The road trip itch and an accompanying sense of adventure are some of those things you simply can’t ignore for long. The UK’s beautiful countryside, stunning landscapes and amazing coastal views beckon you to let your hair down and fill your lungs with fresh air. It’s time to plan that road trip and take a break! Escape from the hectic demands of everyday life, rent yourself a reliable car, gather a group of friends or family and hit the UK’s roads. Head to any of our top seaside picks for the perfect coastal escape in Britain’s charming seaside towns.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door in Dorset
The hands of nature have artfully created one of Dorset’s most picturesque and iconic landmarks. The Jurassic Coast is beautiful, but the two and a half mile stretch between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is the most picturesque section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk from the circular inlet of Lulworth Cove to the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door will leave you in awe. The shingle beach is only accessible by foot from either Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door and is certainly a must-visit.
Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, Cornwall
A memorable experience awaits at the popular Porthmeor Beach in St Ives. This sandy Blue Flag Award Beach is just a short walk from the centre of St Ives. The town is well known for its ancient pubs, trendy cafes and many art galleries. Stop for a picnic on the beach then catch surf or take a swim before hitting the town to explore its offerings.
Rhossili Beach in Wales
The Rhossili Beach is a three-mile (5 km) long sandy beach in Swansea, Wales. This beautiful beach makes for an awesome walking/ running/ surfing location and is a part of the Gower Coast Path which is a must-see. Bearing the legacy of being the only European beach to have made the 2017 Top 10 list of Best Beaches in the World by Suitcase Magazine, the scenery is awesome, there’s ample parking, the beach is dog-friendly all year round and there is a good choice of places to eat – what more could you want?
Achmelvich Beach in the Scottish Highlands
This stunning white sandy beach is a part of a bay that is also a hot spot for caravanning and camping. It therefore makes for an ideal stopover spot for road trippers and holidayers. There are several walking paths which give access to various aspects of the bay to explore, including Achmelvich Beach itself; a ruined old mill; a hidden cove; and a hermit’s castle. The beach is a popular spot for water skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island for short), is a magical attraction that is steeped in history. When you visit Lindisfarne Priory you’ll be standing on the home ground of St Cuthbert and the Lindisfarne Gospels – the gospels of Mark, Luke and John. The beautiful remote island is frequented by tourists and pilgrims alike. Explore it on foot and enjoy the very scenic Northumberland coast, Lindisfarne Castle, St Cuthbert’s Isle, the island’s wildlife, the national nature reserve and its many other ruins. The island is only accessible via a narrow causeway that’s only visible at low tide.
