Around our Shores: Brean Down, Somerset
Brean Down is a limestone headland situated near Weston-super-Mare in Somerset. Many varieties of birds, such as gulls, kestrels, chats and redshanks, can be seen from footpaths crossing its grassy hills. Brean Down is a 97-metre-high down with views out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales and over the Somerset Levels.
From the National Trust website:
"Brean Down is a wonderful location for a day out in Somerset. Enjoy relaxing on the beach at the foot of the Down, building sandcastles and visiting the Cove Café for a seaside treat.
Venture to the top of the Down and take the exhilarating 1.5 mile walk along Somerset’s greatest natural pier.
The Down stands 97m high and the views from the top are truly spectacular, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards south Wales and over the Somerset Levels.
Uncover the secrets of Brean Down as you discover the site of a Roman temple and explore the Palmerston Fort."
Brean Down has amazing views of the sea and many fascinating features, with swathes of beautiful bluebells in spring. Ancient field systems and the archaeological remains of a Roman temple lie near the steps on Brean’s south side. Palmerston Fort, now a ruin, can also be found at Brean Down - it was built to to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion.
Brean Down is described by the National Trust as being a natural pier with dramatic cliffs and Victorian fort. You can visit Bread Down by navigating to the following address: Brean, Somerset, TA8 2RS. You can find more information including opening times by clicking here.
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Photo credit(s): Shutterstock
