For one day in Weston-super-Mare, choose between the central Weston Museum and The Helicopter Museum, then make time for the seafront promenade. The best order depends on which museum is open on the day you visit and how much time you want to spend getting around.
- Central museum: Weston Museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–16:00.
- Out-of-town museum: The Helicopter Museum is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–16:30, with last admission at 15:30.
- Seafront: The promenade is long and flat, with most main sights and attractions within walking distance.
Morningchoose a museum stop
For a central morning stop, start at Weston Museum; for a larger specialist collection, set aside time for The Helicopter Museum instead.
Weston Museum is at Burlington Street, BS23 1PR. Its permanent galleries and most temporary exhibitions have no entry charge, though some national travelling exhibitions, activities and events may charge. The lift serves the main upper-floor galleries, but Clara’s Cottage, built in 1865, has narrow corridors and a staircase, so it is not completely wheelchair accessible.
Weston Museum is about an 8-minute walk from the York Hotel. Weston-super-Mare railway station is a 10-minute walk from the museum.
The Helicopter Museum is at Locking Moor Road, BS24 8PP, and displays more than 100 rotary-wing aircraft. Its collection includes two helicopters from the Queen’s Royal Flight, the world speed record holder G-LYNX, a Vietnam Veteran Huey and a Russian Hind gunship.
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps where required and wheelchairs available to ask for at the entrance desk.
It is about 10 minutes from the railway station by bus or taxi. First Bus runs a service from town that stops outside the museum on Locking Moor Road; check the bus timetable before setting out. For collection details and visitor planning, read what to know before visiting The Helicopter Museum.
Middayplan around the seafront
The seafront promenade is long and flat, so it can anchor the middle of your day between a museum visit and an afternoon stop.
The Tropicana is an entertainment venue on the seafront that opened in 1937. Its past events include Banksy’s 2015 Dismaland installation. Treat it as part of the town’s seafront history rather than assuming there is an event to visit; event and venue arrangements can change. The Tropicana guide to access and planning covers the venue.
Afternoonpark or second attraction
Use the afternoon for a second museum if its opening days suit your visit, or take time in Clarence Park.
If you chose Weston Museum in the morning, the Helicopter Museum offers a very different collection; if you began at the Helicopter Museum, the central museum is the simpler alternative to pair with time around town.
The Helicopter Museum provides free parking and has a café and gift shop. It also holds regular Open Cockpit Days, helicopter flights and special events throughout the year; check its event information for dates before planning around one.
How do you get around Weston-super-Mare?
Walking works well for many central sights, while buses or taxis can help with the trip to The Helicopter Museum.
First Bus and Badgerline serve the town; several routes stop at the station, and many stop on the road beside the seafront. The Coaster links Sand Bay and Burnham and becomes an open-top service during summer. The seasonal 126 serves the Helicopter Museum and offers day trips to Wells and Cheddar.
For a closer look at station connections and local services, see how local transport works from Weston-super-Mare station.
Before you go
Museum opening days, admission charges and event details affect how much you can fit into one day. Check the official site before you go: use the museum’s site for its opening, ticket and event details, and North Somerset Council’s site for Tropicana information.
FAQs
Can you visit both museums in one day?
It is possible to plan for both, but The Helicopter Museum is outside the town centre and takes additional travel time. Check each museum’s opening days and allow time for the journey before committing to the combination.
Is Weston Museum free?
There is no entry charge for its permanent galleries and most temporary exhibitions. Some travelling exhibitions, activities and events may charge.
Is The Helicopter Museum accessible by bus?
Yes. A First Bus service from town stops outside the museum on Locking Moor Road. Check the bus timetable before travelling.
What can you do at the Tropicana?
The Tropicana is a seafront entertainment venue with a history that includes the 2015 Dismaland installation. Check North Somerset Council’s information for current venue arrangements.