare, BS22 9YU, United Kingdom



How to Get There : Sand Bay is around 45 miles west of Bath and around an hour in the car. Buses and trains will get you there with a connection or two. Middle Hope is a short walk from Sand Bay.



Amenities : Parking is available nearby to both beaches and public toilets are available at Sand Bay Beach.




Accommodation Near Sand Bay & Middle Hope Beach



There aren’t any big hotels near either of these beaches, but you can choose from a few cute apartments and properties that allow you to stay right by the beach. Here are my top picks:



Sandy Retreat: A very cute 2 bedroom apartment that sits just steps from Sand Bay Beach. You’ll feel like a local staying here.



South Sands Hotel : One of only a few real ‘hotels’ close to Sand Bay and Middle Hope Beach. The majority of the boutique rooms have a sea view and a very good breakfast is included.



Crookes House: Set back just a short distance from the beaches but within easy access to the coastline. This small traditional B&B includes an excellent breakfast.



Restaurants Near Sand Bay and Middle Hope Beach



Despite being two of the smaller beaches near Bath, there are a couple of excellent dining options that can be found nearby:



Sand Bay Fish and Chip Shop : An exemplary demonstration of Fish and Chips done right. A perfect spot for sampling traditional English seaside dishes. Click here for directions.



Rock Salt @ The South-Sands Hotel: This is a stylish eaterie inside the South Sands Hotel. An extensive menu that serves everything from gourmet burgers to mussels and fries. Click here for directions.



Sand Bay Tea Rooms : A lovely traditional English tea room that serves sandwiches, scones, ice creams, and some daily lunch specials. Click here for directions.



6. Burnham-On-Sea Beach






Burnham-on-Sea is another charming coastal town located on the west coast of Somerset. It’s known for its pleasant seaside atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Situated just a short drive from Bath, Burnham-on-Sea is always an ideal option for me whenever I’m seeking a delightful escape to the coast.



Its main attraction is the beach itself, as it stretches for miles along the Bristol Channel. The wide expanse of soft, golden sands is perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles. It has a gentle sloping shoreline which makes it a great spot for water sports, and subsequently seems to be one of the most popular swimming beaches near Bath.



Much like with Weston, I enjoyed the traditional seaside amusements and watching the donkey rides from one of the many seafront cafes. The town’s pier is very nice too and claims to be the shortest in the UK.




Location : 31 Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1BQ, United Kingdom



How to Get There : The beach itself is 36 miles from Bath and should take around 1.5 hours via pleasant country roads. Equally trains and buses will get you there from Bath in a similar amount of time (including a connection).



Best For : A family fun day out, swimming and water sports in the sea, and sandy beaches.



Amenities : Ample parking and public toilets are available at various spots all along the beach. Lots of bars, restaurants, and cafes line the coastal road.




Accommodation Near Burnham-on-Sea Beach



Burnham-on-Sea is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. There are plenty of accommodation options available, here are a few of my favorites:



Luxury Apartment: Steps from the beach and beautifully finished. This apartment offers tons of charm, comfort, and amenities to feel right at home.



Dunstan House: A great B&B option that is set back just a short distance from the beach. An excellent breakfast is included and a restaurant and bar are located onsite.



Near the Beach Apartment: This 2-bedroom apartment is located with great access to the beach and all the town has to offer. It includes free parking for guests and sleeps up to 5 people.



Restaurants Near Burnham-on-Sea Beach



With many tourists visiting the town each year, it means there are many great restaurant options available. Here are a couple of really great ones that I suggest you check out:



Brit Chips: It wouldn’t be an English seaside town without plenty of fish and chip shops. Brit Chips makes some of the best around. Click here for directions.



The Smokehouse Kitchen : If you love good American-style barbecue then head to the Smokehouse Kitchen. They add in a slice of British influence too, such as their Yorkshire Pudding wraps, essentially a Sunday roast dinner in a wrap. Click here for directions.



Shah Indian Cuisine : The UK has a great connection with Indian food. At Shah, you’ll find great service, a nice atmosphere, and some of the best Indian cuisine in town. Click here for directions.



7. Chesil Beach – Weymouth






Chesil Beach , located near Weymouth on England’s south coast, is a stunning natural wonder. The beach stretches for around 18 miles and acts as a barrier that separates the Fleet Lagoon from the English Channel. It’s one of the most beautiful, natural sights I’ve seen, and is 1 of only 3 natural shingle barriers in Britain.



The beach is predominantly made from shingle rather than sand, but incredible views of the Channel and the tranquil setting make it an ideal beach location. The sheer size of it is incredible, so there’s always ample room for a relaxing day by the sea. It’s also a great spot for serious hikers or people like me who just enjoy a leisurely walk with a great view.



Chesil Beach is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of England’s famous Jurassic Coast. The site spans 185 million years of geological history and is popular with geologists, archaeologists, and tourists alike.




Location : Chesil Beach, Weymouth, United Kingdom



How to Get There : The beach is 70 miles south of Bath and takes around 1.5 hours to 2 hours via car. Equally, daily direct trains from Bath Spa will get you into Weymouth conveniently in 2 hours. From there, public transport will easily get you to the beach.



Best For : Birdwatching, fishing, exploring, hiking, and views of the English Channel.



Amenities : Public toilets and parking facilities are available at either end of the beach, but towards the center, there isn’t much in the way of amenities. You’ll need to exit the beach at one of many access points for toilets etc.




Accommodation Near Chesil Beach



Weymouth is a popular UK vacation spot and you’ll find a number of great accommodation options. Here are a few excellent places to stay with easy access to Chesil Beach:



Sea View Cottage: Located at the southern point of Chesil Beach in Castletown, this beautifully finished cottage has two bedrooms with sea views and is ideally located for the beach.



The Old Castle Hotel: A lovely traditional hotel that has free parking and an excellent breakfast included.



East Farm B&B : A beautiful 17th-century property that’s set back a few miles from the sea. Quaintly finished with some delightful touches and breakfast is included.



Restaurants Near Chesil Beach



You can expect to find several excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes in Weymouth and the surrounding areas. I found a couple of really good ones; check these out:



The Cove House Inn : An 18th-century pub at the south end of Chesil Beach that serves excellent burgers and delicious pub favorites. It also has a fabulous terrace with seating that looks out across the water. Click here for directions.



The Blue Fish Cafe: A high-end fish and chip restaurant with a delightful shabby-chic design on the Weymouth seafront.