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I spent the first 20 years of my life living in a small UK seaside town with a grand Victorian pier, seawater infinity pool, and one of the oldest cinemas in the world.

As well as being steeped in history, it has a thriving independent scene, has been used as the backdrop for countless film productions, and has even been visited by the stars ofOne Direction.

Clevedon, situated in North Somerset,will always hold a special place in my heart. I spent my childhood meeting friends at the seafront promenade, renting my favorite films from the store in town, swimming at the local leisure center, Strode, and taking advantage of the open green spaces and nearby bike routes.

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As I got older, it became trips to the assortment of pubs and their beer gardens, including the favoured Little Harp Inn and The Salthouse, situated along the seafront, before a questionable minibus to the only club in town, Vibe. Whenever I longed for a city, I used one of the convenient bus links to Bristol, and Yatton train station is just a short drive away, linking Clevedon to Bath in just 30 minutes.

While I moved out of the idyllic town some years ago, it's still one of my favourite places to visit, and I highly recommend visiting. From its grand pier and sprawling seafront to its independent shops and eateries, there's plenty to see and do in Clevedon, not to mention that it's incredibly walkable.

First and foremost is Clevedon beach, around 850 metres wide of golden pebbles, lined with low rugged rocks and overlooking the Bristol Channel. While its waters are far from blue, more of a murky grey tone, it doesn't stop avid swimmers from taking a dip, and it even has its very own marine lake.

In a more fancier description, it's a seawater infinity pool that welcomes hundreds of visitors come rain or shine. You'll often spot locals taking a dip, or groups of kids out on their kayaks or sailing boats, and during the summer, it's a haven for cooling off in an enclosed, open-water pool, something I certainly took advantage of.

Further down the seafront is undoubtedly one of the town's key attractions, the Grade I listed Victorian pier. The grand structure, which stretches 1,024 ft, opened in 1869 and is adorned with elegant ironwork and wooden panels.

Fitted around the pier are more than 16,000 brass plaques emblazoned with names, dates, memories and messages from locals and visitors, which have become a favourite pastime for visitors to wander along and read the delightful signs.

English poet and writer, Sir John Betjeman, famously described the landmark as "the most beautiful pier in England", while it's also been named Pier of the Year in 1999, 2013, and 2021. It's a beloved and iconic attraction in the area, but it's also attracted some major celebrities.

In 2014, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne took a trip to Clevedon to film a music video and what better location than the historic pier. One Direction sent the town into overdrive as they shot the video for their hit 'You & I', during a brisk day in March, and for locals, including myself, it will be a day we'll never forget, and it certainly put the town on the map.

A plaque commemorating their music video was installed on the pier, and later another was added in memory of Liam Payne, who sadly died in October 2024. But the One Direction stars aren't the only ones to bring stardom to the North Somerset town.

The hit ITV series Broadchurch, starring Olivia Colman, David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, was famously filmed across various locations in Clevedon. Years later, David Tennant returned to Clevedon to film scenes in the Council offices at Castlewood for the 2024 Disney series Rivals, with the location used as the Corinium Television studios.

The movie, Never Let Me Go, starring Keira Knightley, was also filmed in Clevedon back in 2009, where I vividly recall waiting to catch a glimpse of the actress as she filmed scenes on Hill Road. Another must-visit spot in this small town.

Today, Hill Road, which lives up to its name, is brimming with independent shops, from Gems Giftshop to children's store Muddy Boots, women's fashion at Pale Blue, and the delightful Books on the Hill. After time spent browsing around the shops, I love popping into 67Baristabarber for a coffee, a cosy café and barber shop combined - it works perfectly!

If I'm after a tipple for a catch-up with friends, I'll head to the trendy Vintage & Vine or the Limehouse for a cocktail and a burger. There's even The Clevedon Distillery and the Fallen Tree Micropub adding to its offerings.

The town centre of Clevedon has a small selection of further shops, but this is where you'll find your more branded stores. However, amongst them are cosy coffee houses and the Clevedon Market that graces the square every Thursday.

Elsewhere in the town is one of the world's oldest cinemas, the Curzon. Having opened in 1912, the charming cinema boasts red velvet seats and continues to operate as a beloved picture house. I have fond memories of going to the Curzon and buying my sweets from the small kosik - you can even enjoy a glass of wine with your film today!

If you're looking for a traditional British seaside day out, I can't recommend Clevedon enough. There's plenty to do, including for kids, and an undeniable charm I guarantee you won't find anywhere else. Plus, you can literally walk where some of the biggest pop stars and actors have graced!

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