Solitude and Sky in Northumberland: For a peaceful and stunning beach experience, head to the coastline between Alnmouth and Cresswell in Northumberland. When the tide is out, the beaches and skies are absolutely breathtaking, especially on a sunny day. With its vast expanse, you’ll find plenty of solitude here. Additionally, you can also explore the beautiful village of Warkworth and the small town of Amble. Surprisingly, public transport in this remote area is quite accessible.
Wind and Waves in Lancashire: Discover the subtle charms of the 13-mile long Fylde coastal plain between the Rivers Lune and Wyre. This area offers wide horizons, mesmerizing sunsets, mudflats, marshes, and racing tides, along with a variety of bird species like redshanks, curlews, and lapwings. The lonely Georgian houses at Sunderland Point, which are exposed to wind and waves, are only accessible twice daily due to the submerged causeway at high tide. As you head south, you can visit Glasson Dock, known for its history in the cotton trade, and even cycle to Lancaster in just half an hour.
Lovely Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd: Owned and managed by the National Trust, Llanbedrog beach on the Llŷn Peninsula in north Wales is picture-perfect. The beach features colorful beach huts available for hire, and there are convenient public toilets and a popular café nearby. With its sandy and shallow shores, Llanbedrog beach is ideal for families and is usually quieter than other nearby beaches. It’s a perfect spot to spend a sunny day.
Hold the Fort in Arran: If you’re looking for a reconnecting experience with nature, the Isle of Arran is the destination for you. Start your journey from the King’s Cave car park near Machrie and walk to Blackwaterfoot, where you can spot sea otters, basking seals, and diving gannets. Don’t miss the legends and ancient carvings at spooky King’s Cave or the prehistoric Doon Fort. End your walk at Blackwaterfoot and enjoy some delicious pastries at the quaint honesty-box bakery.
Traditional Family Fun in Essex: Frinton-on-Sea offers a few miles of perfect family-friendly beaches. With candy-colored beach huts on one side and expansive ochre sand dotted with groynes on the other, the beach is perfect for children and dogs to run wild, collect sea glass, and shells. Take a walk round The Naze to reach Walton-on-the-Naze and enjoy some time on the pier with traditional penny arcades and an ice-cream.
Dunes and Downs in West Sussex: West Beach in Littlehampton is a protected nature reserve set in the Climping Gap, the only undeveloped coastline between Bognor Regis and Brighton. You can easily reach it by walking along the river from Littlehampton station. Explore the sandy beach backed by sand dunes, fields, and views of the South Downs. Despite the sunny south coast climate, the beach is often crowd-free. Remember to bring your own provisions, but there is a great café at the entrance to the beach. To top off your day, visit the Arun View pub on the quayside for fresh dressed crab and a pint before catching your train home.
Great Escape in Cumbria: Silloth in Cumbria offers expansive and endless sea views, making it the perfect place to escape and relax. Locals are proud to share that Turner once painted here, but the captivating coastline is what truly draws visitors. With wide, flat, open spaces, Silloth may seem like a town one would want to escape from, but its coastline continues to charm and attract visitors.
Sea Life in Shetland: Take a short ferry trip from Sandwick in Shetland to the island of Mousa for a refreshing walk. Explore the well-preserved iron age “tower block” known as Mousa broch, which houses nesting storm petrels during the summer months. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe other bird species on this RSPB reserve. Keep an eye out for harbour porpoises on the boat ride and seals on the beach.
England’s Best in Cornwall: The coast path from St Ives to Zennor is considered the best path in England. This physically challenging route offers a diverse and glorious experience as you walk past coves, descend to the coast, and admire the cliffs. Keep an eye out for seals, seabirds, wildflowers, streams, and granite boulders. Completing the trek at the Tinners Arms pub in Zennor is a satisfying reward before taking the topless bus back to St Ives.
Eerie Anglesey: Anglesey, also known as Ynys Môn, boasts amazing and often undiscovered coastline. Head to Newborough Forest in the southwest corner, where you’ll find a picturesque pine forest that stretches down to wide sandy beaches. The forest is teeming with birdlife, and lucky visitors may even spot red squirrels. Don’t miss the eerie beauty of Ynys Llanddwyn, complete with its ruined ancient church, standing crosses, and old lighthouse. Pack a picnic and soak up the atmosphere of this unique spot.