Burnham-on-Sea, the quaint UK seaside town with sprawling sandy beaches and distinctive historical sites, is encouraging tourists to discover its version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Once a humble fishing village, Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset is now an authentic British seaside retreat.
A true highlight for travellers is St Andrew’s Church, whose medieval stone tower notably tilts due to early construction errors made back in the 12th century. The 78-foot high tower lists at a remarkable angle of approximately 15 degrees, out-leaning the more celebrated Pisa tower that stretches more than 180 feet but tilts merely four degrees. While it falls short of the Italian landmark’s height or fame, the charm of St Andrew’s crooked tower—especially when admired from the Esplanade—is undeniable.
The manager of the Burnham’s tourist centre, Ian Jefferies, said: “It’s amazing up there. It’s so tilted it feels like you’re going to fall off,” reports the Mirror.
Historically, Burnham’s iconic leaning tower served as a beacon for seafarers, with its lantern warning of the perilous sandbanks at the River Parrett’s mouth.
Inside, St Andrew’s Church is home to stunning marble sculptures by Grinling Gibbons, originally intended for Whitehall Palace before it was razed in the 1698 fire, making it a site of immense architectural and artistic value.
Burnham-on-Sea boasts a charming pier and an array of classic seaside attractions, including numerous fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and vast sandy beaches.
Despite being Britain’s shortest pier at just 37 metres, Burnham Pier more than compensates with its Edwardian allure, various amusements, arcade games and food stalls. Constructed between 1911 and 1914, it was among Europe’s first piers built using reinforced concrete.
Over the years, careful maintenance and restoration have preserved its original features. The town lies along a seven-mile stretch of beach, one of Europe’s longest sandy coastlines. Burnham’s beaches are split into three sections – Main Beach, South Beach and North Beach – offering plenty of space for sunbathers and visitors.
The Main Beach is the centre of activity, where holidaymakers can hire sun loungers and enjoy the reassurance of lifeguards during peak seasons. Its shallow waters are perfect for paddling, but strong currents can make swimming hazardous.
Parking facilities are available near the beach, including a long-stay pay and display car park with no height restrictions and round-the-clock access. On-street parking is also an option, although availability can be scarce during peak times.
However, it’s worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach all year round, so pet owners will need to consider other options. Burnham-on-Sea offers more than just its beach, pier and leaning tower. It boasts a vibrant town centre brimming with independent shops, cafes and pubs.
For history enthusiasts and nature lovers, the nearby Brean Down, a National Trust site featuring a 19th-century fort and panoramic views of the Somerset coast, is a must-visit. The town is also home to the iconic Low Lighthouse, which has been voted among the world’s most beautiful and is a favourite among photographers and history aficionados.
There’s no shortage of entertainment in Burnham-on-Sea. From the vintage Ritz Cinema to family-friendly attractions like the Animal Farm Adventure Park, the town caters to all tastes, whether you’re after a tranquil family retreat or a bustling seaside holiday.