Despite being renowned for its changeable and, often fairly grey, climate, the UK has some seriously stunning coastlines to offer both native British holiday-makers and tourists from abroad alike. Being an island, you can choose to go north, east, south or west and you’ll inevitably come across large stretches of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and traditionally British seaside towns. It’s just a shame that a dip in the sea is always more bracing than relaxing.
Best of British
A really lovely spot to visit is Padstow in the South West of England. This is a charming Cornish fishing village complete with higgledy-piggledy little streets, old English pubs selling the best cider and Cornish ales, boxes of fudge and homemade jams and honey, not to mention good-old fish n’ chips. In fact, Padstow is one of the best seaside places to visit for fish and chips as Rick Stein, the famous chef, has made Padstow his home and set up not only an award-winning restaurant but a cafe selling exquisite British fish n’ chips. Sitting on the harbour-side munching on a Rick Stein special is just heaven. Add to the pleasure with a spot of crab-fishing – the local shops sell string, bait and buckets for tourists to chance their luck in the quayside whilst supping cider in the sun.
Coastal Walks
With countless restaurants to choose from in the town of Padstow, you’ll find yourself needing to walk off your fine meals. Luckily there are some amazing walks that take in both beach and countryside. Miles of golden sands offer fun for kids, dogs and water-sportastic adults alike, while the countryside offers stunning views accessed by heather-scented, winding footpaths along cliff-tops and through sheep-laden fields.
Local flavour
There are a large number of campsites and B&Bs in Padstow so you can take your pick as to your preferred view. Facilities range from basic to more luxury but all are very friendly, informative and make your stay all the more enjoyable. Whether you are dining at your accommodation or in Rick Stein’s swanky restaurant, you can rest assured the food is almost always sourced locally. There is a wealth of great quality local produce in the South West and a trip to Padstow is a great opportunity to sample some fine Cornish delights. Try some freshly caught lobster, a ‘real’ traditional Cornish pasty, Cornish ice-cream or a down-right dirty pack of porky scratchings! Why not – you’re on holiday!
South West sight-seeing
If you want to explore a little further afield, you can take a drive to The Eden Project in St Austell to see the ‘global garden’. An amazing feat of engineering, the Eden project includes Bio-domes or ‘Biomes’ that house species of flora and fauna from tropical rainforests to the Mediterranean Basin. It really is a stunning experience and a vibrantly vivid, sensory journey across the world. Also quite good if it is raining!
Great surfing bays at Padstow
Surfing
If you fancy yourself as a surfer and would much rather spend your time on the beach however, there are numerous surfing spots in and around Padstow. The vast sandy beaches that reach out into a slowly deepening sea make this a perfect location for beginners. There are many surf schools around the coast of the South West so you’re likely to find one on most major beaches. Nearby Newquay is the major magnet for surfers who hang out on Newquay beach for the summer. Look out for the VW Beetle convention that happens in the summer, there’s a real buzz around the place at this time. However, be warned that Newquay is also famous for stag and hen weekends so if you are after a quiet holiday, it probably isn’t the place for you.
Legend & Myth
A trip up the road north of Padstow will find you arriving at Tintagel. This is the home of King Arthur’s castle. It is now a National Trust property so you need to pay to get in to see the ruins, but the views are amazing and the surrounding countryside is home to some great walks. You can’t help but muse over the myths and legends surrounding King Arthur as you amble along under the shadow of what was once his great castle.
Explore more of the South West
Whether you choose to stay in Padstow, or use it as a base to explore a little more of the South West, you really won’t be disappointed. What’s more, you’re likely to come back with a new-found love of the British coast and countryside. If you want to see more of it, the South West coastal path covers 630 miles of stunning coastline from Minehead to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Choose a little, choose a lot, choose the whole lot; you’re sure to see the best of British wildlife, heritage and coastal scenery on your way.