If Christmas is driving you crazy and you feel the cabin fever setting in, then why not take yourself out to one of the UK’s many beautiful beaches to let the brisk sea air whisk away your worries?
While winter may not be the perfect weather for sunbathing and sea swimming, that’s no reason not to enjoy the bracing air and scout along the shoreline for shells and all other kinds of tidal treasures.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Nestled on the Jurassic Coast, this stunning cove of Durdle Door is more than just a scenic spot.
The beach’s defining feature is the magnificent limestone arch that rises from the land and reaches into the sea. This natural wonder, carved by the power of the ocean over thousands of years, gives the beach an enchanting appeal.
For two weeks on either side of the winter solstice (December 21) you can catch the sun rising through the horizon, framed perfectly by the arch so make sure you get there early.
Looe Beach, Cornwall
You might think of Cornwall as purely a summer destination but this is far from the truth. When the crowds die down in the off season, there’s still plenty to see and do and this beach is perfect for a winter walk.
The East Looe Beach is a beauty that is perched in front of the old town, so you can stop in to one of the shops for a hot tea or coffee before making your way to the white sands.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk
This windswept beauty is a sight to behold, lined with gorgeous white sand dunes and imposing pine trees. It’s rich with wildlife, and your furry friends are welcome too, so pack up the family and the dog and head down to its sweeping shores.
Fraisthorpe, Yorkshire
Located near Bridlington in the East Riding area of Yorkshire, Fraisthorpe Beach is a scenic, quiet spot that’s perfect for a winter walk with your pooch.
The beach is backed by low cliffs which are more accessible the further along you walk.
Unlike other British beaches, Fraisthorpe is completely flat and stretches for miles down to the Humber Estuary, making it the perfect beach for a leisurely stroll.
Walberswick, Suffolk
This beach is located on the south bank of the River Blyth and is a wild spot with stretches of both sand and shingles along with marsh and heathland, making for a perfect walk with plenty to look at. The varied landscape means you’re not going to get bored, and the fact that it’s listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty helps too.
Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire
Although not the biggest of beaches, this gorgeous spot in Wales is perfect for a winter walk with your family – and the dog is welcome too.
Saundersfoot Beach is sandy, wide and flat with plenty of space when the tide is high.
The nearby harbour is particularly pretty, and there are spectacular views from the top of the hill.
Scarista Beach, Isle of Lewis
Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean in Scotland this beach is famous for its imposing waves that make it a top surfing destination in the country – but in the winter months its perfect for a bracing stroll.
In the final months of the year, the crowds at the beach thin out and it is even dog friendly, meaning you can take your furry friend along with you for the adventure.
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Although this is not technically a beach walk, it’s still a gorgeous winter wander which will take you on the cliff tops above one of the most jaw-dropping views in Northern Ireland. Look out for the Grand Causeway, the largest of the three outcrops that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site beneath the cliffs – just make sure you watch your step as the path can be dangerous in high winds.
