Things to see and do at Sand Point and Middle Hope

A view down towards Middle Hope beach in autumn — Middle Hope viewed from Sand Point | © National Trust Images/Mike Selby

The stretch of coastline around Sand Point and Middle Hope sits just north of Weston-Super-Mare. It's one of the most beautiful parts of North Somerset and is a popular spot for a picnic as the views are spectacular. Here are a few things you can see and do while you’re here.

Enjoy a coastal walk

A scenic three-mile route takes you on a circular coastal walk around Sand Point and highlights the birds to spot on the way. Listen out for the cry of curlews over the mud flats at low tide or watch oystercatchers skimming the waves.

Woodspring Priory

This former Augustinian priory was built in 1230 on the site of a chapel founded by one of the assassins of St Thomas à Becket. It wasn't finished until the 15th century, so didn't have long to fulfil its religious role before the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

After being left to fall into disrepair it has since been converted into a farmhouse and belongs to the Landmark Trust.

A pencil drawing of the church and surrounding land at Woodspring Priory, Somerset — Woodspring Priory by Celia Lewis, 1885 | © National Trust / David Cousins & Sonja Power

Defending the British coastline

Just like Brean Down further south along the coast, weapons were tested at Sand Point during the Second World War. Some were so strange that they were never seen again after their initial trials.

It's believed that Sand Point and Middle Hope were at this point an island, which could be reached at low tide across mud flats. This island formed an ideal site for defence; indeed two Iron Age settlements have been found here.

Wildlife aplenty

You can spot plenty of birds on the headland, and not only seabirds – you'll also find swallows, greenfinches and skylarks.

The scrub is ideal for nesting birds and also provides a habitat for butterflies such as gatekeepers and skippers. In summer it's possible to see hummingbird hawk-moths feeding from the flowers of lady's bedstraw.

A small hummingbird hawkmoth feeding on a pink flower — A hummingbird hawkmoth | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton

Tide times

It's easy for the tides to take you by surprise so it’s a good idea to check the tide times before you arrive at the beach. They tell you what time the sea will be both nearest the land and furthest away. At high tide the sea is closest to the land while at low tide there is most beach available.

Please note the beach is made up of sand and mud flats, which are exposed at low tide. It can be dangerous to walk too far out at low tide.

Parking

Parking charges apply for non-members. Parking is free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders – members please display your member sticker. You can pay using PayByPhone; there is a charge of £5 for non-members.

If the car park is full, please respect the local area and turn around. We ask that you do not park on the road verges as this could block emergency access.