Heading southwards, we ventured into Somerset to visit a coast we'd never been to before - Berrow & Burnham-on-Sea, south of Weston Super Mare - and stay at Hurn Lane Caravan Club site. Like many English coastal areas, it attracts many tourists and not surprisingly the place has numerous caravan and camping sites. The Caravan Club site is tucked down a small country lane, suitably out of the way, to provide a quieter feel. There are a selection of grass and hard standing pitches and we chose one on grass, tucked in a corner, next to the playground. The playground got the thumbs up from the girls who naturally gravitated towards it whenever they could to climb, swing and chat with new friends. The adjacent basketball / football pitch also provided lots of fun as family entertainment with the football and tennis rackets.
Places to visit:
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is England's largest gorge and a spectacular sight. It is about half an hour away by car and well worth the trip out. Upon arrival it feels very touristy, full of shops, cafes, car parks and offers of cave tours and bus tours. We quickly escaped from the valley. After collecting a walk from the National Trust office, we headed up the path that climbed up to the top of the gorge. We were soon rewarded some fantastic views. The walk which walks along one side of the gorge, crosses to the other before returning to the valley is only 4 miles but there's plenty to see, including the Cheddar Pink flower, only found in the gorge.
Brean Down
Brean Down is a peninsular, or natural pier, that juts out into the Bristol Channel. It is easily visible along the coast and stands out on the map too. For this reason, we wanted to walk to it. We walked from the Caravan Club site along the beach to the promontory and climbed the steep steps to see a wonderful view of the coastline both north and south as well as across the water to South Wales. Brean Down extends one and half miles and at the end you can explore and learn about Palmerston Fort before heading back. This walk we did was about 10 miles in total but if you wish to just visit Brean Down, there is a car park at the foot of the Down.
Brean Leisure Park
Brean Leisure Park is an amusement park along the road at Brean, offering a selection of exciting rides. Although quite pricey, it provides a full day of entertainment. You can purchase wrist bands that allow the kids (and adults) to go freely on as many rides as they want or can manage. There is a good selection of rides to suit different ages and tastes.
Beaches
You can't come to the coast without visiting the beaches. Berrow beach is a short walk from the caravan site. It is a sandy beach, like the others along this coast but the sea is un-invitingly brown. There is no lifeguard cover and plenty of signs warning of sinking sand but it is still popular with walkers, dogs and families. Other nearby beaches include Burnham-on-Sea and Brean. Look out for a lighthouse on legs at Burnham beach!
Also look out for the beautifully decorated bus stops on the roadside in Berrow. The one nearest the caravan site has giraffes on it.
