Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Clevedon has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Clevedon.
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Sights in Clevedon
Clevedon is a wonderful seaside town located in the North Somerset district of England. The town has a fascinating history and a wide range of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained.
Nestled between the Avon and Yeo rivers, Clevedon was first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086. The town grew up around its port and salt production industry, and later became a popular seaside resort in the Victorian era. Today, Clevedon’s Victorian heritage is still very evident, with many of the original buildings still standing. The town has a mix of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as some wellknown high street names.
There are two main beaches in Clevedon Hill Road Beach andclose. Beach. Hill Road Beach is the bigger of the two and is perfect for a summer’s day out. With plenty of sand and shallow water, it’s ideal for families with young children. Close Beach is a hidden gem and is only accessible at low tide. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, to paddle in the rock pools or to hunt for shells.
The Grade I listed Pier is one of Clevedon’s most iconic features. Built in 1869, it is the only surviving Grade I listed pier in the Bristol Channel. The pier is a great place to take a stroll, to fish or to enjoy the views. There are also regular events and concerts held throughout the year.
Clevedon is surrounded by beautiful countryside and there are plenty of walks and cycle routes to explore. The town is also home to a number of independent businesses, art galleries and antique shops.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break by the seaside, or a more active holiday, Clevedon has something to offer everyone.
History of Clevedon
The present town of Clevedon was once a small hamlet, called Gedcomb, within the large parish of WaltoninGordano. In the Domesday Book of 1086 the name appears as Glevedone. The town’s name is thought to derive from the Old English clifdūn, meaning “hilldown”.
In the 12th century a Norman knight, Richard de Ripariis, held the manor of Clevedon. He founded Clevedon Court as a private hunting lodge. The estate passed to Walter de Douai in 1190, and then to William de Courtenay, Earl of Devon in 1235. By the end of the 13th century the de Courtenay family were owners of many manors in North Somerset.
Walton Castle was built in the 13th century by William de Courtenay on high ground overlooking the Bristol Channel. It was probably intended as a status symbol and a lookout post for Courtenay’s estates along the Walton coast, including Clevedon. The castle was slighted in 1646, after the English Civil War, and today only the earthworks and foundations remain.
In 1824 a 3rd Earl of Devon sold much of his land in Walton and Clevedon, including the castle, to James Orchard Halliday. In 1832 Halliday constructed a new Walton Castle close to the old one, on the site of an earlier Gothic mansion. This Italianate castellated building was completed in 1834. James Halliday died in 1848, and in 1850 the castle and about 5500acres of land were bought by Kay Jaye, who renamed it Clevedon Court.
The town has two Grade I listed buildings. St Andrew’s Church was originally Norman, with 14th and 15thcentury additions. Clevedon Court is an Italianate mansion, built in 1834 to designs by Charles Fowler.
Clevedon Pier is one of the earliest surviving examples of aCamera Obscura.It was designed by Eugenius Birch, who also designed Brighton’s West Pier. Construction started in 1861, but due to financial difficulties it was not completed until 1869, when it opened to the public. The pier is 500ft long and has a width of 20ft. It has survived two major storms, in 1871 and 1877, but was damaged by a severe gale in 1896.
In 1902 a new company was formed to repair and maintain the pier, and a bandstand was built at the landward end. In 1909 an outdoor swimming pool was added. The pier was used as a filming location for the Doctor Who serial The Robots of Death in 1977. It was Grade I listed in 1971 and is now owned and managed by the National Trust.
The Portishead Railway linked Portishead with Bristol and was opened in 1867. A branch line to Clevedon was opened in 1869, but it was not until 1904 that a direct link between Clevedon and Yatton was established. Clevedon station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A viaduct carrying the track over a valley west of the town was completed in 1869, but the construction of the Strawberry Line tunnel under the Mendip Hills, between Clevedon and Yatton, was not completed until 1904. The railway was closed in 1966 as part of the Beeching Axe.
In the 19th century Clevedon was a popular seaside resort, with visitors coming to bathe in the sea and to take the sea air. Hotels and boarding houses were built to cater for the visitors, and a promenade was constructed along the seafront.
Today Clevedon is a thriving community with a population of over 21,000. It is a popular tourist destination, with its pretty Victorian architecture, independent shops and cafes, and its seaside location.
Vacation in Clevedon
Clevedon is a town and civil parish in the unitary authority of North Somerset, England. Clevedon’s population was recorded as 28,066 in the 2011 Census. An electoral ward with the same name exists. The ward population at the 2011 Census was 5,972.
Clevedon is notable for its grand Victorian seaside pier. The town has a growing arts scene and holds several festivals throughout the year. It is twinned with thornbury in South Gloucestershire.
Clevedon was voted 25th best place to live in the South West in 2018 and selected as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to live in 2019.
clevedon has a bustling high street
While it may not be on the radar of most American vacationers, the seaside town of Clevedon in England is well worth a visit. This charming town is located in the county of North Somerset, just a short drive from the larger city of Bristol. The town has a population of just over 28,000 people and is known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, its scenic pier, and its growing arts scene. There are also several festivals held in Clevedon throughout the year, making it a great destination for a cultural vacation.
When it comes to accommodation, Clevedon has a wide range of options to suit all budgets. There are several bed and breakfasts located within the town, as well as a number of hotels, guesthouses, and selfcatering cottages. For those looking for a more unique experience, there are even a few camping and glamping sites located nearby.
When it comes to things to do in Clevedon, there is no shortage of options. The town’s pier is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, and there are a number of walking and cycling trails located nearby. The Clevedon Court Estate is also worth a visit, and visitors can take a tour of the historic manor house or simply enjoy the beautiful gardens. For those interested in the arts, there are several galleries and craft shops located in the town, as well as a number of regular events and festivals. And of course, no visit to Clevedon would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local seafood!
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