Now summer is almost here what better way to spend a day out than a visit to one of North Somerset’s beautiful beaches?

North Somerset Times: Clevedon beach and pier © NotFromUtrecht, WikipediaClevedon beach and pier © NotFromUtrecht, Wikipedia (Image: Archant)

Clevedon Beach and Pier

The beach at Clevedon is a long pebble beach which runs southwest from the town. It’s probably most famous for its beautiful Victorian pier which has been used in films and music videos. The beach contains plenty of rock pools to keep the kids busy discovering new sea creatures, while for the adults, and tired children, there are numerous cafes and restaurants along Clevedon seafront.

North Somerset Times: Sand Bay © Tom PenningtonSand Bay © Tom Pennington (Image: Archant)

Sand Bay

One for walkers and nature lovers. Lying between Weston Woods and the National Trust headland at Sand Point, the sand and shingle Sand Bay is a remote and beautiful beach that has good views across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. It’s dog friendly and has a few local food outlets and a free car park.

North Somerset Times: Layde Bay © Ian KnoxLayde Bay © Ian Knox (Image: Archant)

Ladye Bay

The small beach at Layde Bay is relatively undiscovered compared to some of the well-known North Somerset resortsand its high cliffs make it a popular spot for climbers.

Swimming at Layde Bay is generally not advised due to strong currents and exposed mudflats during low tide. However the sandy beach is the ideal spot to soak up some rays.

North Somerset Times: Uphill Slipway Beach on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare © Sarah Charlesworth, GeographUphill Slipway Beach on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare © Sarah Charlesworth, Geograph (Image: Archant)

Uphill Slipway Beach (Weston-super-Mare)

This flat sandy beach is located on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare, so is ideal if you are looking to escape all the hustle and bustle of the main beach at Weston. Uphill beach runs from the Kingston Jetty at Weston super Mare to the boatyard, and contains some muddy stretches and salt flats.

There is also a tiny island called Black Rock which is accessible via a muddy causeway during low tide. It’s popular with fisherman, but can be dangerous to access when the tide is coming in, so be careful!

North Somerset Times: Weston-super-Mare beach is always busy during the holidays! © NotFromUtrecht, Wikimedia CommonsWeston-super-Mare beach is always busy during the holidays! © NotFromUtrecht, Wikimedia Commons (Image: Archant)

Weston-super-Mare Beach (Main)

Weston-super-Mare beach is one of the longest naturally occurring beaches in the UK, and attracts tens of thousands of tourists. The beach also has the second-highest tidal rise in the world, which is the main reason that the pier was originally built. The pier hosts a range of entertainment and activities, which makes it the perfect family day out, while children will also have endless fun playing in the sand on Weston-super-Mare beach.

The beach also hosts exciting annual events such as T4 on the beach, Enduro, and the Sand Sculpture Festival, so there’s always something going on!

If you would prefer to be on the water rather than beside it you can find a variety of watersports to try in the area here and a selection of sailing clubs here

What’s your favourite beach in North Somerset? Have your say and tweet us @NSomTimes