24 Aug, 2020
Here, we've picked five of our favourite beaches in England that are perfect for bold explorers to discover and we've also offered up some inspiration to help you fully embrace your sandy adventures.
1. Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Quite literally described as 'a tidal beach for the adventurous' by the National Trust - Kynance Cove is set below the South West Coast Path and is one of the best and most stunning beaches in England.
Situated on The Lizard, a visit to Kynance Cove is perfect for the ambitious adventurer. A trip down to this beach is a 15-minute hike from the car park - but it's certainly worth it. Waiting to greet you is powdery white sand lapped by turquoise waters, overlooked by impressive rock stacks. This is the perfect place to explore at low tide - you'll discover a whole new world of caves and hidden coves.
After some time spent on the shoreline, you could hike the coastal path, go in search of local wildlife or simply relax and reminisce on the sand with a glass of your favourite Dark Horse wine to hand.
2. Bamburgh Castle Beach, Northumberland
When you journey to Bamburgh Castle Beach in Northumberland, you'll feel as though you've stepped onto the set of a Hollywood movie. The beach is overlooked by an impressive 12th-century castle, creating an atmosphere you won't experience at many other sandy beaches in England.
Switch off your phone and get lost in the mystique of this former Norman stronghold - visit the castle itself, discover the various rock pools, walk along the beach or even give surfing a go.
Bamburgh is located just 20 miles south of the Scottish border, so is perfect for a crisp winter walk as much as a summer's day but it's unquestionably one of England's best beaches.
3. Holkham Beach, Norfolk
The beaches along England's east coast are all beautiful in their own right, but Holkham beach, in particular, has it all. It boasts golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see, plus enticing sand dunes backed by a nature reserve full of salt marshes and pine trees.
If you want to try your hand at some water sports, why not take to the water at Holkham’s lake for some kayaking, canoeing or rowing? The Canadian canoes will help you take to the water with a splash of adventure, while the kayaks are better suited to beginners wanting to get stuck in. Dry off on a blanket in the salt marshes and satisfy the appetite you’ve worked up with a picnic – toast to great friends and watch the sun go down.
Wander a little further along the beach to neighbouring Wells-next-the-Sea and you'll discover a vibrant row of beach huts which offer the ideal focus for budding photographers and Instagrammers alike.
4. Lancing Beach, Brighton
Half an hour along the south coast from the mainstream hustle and bustle of Brighton’s Palace Pier is Lancing Beach – one of the best beaches for kitesurfing in England. This spot is renowned for its a sociable atmosphere and incredible conditions for learning to kitesurf.
Make a bold statement, get the adrenaline pumping and feel the benefits of the perfect conditions created by the sea-breeze while you hone your skills on the board.
It’s not just kitesurfing on offer either – why not give stand up paddle boarding (or SUP) a try? One of the fastest growing water sports in the world – it’s super easy to learn, and you can even experience the adventure of joining a local SUP safari.
5. Botany Bay, Kent
Chalk stacks and arches to explore, bold white cliffs to admire and sandy shores to relax- Botany Bay, set on the south east coast of England in Kent, is one of the best beaches in the country.
Cyclists will find that Botany Bay is an ideal stopping point, along the stunning Viking Coastal Biking Route. Alternatively, hikers have a lot of options to either follow their own path or take the 10-mile Ramsgate to Margate via Botany Bay and Broadstairs walk.
Botany Bay is also just one of seven bays along the Broadstairs coastline - so if you're thinking about a coastal road trip, this could be the perfect location.
How to enhance your summer staycation
There's so much to be discovered all along the country's diverse coastline that exploring England's sandy beaches in all their glory will ignite the adventurous spirit within. Why not plan for an off-the-beaten-path trip to a spot you've never seen before, or dig a little deeper into a place you have? Here are some ideas to help you think outside the box.
Plan a beachy road trip
We've highlighted five of the best beaches in England - it's now time to plan an epic coastal adventure. Why not visit them all? Whether you hire a campervan or pack up your own car, share this exciting journey with friends and create epic memories.
Sleep under the stars
Do a little research before you leave and look for areas where you're allowed to wild camp - alternatively, you can book a camping spot close to the sand and still embrace the beach life. After full days of hiking, cycling or trying out the area's surf school, head back to your tent. Grab a portion of local fish and chips along the way for a beach picnic, open a bottle of your favourite Dark Horse wine, pour yourself a glass and give stargazing a go with the sand between your toes.
Embrace the weekend
If rather than a week or two, you only have a weekend – be bold with that time. Create a coastal bucket-list of all the nice beaches in England you want to visit and tick them off! Weekends were made for adventures, so visit somewhere new at every opportunity. Picnic on the beach, hike, windsurf, ask residents what they consider to be the best local gems and discover as much as possible.
Enjoy a Great British picnic
In amongst all the exploring, you'll need to stop to take in all the beauty – what better way to pause time than laying out a blanket on soft sand and sharing some food and wine with friends?
Before you head out to the beach, pack a bag with some delicious picnic treats. Think freshly baked crusty bread, creamy cheeses and salty salami - possibly even some rich dark chocolate and plump strawberries to round off your feast and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pop an ice block into a cool bag, load up all the favourites you fancy with a bottle of zingy Dark Horse Pinot Grigio to share and toast to sunshine and good times. If you're planning a winter beach trip, why not snuggle up in a blanket by the campfire and pour a warming, bold drop of Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon and watch the sun go down into the sea?
Beach adventures are to be savoured, just like a glass of Dark Horse wine - so be bold, be adventurous, explore and embrace all that the English coastline has to offer this summer and beyond.