Discover Clevedon: A Seaside Gem with Victorian Pier and Celebrity Links
If you are seeking an idyllic day out, there is one town I cannot recommend more highly, boasting traditional seaside charm and a picturesque scene that has served as a filming location and attracted A-list stars. This pretty UK destination should definitely be on your travel list.
I spent the first two decades of my life residing in a small UK seaside town featuring a grand Victorian pier, a seawater infinity pool, and one of the world's oldest cinemas. Steeped in history, it also has a thriving independent scene, has been used as the backdrop for numerous film productions, and has even been visited by the stars of One Direction.
A Personal Connection to Clevedon
Clevedon, located in North Somerset, will always hold a special place in my heart. My childhood involved meeting friends at the seafront promenade, renting favourite films from the local store, swimming at the Strode leisure centre, and enjoying open green spaces and nearby bike routes. As I grew older, trips to pubs like the Little Harp Inn and The Salthouse, situated along the seafront, became routine, often followed by a questionable minibus ride to the town's only club, Vibe. For city escapes, convenient bus links to Bristol were available, and Yatton train station, just a short drive away, connects Clevedon to Bath in merely 30 minutes.
Although I moved away some years ago, Clevedon remains one of my favourite places to visit, and I highly recommend it. From its grand pier and sprawling seafront to its independent shops and eateries, there is plenty to see and do, not to mention that it is incredibly walkable.
Key Attractions and Natural Beauty
First and foremost is Clevedon beach, approximately 850 metres wide with golden pebbles, lined with low rugged rocks, and overlooking the Bristol Channel. While its waters are more of a murky grey tone than blue, this does not deter avid swimmers, and it even features its very own marine lake. In fancier terms, this seawater infinity pool attracts hundreds of visitors come rain or shine. Locals often take a dip, or groups of kids enjoy kayaking and sailing boats, making it a haven for cooling off during summer months.
Further down the seafront lies one of the town's key attractions: the Grade I listed Victorian pier. This grand structure, stretching 1,024 feet, opened in 1869 and is adorned with elegant ironwork and wooden panels. Fitted around the pier are over 16,000 brass plaques emblazoned with names, dates, memories, and messages from locals and visitors, creating a favourite pastime for those who wander along to read the delightful signs. English poet Sir John Betjeman famously described it as "the most beautiful pier in England", and it has been named Pier of the Year in 1999, 2013, and 2021.
Celebrity Encounters and Filming Fame
This beloved and iconic attraction has also drawn major celebrities. In 2014, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne visited Clevedon to film a music video, choosing the historic pier as their location. One Direction's shoot for their hit 'You & I' sent the town into overdrive during a brisk March day, an unforgettable event for locals like myself that certainly put Clevedon on the map. A plaque commemorating their music video was installed on the pier, with another added later in memory of Liam Payne, who sadly died in October 2024.
However, One Direction is not the only source of stardom. The hit ITV series Broadchurch, starring Olivia Colman, David Tennant, and Jodie Whittaker, was famously filmed across various Clevedon locations. Years later, David Tennant returned to film scenes at Castlewood's Council offices for the 2024 Disney series Rivals, using the location as Corinium Television studios. Additionally, the movie Never Let Me Go, starring Keira Knightley, was filmed in Clevedon back in 2009, with scenes shot on Hill Road where I vividly recall waiting to catch a glimpse of the actress.
Independent Shops and Local Eateries
Hill Road, living up to its name, is brimming with independent shops, from Gems Giftshop to children's store Muddy Boots, women's fashion at Pale Blue, and the delightful Books on the Hill. After browsing, I love popping into 67Baristabarber for a coffee, a cosy café and barber shop combination that works perfectly. For a tipple during catch-ups with friends, I head to the trendy Vintage & Vine or the Limehouse for cocktails and burgers. The Clevedon Distillery and the Fallen Tree Micropub further enrich the town's offerings.
The town centre features a small selection of further shops, including some branded stores, but also cosy coffee houses and the Clevedon Market that graces the square every Thursday. Elsewhere, one of the world's oldest cinemas, the Curzon, opened in 1912 and continues to operate with red velvet seats, offering a charming picture house experience where you can even enjoy a glass of wine with your film.
Why Visit Clevedon?
If you are looking for a traditional British seaside day out, I cannot recommend Clevedon enough. There is plenty to do, including activities for kids, and an undeniable charm that I guarantee you will not find anywhere else. Plus, you can literally walk where some of the biggest pop stars and actors have graced. Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com.
