Is it too early to hit the beach? These are the UK’s best coastal spots for a summer dip
For once, weatherwise, the UK is set to be the envy of Europe. Next week, parts of England will be hotter than Spain as temperatures stretch into the 20s.
It’s good news for cash-conscious British travellers. According to new research published by the Post Office, 81% of Brits intend to take a staycation holiday this year. Weymouth, Brighton and Sandbanks in Dorset are all popular options, while Cornwall is rated as having the best beaches overall.
A day out at the seaside may sound a little premature in early April, but there’s good reason to get outside and enjoy the coast as daylight hours grow with the changing seasons.
Big skies, sands and shallow waters make this a popular destination for long, ankle-dipping strolls – and there’s always plenty of space to throw down a towel on a golden expanse stretching across 20 million square feet at low tide. Admire shifted clouds reflected on silky shores and stop to wallow in pools of warm water while gazing out at the North Sea. Part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the beach can be accessed via boardwalks flanked with dunes and pine forests.
How: Doubles at The Victoria, set within Holkham Estate, costs from £200 per night including breakfast. Visit holkham.co.uk.
A gently shelving sandy beach and sheltered bay make this a popular spot for swimmers at any time of the year. Located on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula, where the Old Harry Rocks sea stacks trail into the English Channel, it forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, famous for its collection of dinosaur fossils. Should temperatures rise exceptionally high, there’s always the option to strip off completely at a designated naturist section – ideal if you’ve forgotten to pack a bikini.
How: Doubles at The Pig On The Beach cost from £329 with breakfast. Visit thepighotel.com.
Even when the sun shines, British waters are undeniably bracing. One way to balance cold with hot is to nip into a conveniently located beachside sauna. Sea + Steam operate a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking this blue flag beach in Pembrokeshire. A 25-minute slot costs from £9 per person or the six-person space can be exclusively booked for £48. Restaurants and cafes line the beach and there’s a busy harbour at the southern end.
How: With a gate leading directly to the beach, six-person self-catering cottage 4 The Strand costs from £1,010 for a seven-night break. Visit coastalcottages.co.uk.
Not a beach as such, but this rocky headland to the south of the harbour in Penzance is an ideal jumping off point for a wild swim and it’s rumoured Harry Styles once took the plunge. Anyone afraid of taking a leap of faith alone can join the Battery Belle and Buoys swimmers who come for a morning 11am dip. If it all sounds a bit too much, the Jubilee Pool is a worthy alternative. The iconic Art Deco saltwater lido celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.
How: Overlooking Mounts Bay, Chapel House has B&B rooms from £180 per night. Visit chapelhousepz.co.uk.