Clevedon Pier on the Somerset coast, one of England's finest Victorian piers.

Clevedon's Victorian pier, described by Sir John Betjeman as "the most beautiful pier in England", is perfect for a peaceful stroll. Completed in 1869 it was an additional attraction for the growing Victorian seaside resort.  The pier was also meant to be a ferry port for rail passengers to South Wales.  Appropriately the legs of the pier are constructed from Barlow rail previously used on Brunel's South Wales Railway.

The pier has a landing stage for steamers, past and present, operating excursions.  I have enjoyed, aboard the vintage MV Balmoral, a couple of trips from Bristol's floating harbour through the Avon Gorge down to Avonmouth, the Severn Estuary and on to Clevedon. 


Clevedon Pier late summer 2012.

Car parking can be difficult near the pier but there are pay-and-display car parks on Elton Road and adjacent to Salthouse Park.

If you want more than a stroll on the pier, head south west along the sea front and follow Poets Walk up the hill towards St. Andrew's Church.  From there take in the views of the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and the Welsh coast.

There are several establishments along The Beach where you can have tea and cakes or an ice-cream while still enjoying a view of the pier.