Burnham-on-Sea, a quaint British seaside town with vast sandy beaches and unique historic sites, encourages tourists to discover that version of Pisa, the slanting tower. Once a humble fishing village, Burnham on Sea in Somerset has become a real British seaside retreat.
A real highlight for travelers is St Andrews' Church. Its medieval stone tower is particularly leaning due to early construction errors in the 12th century. The 78-foot tall tower is listed at an incredible angle of about 15 degrees, and introduces the more famous Pisa Tower, which stretches over 180 feet, but extends just 4 degrees. It's not as tall as the height or fame of Italian landmarks, but it cannot be denied when it is praised by St. Andrew's curved tower, especially when praised by the Esplanade.
“It's amazing. It's so leaning because you feel you're going to fall,” reports Ian Jeffries, manager of Barnum's Tourism Center.
Historically, Burnham's iconic slanting tower served as a beacon for sailors, with lanterns warning of the dangerous sandbars of the river on the Palette River.
Inside, St. Andrew's church has a stunning marble sculpture by Grinling Gibbons, who had set out for Whitehall Palace before it was destroyed by the fire in 1698, making it an immeasurable architectural and artistic value.
Burnham-on-Sea boasts classic seaside attractions, including a charming pier and numerous fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and vast sandy beaches.
Despite being the UK's shortest pier at just 37 metres, Burnham Pier is more than just supplementing Edward's charm, various entertainment, arcade games and food stalls. It was built between 1911 and 1914 and was one of Europe's first piers, built using reinforced concrete.
Over the years, careful maintenance and repairs have preserved the original functionality. The town is located along a seven-mile beach, one of Europe's longest sandy coastlines. Burnham's beach is divided into three sections: Main Beach, South Beach and North Beach.
The main beach is the heart of the activity, and holiday makers can hire sun loungers to enjoy the peace of lifeguards during peak season. Its shallow water is perfect for paddling, but strong currents can put swimming at risk.
Parking is available near the beach. This includes long-term pay and display parking with no height restrictions and no 24-hour access. Street parking is also an option, but availability may be lacking during peak times.
However, it is worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach all year round, so pet owners should consider other options. Burnham-on-Sea isn't just about beaches, piers and slanting towers. It boasts a vibrant town centre filled with independent shops, cafes and pubs.
For history and nature lovers, nearby Briandown, a national trust site featuring 19th century forts and panoramic views of the Somerset Coast, is a must-see. The town also boasts one of the most beautiful iconic low lighthouses in the world, making it popular among photographers and history enthusiasts.
Burnham-on-SEA has no shortage of entertainment. From vintage Ritz Cinemas to family-friendly attractions like the Animal Farm Adventure Park, the town caters to all tastes, whether chasing quiet family retreats or bustling beach holidays.
