Portishead Beach, located in Portishead, Somerset, along the Severn Estuary, offers a mix of natural beauty and leisure facilitiesย and is one of the closest beaches to Bristol at just 5 miles.
The beach is an estuary beach, so there is little sand; instead, there is much more mud and a rocky beach backed by grass and salt marsh.
Although we list this beach as Portishead Beach after the town, it is also known as Woodhill Bay and Kilkenny Bay, with the former closest to Battery Point.
Portishead Beach (Woodhill Bay and Kilkenny Bay) is dog-friendly all year round.
As we mentioned, it is very popular with the people of Bristol, and attractions include:
- Portishead Marina: The marina is a central feature of the town in a picturesque setting. It’s surrounded by residential apartments, cafes, and restaurants, making it a vibrant place to stroll and dine.
- Open-Air Pool: Portishead has a heated, open-air swimming pool near the seafront just below Battery Point. It’s a popular spot during the summer, offering a unique swimming experience with views of the estuary.
- Lake Grounds: The nearby Lake Grounds provide a scenic parkland area perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. The grounds include a boating lake, play areas for children, and ample green space for relaxation.
- Nature Reserves: The area around Portishead Beach includes nature reserves such as the Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and Eastwood Nature Reserve, offering walking paths and the chance to observe wildlife.
- Coastal Walks: The coast around Portishead is part of the Severn Way and offers beautiful walks with views over the Severn Estuary, the Severn Bridge, and across to Wales on a clear day.
Portishead is also a good base for exploring other attractions in North Somerset and the Bristol area, including the historic town of Clevedon with its own Victorian pier and further down the coast to the likes of Weston-Super-Mare.
Facilities at the beach include a car park and parking on the road, cafes, toilets at the car park, and a Lido at either end of the beach.
