Life’s a beach

Discover these three locations (well worth the train fare with a 16-25 railcard) encompassing some of Britain’s best beaches, whilst sales of foreign package holidays in the Med suffer a plummet in sales and searches on sites such as Travel Republic this year decrease.

A number of factors have contributed to this decline; unrest (for example the riots in June which hit Turkey’s tourism trade hard), economic concern and environmental consideration…But more positively, a revival in appreciation for the beautiful seaside on the doorstep of this bejewelled and sceptred isle; forget The Only Way is Essex mantra of ‘NO CARBS BEFORE MARBS’ and modify your summer diet to include plenty of new and exciting ice cream flavours (look for amaretto, chilli and Jack Daniels scoops!), and fill up on traditional fish and chips.

GO SOUTH

Devon is a county which cannot be ignored in any discussion of Britain’s coastline; for the keen or aspiring surfer willing to branch out from the seedy side of Newquay is the mellow Saunton which is also suitable for trying out some kayaking or kitesurfing, and not to mention the surfing mecca of Croyde. A public schoolboy’s wet dream, and a major reason for his application to the University of Exeter!

beach devon

GEMS OF THE NORFOLK COAST

Head to Blakeney for the annual greasy pole contest, where local inbreds gather together to slide from a giant Vaseline-covered pole (preferably having already frequented the local pubs which serve numerous ales and the local delicacies of crab and lobster).

norfolk

Aside from such wonders, the area boasts art galleries, boutique shops and small bakeries and delicatessens (a blessing considering the distance to the nearest Starbucks or Macdonalds – an hour’s drive to the city of Norwich from this lost corner of England).

In addition to these rustic charms the surrounding coastline offers beach huts which don’t come cheap at around £70,000 in Holkham and Wells, overlooking vast sands, pine forests and dunes, though it is possible to enjoy this paradise at a fraction of the price if you are able to provide your own deckchair.

ALLEGEDLY THE LONGEST PIER IN THE WORLD

Head to Southwold to enjoy the expanse of the longest pier in the world, and relish the revival that this once knackered British resort is enjoying as a new arts scene develops from the roots to rival that of Brighton, as the indie kids move along the coast in favour of cheaper rents. Don’t miss the chance to take the Adnam’s Brewery Tour, rated Southwold’s number one attraction by Trip Advisor – no excuses needed to sample their wares on holiday.

southwold