10 Beaches Near Bristol for Families

Looking for a family day at the beach? Whether you want to build sandcastles, go crabbing, enjoy an ice cream on the promenade or simply let the children paddle in the sea, there are plenty of fantastic beaches within easy reach of Bristol.

Here are some of my favourite family-friendly beaches.

🦀 Clevedon

Just a short drive from Bristol, Clevedon is a charming Victorian seaside town with a pebble and sand beach, a beautiful historic pier and a wide promenade that’s perfect for family walks.

Children love trying their hand at crabbing from the seafront, while there are plenty of cafés and ice cream stops nearby.

Good to know: Dogs are welcome on parts of the beach. Please take care around the dangerous mudflats at low tide.

🐚 Burnham-on-Sea

Burnham-on-Sea is a favourite with families looking for a traditional seaside day out without the larger crowds often found at Weston-super-Mare.

The long sandy beach is ideal for games, sandcastles and paddling, and lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months.

Good to know: Dogs are not permitted on the main beach during the summer, helping to keep it clean for families. As with many beaches on the Severn Estuary, avoid venturing onto the mudflats when the tide is out.

⛱️ Weston-Super-Mare

One of the South West’s best-known seaside resorts, Weston-super-Mare has everything you need for a fun family day out.

Enjoy miles of sandy beach, the Grand Pier, donkey rides during the summer, amusements, cafés and plenty of family attractions along the promenade.

Good to know: Dogs are not allowed on the main beach between Royal Sands and the Grand Pier during the summer months. Take care around the mudflats when the tide is out.

🌊 Aust Beach

If you’re looking for somewhere a little different, Aust Beach offers a more rugged and natural coastal experience beneath the Severn Bridge.

It’s a fascinating place for children to explore, hunt for interesting stones and enjoy spectacular views across the estuary.

Good to know: Please keep well away from the cliffs due to the risk of falling rocks, supervise children near the mudflats, and be aware of the Severn Bore—a powerful tidal wave that can sweep along the estuary several times each month.

☀️ Sand Bay

Just north of Weston-super-Mare, Sand Bay is a quieter alternative with a long, sandy beach backed by dunes and countryside.

It’s a lovely place for beach walks, paddling and collecting shells, and is often much less busy than its neighbouring seaside resort.

Good to know: Dogs are welcome all year round, making it a great choice for families bringing four-legged friends. As with other beaches on the Severn Estuary, be aware of the fast-moving tide and mudflats.

🌅 Brean Beach

Brean Beach boasts miles of golden sand, making it perfect for sandcastle building, beach games and long family walks.

There’s plenty to do nearby too, including cafés, amusements and family attractions, making it easy to spend a full day by the sea.

Good to know: Parts of the beach allow vehicle access, so always keep children close by and use designated pedestrian areas. Check tide times before visiting.

🩴 Berrow Beach

If you’re looking for wide open spaces and beautiful coastal scenery, Berrow Beach is well worth the drive from Bristol.

Backed by impressive sand dunes, it’s ideal for picnics, flying kites and exploring nature.

Good to know: Parts of the beach are popular with dog walkers, and vehicle access is permitted in some areas, so take extra care with young children.

🏄 Portishead Beach

Portishead’s small pebble beach is a lovely place for a relaxed family stroll, rock pooling and watching boats sail in and out of the marina.

After your visit, enjoy the nearby cafés, playgrounds and scenic marina.

Good to know: This isn’t a traditional sandy beach for paddling, but it’s perfect for younger children who enjoy exploring the shoreline and collecting interesting stones.

🐠 Barry Island

Just across the Severn Bridge in South Wales, Barry Island is around an hour from Bristol and offers everything you could want for a traditional seaside day out.

Families can enjoy a large sandy beach, amusements, cafés, ice cream parlours and plenty of places to play.

Good to know: Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer season. It can get busy on sunny weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

⚓ Southerndown Beach

One of South Wales’ most beautiful beaches, Southerndown is famous for its dramatic cliffs, rock pools and stunning coastal scenery.

Children will love exploring the rock pools and searching for sea creatures when the tide is out.

Good to know: The beach is reached via a fairly steep path, so it’s better suited to families with older children. Always check tide times before exploring the rocks.