We all need one – ago-to coastal spot where we can unwind and leave our troubles behind, whatever the weather. CHRISSY HARRIS asked a selection of people lucky enough to live and work on our coast to share their top choices
REBEKAH SMITH is the owner of Glendevon Guest House in Ramsgate, Kent. She is also a Ramsgate town promoter and visitor information centre manager. “I live on the beautiful Isle of Thanet and one of my favourite ways to unwind is walking from Broadstairs’ Dumpton Gap to Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour with my dog.
“If the tides are right (allow at least three hours from high tide) you can walk along the beach taking in the natural landscape, no promenade - just the sand, rockpools, amazing chalk-cliffs and the sound of the sea.
“At the end of the walk, I reward myself with a delicious coffee in one of the lovely dog-friendly cafes, overlooking the yachts in the harbour. It’s all very cosmopolitan!”
HARRY YOUNG is chair of the Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation. “The beach at Covehithe in Suffolk is a golden stretch of sand framed by imposing crumbling cliffs, with Benacre’s lagoon and conservation area sitting to the south. The beach is dotted with the North Sea’s offerings; sand-blasted trunks and roots of trees that once lined the cliff top.
“This is one of the most remote beaches along the Suffolk coast, it can only be reached on foot along a single-track path.”
GILL HAIGH is managing director of Cumbria Tourism. “As a horse lover, I love Silecroft Beach. Ride along the beach with Cumbrian heavy horses – the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs! It’s special because of its stunning natural beauty, its peace and quiet, and the unique opportunity to gallop along the sands on horses such as Shire, Clydesdale and Suffolk Punch rare breeds of heavy horses.”
BEN FEENEY is a seafront ranger in Dorset. “Hengistbury Head, a dramatic headland to the south of Christchurch Harbour in Bournemouth, is the perfect tonic, even on a windswept day with its panoramic views across the New Forest, Isle of Wight and Purbecks.
“It is an outstanding site for wildlife and archaeology with beautiful beaches and it’s just a short woodland walk to the iconic beach huts peppering Mudeford Spit.”
JONATHAN WEBLEY is general manager at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, East Sussex. “A winter visit to The Grand Hotel wouldn’t be complete without an exhilarating walk along the South Downs Way, which starts in Eastbourne, along to the Birling Gap against the dramatic backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs.
“An interesting fact is that despite the proximity, the sun rises in Eastbourne and sets at Birling Gap. It’s a great spot for photography, and worth noting this for timing your South Downs walk.
“Once across the road from The Grand Hotel, th
