Now that summer is finally here (or sort of… we know it’s around the corner, at least!), it is time to dig through the cupboards and the dressers and pull out the swim shorts and the bikinis in preparation for sunny days spent in the seas and on the sands!
Thankfully, you and your wallet or purse will be pleased to know that you don’t have to jet off to the Costa del Sol or the pure white sands of the Seychelles to get your fix of sun, sand and surf – our humble British Isles are home to many a fantastic stretch of coastline!
Here are some of our favourites; if we’ve missed off your personal favourite, don’t get mad – let us know! We’re always open to discovering great new beaches!
Torquay, Devon
A favourite of beach lovers up and down the country, Torquay is one of the most famous seaside destinations around. Walk to the far ends of the beaches, where the fewest beach huts are, as the tide – which is notoriously quick here, covering the majority of the sands – tends not to reach the corners.
- Torquay, DevonChalkie_CC / Foter.com / CC BY-NC
Torquay is great for a bit of exploratory rock-pooling, and the main beach is conveniently located next to the town centre. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do in Torquay if you get fed up of the fantastic shoreline, such as the incredible Dinosaur World. If there’s something kids will love more than a place called “Dinosaur World”, we’ve yet to find it.
Llandudno, North Wales
Llandudno is arguably the most famous seaside resort in all of Wales, and with good reason. The beaches themselves are fabulous, but what you should be really excited about is the pier – open 364 days a year (we’ll get you guess which one it’s closed for), there’s a lot of fun to be had all year round.
- Llandudno, North WalesKristofer Williams / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
There are traditional fish and chips and ice cream to be had, alongside an old-time sweet shop and a great bar, half a mile out at sea. There are two different arcades as well, packed full of things like 2p pushers, pinball machines and racing games galore. If you want to have a classic seaside day out, complete with a stick of rock, Llandudno is for you.
Nearby is also the Great Orme Tramway, which offers some amazing views of the bay, and sleepy-but-gorgeous Portmeirion Village is only a short drive away, if you want a quieter day.
Barry Island, Glamorgan
On the other side of Cardiff, Barry is home to one of the widest beaches in the country, provided the tide is well and truly out. It is a great location for families, as there’s simply so much to do, from your typical rock pools and sandcastles to more unusual attractions like bouncy castles and even donkey rides.
- Barry Island, Glamorgane_cathedra / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
There are many chip shops on the shore, one or two of which are award-winning, and once you’ve had your lunch you should head over to the Barry Island Pleasure Park for even more fun, with all your traditional funfair attractions, like teacups, dodgems, and a mirror maze, alongside some creative jaunts like walking water balls!
