Weston-super-Mare's marine lake reopens
The town's saltwater lake had been closed since October
Last updated 22nd May 2026
Weston-super-Mare’s marine lake has reopened just in time for the sunniest bank holiday weekend of the year.
The town ‘s iconic, free-to-use, saltwater lake had been closed since October, as the council carried out major improvements.
But this afternoon (Friday May 22), deputy chair of North Somerset Council Dan Thomas cut the ribbon to open the marine lake this afternoon, just as schools across North Somerset are about to break up for half term and the country gets ready for a bank holiday weekend heatwave.
North Somerset Council’s Mike Solomon, who led the project to do up the lake, said: “Marine Lake is one of Weston seafront’s best assets, whether you are here for swimming, watersports, a stroll around the edge on the new path …, or just to enjoy the view with a nice ice cream in hand. And it’s a really special place for residents and visitors alike.”
Council contractors have repaired and resurfaced the walkway around the lake, rebuilt steps and ramps, created more and better public toilets, and created a new equipment hire space. Meanwhile the Marine Lake Mudlarks have created a new deep water channel in the lake to make swimming better.
The entrance now also sports a dramatic new orange sign. Mr Solomon said: “I honestly think it’s fantastic and I honestly think you can see it from space! You can certainly see it from right down by the pier so it is achieving what it is supposed to achieve.”
Among those who flooded into the lake to take to the water after it was reopened was Weston-super-Mare MP Dan Aldridge who went for a paddle wearing colourful shorts and a Dismaland t-shirt. The MP said: “For years and years and years, me and my family have been coming to the marine lake and its just so nice to have it refitted, looking amazing, and it’s really great that UK Government funding has enabled it to happen.”
He said: “The people of Weston deserve good things and we have got a very good thing here.”
The town experiences the second highest tidal range in the world and in 1929, the marine lake was built to trap the high tide behind a wall so that Westonians and tourists could have a sea swim at all tides. It is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.
Restoring the lake is one project funded by the government funding the council received from what was then called the Levelling Up Fund in 2023. The money has also funded improvements to historic high street shopfronts, Grove Park, and is partially funding the works at Birnbeck Pier and the Tropicana.
In a speech before the ribbon was cut to open the lake, Mr Solomon said: “Today isn’t just about reopening the lake. It is about continuing to invest in our town, Weston-super-Mare’s, future. With the lake now back open and a packed calendar of events ahead, we are all set for what promises to be a busy, exciting, and a sunny summer in Weston.”