National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Travel Geeks
The experts’ travel manual
Q // Where should I go for a quiet coastal self-catering break in the UK this summer?
With many 2020 trips postponed, and domestic breaks set to be the hot ticket while international travel remains uncertain, you’d be advised to book as soon as possible for seaside staycations this summer. If you want to bag a beautiful beachy spot away from the crowds, the key is to avoid the usual destinations.
“Devon and Cornwall and the Isle of Wight are often people’s first thought for a coastal break, but the British Isles has many lovely spots in other coastal regions,” says Matt Brayley of holidaycottages.co.uk. The company has almost 3,000 coastal properties on its books across the UK. For May half term, around a quarter are still available; while just under a third are available over the summer holidays. “We’d recommend areas such as North and West
Wales, Kent, Sussex and Scotland for a coastal holiday a little off the beaten track,” says Matt. “Properties sleeping six or more are booking quickly, although we’re seeing strong demand across most properties from the end of May onwards.”
Matt suggests Ayrshire for a stay at Coalhill Farm Byre (sleeps four), with views towards the
Isle of Arran, within easy reach of sandy beaches. A week’s stay arriving 6 August costs
£381 per person (£1,523 total). holidaycottages.co.uk
“Many people who were due to travel in 2020 have deferred to this year,” says Beth Bailey, of Premier Cottages. “And our bookings are up 53% on the first three weeks of last year. The result is very limited availability for peak summer.” The operator reports that properties sleeping foureight people are 75% sold out, and larger properties (10+) are close to booked out for peak season, too. “Though not on the coast, the Peak District is still showing some good summer availability, as are Cumbria and Wales.”
The operator suggests a stay in Pembrokeshire, at Atlantic View, near Broad Haven Beach in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. These three plush, glass-fronted holiday cottages, and one penthouse apartment, have panoramic sea views, all within walking distance of the coastal path and Broad Haven’s restaurants. Each has en suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens and patios with barbecues. Sandpiper cottage (sleeps four) costs £1,430 for a seven night stay in June; £2,200 in August. premiercottages.co.uk SARAH BARRELL