Off the beaten coastal path...
FLEE FROM CROWDS AT THESE SCENIC SEASIDE SPOTS IN THE UK AND IRELAND, SAYS SARAH MARSHAL
LAST summer, when lockdown lifted, there were countless reports of people bunching together on beaches and crowding coves as we all sought to flex our newfound freedom and make the most of the glorious weather.
With most people likely to take a staycation when restrictions ease, there’s a risk it could all happen again.
But search a little harder and there are still many hidden spots to discover along our coastlines; places where it’s possible to sunbathe solo or take a dip soundtracked only by crashing waves.
Below are a few secret shorelines still under the radar, where solitude is (almost) guaranteed.
Built in 1843, it enjoys superb views of the Dornoch Firth, and sits on the famous 516-mile NC500 driving route (a favourite of Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond who stayed whilst filming Top Gear). Four of the leading single malt whisky distilleries are also within a 30-minute drive.
An area of staggering beauty that’s vastly underrated, Northumberland benefits from fantastic scenery both inland and at sea.
Even though the coastline is well known, it’s still less popular than some of the UK’s honeypot destinations, and beaches are often refreshingly crowd-free.
Close to Beadnell Bay and its sandy beach, dog-friendly Levante Cottage is a cosy coastal getaway with waterside views.
Sleeping up to six, the property features an open fire for cold nights, but the idea is to spend as much time as possible outdoors.
After paddling in the surf, visit one of the area’s A-list castles: Bamburgh starred in the Hollywood version of Roald Dahl’s BFG, while Alnwick has doubled for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Nothing sums up a nostalgic summer by the sea better than a beach hut. Decorated in candy box colours, the rows of shore-side properties have entertained British holidaymakers for decades.
While you’ll struggle to snap up a coastal cabin of your own (they sell for eye-watering prices), it’s possible to book a temporary stay at these modern huts in West Sussex.
Find them located on a sevenmile coastal footpath, in a lesservisited part of the Sussex coast, near the South Downs. Built in 2019, the four self-contained huts belong to The Beachcroft Hotel, where guests can make use of facilities including an indoor heated pool – useful if the English Channel is too chilly.
It’s hard to imagine there’s a stretch of Cornish coastline yet to be discovered. But the Rame Peninsula, often referred to as the county’s ‘forgotten corner’, is supposedly so under the radar, even locals are baffled by its whereabouts.
To clarify, it’s in the south east, just across the border from Devon, and is surrounded by three bodies of water: River Lynher, River Tamar and the Plymouth Sound.
Tidal creeks, sandy beaches and clifftop footpaths characterise the peaceful place. Nearby attractions include Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, a Tudor property surrounded by landscaped gardens, temples and follies.
Perched on a cliff at Whitsands