A small UK city is brimming with conventional seaside allure and picturesque scenes, which have been used as a movie set and visited by A-listers
This beautiful UK city needs to be in your listing to go to (Picture: Getty Photos)
I spent the primary 20 years of my life dwelling in a modest British coastal city boasting a powerful Victorian pier, saltwater infinity pool, and one of many world’s most historic cinemas.
Past its wealthy heritage, it boasts a flourishing impartial group, has served because the setting for quite a few movie productions, and has even welcomed members of One Course.
Clevedon, positioned in North Somerset, will all the time maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. I spent my youth gathering with mates on the waterfront promenade, hiring my favorite movies from the store on the town, swimming on the native leisure facility, Strode, and making use of the expansive inexperienced areas and neighbouring biking paths.
As I obtained older, it switched to journeys to quite a lot of pubs and their beer gardens, together with the popular Little Harp Inn and The Salthouse, positioned alongside the waterfront, earlier than a doubtful minibus to the only nightclub on the town, Vibe. At any time when I yearned for a metropolis, I utilised one of many accessible bus connections to Bristol, and Yatton railway station is merely a quick drive away, connecting Clevedon to Tub in simply half-hour.
Clevedon is famed for its Grade I listed Victorian pier (Picture: Getty Photos)
Whereas I moved from the picturesque city a number of years in the past, it stays one in every of my favorite locations, and I strongly advocate that everybody go to. From its magnificent pier and in depth waterfront to its impartial retailers and eating institutions, Clevedon gives considerable points of interest, to not point out its outstanding walkable.
Taking satisfaction of place is Clevedon seashore, stretching roughly 850 metres of golden pebbles, flanked by rugged, low-lying rocks and gazing out over the Bristol Channel. Whereas its waters are something however blue, bearing extra of a murky gray hue, this does little to discourage enthusiastic swimmers from taking the plunge, and it even boasts its very personal marine lake.
To place it extra grandly, it is a seawater infinity pool that attracts tons of of tourists whatever the climate. You will continuously spot locals having a swim, or teams of kids out on their kayaks or crusing boats, and all through the summer time months, it serves as a sanctuary for cooling off in an enclosed open-water pool – one thing I personally made probably the most of.
The Clevedon marine lake, aka the outside infinity pool, is a hotspot for swimmers through the hotter months (Picture: Getty Photos)
Additional alongside the seafront stands arguably the city’s most celebrated attraction, the Grade I-listed Victorian pier. The magnificent construction, stretching 1,024 ft, first opened its doorways in 1869 and is embellished with beautiful ironwork and timber panels.
Adorning the pier are upwards of 16,000 brass plaques bearing names, dates, recollections and messages from residents and guests alike, which have turn into a agency favorite pastime for vacationers who take pleasure in strolling alongside and studying the charming inscriptions.
Celebrated English poet and author Sir John Betjeman famously proclaimed it “probably the most stunning pier in England”, and it has additionally been topped Pier of the 12 months in 1999, 2013, and 2021. It stays a cherished and iconic landmark within the area, and has even drawn some notable movie star admirers.
One Course shot their music video ‘You & I’ on Clevedon Pier in 2014 (Picture: YouTube)
In 2014, Harry Types, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne ventured to Clevedon to shoot a music video, and what finer setting than the city’s historic pier. One Course despatched the city right into a frenzy as they filmed the footage for his or her smash hit ‘You and I’ throughout a cold day in March, and for locals, myself included, it stays an unforgettable event that firmly positioned the city on the map.
A commemorative plaque marking their music video was mounted on the pier, with an extra one subsequently added in tribute to Liam Payne, who tragically handed away in October 2024. But the One Course stars are removed from the one celebrities to have introduced fame to this North Somerset city.
The massively common ITV drama Broadchurch, that includes Olivia Colman, David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, was notably shot throughout quite a few areas all through Clevedon. A number of years on, David Tennant returned to Clevedon to movie scenes on the Council places of work at Castlewood for the 2024 Disney manufacturing Rivals, with the venue serving because the Corinium Tv studios.
Clevedon has been used as a filming location for films, TV and music movies (Picture: Getty Photos)
The movie By no means Let Me Go, starring Keira Knightley, was likewise filmed in Clevedon again in 2009, the place I distinctly bear in mind ready for a glimpse of the actress as she shot scenes on Hill Highway. One more compelling motive to go to this charming little city.
Immediately, Hill Highway, which actually lives as much as its identify, is brimming with impartial retailers, from Gems Giftshop to youngsters’s outlet Muddy Boots, women’ vogue at Pale Blue, and the charming Books on the Hill. Following time spent perusing the outlets, I am keen on stopping by 67Baristabarber for a espresso, a welcoming café and barber store mixture – it really works brilliantly!
If I fancy a drink for a reunion with mates, I will enterprise to the trendy Classic and Vine or the Limehouse for a cocktail and a burger. There’s additionally The Clevedon Distillery and the Fallen Tree Micropub, enhancing its choice.
Hill Highway is the place to go to for impartial outlets and classy cocktail bars (Picture: Getty Photos)
Clevedon’s city centre includes a modest array of further outlets, however that is the place you may uncover your extra recognisable manufacturers. However, amongst them are inviting espresso institutions and the Clevedon Market that graces the sq. each Thursday.
Situated elsewhere within the city is without doubt one of the world’s most historic cinemas, the Curzon. Having opened in 1912, the enchanting cinema showcases pink velvet seating and stays operational as a treasured image home. I cherish recollections of visiting the Curzon and buying my sweets from the small kiosk – now you can even savour a glass of wine together with your movie right now!
In case you’re in search of a quintessential British seaside tour, I can not advocate Clevedon extremely sufficient. There’s considerable leisure, together with for youngsters, and an unmistakable allure I guarantee you will not uncover elsewhere. Furthermore, you’ll be able to actually stroll the place a number of the greatest pop stars and actors have stepped!
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