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. 

Return to Double Tree

 Great birthday treats. Returned to the Hilton Double Tree Spa near Cadbury in Somerset for M's Bday.
 

They also have a great collection of chairs:

  

and a wonderful spa:

Saturday we walked the Poets Walk at Clevedon and, in unexpected sunshine, sat outside our favourite cafe on the sea front.

Clevedon Refurbed

What a transformation. It was in the high teens n tee shirt weather last weekend so we took ourselves off to Cleveland. Its a wonderful small seaside town north of Weston with a marvellous Victorian Pier. Round the cove from the pier, just before the coastal footpath, was what used to be a large, beach side, open air sea swimming pool, It was a mess, it leaked and it was full of shopping trolleys and assorted detritus.

Well the town got together, got the funding, got a sponsor and completely renovated it and we just happened to pick the day of the grand opening. It now has a large clean swimming area and pontoon, sailing boat and kayak area and floaty balls you stuff kids in n float them off :) It was packed, great day for local traders n ice cream vendors!

Also renovated the dilapidated listed building, by the entrance to the pier, that had stood empty for years:

including spring blossom

Poets Walk, around the coast, has
much to offer