Tourists encouraged to continue visiting Weston-Super-Mare

This week’s fire on the Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare was devastating, but plans are already being made for it to be rebuilt and the possibility of re-opening the undamaged section is being discussed. In the meantime Weston is still very much open for business with many exciting attractions for all ages along the seafront.

Attractions include:

- On the glorious sandy beach, there are donkey rides, a bouncy castle, miniature railway, swing boats, trampoline, refreshments and gift shops. Also on the beach the Sand Sculpture Festival will continue until the end of August with amazing sculptures representing the seven continents of the world carved by a team of international artists.

- The owners of the Pier have kindly sponsored a spectacular Red Arrows display over Weston Bay on Wednesday 27 August

- You can take a ride along the promenade on the land train to Marine Lake which has recently been refurbished and is a great place for children to play in the water or take a ride on the big wheel and helter-skelter. There is a programme of entertainment taking place at weekends on the promenade between Marine Lake and the Winter Gardens and at Marine Lake itself, between 2pm and 6pm from now until the end of August, including circus skills, children's shows, Punch and Judy, caricaturists, stilt walkers and music.

- Undercover attractions include the SeaQuarium on Marine Parade where you can walk under the waves and see sharks, seahorses, rays and lionfish and much more. The North Somerset Museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of the seaside town, and there is also the world's largest dedicated Helicopter Museum. There is a wide variety of entertainment on at the Playhouse Theatre and the Winter Gardens, to suit all ages.

- On the Beach Lawns, Carters Steam Fair will be opening this week and is operating throughout the summer until the end of August. This is a famous lovely old fashioned steam fair that usually only operates around London and the South East and is also a popular addition to films and TV programmes, with past appearances including 'Antiques Roadshow', 'The Krays', '28 Weeks Later' and 'Trial and Retribution'.

- Nearby rural attractions include Court Farm Country Park a family run farm attraction, with lots of new, baby animals mixed with a range of play facilities that can tire out even the most energetic of kids (and adults). A Safari Maize Maze will open by the end of July when it will be eight foot tall. You can also visit Puxton Park, a family attraction with an indoor three storey play barn for adults and children, and a pets’ village, falconry centre and the dairy where visitors can see cows being milked.

Full details of all events, attractions and accommodation in Weston-super-Mare can be found at visitsomerset.co.uk.