Holidaying by the sea is not just for summer. After all, most beaches in the UK are mostly too cold for swimming most of the year. Therefore, it is the charm of the sea and the peace it brings that leads most visitors to rent a hotel room or cottage in these seaside towns. Even just the view of the sea over dramatic cliffs is enough to inspire everyone.
So, even if its in the middle of winter, do not hesitate to plan that weekend off to the seaside. Here are some of the recommended destinations where you can enjoy despite the cooler weather:
1. Tynemouth, Tyneside
A short train ride from Newcastle, Tyneside is home to Longsands beach, one of the best surfing beaches in North East England. Drink a coffee in some of their wonderful beach cafes, or check out the row of shops facing the water in the Georgian style Front Street. Cyclists can also try out the Coast and Castle route that goes all the way up to Northumberland. Sights to visit include the clifftop ruins of the Tynemouth Priory, Fish Quay, and the Spanish City ballroom.
2. Oban, Argyll, West Highlands
This little Scottish harbour town is also the seafood capital, one big reason to book your holiday there. It is also a hub for ferries that sail to the Inner Hebrides. The views are also wonderful, with the islands of Kerrera, Lismore and the mountainous Mull in plain sight. The beaches are also wonderful, walk along the white sand and listen to the sound of the waves. You can watch the ferries come in at sunset at McCaigs Tower, which is a strange 19th-century copy of the colosseum. There are many coastal holiday towns and cottages with sea views so you can stay and enjoy this stunning part of Scotland.
3. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
You will definitely feel like you are in the Mediterranean in this village that was designed in the 1920s after Portofino in Italy. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis designed it well, with a piazza, colonnades, cobblestones, a domed Pantheon and much more. Rent one of the pretty cottages and enjoy walks along the beach or discover hidden coves in Tremadog Bay.
4. Boscastle, Cornwall
There is more than just the unique Witchcraft Museum to visit in this small village. The cliffs and the dramatic waves are breathtaking. Moreover, it is the perfect base for those who love to take winter walks. Paths going west to Bossiney Cove or to Tintagel or to the east towards Bude will reward you with views of the most beautiful cliffs along the Cornish coast.
5. Southport, Merseyside
Home to the oldest and second-longest pier in Great Britain, it springs to life on Christmas, with wonderful lights decorating the cast-iron canopies and arcades in Lord Street. A spectacular place to visit is the Ainsdale Sand Dunes national park, the largest in the country. Expect to see yellow sand that just seems to go on for miles.
So if you are looking for a winter getaway, or if you cannot wait another half year before being close to the beach, book a room or rent a cottage in one of these seaside villages now! Not only can you still enjoy the sounds and smells of the sea, you can also expect much fewer crowds in this time of the year.
