Didn’t we have a lovely day ...

It really is the quintessential Victorian seaside town – Clevedon. On a cloudless day we three intrepid explorers climbed up past St Andrew’s Church to the Poets Walk on the headland just south of Clevedon town. Parts of the original 12th-century church remains with 14th- and 15th-century additions. It is on a hill overlooking the Bristol Channel, and has been designated as a Grade I listed building. Clevedon has been a favourite of ours from times gone by, and was a favourite of Marj, Marilyn’s Mum, so it was only fitting to honour her life and love with a plaque on the restored pier amongst many others who had also loved this place.

For years the outdoor ‘lido’ built into the sea wall in 1929 fell into disrepair, a dumping place for shopping trolleys and assorted detritus. But in 2015 it was restored to its former glory and is now a well used resource for swimmers, boarders and kayakers alike.

 

 

The skate park on the seafront was also a backdrop in the successful TV series Broadchurch. The walk along the prom also boasts a working band stand dating from 1887. Next to the Marine Lake is the Salthouse Field with a miniature light railway running around the perimeter and a nearby mini-golf centre.

Our favourite watering hole is Scarlet’s just opposite the pier head. Great views, great mains and wonderful sweets.

The pier head and its buildings have also been fully restored – the pier being a grade 1 listed building. For years it was dominated by a derelict gothic type mansion – now luxury flats. Also built into the pier is a new cafe with a below stairs viewing gallery under the pier structure.

The reception building also has a small historical exhibition housed upstairs.