Top 9 Beaches in UK
The waves roll into the long stretch of shoreline. The seagulls are surfing on the air currents lifted above the deepening shelf of sea. Curls of familiar salt breezes remind you that this is the best place to be right now. Rather than describe the wonders and draw of the ocean, let’s get going. Find you “beach” from the list below. There’s someplace for everyone. So, what are you waiting for?
You’ll need something to read. Why not grab a selection from the “Blue Mind Summit”, that gathering of scientists, psychologists and neuroscientist and dreamers that wash together to tell us what we already know. As marine biologist and author of the book, “Blue Mind”, Dr. Wallace Nichols muses, “Our response to water is deep…when you see water, when you hear water, it triggers a response in your brain that you’re in the right place.” Now you have scientific evidence to support taking that day off to return to the seas. Of course the best beach for you is the one that you love, but don’t be afraid to give these a visit. Your favorite strand of salty water may just flood into a few other locales.
Find you BLUE place:
• Bamburgh, Northumberland: Sand strands, a castle and the Farne Islands in view – this beach is a fantasy vacation spot. Reefs offshore draw surfers and alarm boaters. The first lifeboat concept of rescuing seafarers set out from Bamburgh. This beach is perfect for hikers, history fans and sportsman. Bring your dog or horse and enjoy the day.
• Brancaster Beach, Norfolk: There is bird watching galore on this unbelievable endless lay of sand that expands incrementally when the tide recedes. Dogs are allowed most of year and don’t forget to search for the bones of a shipwreck when that tide pulls away.
• Botany Bay, Kent: Stunning chalk cliffs meet the pale blue waters in this dramatic natural bay. Stroll around the freestanding megaliths and take your eyes off the sea long enough to do some fossil hunting. Dogs are not permitted from May through September.
• Ceredigion, Wales: Dolphins, Dylan Thomas, dunes, sea caves, the Cambrian mountains and marine preservation sites – what more can you want? This is the coastline for heritage seekers, hikers and explorers. Walk the beaches steeped in lore… just don’t trip on the 4,000 year old tree stumps.
• Compton Bay, Isle of Wight: The adventurer’s coast. Don’t forget the tours to see the 120 million year-old dinosaur footprints at Hanover Point (they are worth the trip alone) – and do a bit of your own fossil searching. There are Victorian cottages to rent with intimidating views of the limestone, “glacier-like” rises of The Needles Headland. Surfers ride the crests in the bay, beachcombers can foot it on the sands and the heathery cliffs are resplendent with butterflies.
• Lunan Bay, Scotland: Follow in the recreational excursions of Vikings to the Angus Coast. Walk the sandy dunes and explore the remnants of the 12th century, King William’s, “Red Castle”. Enjoy living history by watching the traditional net fishing, spend time aboard a horse and relax with a spot of bird watching. Observing the sea-birds that meander along the coasts are worth the trip.
• Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides: Voted the best of Britain’s beaches and on the list of the most spectacular waterfronts in the world, this sapphire stretch of sky, water and alabaster sands rival with the competition’s best. Photographers and painters will delight in the striking colour palette and the rest of us will be equally astounded at the miles of natural exhibition. Wild ponies, red deer and gallant birds-of-prey stud the island while cordial otters and dolphins pop up in the surf. You will understand why this locale is at the top of the list.
• Sandsend, Yorkshire: This quaint holiday town is a perfect jaunt for fun, food and spa aficionados. This “things-to-do” location may not suit those who seek a solitary getaway (you can always traverse the moors), but for the average family of holidaymakers, this is one for the family. If you need a beach vacation that suits the nature-lover, entertainment night-lifer, sedentary sand fan, foodie or pampered pooch with person crew, this will do it. Visit the doggie and human spas.
• Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe: Strike out for North Devon and spend the days walking the miles of endless dunes and search the white foamed aquamarine waters for seabirds. This environmentally protected area offers lovely accommodations, restaurants and engaging events year-round. They have falconry and sheepdog displays, concerts, Victorian Days, yachting events and myriads walking tours. There is a reason why Woolacombe is one of the top beaches in the world.
You don’t have to drag through the airports and trek through miles of uncharted rainforest to land at some of the best natural and cultural seaside destinations. Britain is an island after all. The world can’t be wrong.