Beautiful UK seaside town with very own leaning tower 'like Pisa but wonkier'

Daily Mirror

08-05-2025

While the famous tower of Pisa leans at an angle of four degrees, its British counterpart slants at a whopping 15 degrees
A charming seaside town renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and unique historical landmarks, is encouraging tourists to come and pose with its very own answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Originally a tiny fishing village, Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset offers visitors a classic British coastal experience, blending natural beauty with a rich heritage.
‌
One of the town's most distinctive features is the medieval stone tower of St Andrew's Church, which famously leans due to poor foundations laid soon after its construction in the 12th century. The tower stands 78 feet high and leans at an angle of about 15 degrees. The Pisa tower, by comparison, is over 180 feet tall and leans at about four degrees.
‌
So while it's not as tall or famous as its Italian counterpart, St Andrew's tower beats it for wonkiness and is a striking sight — especially when viewed from the nearby Esplanade.
Ian Jefferies, the manager of Burnham's visitor centre, said of the view from the top of the tower: 'It's amazing up there. It's so tilted it feels like you're going to fall off.'
Historically, Burnham's leaning tower was used as a lighthouse for ships, with a lantern on top warning ships of the hazardous sandbanks surrounding the entrance to the River Parrett. Inside, St Andrew's Church boasts remarkable marble sculptures by Grinling Gibbons, originally commissioned for Whitehall Palace — which was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1698 — making it a site of both great architectural and artistic significance.
Burnham-on-Sea features a picturesque pier and a wealth of traditional seaside amenities, including numerous fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and expansive sandy beaches.
‌
Burnham Pier is the shortest in Britain, measuring only 37 metres, but more than makes up for its size with its Edwardian charm, various amusements, arcade games and food stalls. It was built between 1911 and 1914, and was one of the very first piers in Europe constructed using reinforced concrete. Over the decades, the pier has been carefully maintained and restored, preserving its original features.
The town is situated along a seven-mile stretch of beach, one of the longest sandy coastlines in Europe. Burnham's beaches are divided into three sections — Main Beach, South Beach and North Beach — providing ample space for sunbathers and visitors.
‌
The Main Beach is the hub of activity, where visitors can rent sun loungers and enjoy the presence of lifeguards during peak seasons. Its shallow waters are ideal for paddling, but strong currents can make swimming risky.
Parking is available near the beach, including a long-stay pay and display car park with no height restrictions and 24-hour access. Street parking is also an option, though spaces can be limited during busy periods.
‌
However, dogs are not permitted on the beach throughout the year, so pet owners will need to make alternative arrangements.
Burnham-on-Sea is much more than just its beach, pier and leaning tower, boasting a lively centre filled with independent shops, cafes and pubs. For those interested in history and nature, nearby Brean Down is a National Trust site with a 19th century fort and sweeping views across the Somerset coast. The town also features the iconic Low Lighthouse, which has been voted among the world's most beautiful is a favourite among photographers and history buffs.
Entertainment options abound, from the retro Ritz Cinema to family-friendly attractions like the Animal Farm Adventure Park, Burnham-on-Sea offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking a quiet family getaway or a lively seaside holiday.