A "beautiful" beach an hour from Bristol has been recommended as an ideal day out as one of its big attractions reopens. Brean Beach in Somerset is within easy reach via the M5 or A-roads, boasting a seven-mile stretch of sand against a backdrop of grass and dunes in places.

The resort itself is also home to Brean Theme Park, which was due to reopen for the 2024 season yesterday (March 16). It claims to offer 40 rides including indoor and outdoor roller coasters, with people able to pay via a wristband for unlimited rides or per-ride using credits.

Visit Somerset, which promotes tourism in the area, says spring is a particularly good time to go to avoid the crowds at Brean and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers that are in bloom around the headland. There is even the chance of seeing seals, porpoises and dolphins along the coastline, with a survey planned in June to monitor sightings.

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Much of the beach at Brean is managed by Somerset Council, but Brean Down and the immediately to the south of it are managed by the National Trust. Drivers can park on the beach itself but should be aware of the timings, charges and hazards outlined below.

A spokesperson for Visit Somerset said: "This easily accessible bolt hole is only two hours from London and Birmingham and makes an easy rejuvenating spring short break, where unusually you can park on the beach.

"Native birds, resident wildlife and local flowers appear in bursts of life as the days become longer and brighter. Clear days offer spectacular views along the Bristol Channel and out to the Welsh coast, with vibrant lingering sunsets being a sought after experience by visitors."

Bluebells, primroses and daffodils are in bloom during spring and views can be best enjoyed with a walk along the promontory. It is also home to the remains of a Victorian fort, which was constructed in the 1860s to help protect the ports of the Bristol Channel.

Authorities have previously encouraged walkers to keep dogs on a lead, due to accidents before along the cliff edge. People parking on the sand should also be aware of the tides and the weather conditions, as vehicles have become stuck before.

Much like Weston-super-Mare, the width of sand can seem endless if arriving at low tide. As one reviewer wrote on Google: "Dog friendly, beautiful sand and the beach goes on for miles. Very clean.

The fort at the end of Brean Down, built for invaders who never came

"Cafes nearby as are toilets. The only downside is at low tide you cannot see the sea as it is so far out! You also cannot walk to it due to sinking sand. Apart from that it is excellent."

The National Trust's guide to Brean advises: "The cliffs are extremely steep. Stay on the main paths, especially with children and dogs. At low tide the deep mud can be dangerous. Accessible toilet and baby change, in the courtyard area, next to the café. The fort and down are reached by a steep climb from the car park."

During the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the National Trust is also running a £3 trail where children can spot shells, blooms and landmarks along the shoreline. Once everything has been ticked off, they can head to the beach hut for a chocolate egg and Easter crafts.

Another recent visitor to Brean Beach wrote on Google: "If you can manage the steps it's a beautiful walk with stunning views of Brean Beach and Weston super Mare. A fort to look around at the end. Definitely worth a visit, but it is very steep in places."

Parking at Brean

Until March 27, Brean on-sand parking will only be open on Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 3pm due to winter opening times. Somerset Council advises: "Outside of these hours there are no beach safety staff on duty, and the vehicular access gates will be closed.

"There [are] permanent parking spaces on the access road to Berrow and at the nearby Berrow Dunes Nature reserve car park, for pedestrian access, and down at Brean Cove. There are disabled access points at nearby Burnham-on-sea beach for those who are unable to use the pedestrian access at Berrow and Brean Beach."

From March 28 March until November 3, the beach gates will open daily from 10am to 6pm, but there will be a £7 charge per car, or £3 for blue badge holders. The council's guidance adds: "Parking on the beach is permitted, but there is a strict 15mph speed limit.

"The road traffic act applies to the area, and any speeding or dangerous driving will be reported to the police immediately. Please drive with extreme caution and be vigilant for exposed holes left by dogs and children digging, and branches left by the tides. Never attempt to drive on the mud flats, even a 4×4 will get stuck and recovery is very expensive."

Meanwhile the National Trust charges £6 for all-day parking at its Brean Down car park, which is free for National Trust members.