Would you like to go for a walk in a truly wonderful place? Why not? So we jump into the car in Bristol and after about an hour we arrive at Brean Down, where we can walk for as long as our hearts desire. On the left, there is a beautiful sandy beach, and for those craving a bit more effort, there are the stairs to heaven. Well, maybe not quite to heaven—although I must admit, that’s precisely how it felt, there were so many of them. The effort is considerable, but it is absolutely worth it. It really is worth suffering a little and climbing those stairs because from the top of the hill an incredible landscape unfolds.

If you follow the path to the left, you will reach a cliff offering a fantastic view of Weston-super-Mare and Uphill Beach with the River Axe (this is one of our favourite spots, and we definitely recommend it). Taking the path to the right, eventually, you will reach Brean Down Fort.

Brean Down Fort and its history

Brean Down National Trust, England.
Brean Down National Trust, England.

The present structures at Brean Down Fort were built in 1890, 18 metres above sea level. Earlier fortifications stood on this site, forming part of a group of forts constructed along the coast of Great Britain. Their intended purpose was to defend the ports of the Bristol Channel against a possible invasion by Napoleon and the French navy.

The fort was part of a strategic coastal defence system covering the channel between the mainland and the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm. Both of these tiny islands can be seen from the hill. Originally, the fort was armed with… well, who would really enjoy reading about Georgian cannons or muzzle-loading guns from the Woolwich Gun Foundry? I certainly wouldn’t, so there will be no detailed discussion of weapons here. It is worth knowing, however, that in 1901 the fort was decommissioned. During the Second World War it served as a testing site for rockets and experimental weapons, and several decades later this corner of the coast became the property of the National Trust.

Thanks to the organisation, the site was renovated and opened to visitors. Anyone interested is free to explore it. Unfortunately, today, the fort consists only of well-preserved ruins and remnants of former buildings. Still, with a little imagination, they can transport us back to times not so very distant.

Brean Down Fort – facts, information, and curiosities

Brean Down National Trust, England.
Brean Down National Trust, England.
Brean Down National Trust, England.
  • Brean Down Fort is a 19th-century military fortress located on the rocky headland of Brean Down in the county of Somerset.
  • The fort stands high above the waters of the Bristol Channel, providing an excellent observation and defensive position.
  • It was built between 1864 and 1871 as part of the system of fortifications known as the Palmerston Forts.
  • Its main purpose was to protect the sea approaches to the ports of Bristol and Cardiff.
  • Despite its military nature, the fort never took part in actual combat.
  • Initially, it was equipped with heavy artillery capable of striking targets at long distances.
  • Each gun weighed several tonnes and represented some of the most advanced technology of its time.
  • The fort also served as a training centre for artillerymen of the British Army.
  • At the end of the 19th century, Brean Down Fort became a site of pioneering experiments in wireless telegraphy.
  • In 1900, a powerful explosion occurred in the ammunition magazine, seriously damaging part of the complex.
  • After this event, the fort lost its military significance and was withdrawn from active service.
  • In the early 20th century, the site was even used as a café for tourists.
  • During the Second World War, the fort was re-armed and adapted once again for coastal defence.
  • At that time, shelters, observation posts, and searchlight positions were built in the surrounding area.
  • Experimental military technologies were also tested here during the war years.
  • After the war, the fort gradually fell into ruin, but it retained its raw, monumental character.
  • Today, Brean Down Fort is under the care of the National Trust and is open to visitors.
  • The site has the status of a monument of special historical and archaeological significance.
  • The path leading to the fort runs through the former moat and earthwork defences.
  • The Brean Down peninsula itself was already inhabited in the Bronze Age, and the fort is just one of many traces of the site’s long history.
  • The Brean Down landscape has been used in cinematography; it served as a filming location for the British TV series Boneknickers, specifically for its second episode. I haven’t seen the programme yet, but I have read that the press was very critical of it. I suppose I’ll have to judge for myself.
  • If you are lucky enough, you may come across sand artist Simon Beck or Julian Richardson, who creates incredible patterns on the beach at Brean Down, best viewed from the hill above.
  • As you may notice in the photos, the fort is a place we often take visiting friends to, and we encourage you to visit it as well.

Brean Down – practical information

Brean Down National Trust, England.
  • Address: Brean, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2RS
  • Costs: Paid parking available until 5:30 p.m.; £3.50 for the whole day during summer and £1 during winter.
  • Near the car park, you will find a small shop and café open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Polish version