Weston-super-Mare

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The name Weston is made up of two Old English or Saxon words meaning the west tun or settlement. Because there are several places called Weston in Somerset descriptions were added to tell them apart. Super (with small s) means on or above, and mare is Latin for sea.

Weston-super-Mare has a rich history as there is evidence of people in this area from the Neolithic period. In the middle of the 18th century, doctors began to extol the virtues of bathing in sea-water and Weston super Mare was the place where people in nearby Bristol and Bath chose to bathe.

There has been a grand pier at Weston-super-Mare since 1904, however, it burnt down in a disastrous fire in July 2008. Remaining, is the 1880s sea walls and two mile promenade which have been in use for thousands of visitors every summer.

Weston-super-Mare, with its wide expanse of sandy beaches, is conveniently situated near to the M5 motorway. Apart from the traditional donkey rides and seaside entertainment, the town also has a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Several events take place there during the year, including the National Water Ski Races, a three day helicopter festival and a motor cycle beach race.

The Weston-super-Mare SeaQuarium was opened in 1995, situated on the beach, it is surrounded by 3 miles of sand along the coast of Somerset, with panoramic views across the estuary of Wales. The Winter Gardens and Pavilion opened on the seafront in 1927 and still host shows exhibitions and conferences. Other attractions include a miniature railway, museum dedicated to Somerset, Helicopter Museum, an annual display by the 'Red Arrows' and a theatre serving both seasonal tourists and the local population.

The Sovereign Shopping Centre provides indoor shopping with all the main high street chains represented.

Weston-super-Mare is within easy distance of Bristol and the southwest, there are many local attractions a short distance away. Situated just across the River Avon near the major city of Bristol, on the southern shores of the Bristol Channel, the county of North Somerset is home to miles of glorious coastline. Nearby are also the coastal towns of Clevedon and Portishead.

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