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Whether its surf, sun, or rugged unspoilt beauty you’re after, Great Britain has a rainy reputation to get rid of, and something to prove to the most skeptical seaside tourist.
No need to venture overseas for your summer fix of beach time this year! In fact, Britain has some distinct advantages compared to the beaches of Europe, if you know where to look. It’s often difficult to avoid mass tourist destinations when planning a holiday abroad; and no local knowledge of an area can lead to a generic sandy experience at the most well known (and least pleasant) stretch of shore. Get a hold of a handy beach guide like this one, though, and you are set to discover some of the amazing, surprising beach destinations Britain has to offer.
Lets start at the place top in everyone’s mind… Devon and Cornwall. Obvious, yes, but your holiday doesn’t just have to include lazing in the sun (although feel free to do as much of that as you like!). Croyde bay is famous for its surf, and lessons are very easy to come by! If you’re not feeling that surfer dude vibe though, good old body boarding is a classic, and incredible fun. Porthcurno beach in West Cornwall is just below the famous Minack Theatre, an outdoor theatre cut into the cliff face with spectacular scenery behind.
Norfolk may sound unexciting, but don’t be fooled! The Holkham Nature Reserve is home to a beautiful, big, dune filled-beach. It is a popular destination, but the beach is so big that it won’t feel crowded even in peak season. And remember that scene at the end of Shakespeare in Love, where Gwynyth Paltrow walks away across white sand? (Not her for a watery end, but a new life beginning on a stranger shore.) Well, that’s the beach where it was filmed. Not so foreign, hmm? But no the less exotic!
Now for somewhere a bit more rural. Because of that huge jagged bit of coastline the West coast of Scotland has some lovely, almost deserted bays and coves, and Sanna bay in Ardnamurchan is really spectacular.
Some of the least spoilt beaches are actually to be found on the islands surrounding the UK. There are hundreds to choose from, but if you don’t mind the wind, you can’t beat Orkney’s beaches. The group of islands at the top of Scotland have so many great beaches they’re difficult to avoid. A personal favourite is Waulkmill, a dramatic and secluded bay with miles of sand when the tide’s out. Skail beach is also fantastic, with Neolithic village Skara Brae at one end if you’re into archeology.
Finally, a beach guide wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wales. Whitesands in Pembrokeshire is very popular, and good for surf, while beautiful Barafundle Bay won the seaside award last year, and has been described as Caribbean-like (yes, it is in Wales).
So if you’re not lucky enough to be going abroad this summer, make sure you get to a good old British beach. Take the time to visit one of these beauties and you are probably in for a lovely surprise. Just make sure you time your visit for the couple of days of sunshine scheduled for Britain this year.
"Finally, a beach guide wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Wales."
Well, while technically not part of Britain, Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and so I think that no guide would be complete without mentioning Norn Iron's best beaches!
These include Ballycastle, Portrush and Portstewart on the North Coast, which are large and popular beaches, and all within a short distance of some of NI's best tourist destinations, such as the Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Derry/Londonderry (UK City of Culture 2013).
Where's Sheppey?
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