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We might not always have the weather to rival the Costa Del Sol but we certainly have some stunning stretches of coastline here in the U.K. If you haven’t booked your summer break yet, why not give some serious consideration to staying a bit closer to home. Check out our top 5 coastal destinations for inspiration.
Northumberland
The Northumberland Coastline celebrates 60 years as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was recently voted Holiday Destination of the Year by BBC Countryfile. It has some 30 miles of beaches and combines tiny coves and fishing communities with larger seaside towns such as Seahouses. Pay a visit to one of Northumberland’s many castles (it has more than any other county in England), such as Alnwick Castle, where you can immerse yourself in medieval surroundings, or Chillingham Castle, Britain’s most haunted.
For a great base from which to explore the area look no further than the Waren House Hotel, situated in Bamburgh. From here you can easily access the abundance of wildlife on the magnificent coastline and take the causeway across to the Holy Isle of Lindisfarne. At the end of a long day return to the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant for some locally sourced food and wine.
Cornwall, South Coast
The South Coast of Cornwall benefits from the Gulf stream drift and its unique climate, meaning you will find a large number of exotic sub-tropical gardens in the region. The coastline is dotted with pretty white-washed fishing villages as well as larger market towns. Water sports are popular here, sailing and surfing in particular. Find a quiet cove for a spot of swimming and a picnic. Cross the causeway or take the boat trip to St Michael’s Mount to experience a unique view of the mainland.
You will be spoiled for choice with the vast array of hotels, B&B and campsites on offer in this area as well as numerous cottages and lodges available for private hire.
Jurassic Coastline, Dorset
The Jurassic coastline stretches from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, a distance of around 95 miles. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2001. The landslides that are common in this area have exposed a wide range of fossils from which the evolution of the landscape and the life that inhabited it can be traced. The Geoneedle at Orcombe point is a large needle-like structure which has been constructed from small pieces of each type of rock that can be found along the coast. The structure marks the Western point of this stretch of coast.
In Weymouth you can experience the sandy town beach with its regular Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides.
The Manor Hotel at Bridport overlooks Chesil Beach with fantastic views of the coastline. Further along the coast at Lyme Regis you will find the Alexandra Hotel, (pictured above). Both the Alexandra and the Manor offer great opportunities for fossil hunting, fishing, and golf in the local area as well as serving top quality food.
North Wales
The pretty coastal towns of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay still have that traditional seaside town feel, Llandudno has a pier with traditional attractions and stalls. Llandudno sits at the foot of Great Orme the limestone headland, and visitors can ride the Great Orme Tramway or the Llandudno Cable Car to the summit of Great Orme. Further to the West lies the Isle of Anglesey, with its own 125 miles of largely unspoilt coastline. Visit Beaumaris Castle, or explore the island on foot or on one of the many cycle routes.
If you are spending a few days in Anglesley or need a base to explore North Wales why not stay at Tre-Ysgawen Hall Hotel & Spa in Llangefni? If the weather lets you down you can still relax and pamper yourself in the hotel spa. The facilities on offer include a 16m level-deck pool, salt inhalation room, ice fountain, herbal sauna whirlpool and beauty therapy suite.
North Norfolk Coast
Home the Holkham estate including the famous Hall, as well as a vast nature reserve, beach and coastal paths. You will find an abundance of wildlife here and it’s a firm favourite with birdwatchers who make use of the many hides along the coastal walks. You will find the Victoria Hotel on the estate, winner of the U.K. Heritage Award for Wonderful Places to Stay in 2018. Take a trip on the North Norfolk Steam Railway or relax with a game of golf at one of the nearby courses.
The Kelling Estate is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes many holiday lets, a working farm and The Pheasant Hotel with its AA Rosetted à la carte restaurant. The restaurant here boast a field to fork ethos, as well as honey from the Kelling Bee Hives and jams made from the fruits of the kitchen garden.
Related
Steeped in history, Holkham Hall has the perfect location, surrounded by acres of rolling parkland rich in wildlife and the nearby north Norfolk coast with its stunning beach.
The Pheasant - Your country home, privately owned, with 30 bedrooms, 24 of which are located on the ground floor and some of which are dog friendly.
Boutique hotel set in fabulous gardens with grandstand sea views across Lyme Regis Cobb Harbour and Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
A 16thC manor house 500 yds from Chesil Beach. Panoramic views from most bedrooms. Fine cuisine and character cellar bar.
Eighteenth-century manor-house hotel set in 6 acres of grounds within bird sanctuary. Log fire.
Nestling in acres of secluded landscaped gardens, meadow and woodland Tre-Ysgawen Hall is approached along a private wooded driveway, just a short drive inland from the beautiful east coast of Anglesey.
Home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years; Alnwick Castle offers history on a grand scale.
Medieval fortress with Tudor additions, torture chamber, shop, dungeon, tearoom, woodland walks, furnished rooms and topiary garden.
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