Beach you to it
Britain has a beach for everyone. Rosie Paterson rounds up 10 of the best
Rosie Paterson races to the coast
1. For surfing
Lahinch, Co Clare
The west coast of Ireland bears the brunt of some of the Atlantic Ocean’s most terrific swells. As a result, its beaches are a Mecca for surfers. Lahinch—a mile-long, sandy crescent—is regarded as one of the best. There’s a strong current, so beginners should book a lesson with Lahinch Surf School (www.lahinchsurfschool.com). More experienced surfers should head for the wild and windswept Aran Islands, just off the same coastline. The best breaks tend to be off the rocks and are not for the faint-hearted.
Where to stay
Moy House, an 18th-century country house with 15 acres of grounds, overlooking the sweep of Lahinch Bay (www.moyhouse.com), or Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites, a five-bedroom, design-led retreat on Inishmaan (www.inismeain.com)
2. For outstanding beauty
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris
On a sunny day, Luskentyre beach could easily be mistaken for somewhere in the Caribbean. The sand is a brilliant sugarwhite sweep and the sea a vivid shade of blue. Sand dunes to the north provide protection on windier days and there are excellent walking trails for those who don’t fancy a dip. If bad weather sweeps in, you’ll certainly feel ready for a dram afterwards.
Where to stay
Scarista House—a Georgian countryhouse hotel with the beach on one side and heather-covered mountains on the other. Inside, the decoration is traditional and there’s a separate dog-friendly cottage (www.scaristahouse.com)
3. For sand dunes
Saunton Sands, Devon
Saunton’s three-mile-long, straight beach is backed by Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second-largest sand-dune system in Britain. The dunes support more than 470 species of flowering plants and an important insect population. It is part of a working estate, but visitors have unrestricted access to the 1,800-acre space.
Where to stay
Saunton Sands Hotel—an impressive, familyowned hotel and spa, with unobstructed sea views and direct beach access (www.sauntonsands.co.uk)
4. For swimming
Green Bay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly
Green Bay is the biggest beach on Bryher, with a tropical feel. The water is calm and clear enough for swimmers to make out an old field-boundary wall, which dates back 2,500 years.
Where to stay
Hell Bay Hotel—a New England-style oasis that carries the accolade of being England’s most westerly hotel (www.hellbay.co.uk)
5. For dramatic coastline
Bedruthan Steps beach, Cornwall
Even from the elevated coast path, it’s hard to appreciate the enormity of Bedruthan’s monolithic rock formations. They’re best
viewed from the sand, where they tower like giants above you. Cliff erosion in late 2019 means the steep steps down to the beach are currently closed, so check before you travel.
Where to stay
Prennek House—a sustainable build in Mawgan Porth that uses repurposed materials throughout. It sleeps eight and has lots of cosy nooks to curl up in, despite the contemporary style (www.perfectstays.co.uk)
6. For fossil hunting
Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight has the richest source of dinosaur remains in Europe —20 different species have been discovered around Compton Bay alone. Look for fossils in areas recently uncovered by the tide and don’t miss the large, three-toed Iguanodon prints.
Where to stay
Rose Cottage, a historic stone rental that sleeps four, owned by the National Trust. There’s a large garden and another Trust property—mottistone Manor—within sight (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays)
7. For privacy
Church Doors Cove, Pembrokeshire
Accessible only at low tide or via the coast path, Church Doors Cove is a geological wonder, framed on three sides by vertical, stratified sandstone cliffs. One side extends out into the water and has been eroded over the years to form a gargantuan and slightly perilous-looking opening, or door.
Where to stay
Penally Abbey, a lovingly restored, Strawberry Hill-gothic house, set above the sea. The interiors are airy and romantic, a world away from twee (www.penally-abbey.com)
8. For rock pooling
Porthdinllaen, Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Only small signs of Porthdinllaen’s industrious past remain, such as an Iron Age fort on the headland. It’s now a peaceful fishing village and the sheltered bay and seagrass meadows attract anemones, crabs, fish, jellyfish and grey seals. Sand martins and cormorants nest on the cliffs.
Where to stay
Plas Bodegroes—a whimsical Georgian restaurant with rooms and gorgeous gardens and woodland, where more than 100 varieties of old rose bloom throughout the summer months (www.bodegroes.co.uk)
9. For dogs
Holkham, Norfolk
Holkham is the semi-circular basin—and shallow lagoon at high tide—that appeared in the closing scenes of the film Shakespeare in Love. The four-mile sweep of sand is also where the Household Cavalry exercises its horses in July. Close by is The Victoria Inn and, in spring and summer, an ice-cream truck offers perfect post-dog-walking fuel.
Where to stay
The White House Hotel, where a Georgian façade belies the light-filled, contemporary interiors. Most importantly, it’s dog friendly (www.stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk)
10. For families
Sandbanks, Dorset
What Sandbanks lacks in terms of wild and remote character, it more than makes up for with soft golden sand, shallow water, childfriendly play areas and water sports and equipment hire, making it a family’s dream.
Where to stay
The Outspan, a detached three-bedroom house, five-minutes on foot from the beach (www.toadhallcottages.co.uk), or The Pig on the Beach, a short ferry ride from Sandbanks. In quieter, neighbouring Studland. It’s more suited to couples and older families. There’s a walled kitchen garden, a private beach hut and a resident herd of Dorset Horn sheep (www.thepighotel.com)
Check Government advice before travelling