Pawlett Barrage Balloon Hanger

Concrete foundations and scattered metal fragments mark where a massive Second World War barrage balloon hangar once stood guard over the Bristol Channel. The site, tucked away in farmland near Burnham-on-Sea, tells the story of Britain's aerial defence network through weathered remains that history buffs will find genuinely fascinating.

These hangars housed the enormous balloons that forced German aircraft to fly higher, making them easier targets for anti-aircraft guns. What you'll see today are the substantial concrete bases and anchor points, plus interpretive panels that explain how the system worked. It's a proper piece of wartime archaeology rather than a polished visitor attraction.

History enthusiasts and families with older children who appreciate wartime stories will get the most from a visit. The walk across the fields takes about twenty minutes each way, and there's something quite moving about standing where these brave operators once worked around the clock. Younger kids might find the concrete ruins less engaging than the stories.

From holiday parks around Burnham-on-Sea like Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village or Burnham Holiday Village, it makes a worthwhile morning out combined with a trip to the coast. The site appears to be freely accessible, though checking locally is wise as it sits on working farmland. Allow an hour including the walk, and wear decent shoes as the ground can be muddy after rain.