How the lake works
Weston sits on the Bristol Channel, where the tide can drop a very long way. Marine Lake is held in by a causeway between Knightstone Island and the shore, so when the sea goes out the lake stays full.
On the highest spring tides – roughly every ten days to two weeks – the sea washes over the causeway and refreshes the water. That keeps the lake from going stagnant, and it’s why there will always be a little silt: this is a sea lake, after all.
A short history
People have dreamed of a sea lake on Weston’s seafront for more than 150 years. Here’s how it came to be – and how it’s been brought back to life.
1871
A scheme to enclose Glentworth Bay and Madeira Cove is first suggested.
1888
Architect John S. Whittington proposes a huge marine lake for the town.
1895
Plans for a barrage nearly two miles long win the backing of the new Urban District Council – but are never built.
1927–29
A causeway is built between Knightstone Island and the shore near Claremont Crescent, creating Marine Lake.
1929
More than a quarter of a million people use the lake, with a diving stage, rafts, rubber boats, water chutes and children’s paddle boats.
Decades of silt
Year after year, fine mud carried in by the tides settles on the bottom of the lake.
December 2020
The Mudlarks form to help North Somerset Council bring the lake back into use – and build a community around it.
2021–22
The lake is drained, the old sluice gates are removed and around 30,000 tonnes of silt are dredged out. It reopens on 1 June 2022.
2025–26
A £1 million refurbishment brings a resurfaced walkway, new steps, ramps and handrails, more toilets and a deep-water swimming channel. The lake reopens on 22 May 2026.
May 2026
Our live webcam goes online, funded by Weston-super-Mare Rotary Club and their twin club in Delft.
The lake in numbers
- Over 200 metres of sheltered sea water
- Around 30,000 tonnes of silt removed in 2022
- Around £1 million invested in the 2025–26 refurbishment
- 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – and always free
Do you have old photos or memories of the lake? We’d love to see them – get in touch.
Help keep the lake free for everyone
The Mudlarks are all volunteers. Every donation, every hour of litter-picking and every local sponsor goes straight into looking after Marine Lake – from water testing to the webcam.