Overlooking the Severn Estuary, Clevedon is a historic seaside resort town in Somerset. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and remained a farming community until the establishment of saltwater baths in the late 19th century. On the edge of Clevedon is Court Hill, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its Pleistocene deposits.
Things to do in Clevedon
Clevedon is home to one of the only remaining 14th-century manorial halls in England, Clevedon Court, which is now owned and operated by the National Trust. Stroll through its period-furnished rooms where antique furnishings are on display alongside oak-panelled fireplaces and stained-glass windows. Grade II-listed terraced gardens dating from the 18th century surround the property.
Dominating a hill north of Clevedon is Walton Castle, a 17th-century fortification built as a hunting lodge for Lord Poulett. It lies on the edge of the Clevedon Golf Club, which hugs the cliffs above the Severn Estuary. Originally laid out in 1898 on a design attributed to John Henry Taylor, the course offers magnificent views across Clevedon from its 8th hole.
Extending 310 metres into the Severn Estuary is Clevedon Pier, which is one of the earliest examples of a Victorian pier remaining in England. Now Grade I-listed, it once served as an embarkation point for paddle steamer trips and is topped by a Japanese-style pagoda with a glass-walled restaurant. Adjacent is the elegant Royal Pier Hotel, which was built in 1823 by Thomas Hollyman.
Getting around Clevedon
Clevedon is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bristol and 25 minutes from Bristol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Clevedon and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot.