Summary
Clevedon, a refined Victorian seaside destination, is situated atop seven limestone hills adjacent to the Bristol Channel.
The coastline is characterized by rugged cliffs and pebble beaches, complemented by public walking paths such as Poets’ Walk, which leads visitors to the church where the poet Arthur Hallam is interred.
In the late 1920s, the town constructed a marine lake, replenished at high tide, which has been rejuvenated for contemporary visitors.
Clevedon’s most distinguished feature is its Grade I listed pier, arguably the most aesthetically pleasing in the nation, and continues to serve as a docking point for the Waverley and Balmoral steamers during the summer months.
On the coastline, a series of well-maintained gardens trace the water’s edge, featuring a bandstand and nostalgic attractions such as a miniature railway.
Let us delve into the most noteworthy attractions in Clevedon:
1. Clevedon Pier
The Grade I listed Clevedon Pier, with its refined metal structure, was referred to by poet and broadcaster John Betjeman as the “most beautiful pier in England.”
Finished in 1869, it served as a landing area for paddle steamers, transporting travelers across the Severn Estuary from Wales and Devon.
The pier features eight steel arches that sustain a wooden walkway.
A structural assessment in the 1970s indicated instability, prompting disassembly and subsequent reconstruction in the 1980s.
Stroll along this 310-meter marvel to admire the pavilion (1894), which houses a café offering views of Clevedon and the remote Welsh coastline.
At the landward end, a modern visitor center and café provide an opportunity to explore the pier’s underside.
Consult the schedule for the Balmoral and Waverley steamers, which still utilize the pier’s landing area.
2. Toll House Gallery
At the entrance of the pier, the former toll-master’s residence has been transformed into “Discover @ The Pier,” featuring a compact, interactive museum dedicated to the lower reaches of the Severn Estuary, the history of Clevedon, and the pier’s historical fluctuations.
This Neo-Gothic structure, reminiscent of a Medieval castle, was erected concurrently with the pier.
Visitors can observe vessels traversing the Bristol Channel live, learn about the estuary’s ecology, discover key figures in Clevedon’s history, and listen to a recording of John Betjeman discussing the pier.
A clip showcasing the pier’s collapse during testing in 1970 is also available for viewing.
3. Clevedon Court
Clevedon Court is an enchanting Medieval manor situated within a stunning terraced garden, with the oldest sections dating back to the 13th century.
For over 310 years, it has been home to the Elton family, while the National Trust assumed ownership of the estate in 1960. The residence features an intriguing blend of architectural styles, including an early-14th-century Great Hall and chapel block, alongside older sections believed to be from the 1200s.
The remarkable southern facade is of Elizabethan style, constructed in 1570. Inside, you can view a collection of portraits from various Elton generations, Eltonware studio pottery, and glass pieces from the Nailsea glassworks spanning the 18th and 19th centuries.
The gardens, dating back to the 18th century, merit exploration, rising through steep terraces shielded from winds sweeping off the Bristol Channel.
4. Clevedon Marine Lake
In lieu of a traditional sandy beach, Clevedon boasts what is termed the “world’s largest infinity pool.” This expanse covers 15,000 square meters of sheltered waters in the Bristol Channel, where visitors can swim, hire sailboats and canoes, or even partake in zorbing (floating in transparent inflatable spheres). The lake was inaugurated in 1929, with water replenished by high tides, and after a period of disuse later in the century, it was revitalized as a popular attraction in the 2000s.
Two-thirds of the lake features depths of less than 1.5 meters, making it suitable for younger swimmers with some experience.
5. St Andrew’s Church
Another Grade I monument, St Andrew’s Church is situated on an elevated location overlooking the Bristol Channel.
The foundation of this structure is Norman, dating back to the 12th century.
The tower is from that era, with its Romanesque architecture evident in the corbel-table and circular pairs of windows.
Inside, the crossing arches are also Norman, along with rare late-Romanesque chevron ornamentation found in the Chancel arch.
Within the south transept lies the tomb of Arthur Hallam (d. 1833), who succumbed to a stroke at the young age of 22. He inspired Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s notable 90-page elegiac poem, published in 1850.
6. Poets’ Walk
The church is accessible via a scenic coastal footpath that begins just west of the Marine Lake.
This trail heads southwest through a nature reserve, offering picturesque views of the coast and leading past notable landmarks.
St Andrew’s is one such landmark, alongside a poignant public art installation comprising wooden posts carved with lines from Tennyson’s poem.
Additionally, the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort can be spotted at Wain’s Hill, along with a concrete shelter from World War II.
After Wain’s Hill, the path loops back and offers a captivating view of Clevedon Bay as you descend towards the town.
7. Salthouse Fields
Located behind the Marine Lake, Salthouse Fields features a vast expanse of grass, accompanied by amenities such as a skate park, children’s playground, bouncy castle, crazy golf, refreshment kiosks, and tennis courts.
Encircling the park is a miniature railway that operates during school holidays and weekends, weather permitting.
On the west side, overlooking the Marine Lake, a bank leads to Lovers’ Walk.
This mile-long pathway meanders along the coast, past the lake and pier, and into Ladye Bay, known for its picturesque rocky beach.
In September 2018, Clevedon’s historic Curzon Cinema hosted two outdoor screenings at Salthouse Fields, marking a first for the park.
8. Sugar Lookout
The first prominent stop after commencing your ascent on Poets’ Walk is a castellated lookout point situated atop the cliff.
This historic lookout dates back to 1835, constructed for sugar merchant Conrad Finzel to observe ships traversing the Bristol Channel, returning with sugar from the West Indies.
This hexagonal structure fell into disrepair by the late 20th century, but was restored and reopened in 2000, facilitated by the Clevedon Civic Society.
From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy splendid views of the seafront and pier to the northeast.
9. Curzon Cinema
Clevedon features one of the oldest operating purpose-built cinemas globally.
Opened in April 2012, the inaugural screening raised funds for survivors and families of those affected by the Titanic disaster.
The current Art Deco facade is dated to the early 1920s, still displaying signs of war damage from World War II.
The auditorium, redesigned in the Art Deco aesthetic during the early 1920s, is home to a working Christie organ installed in 1931. The main building also showcases a collection of cinematic memorabilia, including vintage projectors and a cinematograph from the late 1920s.
In addition to presenting new Hollywood films, the Curzon frequently features live recordings from the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.
10. Clevedon Craft Centre
Situated on the outskirts of Clevedon, the Clevedon Craft Centre occupies a 17th-century farm building that once belonged to the Clevedon Court Estate.
The property’s various outbuildings now host studios and workshops for artisans including woodworkers, potters, jewelers, leatherworkers, and painters.
Visitors can observe their craftsmanship up close and have the opportunity to purchase items directly from the creators.
Children can enjoy the patio garden, which is home to chickens and ducks, while the venue also has a tearoom offering hot beverages, sandwiches, and pastries.
11. Gordano Valley
Positioned on Clevedon’s eastern boundaries, the Gordano Valley presents a secluded landscape framed by carboniferous limestone ridges, designated as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Visitors can traverse the valley’s southern or northern ridges to enjoy spectacular views and experience a variety of habitats, including grassland, woodland, and fen meadow at the valley’s base.
During winter, rare long-eared owls frequent the Gordano Valley, and over 130 species of flowering plants have been recorded, including three orchid species and three rare varieties of water parsnip.
The Gordano Valley Riding Centre offers unique equestrian experiences in this picturesque setting.
12. Tyntesfield
Transformed in the 1860s, the Georgian residence at Tyntesfield was reimagined into a fairytale Neo-Gothic mansion.
This extensive renovation was commissioned by William Gibbs, who had owned the estate since the 1830s, amassing wealth through the guano trade.
Gibbs’ descendants resided at Tyntesfield until 2001, at which point the estate was acquired by the National Trust.
A visit to the interior is highly recommended; its exquisite silk wallpapers, intricately carved stone fireplaces, marble columns, abundant stained glass, and a collection of over 50,000 artworks, furniture pieces, and decorative arts are on display.
Notable works include Murillo’s Mater Dolorosa and a depiction of St Lawrence by 17th-century Spanish Baroque painter Alonso de Llera Zambrano.
The Home Farm Visitor Centre, located in farm buildings constructed in the 1880s, features a café and exhibition space for arts and crafts.
13. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Spread across 100 acres of countryside in Somerset, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm stands as the largest zoo in the South West, showcasing a diverse range of species from around the globe.
Featured animals include favorites among children like giraffes, white rhinos, tigers, lions, and African elephants.
Notably, Elephant Eden spans 20 acres, marking it as the largest enclosure for elephants in the UK.
Visitors are encouraged to attend daily talks by elephant keepers and big cat sessions, where lions and tigers receive their feed.
Complementing the animal exhibits are 15 adventure play areas, a food barn, and the largest hedge maze in the UK. Like many zoos, Noah’s Ark offers behind-the-scenes experiences, including grooming ponies and bottle-feeding lambs for children.
It is important to note that the zoo espouses a notable Christian creationist perspective, which may not resonate with all visitors.
14. North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre
The North Somerset Birds of Prey Centre is dedicated to the care of over 50 birds of prey, reptiles, and exotic mammals. Rather than a conventional visitor attraction, it focuses on providing unforgettable animal experiences.
Experiences include a 90-minute guided Hawk Walk, a 90-minute Bird of Prey Experience, a two-hour owl encounter, a four-hour Falconry Day, or a “Meet the Animals Experience,” allowing close interactions with birds of prey and other animals such as armadillos and meerkats.
The center hosts monthly open days during summer when guests can explore aviaries and habitats housing a variety of species, from Eurasian Eagle Owls to Corsac foxes.
15. Golf
One of the best ways to appreciate Clevedon’s undulating landscape and coastal views is through golf, with two courses located just minutes from the town center.
The more prestigious option is Clevedon Golf Club, established in 1898. Visitors can enjoy a round for £45 during the week or £55 on weekends.
The picturesque 8th hole, adjacent to the 17th-century Walton Castle, offers breathtaking views across Clevedon and into the hills of South Wales across the estuary.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Clevedon Golf Centre allows for play on all 18 holes for only £9.
