Spanning thousands of miles, Britain’s coastline is packed with possibility. Enjoy a taste of the sea while tucking into a fresh catch, or explore the cobbled streets of picturesque villages and harbours. But look beyond the classic seaside trip, and visitors can find beaches bursting with adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Dive deep into the waters and get to know Britain’s aquatic residents, kayak alongside inquisitive dolphins, or hit up the waves of England’s north coast. Be at one with nature while exploring sections of the England or Wales Coast Path, which includes a number of Easy Access sections for those with mobility issues, or grab a snorkel for a closer look as crabs scurry along the seabed. No matter where the adventure takes visitors, Britain’s coastline is full of exhilarating experiences just waiting to be discovered.
Paddle with Britain’s sea creatures
Uncover Exmoor’s glistening waters and soaring cliff faces as visitors can pick up a paddle and hit the water for a two-hour guided sea kayaking adventure. They can head into secret coves along Combe Martin Bay and out towards England’s highest sea cliff – Great Hangman. Or make friends with the local creatures, including seabirds, porpoises and seals, and look out for the water’s most intelligent inhabitants, as the area boasts regular dolphin sightings.
Deep into the caves
If visitors are hoping to escape into the wilderness, Scotland’s dramatic Fingal’s Cave could be just what they’re looking for. On the western Isle of Staffa, erosion coupled with volcanic activity millions of years ago has formed a cave-scape of geometric shapes and wave crashing harmonies. They can become an explorer as they head deeper into geographical history, and navigate their way across and through the rocky remote landscape. Visitors can discover Fingal’s Cave by boat from Oban, Iona and Mull.
Hike into the sunset
Old Harry’s Rocks on Dorset’s coast are the place to be for jaw-dropping skyline colours and sea wide views. As a part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, visitors can expect chalky cliff sides, charming countryside walks and picture-postcard sunsets. Pick up Britain’s favourite seaside grub, fish and chips, or pack up a picnic to take to watch the cliffside glow bright in the evening light. The Rocks can be reached on foot from Swanage or Studland, or accessed via public transport. If a walk isn’t their thing, visitors can take to the water on a City Cruise for a unique journey along the Jurassic Coast, which provides a new perspective of Old Harry’s Rocks and the surrounding landscape.
Giddy-up along the coast
From the hustle and bustle of Cardiff city centre to its quiet sandy shorelines, Wales’ south coast is a traveller’s paradise. But for those dreaming of a cinematic-worthy moment trotting down the coastline, why not saddle up and hit the shores on horseback? Offering experiences for absolute beginners through to keen riders, Ogmore Farm Trekking Centre will lead visitors through some of Europe’s highest sand dunes and across the region’s dramatic scenery. Located a 45-minute drive or bus journey from Cardiff, discover a new way to see the rockpools and golden sands of Ogmore-by-Sea.
Rock on in North Wales
Scramble across rustic rocky cliff faces with Anglesey Adventures for a coastal adventure with a twist. The proud home of coasteering, Wales is brimming with adrenaline-fuelled coastline experiences, and where better to leap into action than the nation’s largest island? Visitors can feel the thrill of cliff jumping into fresh waters and of navigating their way through hidden coves and rockpools. If they don’t want to make a splash, try Sea Level Traversing for a way to clamber along rockfaces without taking a dip in the water.
Discover the seabed
Cornwall boasts beautifully picturesque beaches, but give some thought to about what’s lurking under its waters too. Now’s the time to grab a snorkel and plunge into the sea to uncover a world of colourful fish, tranquil bays and mischievous crabs. For a thrill-seeking sea exploration, Newquay’s Atlantic Diver offer Basking Shark Safaris. Equipped with a snorkel visitors will be accompanied out to sea to take a dip with the gentle giants. They should keep their eyes peeled for the dolphins and seals that call Newquay their home too as they make their way out into the water.
Spend time with the seals
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel, lays the unspoilt landscape of Lundy Island. From snorkelling safaris to rockpool rambles and guided walks, the island is bursting with places to discover its varied wildlife and nature. But the biggest thrills are found in its waters. Visitors can sneak a peek at the island’s playful seals in their natural environment when they suit up for a guided Lundy Seal dive trip with Easy Divers. Suitable for divers with a PADI Open Water qualification (or an equivalent), this is a bucket list moment for any keen diver. As they swim through the unique bed formations and sea kelp, visitors can expect the curious characters to be floating alongside them and even nibbling on their fins!
Surfs up in northern England
Hit the waves on England’s northern coastline at the award-winning Sandhaven Beach in South Shields, ranked as Britain’s best beach by the Sunday Times. Think luscious golden sands, adrenaline-fuelled water sports and rippling waves as visitors take to the sea on a surf board. First time surfers can discover their love for the great British ocean with a surfing lesson, or if they’re a regular, they can hire a board and hit up the waves for themselves. After all the exhilaration, tuck into classic fish and chips along the seafront for dinner with sunset views.
Reconnect with nature
Not all trips to the coastline need to be fast-paced, so if the lapping waves and sandy beaches have left visitors wanting to reconnect to nature, then look to a Marine Life Walk along the coastline near Chichester. Located west of Brighton, follow in the footsteps of marine ecologists as they guide visitors through the intertidal ecosystem that’s bursting with life. From lively rockpools, to spying barnacles and molluscs, this adventure will allow visitors to get up close and personal with Britain’s sea creatures, while finding out more about the importance of wildlife conservation.
This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media