Weston-Super-Mare Hotels

Rambling coastal scenery, nearby gorges and manicured urban parks meet hedonistic seaside fun in this North Somerset seaside town. When sun-worshippers and donkey rides end their season on the wide sandy flats, Weston-Super-Mare sparkles with winter carnivals and Christmas pantos.

Build sandcastles or amuse yourself on Grand Pier on the 'very British' Weston Beach. Slip north for the quiet stretch of Sand Bay, where Sand Point headland peeks over the shallow Bristol Channel estuary. Take a boat trip to the dramatic crags of Steep Holm isle to spot rare peonies and shy muntjac deer.

Discover the quiet inland path through Weston Woods below Sand Bay or traverse the nature reserve, Norman Old Church and quaint village at Uphill on Weston's tip. On rainy days take in eclectic local archaeological and seaside heritage at the North Somerset Museum.

Pack your thermos and OS map and head Mendip-bound along the disused Strawberry Line for Cheddar Gorge panoramas. Or amble through Weston's green spots – Grove Park and Ashcombe Park for urban flora and indigenous woodland. Breathe in estuary views from Sand Point and go hill-walking through cowslips in Uphill.

Brace the estuary breeze and kite or windsurf on Weston or Uphill Beaches or brave a coastal heliride from the Helicopter Museum 's pad. Canter the tide line on Sand Bay Beach on horseback or take a pony trek in the nearby Mendip Hills. Winding down? Tee up and play a round at Weston Golf Club.

A pebble's throw from the seaside fish and chips and candyfloss vendors there's a fusion of English and International eateries. Try Thai at Blue Ocean, Sunday roast at Café La Mer or modern european at Reflections Restaurant. All are conveniently clustered around the High Street and The Playhouse theatre.

Insomniacs in Weston head to Regent Street or High Street for nightcaps. Stumble off The Pier and straight into a late-night bar, or enjoy big-screen sporting action at Shooters Bar. Hedonists party on 'school nights' and Sundays at Seven on Beach Road There is a variety of regular pubs and trendy bars both in the town centre and along the seafront.

Snap up gifts at Dolphin Square's Indoor Market stalls daily, or stock up on jams, cheeses and fresh meats on the second Saturday of the month at the Farmers' Market.