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Whatever the weather this British summertime, we'll be at the beach.
The weather during British summertime is well-known for being unreliable at best. Yet that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the UK’s stunning shoreline and beaches. So pull on your layers, grab your wellies and your bucket and spade for our favourite beach walks. Perfect for even the most bracing weather.
For families
If you have older children who fancy a scramble up the rocks, then the Morte Point walk near Woolacombe in Devon will give them plenty of chances to explore. Looking like the back of a dinosaur, the National Trust coastal path has been there for more than 120 years and is a great vantage point to spot some grey Atlantic seals while you take a rest at the top of the cliff.
Alternatively, if you want all of the attractions of Blackpool without the crowds, then Lytham St Anne's beach is a great option for a family beach walk. With it’s own Victorian pier and plenty of old school attractions and public gardens close by, you can also enjoy walking along miles and miles of sandy shoreline. Also, if the rough weather gets too much, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes and beach huts to take a break from the wind and rain. If you’re looking for a break at the seaside near Manchester, then this should certainly be on your list.
For couples
If the two of you are looking to get away from it all, then there are plenty of options for beach walks or coastal breaks for couples in the UK. Brighton’s weekend breaks offer all of the traditional attractions, donkey rides and sand or shingle beaches you could ask for. Quieter outside of the summer season, Brighton Beach is also four miles long, making it a popular spot for windswept walks all year round.
If you’re looking for something a bit more remote, there are also plenty of coastal walks in Scotland. Head to Moray to see if you can spot some dolphins between Bucke and Cullen, as well as enjoying the picturesque natural formations of Bow Fiddle Rock and The Whale’s Mouth. For a romantic getaway, head to the Isle of Canna in the Hebrides and walk around the entire coastline of the small island before admiring the historic remains of A’Chill at sunset.
For shingle-seekers
If you prefer the crunch of pebbles underfoot, then Eastbourne’s beaches are an ideal out-of-season option. With the town’s main beaches being home to one of the UK’s longest piers, there are also quieter, cliff-edge spots just around the coastline. Also, if you find that you do fancy some bucket and spade action, it’s just a short trip out of Eastbourne to a sandy beach.
For a mixture of all sorts of rugged coastline, the Girvan to Maidens trail is one of the most challenging coastal walks near Glasgow. Taking in eight miles of the Ayrshire Coastal path, it has some of the best views over shingle and sand, even passing the famous Turnberry golf course.
For a beach with a view
Set close to Snowdonia National Park and at the mouth of the Mawddach estuary, the views from Barmouth take in mountains, sand and sea. Thought to be a micro-climate all of its own, you might even catch some spring sunshine here as you watch the boats go by in the estuary or look out to see as you walk along the many miles of Barmouth beach.
Or, if you fancy a beach with an alternative view, then Crosby Beach is the permanent home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ sculptural artwork. Walk along part of the Sefton Coastal path and return to the sculptures to see them transformed by the incoming tide or the sunset over the shoreline, making a truly magical trip to the seaside.
Find your perfect beach walk
Whether you want to discover a new beach walk this spring or you want to visit an old favourite route, travelling by train with Avanti West Coast means you can relax and rest your legs after your outdoor adventure. When travelling with us you can also keep an eye on any changes or delays using our Live Journey Tracker, or enjoy some of our on-board refreshments after a long day of exploring.
Head to our booking engine to choose one of hundreds of coastal destinations and book the best value tickets with our Journey Planner.
