Carefree Amusements

Right on the seafront at Burnham-on-Sea, Carefree Amusements is the sort of place that pulls families off the beach for an hour or two when the tide's in or the weather turns a bit drizzly. It's a traditional seaside arcade - the type that still exists in pockets along the British coast - with the usual mix of slot machines, grabber games, and coin-operated rides that keep kids entertained without breaking the bank.

This is proper old-school seaside fun. You won't find cutting-edge tech or Instagram-worthy installations here. What you get is straightforward entertainment: push your 20p into a machine, have a go, maybe win a stuffed toy. If your kids are under eight or just want something low-key between beach sessions, it works. Teenagers will get bored within ten minutes.

Admission is free - you only pay for the games you play, which is refreshing. On a wet afternoon it's a decent shelter, though don't expect to spend more than an hour here unless your child develops an obsession with one particular machine. There's no food or drink on-site, so grab something from Burnham-on-Sea's seafront cafes first.

It's perfectly positioned if you're based at Yellow Sands, Golden Sands, or any of the holiday parks dotted along this stretch. The amusement arcade sits alongside Brean Theme Park, which is the real draw for families staying in caravans around here. Worth a quick visit if you're already in town, but don't drive out of your way for it.