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Found down the end of a very bumpy lane and past a small clutch of gorgeous waterfront houses, Roundwood Quay is a little visited spot on the edge of the Carrick Roads. It's perfectly tranquil and the perfect spot to watch boats pass up and down the river, whilst there’s a pebbly, muddy beach for swimming and birdwatching, as well as a formal pathway that trails around the edges of the water and forms part of the Trelissick/Roundwood loop walk.
* Sian is our Been there local for Cornwall. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/been-there-local-cornwall.jsp and her own blog about Cornish living: www.adventureswiththeblackdog.co.uk/
Located on the north coast between Perranporth and Newquay it couldn’t be farther away in spirit from all the tourist trappings of it’s neighbours, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit close to home.
The common is starkly beautiful, with a rolling landscape that falls away into a valley that runs down to the beach. There’s a second car park at the bottom of the common after which a sandy lane runs side by side with a stream studded with irises and willow trees that are just starting to show signs of life. And as the valley opens up the stream runs straight onto the beach, which at high tide is hugged by cliffs and on low tide opens up to a large sweep of sand.
There are no life guards, cafes or toilets and because of this it’s pretty quiet and dog friendly all year.
* Sian is our Been there local for Cornwall. You can check out her page here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/been-there-local-cornwall.jsp and her own blog about Cornish living: www.adventureswiththeblackdog.co.uk/
As I've written before, Pennard is a beautiful, calm and year-round treasure for this little part of Wales. Situated not far from Gower Golf Course, the stroll from the castle to Three Cliffs Bay is perfect for couples, families, dog-walkers and ramblers. During the day it's a hot surf spot and in the evenings in BBQ heaven. Known to the Sandy Lane locals as 'Tub', Three Cliffs Bay is a popular landmark on Gower for geologists and geographers alike, with it's twisting headland and arches set to inspire the children that visit. I know it inspired me to pursue my career in geography. I cant wait to go back this spring when my exams are over so I can pick wild raspberries and explore this gorgeous little part of the world.
www.threecliffsbay.com/
North Hill Farm North Hill Lane, Swansea SA3 2HB
+44(0)1792 371218
Google map: bit.ly/YKGYOE
Famous for it's surfing credentials, but also a great family beach, with brilliant walks via the South West Coast Path. Smallish and pebbly on high tide, but huge and two miles wide on low tide. Blue bar is great for food and drink deep into the night, or take a stroll up the sand (keep an eye on the tides) for a clotted cream infused snack at the National Trust caff on Chapel Porth. there's a great little guide here
www.blue-bar.co.uk/
Beach Rd, Eastcliff, Porthtowan TR4 8AW
+44(0)1209 890329
Google map: bit.ly/11RcDNo
Exmouth is wonderful for cycling for all levels and certainly family friendly. Cycle paths include along Exmouth's two mile sandy beach with sand dunes and red cliffs at the end. Or follow the ever-changing Exe Estuary cycle path that goes from Exmouth all the way to Exeter. The scenery is stunning and passes through beautiful Devon villages (with some lovely watering holes on route!) you can even take your bikes on a boat (from Exmouth or Topsham) to the cycle paths on the other side or visit Turf Lock, which can only be reached by bike, foot or boat! Or try the bicycle path along a disused railway line through woods from Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton where there is another wonderful beach to visit. You can hire bikes at Bikelands, a funky family run boutique bicycle shop in the centre of Exmouth. Their bikes are gorgeous colours with wicker baskets and adorned with flowers. They have options for all the family and lots of tips on routes.
www.bikelands.co.uk
46 The Strand, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1AL +44(0)1395 642 500
Google map: bit.ly/V6DoP5
By journeying as far north-west as you can on the British mainland you will arrive at the village of Durness and on its western edge is the magnificent beach of Balnakeil Bay – which itself is but part of the fascinating promontory of Farhaid Head. Facing westward towards Cape Wrath and the towering sea-cliffs of Clo Mor, the beach and extensive sand dunes are wonderfully devoid of any detracting 'tourist infrastructure'; so this will appeal to the more active/outdoor visitor. The nearby rocky shoreline abounds with a great diversity of sea-birds - Puffins, Terns, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Gannets. The underwater scenery is equally mesmerising and the clarity of the water compares with the Caribbean. For good measure, don't miss a visit to the massive Smoo Cave on the eastern seashore of Durness. Accommodation in Durness includes the Youth Hostel (SYHA) and the Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse.
www.durness.org
Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse: www.visitdurness.com/lazy-crofter-bunkhouse/
Durness,Sutherland, Scotland, IV27 4PN
+44(0)1971511202
Google map: bit.ly/UrWQBA
What it lacks in creature comforts, this small, friendly campsite makes up for in stunning scenery and a warm welcome. Practically on the Pembrokeshire coastal path, it is a short walk to the nearest beach and there is a gorgeous, reasonable but not overlong family walk round Dinas Island from one beach to the next. Why not order fresh bread and Welsh cakes from the farmhouse for your picnic? Delicious. This is our top tip for a budget beach holiday: camping in a farm field, five minute walk to some sand and bathing quality sea, national park coastline walks, short drives to larger beaches with more amenities and much quieter than Cornwall or Devon: plenty of sand space even in school hols.
dinasisland.co.uk
Dinas, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0SE
+44(0)7970 108320
Google map: bit.ly/TvZVSn
For a budget beach holiday with great scenery and atmosphere, try YHA Treyarnon in Cornwall. Accommodation suitable for families, individuals or groups, and great value meals to be had in the bar-style dining room – or you can self-cater. Youth hostel rates, even for ensuite rooms, compare favourably with those for B&B. The youth hostel is situated right on the cliff above the beach, a classic surfing beach with life guard, but also good for bucket and spade stuff, and there are rock pools for paddling/swimming in when the tide is out. The afternoon light is amazing. Other beaches nearby.
www.yha.org.uk
Tregonnan, Treyarnon, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8JR
+44(0)845 371 9664
Google map: bit.ly/UjXfVg
Widemouth Bay is quintessential English seaside. A huge expanse of sea and sand welcomes you as you drive into the bay. The Bay View Inn is a great, friendly pub/restaurant and has good reasonably priced rooms, including family rooms with DVD players, comfy beds and terraces overlooking the ocean. It's a popular place for the locals and gets busy but at 11PM all goes quiet and a good night's sleep can be had with just the sound of waves to help you drop off. The Bay has a surf school, local shop selling fresh seafood, good cafe on the beach and a charming old-fashioned 50's fresh fish and chip van for cheap and cheerful evening suppers.
www.bayviewinn.co.uk/
Widemouth Bay, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 0AW
+44(0)1288 361273
Google map: bit.ly/12QoY6t
A 6 - any age activity so great for a family including a mix of teenagers, children and young adults. Explore the coastline - rock climbing, making different jumps from the rocks, learn about the fauna, caving, great views - a totally new 'shared' experience.
Google map: bit.ly/WkaQMr
Large octagonal bar, TV's all round, emphasis on sport, choices of beers, pizzas and other traditional food, spectacular views of the Aber seafront and Cambrian coastline, and from the autumn to spring thousands of Starlings swooping to their roosts below the Pier.
www.royalpier.co.uk
Royal Pier, Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2AZ
+44(0)1970 636100
Google map: bit.ly/UmGAmM
There are few things better than filling up your belly with amazing fresh seafood and then meandering along the waterfront at dusk. This part of Edinburgh has so much history as a once busy port. Now it is home to several amazing (some even Michelin starred) restaurants, and tastefully renovated waterfront areas. Take a seat and watch the big ships roll past.
16 or 22 bus from Prince's st in direction of Ocean Terminal
Google map: bit.ly/Yh7Juj
Firstly, I highly recommend a trip to Brighton for anyone. It is my favourite city in the UK, mostly for its relaxed, laidback feel. This chilled out vibe is largely due to its location right beside the sea. It is therefore a real advantage to get a good hotel right by the beach when visiting Brighton; but this can be hard to get at a good price. The West Beach Hotel overlooks the sea and the beach as well as Brighton's famous promenade. The rooms are really clean and spacious. We stayed in a twin room with views of the sea, it was very reasonably priced compared to everything else we saw. The beds were comfortable and we had an en-suite bathroom that was a good size, and clean more importantly. The hotel is not only located along the seafront but is also just close enough to the city centre so that it is walking distance but not crazy noisy at night time. I found the staff really friendly with directions and stuff too.
www.westbeachhotel.co.uk/home.html
135 King's Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2HX
+44(0)1273 323161
Google map: bit.ly/SdrbRJ
Staying in caravans and tents, particularly on designated "sites", had never appealed to me until I spent a few days last week with my partner's family at this Suffolk coast campsite. They used to come years ago, and we were here because his youngest brother had called everyone together to help him re-live his rosy childhood memories with his new son.
The rows of mobile homes and tents carefully spaced between wooden sleepers on the closely cropped grass, and the ranks of clean, cream static caravans on the other side of the path look neat enough, but it is the endless beach stretching north and south that really impresses. One night we sat on the verandah of our caravan when a muntjac strolled past. Birds hover and swoop all day, and it's not uncommon to see seals playing just offshore. The site is surrounded by woods and there are plenty of paths for walkers and cyclists to follow.
The Sizewell nuclear power stations are a spit away (my partner tells me he remembers swimming in the water close to Sizewell A because it was warm, and I'm still not sure if he was having me on), but with all the fresh air and natural beauty they are surprisingly unobtrusive.
The area is full of families who have been returning for decades.
www.beachviewholidaypark.co.uk/
Cliff House, Sizewell Common, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4TU
+44 (0)1728 830724
Google map: bit.ly/TMaqQI
Holiday home of Queen Victoria and her family, an idyllic retreat on the beautiful Isle of Wight. The house, gardens and beach are all open to the public via English Heritage. It is a fascinating place to explore. Don't visit the Island just for the day - make at least a long weekend of it.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/osborne-house/
York Avenue East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JX
+44(0)1983 200022
Google map: bit.ly/PfK7k1
A scenic spot best seen from the viewpoint on the cliff above the landing. The fishing cobles are neatly lined up in a ledge in the cliff which serves as Filey's makeshift harbour.
Google map: bit.ly/Mcyw3W
Filey Brigg is the most famous feature of Filey. A must do is to walk from Filey sands to the very tip of Filey Brigg and have the sea all around you splashing in your face - it is really exhilarating. But this is a dangerous walk as you can only do it at low tide and you MUST get off the brigg at least two hours BEFORE high tide to avoid being trapped on the brigg. It is wise to check the tide times before you set off. The times of the tides on each day are clearly posted around Filey sands.
Google map: bit.ly/L2sXTW
We have had breakfast and lunch here, essential to book. Quality food and laid back atmosphere.
A must but be prepared for a lot of yummy mummies and kiddies.
www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/
On The Beach Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA
+44(0)1637 861 000
Google map: bit.ly/IJm3Ea
Restaurant below Jamie Oliver's place at Watergate Bay.
Essential to book and great food but not that cheap.
On The Beach, Watergate Bay, Cornwall TR8 4AA
+44(0)1637 860877
Google map: bit.ly/HQ3wqV
The Wirral Way is a disused railway line from Hooton to West Kirby which provides a flat, car-free and scenic 12 mile cycle route for all abilities and ages. This route has the added advantage of having a Merseyrail station at either end, with regular trains to Chester or Liverpool and offering designated areas for bicycles, which are welcome outside peak hours. In my experience if you are intending to cycle the 12 miles only, the best starting place is Hooton. This option allows you to finish in the bustling seaside centre of West Kirby with shops, cafes, marina and beach. The route runs parallel to the river Dee with stunning panoramic views of the sweeping estuary, Hilbre Islands and the hills and hazy mountains of Wales beyond. On the way you will pass Hadlow Road Station, closed in 1955 but now returned to its original state. The village of Parkgate is a good stop for local ice cream and estuary bird watching. As you tootle along there are ample opportunities to unpack a picnic on the cliff side or at the Wirral Country Park visitors centre at Thurstaston. If you are still feeling fresh and frisky on reaching West Kirby you can add on another eight miles, following the coastline of the peninsula through Hoylake to New Brighton. Here you will be hard pressed not to be impressed by the view across the River Mersey of Liverpool's World Heritage Waterfront.
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