There’s few things better than a walk on the beach on a sunny winter’s day. Picture this: melting snow on the sand, fresh air, and rolling waves set under a crisp blue sky.
As a sea-loving bunch of people who grew up by the coast, visiting the beach during wintertime is among one of our treasured pastimes here at NothingFishy. Come rain or shine, you’ll find us exploring the sands, combing for seashells and listening to the crash of the waves. It’s absolute bliss!
It was tricky to decide, but we’ve managed to pick out 5 of our favourite UK beaches that we love to visit during winter. Just remember to wrap up warm and wear your best walking boots!
Holywell Bay, Cornwall
With its towering sand dunes and secret caves to explore, Cornwall’s Holywell Bay more than deserves the top spot on our list. On a clear day, you’ll see its imposing Gull Rocks backdrop, the beach’s two twin islands which make for a fantastic photo opportunity.
Holywell Bay has an impressive stretch of sand perfect for a peaceful stroll, or if you’re feeling up for a longer walk, you can venture out onto the headlands and enjoy breathtakingly beautiful coastal views from above.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Durdle Door is located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and is known to be one of the most famous landforms in the world.
Those with an eye for photography will love all that this beach has to offer, from its magnificent chalk clifftops to its dramatic stone arch which was created around 10,000 years ago. It’s no wonder that Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most visited landmarks!
There’s plenty of rockpools and nature walk opportunities here, making it great for all the family. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly beach, so you can bring your four-legged friends along to enjoy the fun too.
Stay until sunset and you may even be able to catch the sun glinting through the stone arch, which is truly a sight to behold.
Horsey Beach, Norfolk
If you’ve ever wanted to see seals and their pups up close in the UK, Horsey Beach in Norfolk offers this wonderful experience and more. Many people flock here from November to January to see the seals as it’s during late autumn and wintertime they head to the beach to give birth.
This quiet and unspoilt beach is not only home to seals, but also sand dunes and tranquil walks which can be rewarded with a quick bite to eat at one of the nearby coffee shops or tearooms.
Travel slightly further afield and you’ll find the iconic and now restored Horsey Windpump, a National trust owned windmill with a fascinating history. Climb to the top and you’ll be able to take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside - trust us, it’s worth the 61 steps!
Port Castle Bay, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Tucked away on the south-western shores of the Dumfries and Galloway Machars peninsula, Port Castle Bay is a pretty pebble beach and a secluded hidden gem for anyone with an adventurous soul.
At the end of the bay, you’ll find the ancient St Ninian's Cave, named after the saint who first introduced Christianty to Scotland.
This historic beach has many surrounding walking, running and cycling routes, all with awe-inspiring views of this extraordinary part of Scotland.
Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
Finishing off our list strong is Three Cliffs Bay located in South Wales. Boasting a striking shoreline filled with sand dunes and salt marsh, this huge beach is hugged by three limestone cliffs which give the bay its name.
Running through Three Cliffs Bay is the shallow Pennard Pill stream, while inland you’ll find an abandoned castle. This scenic beach is thought to be one of the most popular beaches in Wales, and some may even say in the whole UK!
