Coastal Hotspots

Be inspired by our summer days out...

It’s here. After what has felt like an eternal winter, the Beast from the East, and too many rainy days indoors, it looks like summer’s arrived. And with it, a world of possibility and adventures, waiting outside. From coast to country, we want to help you make the most of your days in the sun, so we’ve created a little list of inspirations to make memories during this long-awaited shorts and sandals season.

In touch with nature 

Our beautiful British Isles are teeming with wildlife, from soaring rare birds to gracious pods of dolphins. Get a step closer to the wildlife found right on your holiday doorstep and choose a cottage on the coast.

Norfolk

Basking in the rays of the North Norfolk coastline, herds of seals pups and their parents, have made the area their home. A truly unique experience, you can gaze upon these gentle giants from the shores of Blakeney point, Hunstanton and Horsey Beach. Perfect for families who want to reconnect with each other and connect with nature. Or, if you’d like to get up close and personal, book a ride out to sea with ‘Beans Seal Trips’. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Wales

Cardigan Bay is a great place for a spot of nature watching. Playing in the azure waters, schools of dolphins often pass through as the summer sun warms the water. From its resident Bottlenose Dolphins to visiting Harbour Porpoise and giant Ocean Sunfish, marine adventurers can come within touching distance of these magnificent sea creatures if you look hard enough. You improve your chances on a slow kayak across the coast or if there are a few of you, take a tourist boat around the bay with New Quay Boat Trips. Don’t forget your binoculars.

On-water adventures

Sun’s out, surf’s up so book a lesson from the best

Shred the waters of the South West with surf lessons from some of the county’s best wave riders. Known for its broad, golden sands, the swell at Gwithian beach is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike. The Gwithian Academy of Surfing (GAS) will get you up to speed and have you trying to catch a wave in no time. Nervous about the sea? No worries, the GAS team will teach you simple ocean safety, and there is usually a strong lifeguard presence on most of the popular beaches. 

Embrace your inner captain with a self-hire boat trip

A boat trip up the River Dart in Devon is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the area. With calm waters perfect for families looking to spend a day on the water, you can drift through its many picturesque bays. Places like Dartmouth Boat Hire allow you to personalise your trip with vessels in a range of sizes, depending on how many of you are on board. From fisherman’s boats to open launches with tiller steering, they’re all diesel powered and easy to operate. With a picnic and your favourite people on board, it’s a brilliant way to spend the day or even just a couple of hours. 

Days on dry land

Brighton & Hove

Take to two wheels and peddle your way across one of the UK’s most iconic beachfronts. The promenade of Brighton and Hove is lined with chromatic beach huts, vibrant cafés along its famous pebble beach. Whether you cycle solo or team up on a tandem, keep it local or venture further afield with some picturesque paths along the base of the cliffs – this gentle adventure will take you off the beaten track but close enough to the best tea rooms for a well-earned ice cream afterwards. Check out Brighton Beach Bikes right opposite the pier. 

The Lake District

An exciting, unique way to explore the vast mountains of the North or the rugged coastline of the Irish Sea, Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer spectacular adventures for riders of any ability. Based in the stunning Whicham Valley, they have steady mounts for the nervous novice and lively steeds for real thrills in the fells. 

Summer is the time for adventure. It’s going out and doing something together. Days spent without a worry in the world, and evenings gathering for a sunset barbeque. Whatever inspires you, do it somewhere truly spectacular this year. With incredible cottages across the country’s coastline, discover our inspirations today.