town, North Somerset unitary authority, historic county of Somerset, England, on the Bristol Channel. It is situated on a sandy bay between the promontory of Brean Down (now owned by the National Trust) and Worlebury Hill at the western end of the Mendip Hills. Weston-super-Mare has a fine beach, and it developed in the 19th century as a popular resort. The town's historic pier, a leading tourist attraction, was destroyed by fire in 1930 and reopened three years later. In 2008 it again sustained heavy damage in a fire. Pop. (2001) 78,044.