Berrow Beach

Dunes, a nature reserve and a wide beach

Berrow lies between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean, on the Bristol Channel coast. Behind it are Berrow Dunes, where lizard orchids grow; a 200-hectare area was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1952, and the Severn Estuary Partnership counts about 270 species of wildflower in the dunes. On the sand lies the wreck of the Norwegian barque Nornen, which went aground on 3 March 1897.

Its neighbour Brean Beach has the headland and the leisure park. Berrow has the dunes. For the town, see Burnham-on-Sea.

Tide and mud

Somerset Council says Berrow and Brean have the second highest tidal range in the world. At low tide a vast expanse of mud flat is exposed that is dangerous to walk on, and the council’s advice on its beach and water safety page is not to try to reach the water at low tide because there is sinking mud. Never drive onto the mud flats: even four-wheel-drive vehicles can get stuck. The council notes that people who cannot use the pedestrian access at Berrow and Brean can use the disabled access points at nearby Burnham-on-Sea beach.

Wardens and swimming

Beach Safety Wardens work at Berrow, Brean and Burnham-on-Sea between Easter and September. The council says access to the water can be gained two hours either side of high tide, and that the water contains silt stirred up by the tide. Follow the wardens’ guidance.

Dogs, horses and driving

Dogs are allowed all year on the beaches north of Maddocks Slade up to Brean Down, including Berrow, under control or on a lead. Riders must not take horses into the dunes, which are a protected site, nor ride in a way that causes danger to others; the council’s rules are on its dogs and animals page. Winter vehicle access is limited and has a 15mph limit. Permanent parking is available on the access road to Berrow and at the Berrow Dunes Nature Reserve car park.