I spent the first two decades of my life living in a modest British coastal town boasting a magnificent Victorian pier, saltwater infinity pool, and one of the world’s most historic cinemas.

Beyond its rich heritage, it boasts a flourishing independent community, has served as the setting for numerous film productions, and has even welcomed members of One Direction.

Clevedon, located in North Somerset, will always hold a special place in my heart. I spent my youth gathering with friends at the waterfront promenade, hiring my favourite films from the shop in town, swimming at the local leisure facility, Strode, and making use of the expansive green areas and neighbouring cycling paths.

As I got older, it switched to trips to a variety of pubs and their beer gardens, including the preferred Little Harp Inn and The Salthouse, positioned along the waterfront, before a dubious minibus to the sole nightclub in town, Vibe. Whenever I yearned for a city, I utilised one of the accessible bus connections to Bristol, and Yatton railway station is merely a brief drive away, connecting Clevedon to Bath in just 30 minutes.

While I moved from the picturesque town several years ago, it remains one of my favourite destinations, and I strongly recommend that everyone visit. From its magnificent pier and extensive waterfront to its independent retailers and dining establishments, Clevedon offers abundant attractions, not to mention its remarkable walkable.

Taking pride of place is Clevedon beach, stretching approximately 850 metres of golden pebbles, flanked by rugged, low-lying rocks and gazing out over the Bristol Channel. While its waters are anything but blue, bearing more of a murky grey hue, this does little to deter enthusiastic swimmers from taking the plunge, and it even boasts its very own marine lake.

To put it more grandly, it’s a seawater infinity pool that draws hundreds of visitors regardless of the weather. You’ll frequently spot locals having a swim, or groups of youngsters out on their kayaks or sailing boats, and throughout the summer months, it serves as a sanctuary for cooling off in an enclosed open-water pool – something I personally made the most of.

Further along the seafront stands arguably the town’s most celebrated attraction, the Grade I-listed Victorian pier. The magnificent structure, stretching 1,024 ft, first opened its doors in 1869 and is embellished with exquisite ironwork and timber panels.

Adorning the pier are upwards of 16,000 brass plaques bearing names, dates, memories and messages from residents and visitors alike, which have become a firm favourite pastime for tourists who enjoy strolling along and reading the charming inscriptions.

Celebrated English poet and writer Sir John Betjeman famously proclaimed it “the most beautiful pier in England”, and it has also been crowned Pier of the Year in 1999, 2013, and 2021. It remains a cherished and iconic landmark in the region, and has even drawn some notable celebrity admirers.

In 2014, Harry Styles, 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 town’s historic pier. One Direction sent the town into a frenzy as they filmed the footage for their smash hit ‘You and I’ during a chilly day in March, and for locals, myself included, it remains an unforgettable occasion that firmly placed the town on the map.

A commemorative plaque marking their music video was mounted on the pier, with a further one subsequently added in tribute to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024. Yet the One Direction stars are far from the only celebrities to have brought fame to this North Somerset town.

The hugely popular ITV drama Broadchurch, featuring Olivia Colman, David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, was notably shot across numerous locations throughout Clevedon. Several years on, David Tennant returned to Clevedon to film scenes at the Council offices at Castlewood for the 2024 Disney production Rivals, with the venue serving as the Corinium Television studios.

The film Never Let Me Go, starring Keira Knightley, was likewise filmed in Clevedon back in 2009, where I distinctly remember waiting for a glimpse of the actress as she shot scenes on Hill Road. Yet another compelling reason to visit this charming little town.

Today, Hill Road, which certainly lives up to its name, is brimming with independent retailers, from Gems Giftshop to children’s outlet Muddy Boots, ladies’ fashion at Pale Blue, and the charming Books on the Hill. Following time spent perusing the shops, I adore stopping by 67Baristabarber for a coffee, a welcoming café and barber shop combination – it works brilliantly!

If I fancy a drink for a reunion with friends, I’ll venture to the fashionable Vintage and Vine or the Limehouse for a cocktail and a burger. There’s also The Clevedon Distillery and the Fallen Tree Micropub, enhancing its selection.

Clevedon’s town centre features a modest array of additional shops, but this is where you’ll discover your more recognisable brands. Nevertheless, among them are inviting coffee establishments and the Clevedon Market that graces the square every Thursday.

Located elsewhere in the town is one of the world’s most historic cinemas, the Curzon. Having opened in 1912, the enchanting cinema showcases red velvet seating and remains operational as a treasured picture house. I cherish memories of visiting the Curzon and purchasing my sweets from the small kiosk – you can now even savour a glass of wine with your film today!

If you’re looking for a quintessential British seaside excursion, I can’t recommend Clevedon highly enough. There’s abundant entertainment, including for children, and an unmistakable charm I assure you won’t discover elsewhere. Moreover, you can literally walk where some of the biggest pop stars and actors have stepped!