Later in the day we decided to drive along the coast to take a look at Brean beach, as cars are also permitted to park on the sand there. We shouldn't have bothered though, it was a dump!
But the dog loved it!
Although we personally didn't like Brean, the flat sandy beach stretched for miles and the tide came in very gently. I walked at least 20ft into the sea and the water was then only just covering my ankles. It's therefore a comparatively safe beach for young kids. There is also a beach patrol van that runs up and down fairly regularly.
A mile away from the beach, along the main road, and accessible from the beach along some paths through the sand dunes, there's an 'adventure' park and typical seaside pubs and shops. So the place would probably suit families with young children.
Thereby endeth my personal review of the area!
Note:
I was personally amazed at how much I enjoyed uninterrupted thoughts whilst spending time on the beach. After all, we have a nice house, pretty garden and so on...so it seems daft to me that I felt more relaxed when sitting in the camper van on a beach, that's only a few miles away from my home than when I am actually sitting at home! I wonder, again, whether we should do away with the peace-interrupting telephone? Having chosen to move to a house that is at the end of a cul-de-sac I solved the social problems created by passers by, and by having a high-walled rear garden and locked gates I have successfully secured privacy. I haven't lived my life to date without being aware of, and providing for, the social isolation that I enjoy! For it is within social isolation that my creativity flourishes. Obviously when shared interests are enjoyed then, within that context, socialising can be a pleasure. It's a matter of balance I guess.
The trouble with the telephone is that, even though I have an answering machine, the ring is heard (even when I'm outside enjoying the garden) and this causes me to wonder whether the caller requires an urgent response. I therefore invariably stop what I am doing to answer it. I am of an age when the 'phone was used only for emergency contact, and as my husband has aged parents and I have a son requiring on-going support, it's difficult not to subconsciously experience 'alert' mode whenever the 'phone rings. Then, of course, urgent call or otherwise, my personal thoughts, actions or enjoyment have been halted as, more often than not, I respond to the caller....or if I didn't I feel some subconscious concern.
Whatever...the camper van today solved the problem for several hours. The damned 'phone did ring three times in succession soon after we got back home, which proves my point!