Why fly when you can enjoy a glorious seaside break at home this summer?
WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT. PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, VISIT SCOTLAND/PAUL TOMKINS, NICK SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY, TRACEY BLOXHAM/VISIT NORTHUMBERLAND, SEANKELLYPIX. DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING
Best for…A TRANQUIL ESCAPE
If ‘off the beaten track’ is what you’re looking for, you will love the remote feel of Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales. On the plus side, this stunning and pristine beach is never going to be overrun with tourism.
However, as there are no facilities, you’ll need to carry everything you need on the 0.8-kilometre (half-mile) walk from the nearest car park. It is worth the trek – with golden sand protected by limestone headlands, pine trees and sand dunes, this beach feels like a haven away from the world. You might even be lucky enough to get it to yourself, especially during the low season. You do need to check the tide times before you set off to make sure there will be enough beach to enjoy.
STAY The Stackpole Inn, just a five minute drive from the seafront, costs from £140 per night, sleeping two.
Best for…FAMILY FUN
If you’re looking for a traditional resort, Weymouth in Dorset is a great option. This sandy beach backed by a seaside town is especially popular with families. You’ll find nostalgic summer holiday attractions, including Punch and Judy, fairground rides and pedalos for hire. The water is great for swimming and paddling, as well as paddleboarding and kayaks. There are also fish and chip shops along the promenade to give you the taste of the sea – just watch out for those pesky gulls! There are plenty of seasonal events to enjoy, too, such as sand sculptures, fireworks, crazy golf and amusements. Or simply hire a deckchair or beach hut to watch the world go by as you enjoy the view.
STAY Royal Hotel, a Victorian seafront hotel, costs from £85 per night, sleeping two.
Best for…NATURE WATCHING
Part of the wider St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, St Cyrus Beach in Aberdeenshire sits between Aberdeen and Dundee along Scotland’s east coast. Its three miles of soft sand are access
