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Brean Down
SomersetA natural pier with dramatic cliffs and Victorian fort
Brean, Somerset, TA8 2RS
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 16 September 2026
Asset Opening time Coastline Dawn - Dusk Café 10:00 - 16:00 Car park 05:00 - 19:00 - Bookshop
- Café
- Car park
Our car park uses a machine. You'll need to scan your member card, or pay by cash, credit or debit card. You can also use the JustPark app; we recommend downloading the app before your visit. £6.50 all day charge. Free to members, please register your membership card on the app or at the machine. Blue badge holders park for free, just display your badge.
Car park - more information- Dogs allowed
- Toilet
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.
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Induction loop
At café till-point.
- Level access to food outlet
- Seating available
- By train
- Highbridge 8½ miles
- By bus
- Highbridge to Weston-super-Mare, alight Brean, 1¾ miles
- Cycling
- By road
- 8 miles from exit 22 of M5
- Parking
- The car park is 200 yards, at Cove Cafe at the bottom of Brean Down. This car park uses the JustPark app and payment machines for member check-in and non-member payments. If you choose to use the JustPark app, please download it before your visit and create an account if you do not already have one. You’ll be asked to add payment details; National Trust members will not be charged for parking. The JustPark code for this location is896467. Parking charges for non-members: £6 all day. Please note, the pay and display machine accepts coins only, card payment can be made via the JustPark app. Parking is free for National Trust members (please register).
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Brean Down with your dog
Dogs on leads are very welcome at Brean Down, with plenty of coastal terrain to stretch those four legs. Find out more about where you can take them and what to keep in mind. Brean Down is a one pawprint rated place.
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Article
Family-friendly things to do at Brean Down
Brean Down is a brilliant place for families to explore. Find out more about the activities you can enjoy together.
Highlights
Coast
A 97-metre-high down with views out over the Bristol Channel towards South Wales and over the Somerset Levels.
Roman temple
Ancient field systems and the archaeological remains of a Roman temple lie near the steps on Brean’s south side.
Palmerston Fort
The fort is now a ruin, but was built to to defend the country against a possible Napoleonic invasion.
Beachside Café
With views of the beach and down, our café serves hot drinks, homemade cakes, lunches and more.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Sand Point and Middle Hope
With its ample birdlife and 13th-century priory, the Sand Point & Middle Hope coastline is one of the most interesting in North Somerset. Explore its highlights with a circular walk.
Top trails
Trail
Brean Down coastal walk
Go on a scenic coastal walk across Brean Down and discover one of the great landmarks of the Somerset coastline with history to discover and wildlife to spot along the way.
Trail
The ups and downs of Brean
A gentle Brean Down walk offering snapshots of local military history as well as memorable views encompassing the Somerset Levels, Weston-super-Mare and Wales.
Upcoming events
About Brean Down
Brean Down is a wonderful location for a day out in Somerset. Enjoy relaxing on the beach at the foot of the Down, building sandcastles and visiting the Cove Café for a seaside treat.
Venture to the top of the Down and take the exhilarating 1.5 mile walk along Somerset’s greatest natural pier.
The Down stands 97m high and the views from the top are truly spectacular, looking out over the Bristol Channel towards south Wales and over the Somerset Levels.
Uncover the secrets of Brean Down as you discover the site of a Roman temple and explore the Palmerston Fort.
History
Article
History of Brean Down
With its history stretching back from 10,000 BC to the peninsula's vital role defending the South West during WWII, there is a lot to discover in the story of Brean Down.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Brean Down.
