10 great places to find art and culture in Weston-super-Mare

Artist impressions of how the new look museum will take shape. (Image: Archant)

WESTON MUSEUM

Thanks to a £1million refurbishment, the museum, in Burlington Street, will be unrecognisable with new exciting and interactive galleries when it re-opens in August. One of the new galleries will feature a touring exhibition – so there will always be something new to see.

The Reaper Bar, inside the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare. (Image: Archant)

THE REAPER BAR

This live music venue at the Tropicana has built on the success of Banksy’s Dismaland, which breathed new life into the once-derelict building. The Reaper Bar is regularly filled with people of all ages enjoying local bands, with free entry on some nights.

HDR of Woodspring Priory (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

WOODSPRING PRIORY

Anyone interested in heritage should plan a visit to Woodspring Priory Museum, which holds a collection of artefacts illustrating the history of this ancient site. It is open most Mondays and Fridays, except bank holidays, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

The Playhouse hosts shows throughout the year. (Image: Archant)

THE PLAYHOUSE

The theatre, handily located in High Street, attracts big-name touring West End shows and some of the biggest names in UK comedy, and is well worth a visit for anyone looking for some high-class entertainment during their visit.

The Blakehay Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. (Image: Archant)

THE BLAKEHAY THEATRE

Award-winning drama groups from Weston often use the theatre to perform musicals and plays. It hosts some well-known acts, and an array of art is available to buy in its bar area.

The prize also includes family passes to the Sand Sculpture Festival. (Image: Archant)

SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

Everything will be going a bit topsy-turvy when the ever-popular event returns to Weston’s seafront. The event is growing year on year, and the huge sculptures will be available to view until October.

Carol Delaney with Weston mayor Alan Peak (second-left). (Image: Archant)

ART GALLERIES

Exhibitions are held regularly all over Weston, but there are permanent galleries in the town too. The LT Gallery, in Orchard Street, with its monthly shows, is the latest addition. You can also find Carol Delaney’s Secret Space at 2a Boulevard, Jane Cartney Art Studio & Gallery at the rear of 80 Regent Street and The Heron Gallery, in Drove Road.

Quarry entrance. (Image: Archant)

OLD TOWN QUARRY

Aside from a beautiful nature reserve, there is plenty of art to see at the quarry, in South Road. The quarry is somewhat of a hidden gem and is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre. The artists’ work is on display from Wednesday to Sunday, and you can have a tea and cake in the Rowan Tree Tea Room too.

Bear Wall, Richmond Street, Weston. (Image: Archant)

STREET ART TRAIL

For those who prefer their art to be a little edgier, there is plenty of street art dotted around Weston. Start in Carlton Street, and wander around to find hidden works of art. Much of the street art is by Weston’s own JPS. For those who would prefer to follow a map, download it from here

Classical music is regularly performed in Weston-super-Mare. (Image: SUb)

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Weston is packed with talented musicians, and you can listen to concertos written by some of the world’s famous composers at All Saints Church, in All Saints Road. The church aims to host regular concerts and recitals, with music by the likes of Mozart and Bolis scheduled throughout the spring.

* Do you want to visit some more historic sites? Here is our list of the top 10 sites of historical interest to explore in Weston and Somerset.

And if you have any other suggestions, you can share them on the Weston Mercury’s Facebook page or by tweeting @WSMERCURY.