Frome Beaches

Overview

Frome is a lovely market town, but it's inland, not right on the sea. However, it's perfectly placed for day trips to the coast. You can reach beaches in Somerset and Dorset in about an hour to 90 minutes by car, offering a surprising variety of coastal experiences.

The closest coastline in Somerset, along the Bristol Channel, is known for its huge tides and vast sandy stretches at low tide, found at popular family spots like Weston-super-Mare and Brean Beach. Heading south brings you to the Dorset coast on the English Channel, famed for the dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site.

Explore iconic Dorset landmarks like the world-famous arch at Durdle Door and the beautiful, sheltered Lulworth Cove. For a classic British seaside experience, visit the sandy bay of Weymouth Beach, or enjoy the vibrant resort town atmosphere at Bournemouth Beach. Our guide features many more options, from unique pebble beaches like Chesil Beach to quieter natural spots, ensuring you find the perfect coastal escape near Frome.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Frome a good place for a beach holiday?

Frome is a charming inland market town, not a coastal resort, so it's not a typical beach holiday destination itself. However, it's a great base for day trips, with several beaches on the Somerset and Dorset coasts reachable within about an hour to an hour and a half's drive.

What are the closest beaches to Frome?

The nearest coastline to Frome is the Somerset coast along the Bristol Channel. Beaches like Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow, and Brean are typically the closest, around 30 miles away, taking roughly an hour to drive. Weston-super-Mare is slightly further but also popular.

Burnham-On-Sea Beach

Berrow Beach

Brean Beach

How long does it take to get to the beach from Frome?

You can typically reach the nearest Somerset beaches like Burnham-on-Sea or Brean in about 1 hour by car. Beaches further along the Somerset coast (like Minehead) or south on the Dorset coast (like Weymouth or Chesil Beach) usually take around 1.5 hours.

Are the beaches near Frome sandy?

Yes, several popular beaches accessible from Frome offer large sandy stretches, especially at low tide. Brean Beach, Berrow, and Weston-super-Mare on the Somerset coast are known for their expansive sands. However, some Somerset beaches like Kilve are rocky, and Dorset's Chesil Beach is famous for its pebbles.

Brean Beach

Chesil Beach

Are there campsites or holiday parks near the beaches accessible from Frome?

Yes, the area around Brean and Burnham-on-Sea is particularly well-known for its large holiday parks and campsites, offering various accommodation options close to the beach. There are also campsites near other coastal areas in Somerset and Dorset.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Brean Beach

Burnham-On-Sea Beach

Which beaches near Frome are best for families?

Weston-super-Mare, Brean, and Burnham-on-Sea are popular choices for families. They offer sandy beaches suitable for playing, traditional seaside attractions like piers and amusements, and facilities catering to children. Brean also has large holiday parks nearby.

Brean Beach

Burnham-On-Sea Beach

Can you swim in the sea at beaches near Frome?

Yes, you can swim at many beaches accessible from Frome. However, the Somerset coast along the Bristol Channel has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, which means the sea can go out very far, sometimes revealing mudflats. Always check tide times and be aware of safety advice. Beaches on the Dorset coast like Weymouth offer more conventional sea swimming.

Weymouth Beach

Are there places for wild swimming near Frome itself?

Yes, Frome has a well-known river swimming spot. The Farleigh & District Swimming Club at Farleigh Hungerford manages a beautiful stretch of the River Frome, one of the oldest river swimming clubs in the country. It offers lawns for relaxing and steps into the water.

Are dogs allowed on beaches near Frome?

Many beaches in Somerset and Dorset are dog-friendly, especially outside the main summer season. Beaches like Berrow, Brean (south), Kilve, and Sand Bay often allow dogs year-round. However, popular resorts like Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea have restrictions on main sections during peak months (usually May to September). Always check local signage.

What's the difference between Somerset beaches and Dorset beaches near Frome?

Somerset beaches (like Brean, Burnham, Weston) are on the Bristol Channel, known for huge tides, vast sandy flats at low tide, and traditional seaside resorts. Dorset beaches (like Weymouth, Chesil Beach, Durdle Door) are on the English Channel, often featuring clearer waters, dramatic cliffs (Jurassic Coast), and a mix of sandy bays and pebble/shingle beaches.

Are there beaches good for fossil hunting near Frome?

Yes, Kilve Beach on the Somerset coast (around an hour's drive) is famous for its fossils found within the lias rocks and shale, though removal is prohibited as it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's a rocky beach great for exploring rock pools too.

Kilve Beach

What are some quieter, more natural beaches accessible from Frome?

For a quieter experience, consider Sand Bay (near Weston-super-Mare), Berrow Beach (especially the northern end), or Bossington Beach near Porlock on the Exmoor coast. These tend to be less crowded than the main resorts and offer more natural scenery.

Berrow Beach

Bossington Beach

Is it easy to park at the beaches near Frome?

Parking availability varies. Large resorts like Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea have multiple car parks, though they can get busy and charge fees. Some beaches like Brean and Berrow allow parking directly on the sand in designated areas (check conditions and tide times). Smaller, more remote beaches may have limited parking.

Burnham-On-Sea Beach

Brean Beach

Berrow Beach