First time at the seaside in UK - a big surprise in Weston-super-Mare

First time at the seaside in the UK - a big surprise in Weston-super-Mare   

Every student loves summer. Without any doubt, I was also impatiently looking forward to my 2 weeks holidays and becoming a tourist again. This year my goal was to experience summer to the fullest while being in the UK. A few of my friends went to sunny Spain to spend their days on the beach and drinking Sangria, others went home to Lithuania, where often summer may be cold and rainy, and what about me? Due to the time restrictions and work commitments I didn't have an opportunity for long trips, thus decided to take advantage of being a student at a UK university and create my vacation in Britain. ( You can find my Summer Travel List in the UK in another article). However, I had to find out how to make it:  

1) easy to travel 

2) not expensive  

3) experience something unique. 

Today, I would like to share with you my most hilarious story and give you a few tips, including planning your journey from A to Z. While some people say, that you learn on your mistakes, I would disagree and recommend you to prevent mistakes by learning on the experience of others.  

Firstly, I had to find out where and how to get to the seaside from Worcester. Although I had no idea where to go, my intuition directed me to start my investigation by asking those, who know the British coastline the best. ''Where do you usually go with your family and kids for holiday? '' - I was asking my friends, managers, and colleagues. A few times they mentioned Bristol, Brighton, Woolacombe, Cornwall and this weird name I couldn't pronounce... Weston-super-Mare? Why it is so long and confusing? Soon, I found myself with the train ticket in my pocket. Yes, you are right, I decided to go for adventures and check in this seaside town in Somerset - Weston-super-Mare.  

Where it is?  

Weston-super-Mare is often referred shortly as Weston. It is located in Somerset, which is a region or a country in South West England. When you start reading more, you will notice the names of regions such as Dorset, Somerset, and others. Weston is not far away from Bristol Channel (just 29 km) and is a perfect place for those who missed the sea and the beach.  

Why this name is so weird?  

I was asking myself this question all day at work. My friends didn't know the answer, therefore my curiosity was raising. Soon I found out, that before 1348 it was named Weston-juxta-Mare, which means ''beside the sea''. Soon it was changed to the new one by Bishop of Bath and Wells. What's interesting, word Weston comes from Anglo-Saxon: west means settlement, while super mare - above the sea, so this town is literally '' settlement above the sea''!  I was so surprised! However,  I couldn't predict what I would see in a few days what surprised me even more...  

16-25 Railway Card for a student budget 

For those who are students and plan to travel around the UK by train, I would recommend getting a 16-25 Railway Card, which will give you a discount for transport. If you are coming to the UK for 3 years or 1 year, having this card will be a ''money-saving'' tool, as 30% discount is a sensible purchase. If you are a passionate traveler like me ( who could spend eternity exploring the world), I would suggest doing that. Then, download an app trainline and add your card. When you have done this, choose your starting point and in the space for a destination - write '' Weston-super-Mare''. Voila! Now you are on your way to see the sea!   

 

Don't get stuck in Weston-super-Mud! 

While I was on the train, I was trying to imagine myself swimming in the sea and enjoying every second. At home in Lithuania every year we used to go with a family to the Baltic Sea - just for a few days. Palanga or Sventoji were my favourites, even if the water was cold and the sun was hiding. After coming back from these memories I felt so excited, that my dream will come true and I will be swimming in the warm sea!  

However, I was shocked when after reaching the western edge of the town and the sand, I can't see the tides...where is the sea? Just the mud? It was 12 or 1 pm, I was at the seaside resort and couldn't swim, because the sea was far far away and the only way to feel the water was going through the mud. I was so angry. If the tides are not coming to me, the only option is to go forward! - I was thinking. The best part was walking along the upper part of the beach, which was sandy, however, due to the low tides, Weston-super-Mare became Weston-super-Mud!  

While I was walking through the mud determined to reach my goal, the weather was perfect for a summer holiday. Sunshine, beautiful sea far away and then my legs covered in the mud. Why did nobody tell me that? Later I found out that it is dangerous to reach the sea when the tides are low (check the time of tides on google if you are going to Weston) and there were several cases when the people died. A few days later after my trip, I read in a newspaper about the lady who was trying to save her daughter and was stuck in the mud. My adventures finished happily, as I managed to reach the sea and come back. How long it took me? 1 hour definitely, but the mission was completed.  

For those who like games, I would suggest checking amusement arcade at the pavilion, situated at the Grand Pier. Entrance to the Grand Pier is just £ 1 and inside you could either try your luck playing games, enjoy ice-cream or sit in peace and enjoy the view.   

 

''COCO's Canteen'' - the best local place to eat 

My next destination was the town. After my 1 h adventures in the mud, I was sure that I deserved a proper lunch. While I was walking in the city, I saw a weird statue in the center - a tall structure similar to a carrot. I would never guess that it is a piece of public art and a bus shelter. Moreover, inside this structure newspapers and hot food are sold. It was built in 2006 at Big Lamp Corner as part of the council's initiative to create more public space and symbolize an individual's harmony with the sea. However, I found my harmony in front of this statue in a place called ''COCO's Canteen''. There I had the most delicious vegan salad I ever had. Moreover, the portion size and price were incredible! Also, the service was very friendly. During the sunny day, you can sit outside and enjoy your meal or coffee, as locals were doing. This small cafe is an independent business run by Clare and her daughter Francesca, who makes the best vegan scones and the cream tea I tried for the first time in my life. You can find this place at Regent Street not far away from the sea.  

When I finished my meal and checked a few local shops I noticed my time had a flight in a second - it was time to get back to the train station. A few hours ago I was excited to jump into the deep water and swim in the sea, but the universe prepared for me another challenge including ''walking in the mud''. Now I look back with the smile on my face and would remember this trip to Weston as the most hilarious and adventurous trip to the seaside.  

 

 

 

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