Uphill Beach Weston Super Mare

Description

If you’re after the sort of beach where you can feel the crunch of sand under your boots and the breeze in your hair while escaping the hustle—well, Upright Beach in Weston Super Mare is my personal little secret garden (except it’s not a garden, and it’s not quite secret, but you get the idea). Tucked at the southern tip of Weston, Uphill Beach is not your crowded, stick-an-umbrella-anywhere sort of spot. Here, you’ll find endless sandy stretches, sturdy dunes, and broad, open skies… the kind of place where birds and hikers outnumber beach balls most days. I’ve wandered here at every time of year, and let me tell you, the sunsets can give the Greek islands a run for their money sometimes.

What really makes Uphill Beach different—honestly, what keeps me coming back—is that feeling of wildness. There’s a scruffiness to the landscape that invites you to just walk and walk without worrying about sandcastles or cafés sprouting up every ten feet. You might spot a daring kite-surfer on a blustery day, or a patient birdwatcher peering through binoculars across the saltmarshes (I once tried my hand at both, but let’s just say the birds were more successful than I was). For families, it’s got those wide, flat sands that make running, digging, and dog-chasing irresistible, but it’s also a haven for anyone who just wants a peaceful ramble, maybe with muddy boots and a flask of tea in hand.

The vibe? It’s relaxed, a bit rustic, maybe a tad old-fashioned, but in the best way. People bring their kids, their dogs (seriously, so many happy dogs), and their grandma’s jam sandwiches. And there isn’t a single flashy novelty shop in sight. Friendly locals might give you a knowing nod as you trudge up the gentle incline by the dunes—it’s the sort of place where a smile or an “afternoon” is more common than car horns or queue-jumping. If you ask me, Uphill Beach is perfect for those who love their nature unspoiled and their walks with just a hint of salt tang in the air.

Key Features

• Expansive sandy stretch ideal for long walks, jogging, and hiking
• Well-signposted, out-and-back hiking trails—great for beginners and families with kids
• Open all year round, with a low-key, crowd-free atmosphere
• Dog-friendly: you’ll see plenty of pooches bounding across the sand and dunes
• Fantastic birdwatching, especially in the dunes and marshes—don’t forget your binoculars!
• Low-gradient trails make the area accessible to a range of walking abilities
• Plenty of space for kite-fliers, sandcastle engineers, and picnic enthusiasts
• No arcades or amusements—just pure outdoors and natural beauty
• Family-friendly, with lots of room for kids to run and play safely
• Breathtaking views over the Bristol Channel, with iconic sunsets on clear evenings

Best Time to Visit

Not to sound like I’m hedging my bets, but Uphill Beach has something to offer in every season… it just depends what you like. Personally, I’m a sucker for off-peak months—late spring and autumn, when the beach feels almost like your own private kingdom, and the mudflats are alive with migrating birds. Don’t write off winter, either. There’s something delightfully bracing about a walk here on a frosty morning, when you’ll likely have the sands (almost) to yourself, except for a few hardy dog walkers and those with thermoses.*

Now, if you’re chasing sunbathing weather or you’re herding a raucous group of kids keen to paddle and dig, the summer months (June, July, August) are prime-time. It gets busier, sure, but not in the packed sardine-tin way of main Weston. I did once get caught under a rogue shower in late May, mind you—Uphill’s weather can swing from bluebird skies to raincoat-required in half an hour, so pack accordingly.

If you’re watching your step for birdlife, spring and autumn migrations are peak. The saltmarshes turn into a feathery traffic jam, much to the delight of serious birders. Frankly, bring a camera year-round—you’d be surprised how stunning the light can get as the tide creeps in.

How to Get There

Getting to Uphill Beach is, with a hint of adventure, part of the fun. If you’re coming by car, it’s a short hop from the centre of Weston, with signposts pointing to Uphill Village. There are a few car parks in the village, as well as some roadside spots. Just don’t bank on loads of spaces if it’s a scorchio weekend—get in early if you can. You’ll want to saunter through the village, past thatched cottages and the odd pub, then follow the footpath signs right through the dunes to the sand. The paths can be a bit uneven in places (I learnt that the hard way when I twisted an ankle after gawking at the horizon instead of watching my feet), so mind yourself.

For the greener-minded, I’ve biked it from Weston seafront in under half an hour—there are some lovely routes via the cycleway, which spill you out almost at the dunes’ edge. The local bus routes do serve Uphill, though check your timetable, as rural services sometimes seem to run on their own mysterious schedules. Train travelers can hop off at Weston-super-Mare station, from which it’s a scenic 40ish-minute walk, or just catch a cab for the quick 10-minute ride.

It’s also part of the England Coast Path, if you’re really in the mood for a long-distance stomp—I met a pair of cheerful hikers last spring juggling backpacks and maps who’d made it all the way from Brean Down on foot and insisted the stretch between the two is some of the most beautiful in Somerset. I’m not sure I’d want to cart full camping gear, but for day hikes, Uphill Beach is perfectly situated.

Tips for Visiting

Right, here’s where I get to pass on all those little nuggets I’ve picked up over the years (sometimes the hard way—once spent a chilly afternoon wishing I’d brought thicker socks). First: check the tides before you go. The Bristol Channel has one of the world’s highest tidal ranges, and the sands at Uphill can stretch out for what feels like miles at low tide… until the water sneaks back in surprisingly quick. It’s generally safe, but don’t stray too far out without a healthy dose of common sense. Avoid the mudflats near the water’s edge—they can be sneaker-eating.

Second, while there’s a loos nearby and the odd ice cream truck on busier weekends, facilities are minimalist. So, if you need snacks or supplies, grab them before you wander through Uphill Village. Picnics are basically a communal ritual here—no shame in packing up sausage rolls and flasks (I sometimes go overboard with homemade scones, but you do you). Just remember to pack all your rubbish out—there aren’t bins on the beach itself.

If you’re bringing young ones or pets, freedom to roam is part of the charm, but keep an eye if you head near the dunes or marshes. And please, bring a lead for your dog, especially when the birds are nesting or migration’s in full swing. Most folks here are laid-back, but everyone likes to keep the wildlife happy.

For hikers, sturdy trainers or walking boots come highly recommended—some of the paths can get boggy after rain, and there’s a decent scramble if you fancy making your way up to Uphill Beacon for the best views (and trust me, sunsets up there are almost too good). And if you’re one for photos, golden hour here is magical—there’s something about the way the setting sun hits the Channel that always makes friends ask if I’ve been to Spain (nope, just Somerset).

A final underrated tip: if you’ve time, wander into Uphill Village itself. The ancient church ruins up the hill are worth a look, and you’ll find a couple of cozy pubs that make for a perfect post-walk pint. I like to think of Uphill Beach as a place that reveals its beauty quietly—no flash, no fuss, just a down-to-earth, authentic patch of Somerset coastline waiting for those who love their adventures with a side of windblown hair and sand in their shoes.

Location

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