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The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

By SCOTT FAIRHURST

One of Great Britain’s enduring tourist attractions lies in its many coastal resorts. Some are traditional, while others may surprise you in their diversity and rich culture and architecture. Here are ten of the very best from around the country.

10. Southwold

Southwold The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

It’s said that as you turn off the main A12 carriageway towards Southwold, you travel back in time by ten years for every mile. By the time you reach your destination, you really could be in the 1950’s. With its historic Victorian Pier, beautiful towering lighthouse and colourful beach huts it’s easy to see the appeal of Southwold.

This is seaside Britain at its unspoilt best with traditional shopping and entertainment. There are no gaudy amusement arcades, just quaint and quintessentially British attractions with some fascinating history. Don’t forget to visit the pier with curious coin-operated machines designed by the notorious Tim Hunkin.

9. Bournemouth

Bournemouth The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

It’s hard to identify one town as being the most typical British seaside resort but Bournemouth will certainly stake its claim. It’s certainly one of the busiest coastal locations with thousands heading here at the height of summer to spend time on its 7-mile stretch of golden sandy beaches.

That leads to busy beaches, but there is much to do besides from amusements and fairs to some spectacular beauty in the neighbouring Dorset countryside. It’s recently had £11 million spent on the seafront at Boscombe with the addition of designer beach ‘pods’, created by Wayne Hemingway, water sports academies, and bars and restaurants alongside a refurbished pier.

Bournemouth beat counterparts in Italy, France and Portugal to be voted one of Europe’s favourite beaches and you can see why. It’s also worth bearing in mind that in 2007, Dorset was voted the happiest place in Britain!

8. Llandudno

llandudno The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

It’s easy sometimes to assume that the best seaside towns lie in England, but that certainly isn’t the case. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are home to some spectacular coastal resorts and the Welsh town of Llandudno is one of the best.

This is the largest coastal town in Wales and was dubbed the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts” as long ago as the mid-19^th century. In fact, one of its main attractions lies in the way Llandudno has preserved its Victorian heritage. Earlier this year the north Wales seaside resort was named the happiest place to live in Wales in a study of over 25K people.

7. Newquay

Newquay The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

One of the more popular and perhaps unexpected activities on parts of Britain’s coastline is surfing. The west coast in particular is home to some first class surfing locations but perhaps the most popular of these is Newquay in Cornwall.

This has been a well-known tourist location for many years but the increase in surfing has added to the town’s vibrancy as the surfing capital of the UK and this is a bustling and lively resort.

There are eight different beaches, all within walking distance of the town and another three within a short drive. All of the beaches have golden sands, ideal for those who like to ride the Atlantic rollers or just relax and catch some sun.

6. Porthpean, Cornwall

Porthpean The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

Nestling in the heart of the Cornish Riviera is one of the UK’s best kept holiday secrets. If you want unspoilt beauty from your seaside holiday then this is the place to be.

Porthpean offers wonderfully secluded beaches which are something of a nature reserve and while this is a tranquil spot, there is a choice of activities too so essentially the hamlet offers the best of everything.

5. Brighton

Brighton The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

For full on entertainment and bustling nightlife there are few places that can match the trendy Sussex coastal town of Brighton. The city became a major attraction with tourists when it was linked by rail to London in 1841 and it has remained hugely popular ever since.

Brighton is colourful, laid back but vibrant. It’s diversity and kooky bohemian air and rich influence of culture sets it apart from anywhere else. The city is compact and can be busy, but it’s balanced by many a café, bookshop, and wholefood store alongside its stunning picturesque architecture.

The seafront has bars, restaurants, nightclubs as well as the amusement arcade on the famous Brighton Pier. The beach is one of the cleanest in Britain and is home to a number of festivals throughout the year.

4. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland

Sandwood Bay.

Of Scotland’s main contenders, the best locations are likely to be found in the Sutherland region in the far north of the country. This is where you can experience Scotland at its wild and untamed best with rugged scenery hosting some beautiful sandy beaches.

Don’t expect too many diversions in the way of funfairs and amusement arcades; this is a coastal resort where nature dominates.

3. Wells-Next-The-Sea

Wells next the sea The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

Some of the best beaches in the UK lie on the coast of East Anglia where major deposition has led to vast expanses of sand that stretch for hundreds of yards. In the case of Wells, the North Sea is around a mile away from the town making this huge bay one of the most visited spots in Great Britain for holidaymakers.

The unique beaches across the county are supplemented by great bars and eateries as well as all the usual family fun that only the best seaside resorts can offer.

2. Southend on Sea

Southend The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

Southend, on the Essex coast has done much to build a better image after being accused of containing all the tawdry elements that some seaside towns can contain. The ageing and downmarket seafront has been transformed with bright new shopping arcades, restaurants and bars.

Southend is home to seven miles of award winning beaches, the longest pier in the world and more than 80 parks which are ideal for families.

A smart new airport is the final piece in the jigsaw and while all the usual seaside entertainment is still here, the town as a whole is back to its welcoming best.

1. Scarborough

Scarborough The Top 10 British Seaside Towns

The town of Scarborough in North Yorkshire has topped a host of polls in relation to the best seaside resort in Great Britain. Those views may not be shared by everyone of course, but perhaps more than anywhere else, Scarborough combines the very best of ‘British’. It’s also the original seaside resort, arriving in 18^th century.

The Spa town has tradition and grand architecture, alongside the funfairs, amusements and modern shopping and eateries which mean that all the family can come and enjoy what for many is the most quintessentially British seaside town.

This post was written by Scott Fairhurst of Perfect Stays (http://www.perfectstays.co.uk/).

A Hipster’s Guide to Brighton – 7 Reasons to Visit This Cool Seaside City

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

By GRAHAM PADMORE

Despite having all the usual seaside clichés of pier, fairground rides and candyfloss, Brighton has a very different side. Dubbed ‘London by the sea’, this hip and happening city continues to surprise and intrigue visitors who flock here for independent shops, award- winning food, friendly locals and a thriving art and alternative scene. For hipsters everywhere, here are seven reasons to visit the coolest seaside city in England.

1. The Boutique Shopping

Brighton has its fair share of the usual big name brands but it’s the variety of small, independent outlets that really makes Brighton a haven for those with money to burn. The fashionable ‘Laines’ is a good place to start. The half a square mile area is home to over 300 unique shops – the largest selection of independent retailers on the South Coast. Ty the North Laines for everything from vintage designer wear to dusty records and wander the more picturesque South Laines for bespoke jewellery and trinkitry from every corner of the globe.

2. The Cafés and Restaurants

The bohemian atmosphere of this city-by-the-sea is reflected in some of the cafes and restaurants on offer. Forget fish and chips on the pier (although there are plenty), Brighton is also home to a hearty clutch of vegetarian, vegan and organic eateries, many of which have several awards to their names. Head for Kensington Gardens in the North Laines for a choice of laid back coffee shops where you can stop and people watch for a while.

3. The Alternative Music Scene

The birthplace of the ‘big beat’ music genre, and home to DJ and music producer Fatboy Slim, Brighton has a thriving music scene. From the Big Beach Boutique open-air dance nights (which attract thousands) to the many intimate venues and rooms above pubs, this city has hundreds of places to see great local acts and big touring bands. Other famous local bands originating from Brighton include British Sea Power and The Kooks.

4. It Has a Love of Art and Design

Another of Brighton’s obvious strengths is its nurturing of artistic talent. Artists, designers, painters and all manor of creatives are based here, and the city offers plenty of chances to see some of their work. The annual Brighton Festival in May is a three-week celebration of all things arty, and attracts over 300,000 people a year. The Artists Open House scheme sees Brighton residents opening their doors to the public, where they are able to buy works of art directly from the artist.

5. The Cool Boutique Hotels

Brighton’s old reputation as a place for a dirty weekend by the sea has changed somewhat, and it is now home to some of the UK’s best boutique and design hotels. The Myhotel – described as “where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi” – is an ultra modern, almost futuristic hotel in the centre of the city, while Hotel Pelirocco is a saucy rock ‘n roll retreat with themed rooms, individually styled by artists. Check in to the Play Room suite for an 8ft round bed, a plunge bath, and a burlesque-style pole dancing area.

6. Its Open-Minded Outlook

Brighton has always embraced all cultural scenes and sub-cultures. With a bohemian air, the city is a very accepting place. Home to a thriving gay and lesbian scene, Brightonians and visitors are free to express themselves. The annual summer Pride Parade attracts a huge crowd to the city, and there is no shortage of welcoming pubs, clubs and hotels.

7. It’s One of the Greenest Cities in the UK

Voted the green capital of Britain, Brighton wears its Green credentials for all to see. The city is home to one the largest population of vegetarians in the country and is the first and the only borough in the country to have elected a Green Party MP, making political history. For a unique trip out take an eco-friendly bus to Earthship Brighton – a green building made from waste car tyres and recycled materials. It also collects its own water and generates its own heat and power.

Photo: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Graham Padmore is a travel blogger and photographer originally from Brighton UK. He is also the co-owner of travel tips and inspiration website GlobalGrasshopper.com. Here he writes about his favourite travel destinations with his wife and reviews hotels including Brighton boutique hotels.

How to Make the Most of a Holiday in England and Scotland

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

England and Scotland boast some of the most stunningly beautifully places not only in the UK, but in the world. For holiday cottages, some Scottish border homes and English coast dwellings are amongst the most popular in these parts of the world and their popularity is on the rise.

People travel from all over the world to stay in cottages in Northumberland and Norfolk, Livingston and London, to experience the beauty of the UK first hand. But where exactly are the places in which you can get the most out of Scotland and England?

Choosing the best bits of anywhere or anything, for that matter, is always subjective, but there are places in the UK that are so beautiful that barely anybody would contest their inclusion in this article. Perhaps the place that would have the lowest rate of disapproval would be the Lake District, which is located in the north western county of Cumbria.

The Lake District attracts millions of visitors every year (the British rain evidently doesn’t put them off). With tranquil villages like Coniston and Hawkshead, it is no wonder that the Lake District is so popular. It not only has some of the most stunning countryside in the world, but it can also boast some of the best beers, the heartiest food and the happiest people in the world. A weekend in the Lake District is always time well spent.

The UK is not exactly renowned for the quality of its weather, but when it is nice, it is rather nice indeed, especially if you go to the right parts of the country. The Brits flock to the beaches at the slightest hint of sunshine, so why not join them? Some of the nicest beaches in the England lie on the Northumbria coast and country. They don’t quite get as much warmth as the southern beaches do, but they are still unmistakably British. Grab yourself an ice cream, set up your windbreak and enjoy the British summertime at its best.

Heading north of the border, we reach the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. No other city is quite like this one; there is a cultural delight almost everywhere you look, whatever time of year you go. In August, Edinburgh hosts the world famous Fringe Festival, which sees the great creatives of the world converge in one place to share their talent and entertain the public. Hotel prices rather expectedly rise at this time of year, but the festival is most definitely worth a few days of your time.

Finally, we come to not London but Leeds. This northern city almost has everything that London has, only with more personality and less traffic. It has a great theatre, a brilliant music scene and is a hotspot for international concerts. There is always something going on in Leeds and it is much more affordable than the capital.

Photo: 1, 2

Villages of the North Norfolk Coast

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

Sunset in the broads of North Norfolk.

By DANIEL PRATT

It’s increasingly difficult to find peace in England. The New Forest, Cornwall, Devon, the Lakes and even Yorkshire are all almost as crowded as Piccadilly Circus at most times of the year. There are few places left where there is still a sense of space, but Norfolk is one of them.

The north coast has quirky and interesting villages to suit every taste. History buffs can start at the sandy stretches of Holme-next-the-Sea, former site of Seahenge, a prehistoric monument formed of timber posts and sometimes referred to as Stonehenge beneath the sea. Both the Romans and the Saxons had settlements close to nearby Brancaster. Just out to sea the remains of the SS Vina are still visible and were used by the RAF for WWII target practice. Legend has it that the ghost of Nelson’s nurse still haunts the village pub, The Ship.

The Burnhams are another great option. There are seven of them in total, including bustling Burnham Market, or Chelsea-on-Sea as it’s often known, as many of the shops wouldn’t look out of place in Kensington. Burnham Overy Staithe offers excellent moorings and launchings for boats, plus some of Nelson’s boyhood haunts in Burnham Thorpe, where his father was rector. Burnham Deepdale is one of the driest villages in the country, with sailing, kiting, kayaking and other watersports particularly good in May and June.

For those who’d rather experience a county via its food and are vegetarian then North Norfolk offers a great range of options. The Manor Hotel Restaurant in Mundesley-on-Sea offers its own vegetarian menu including Norfolk Dumplings, a regional yeast based recipe. Other options include the traditional The Brick Kilns in Little Plumstead near Norwich which is a public house and a restaurant that offers an award winning sixteen piece vegetarian menu to choose from.

The whole coastline boasts mile after mile of peaceful sandy beaches, many of which are Blue Flag. Holme-next-the-Sea is a starting point for two long distance footpaths, the 44 mile North Norfolk Coast path and the 46 mile Peddars Way. It may come as a surprise, but Norfolk isn’t entirely flat. Visitors to Salthouse, Kelling and Weybourne experience great views over the slopes towards the sea.

For wildlife, opt for Blakeney Point with regular trips out to the seal and bird sanctuary. Cley next the Sea is a bird watching hotspot as well as home to a classic 18th century windmill, 13th century church and typical English green. Burnham Deepdale also offers dramatic views of pink-footed geese in the winter and Salthouse sees unusual feathered visitors in the colder months, including snow bunting, shore lark and marsh harriers.

For painters, the light in this part of the country has an unusual, luminous quality that was captured so well in the works of Constable, Gainsborough, and more recently by boy prodigy Kieron Williamson. For writers, potters, craftspeople and other artists, there is a deep sense of peace and continuity in this part of the country.

There aren’t many parts of England that are still untouched and largely unexplored, but the North Norfolk Coast is one of them. It’s a place to recharge your batteries, eat great food, pick up local crafts, and step back to a time when the world was in less of a hurry.

Daniel Pratt is a writer from Wish.co.uk

Why I Love England

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

This is London. CC Image by maistora (Flickr.)

By JOE JOHNSON

One of the biggest clichés about England is the weather, most outsiders and indeed the majority of inhabitants will cite the predominantly wet, dreary atmosphere that envelops the country for approximately nine months of the year. What is impressive is that despite this, millions upon millions of tourists visit the small island nation every year, arriving in their droves to marvel at the ancient yet cutting edge city of London, the rolling green pastures and hundreds of other tourist attractions like Stonehenge, the Eden Project, Lindisfarne Castle and Old Trafford football stadium, home of Manchester United FC. These are no doubt impressive sites but there is something else, something intangible, magical that draws people from thousands of miles away to England’s fair shores.

It’s often said that British people are rude or ignorant, while some of us may come across like this, I’d like to defend us by saying that we’re merely polite in the extreme, this is why you might encounter an English person who appears to ignore you, they are simply being ultra polite and waiting until they’re directly addressed to speak. The British value order and organisation which is why you will always find impromptu queues, we don’t need to be asked to be civilised.

It is this intrinsic sense of decency and respect for others that means Britain has such an inclusive, democratic and diverse society. One of the first things tourists notice about Britain, particularly in big cities, is how diverse the population is. People of different nationalities, colours and creed live and work alongside one another creating an infectious cultural melting pot that influences everything from music to fashion to food. It is this level of diversity that makes the country such a refreshing, interesting place to visit; fancy some Bangladeshi cuisine in deepest rural Sussex, you got it!

Of course the one thing that makes England stand out from its European cousins and indeed almost ever other country in the world is its illustrious history, but more so the fact that many of the remnants and artefacts from the country’s empirical past remain. Ancient castles dating back hundreds of years are dotted across the landscape, many of them expertly preserved and converted into museums that document this history in an informative and compelling fashion. Influences from more recent historical periods are evident in the residential architecture; do yourself a favour and visit a traditional English public house.

There are so many reasons to love England, and for some tourists, they are enough to lure them into making England their home which leads me finally onto my main point, why do I love England? I’ve lived here all my life and am therefore well placed to comment on its worthiness as a tourist destination, as well as a place to settle. So, what’s my favourite thing about England? It may seem boring since I’ve been harping on about the magic of the place and the hospitality of its inhabitants, but my favourite thing about this country is its size.

I’d describe England as compact rather than small, an apt term when you consider that so much culture and history is compacted into the island nation. Being relatively compact means it’s fairly easy to get from one side of the country to the other. This makes visiting relatives and friends, attending national sports events, commuting to work and generally being able to see different parts of the country far less painful than a country like the U.S, where driving from end to end takes several days.

Of course there are several other more sentimental reasons I love England, I grew up here, went to school here, made friends and studied here, my life is here. Many inhabitants complain about the weather, the over-crowdedness, the government, and the cost of living, and while I’d agree that England isn’t perfect, and I do enjoy getting away from it all now and again, England is my home, I love it and I plan on spending the rest of my life here.

Joe is an English Travel blogger, he takes Spain holidays for the weather but always looks forward to returning to his home country!

Bristol Revisited

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

Bristol Suspension Bridge.

By SOPHIE COLLARD

Sometimes it takes moving to a different city to appreciate the one you came from. I found cheap enough car hire to drive all my stuff to the capital of the UK and begin to acclimatise. London gives you the opportunity to have food or drink from any part of the world and all the sights on your doorstep. Rich in culture and history, it is imbued with a sense of pride you might not have thought possible for such a large city. Away from the sights you’ve got Brick Lane with its colour and curry aromas and Camden with its alternative crowd and music scene. London is a wonderful place.

I’m from Bristol. I’ve always loved my city but as I grew older I realised the place is like one big village where everybody knows your name and the physical things I loved became clouded by a desire to get out and meet new people. It took a wedding to get me back and a new person in my life to show around to appreciate how wonderful it is all over again. Walking the streets in my new found city ambassador role I excitedly pointed out all kinds of things I’d almost forgotten.

We began at the Avon Gorge Hotel, where we stayed. The Avon Gorge is something of an institution in Bristol’s upmarket Clifton. Even if you are not staying, the Georgian Hotel has a bar and restaurant with a very large terrace which looks out to the gorge. It has the best view of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s suspension bridge you will get.

While there is no table service and some strange and slightly frustrating organisation as to where you collect your tea and coffee, other drinks and food, the view and the atmosphere make up for it.

From the hotel, you can walk to the bridge and go across it, from where you’ll have access to Ashton Court Estate, probably Bristol’s greatest green space. Alternatively, Bristol Zoo Gardens is a short walk away. It’s a lovely example of a Victorian-designed zoo. You’ll find penguins, monkeys and a black widow spider. There are also currently different painted fibreglass gorillas all over the city. They are there in a bid to raise awareness about deforestation and endangered habitats.

A walk down the hill from Clifton Village will take you to the Hotwells Road. Here you can walk along the river. On the way you will pass Brunel’s SS Great Britain, which was the first screw propeller steam ship to cross the Atlantic.

Further along you will find the Matthew, a beautiful wooden ship. And then you’re in the centre. Consider At Bristol, a science centre for all ages, and the Arnolfini art gallery. Corn Street with the famous St. Nicholas Market is close by. It still has the nails which hammers were brought down on when items were traded, the origin of the phrase ‘to hit the nail on the head.’ And if you’re looking for a great British city experience, that’s precisely what Bristol does.

Sophie Collard writes about fascinating places to visit and people she’s met while on her travels. She’s travelled in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia and loves the sense of distance and changing landscapes.

Hunting For Dinosaurs in Dorset

By Erica Johansson on in Europe, United Kingdom

The Jurassic Coast.

By REBECCA TOM

Wow, a real piece of dinosaur in your hand. It’s a possibility…

Fossil hunting is not just for geography and geology types – it’s a fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Dorset, in the south of England, offers world-class fossil beds on beautiful shorelines where you can have a go at hunting for dinosaur bones and teeth. It’s great fun for kids too, so why not head to Dorset? You never know what will turn up!

Dorset (and East Devon) are home to England’s only natural world heritage site, The Jurassic Coast – 95 miles of stunning coastline running from Exmouth to Studland that are designated by UNESCO as having ‘outstanding universal value’. The rocks there are truly special as the many fossils contained in them record 85 million years of Earth’s history, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

You can easily spend hours on the Dorset coast looking for fossils. My favourite place for this is Charmouth. The beach has easy access, parking, a café and public toilets. It has an interesting Heritage Coast Centre on the seafront with plenty of information on the natural history and fossils of the area. The cliffs are world famous for their rocks and attract serious collectors and amateurs alike.

There are plenty of fossils to be found all year round but the best time to look is during the spring or the winter months as there are less people about, and the storms and extreme high tides help to reveal new fossils. Charmouth is especially beautiful in the winter. Waves lash the coast and spray up over the sea wall, throwing large stones over the path at the same time. Surfers can be spotted too taking advantage of the wave power.

The most common type of fossil at Charmouth is the ammonite. They lived in the sea between 240–65 million years ago and belong to the group of predators known as the cephalopods. Living relatives include the squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus. It’s amazing to discover these beautiful spiral shells and be the first human to hold them so many years after their death. Also in plentiful supply are belemnites. They first appeared around 208 million years ago and are relatives of the ammonites. Look in the shingle and on the tide line, especially as the tide starts going in. Try focussing on a small area and keep your eyes peeled.

At one end of Charmouth beach is Stonebarrow and at the other is Black Ven – the largest coastal mudslide area in Europe. Ammonite impressions can be found in the mud there but most are so delicate that they break up if not treated very carefully.

To reach Stonebarrow you have to cross the river Char over a small bridge. Stonebarrow is good for ‘fools gold’ ammonites and crinoids – ‘sea lilies’ that are relatives of starfish. Beyond Stonebarrow is Golden Cap – the highest view on the south coast at 191m above sea level.

If you are lucky, you may come across a really amazing find (which must be registered with the World Heritage Team (01305 225101)). After heavy rain in 2000 local collector Tony Gill found the fossilised remains of a 5m long Heritage Centre.

The cliffs at Charmouth are prone to falling and can do so at any time. Mudslides also occur, especially after wet weather so keep an eye out and don’t take silly risks. Walking on the mud itself can be a mistake – my leg vanished up to my knee when I when I wasn’t paying enough attention to where I was putting my feet! Also, remember to check the tides and only set out along the coast during a falling tide. A table of the tide times can be bought in Charmouth Fossil Shop.

If this has got you interested in hunting for a dinosaur or two, why not check out some holiday cottages in Dorset, book up a few days away and see what Charmouth has to offer. Happy fossiling…

Rebecca Tom is from England and loves to travel. Her first trips outside of Europe were to Israel on a school trip and then to Thailand years later with friends. She has since been to Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and The Maldives. Next destination, Morocco.