Soothe your soul by the salty sea!
ARRIVING at the great British seaside couldn’t be more refreshing — that thrilling first glimpse of blue water on the horizon, a salty sea breeze reviving your senses and glistening ripples soothing the soul.
It’s a tantalising reminder of childhood holidays — but these days there’s also a modern twist to enjoy.
So where it used to be enough to sit on a deck chair and listen to the crash of the waves and the call of the gulls, now the coast is also a place for paddleboard adventures, beach barbecues, adrenaline sports and wildlife encounters at nature reserves.
And while hand-warming fish and chips on the front once defined the limit of gastronomic treats, these days you’re just as likely to find an award-winning restaurant run by a celebrity chef.
Many a humble B&B has had a boutique hotel makeover. And there are plenty of glammed-up cottages and contemporary lodges offering all mod cons from wi-fi to surround sound.
All this — and the age-old tonic of sea air, coastal views, soft sand and clifftop strolls. What’s not to love about the great British seaside?
SUBLIME NORFOLK
THE sublime sands of North Norfolk are hard to beat — as witnessed by the fact that six of these glorious beaches have just received Blue Flags for being clean and safe. East and West Runton have joined Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham.
The magical 45-mile coastline, fringed by dunes, is home to RSPB reserves at Titchwell Marsh and Snettisham, the North Norfolk Railway’s steam trains at Sheringham and seal trips to the huge colony at Blakeney Point, where pups are born in summer.
Holkham Hall is an 18th-century masterpiece, while its incredible beach offers white-gold sand, with shells to collect and pine woods to explore.
Stay in unspoiled North Norfolk with Keys Holidays, which offers more than 70 self-catering properties, from traditional fishermen’s cottages to contemporary homes. Dine at crab shacks and cosy pubs along the coast.
TORBAY SCORCHERS
THE English Riviera has been a happy holiday hotspot since Victorian times, thanks to its 22-mile stretch of cliffs, coves and beaches and a blissfully balmy micro-climate.
Torre Abbey, prehistoric Kent’s Cavern, Living Coasts and Paignton Zoo are among the attractions. And Dartmouth, Totnes, Exeter and Plymouth are all within striking distance.
There’s fantastic coastal walking revealing small coves, wild flowers and seabirds from The Berry Head Hotel.
It is set right by the sea in six-acre grounds near Brixham, with stunning views from its restaurant and terrace, and there’s an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Summer Scorcher offers run until the end of June.
BOURNEMOUTH DEALS
BEAUTIFUL Bournemouth is a real crowd-pleaser, with its seven miles of soft, sandy beaches, huge choice of restaurants and outdoor adventures such as paddle-boarding, kayaking and rambling. What’s more, the amaz- ing 10th Bournemouth Air Festival is coming up at the end of August, when the skies will be filled with displays, with entertainment on the ground and out at sea, too.
There are tempting deals this month at Durley Grange Hotel, a traditional, family-run hotel near the town centre.
It has a popular restaurant and a heated indoor pool, and offers entertainment up to five nights a week.
Hotel Collingwood is another good choice, offering a restaurant, pool, fitness suite and live cabaret most evenings, plus plenty of parking, all just a short walk from the beach.