11 of Britain’s best winter beaches for a bracingly beautiful break
The UK's beaches boast another level of stirring beauty in winter – not to mention the fact the off-season months are a great opportunity to get the wild and wind-beaten coast all to yourself.
But where are Britain's best winter beaches for a wave-crashingly scenic escape?
Turn your collars up to the wind, wrap up warm and explore silky sands, rugged coastlines, clifftop views, wildlife-rich rock pools and picturesque coastal paths – all with the added drama and atmospheric beauty of unpredictable weather.
There's also nothing like the promise of a post-walk local ale or warming hot chocolate at a cosy old pub to enhance the trip.
Head to Northumberland for stretches of dune-backed golden sands overlooked by medieval castles and ruins for a romantic, far-flung and magically eerie escape; the beauty of Bamburgh is almost unsurpassed. Cornwall is king for blending soft sands and clifftop vistas with foodie heaven; Harbour Cove near Padstow is especially pretty in winter.
There's fossil-hunting and quiet coves galore over at North Yorkshire's sweeping Robin Hood's Bay. And in Wales, one of the UK's most beautiful beaches, Rhossili Bay, truly comes to life in winter's bleak beauty.
From Suffolk to Scotland, we've picked out Britain's best winter beaches - and where to stay while you're there. Who said summer had to hog all the fun?
Durdle Door, Lulworth, Dorset
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile long World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. One of the most breathtakingly beautiful sections is the natural limestone arch and beach at Durdle Door.
Catch epic sunsets and sunrises and, around two weeks either side of the winter solstice, you can even see the sun emerging on the horizon right through the arch. Don't forget to take the 2km walk along the cliffs to another epic UK winter beach, Lulworth Cove.
Where to stay: Drop your bags off look forward to a spot of luxury at the Summer Lodge Country Hotel, around a 40-minute drive inland.
Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
Yorkshire makes for a revitalising getaway at any time of the year, but it really comes to life in winter. One of Britain's best winter beaches has to be Robin Hood's Bay, offering panoramic clifftop views. It's also a brilliant spot for fossil-hunting, and exploring the rock pools looking for little signs of life, like crabs and shrimps. If you're feeling brave, wait until the tide is out and visit the hidden cove of Boggle Hole.
Where to stay: The homely Victoria Hotel offers clifftop views over the bay, where you can enjoy local ales or afternoon tea with an ocean vista. It's also just 10 minutes' drive from historic Whitby for a varied winter break.
Bamburgh Beach, Bamburgh, Northumberland
This wild stretch of white sand is even more captivating in winter. Overlooked by the awe-inspiring presence of Bamburgh Castle on one side, and views out to the Farne Islands (home to puffins and grey seals) on the other, it's surrounded by intoxicating views. The stunning stretch of sand is also dog-friendly, perfect for wow-factor walks.
Where to stay: Bamburgh Castle Inn at nearby Seahouses is a cosy spot to warm up after a salty sea air stroll, just 10 minutes from Bamburgh Castle.
Looe Beach, Looe, Cornwall
This charming old town is home to narrow lanes packed with quaint shops that would have been frequented by smugglers back in the 18th century bringing rum to the craggy coastline. The East Looe Beach is a beauty that sits right in front of the old town. It's a fantastic UK winter beach in a scenically-blessed area, which also offers fabulous walks thanks to a chunk of the South West Coast Path passing through.
Where to stay: Talland Bay Hotel is a dreamy place to relax, offering clifftop views, overlooking pretty Talland Bay. It's a mere 10 minutes' drive to Looe, but you can walk there along the coastal path in around 40 minutes. The hotel is also close to the charming town of Polperro.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
The magic of Holkham Beach lies in its endless swathes of golden sand backed by pine-clad dunes. Rich in wildlife and welcoming to four-legged friends, it's an animal-lover's paradise. A visit in winter is a life-affirming affair, filled with wind-whipped walks and big skies that seemingly go on forever. Head to the Holkham Beach Cafe for heart - and hand- warming hot chocolates with a view.
Where to stay: Set up base at The Hoste Arms, a cosy outpost in the beautiful Georgian town of Burnham Market, just a 20 minute drive from Holkham.
Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Often featuring high on many best beaches in the world lists, Rhossili Bay is certainly one of Britain's top winter beaches. Three miles of flour-fine beach sand encompass the famous Worms Head landmark. Rhossili Bay is part of the Gower Coast Path, so expect excellent routes with captivating views - and do bring the dog. And, if you're lucky you may even dolphins or basking seals enjoying the area too.
Where to stay: The King's Head Inn is close to the beach and is a comfortable base for walkers.
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall
This popular Blue Flag beach is a wide arc of golden sand that nabs itself a place on the UK's best winter beaches list for a number of reasons. Firstly, escape the crowds in winter for a more tranquil experience; secondly, the wonderful Gylly Beach Cafe, offering soulful views and seasonal produce, is open all year round; it's just 15 minutes' walk from Falmouth for easy access to its bric-a-brac stores and tea rooms; and it offers a lovely walk along the South West Coast Path to Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve.
Where to stay: St Michaels Resort overlooks Gyllyngvase beach, and is a dog-friendly spa hotel offering coastal-chic interiors and a contemporary finish.
Southwold, Suffolk
Charming Southwold makes a great winter break, where a golden-sand beach lined with pastel-hued huts and seaside cafes meets a quintessential resort town. Crafty shops, an award-winning pier, locally brewed beer and bustling harbour all combine to make this one of Britain's best winter beaches. While you're here, also make sure to discover Covehithe Beach - a remote and unspoilt stretch of sand nearby.
Where to stay: Drop anchor at The Sail Loft, a beachside restaurant with rooms serving up the freshest catch of the day, and the chance to dip your toes in the sea before brekkie.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
If rolling sand dunes and pristine water is your thing, the two miles of beautiful beach at Camber Sands will definitely tickle your fancy. With unspoilt views and the only sand dune system in East Sussex, it's hard not to fall for its coastal charms. It's also on the doorstep of nearby Rye, a medieval town with cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses.
Where to stay: Cosy up in front of a crackling fire at the 15th-century Mermaid Inn in Rye.
Machir Bay, Isle of Islay, Scotland
Head to Scotland's whisky island for a winter-warming break with a difference. Islay boasts no less than nine distilleries to warm your cockles after a stroll on the breathtakingly beautiful beach at Machir Bay. Enjoy windswept walks on the dune-backed fine sand and clifftop nature reserves before thawing out with a wee dram in front of a roaring fire. Ferries run from Oban or Kennacraig.
Where to stay: The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links is a great blend of country-contemporary and cosy accommodation.
Harbour Cove, Padstow, Cornwall
Considering Padstow is a veritable foodie hotspot, the wide stretch of sandy beach at nearby Harbour Cove (also known as Tregirls Beach) remains relatively quiet - even more so in winter. Looking out over the mouth of the Camel Estuary, it's one of the UK's best winter beaches for a dog-friendly walk, and is half an hour along the South West Coast Path to vibrant, bustling Padstow, where you can tuck into the freshest seafood at trendy eateries like Stein's Fish & Chips and Paul Ainsworth at No.6.
Where to stay: Check into Paul Ainsworth's Padstow Townhouse for luxurious interior design and a boutique vibe.
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