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Location Information:
Weston-super-Mare is a seaside
resort, town and civil parish in the
unitary authority of North Somerset,
which is within the ceremonial
county of Somerset, England. It is
located on the Bristol Channel
coast, 18 miles (29 km) south west
of Bristol, spanning the coast
between the bounding high ground of
Worlebury Hill and Bleadon Hill. It
includes the suburbs of Oldmixon,
West Wick and Worle. Its population
according to the 2001 census was
71,758. Since 1983, Weston has been
twinned with Hildesheim, Germany.
Although there is evidence in the
local area of occupation since the
Iron Age, it was still a small
village until the 19th century when
it became a seaside resort, and was
connected with local towns and
cities by a railway, and two piers
were built. The growth continued
until the second half of the 20th
century, when tourism declined and
some local industries closed. During
the 21st century a regeneration
programme is being undertaken.
Attractions include the Helicopter
Museum, North Somerset Museum, the
Grand Pier and the SeaQuarium
aquarium. The Paddle Steamer
Waverley and MV Balmoral offer day
sea trips from Knightstone Island to
various destinations along the
Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary.
Cultural venues include The
Playhouse, The Winter Gardens, and
The Blakehay Theatre & Community
Arts Centre.
Owing
to the large tidal range in the
Bristol Channel, the low tide mark
in Weston Bay is about a mile from
the seafront. Although the beach
itself is sandy, low tide uncovers
areas of thick mud, hence the
colloquial name, Weston-super-Mud.
These mudflats are very dangerous to
walk in and are crossed by the mouth
of the River Axe. Just to the north
of the town is Sand Point which
marks the lower limit of the Severn
Estuary and the start of the Bristol
Channel. It is also the site of the
Middle Hope biological and
geological Site of Special
Scientific Interest. In the centre
of the town is Ellenborough Park
another Site of Special Scientific
Interest due to the range of plant
species found there.
Local
Weather:
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