It may only be April but as the British coastlines are set to be the envy of Europe – we take a look at the best beaches to bask in as Brits are set to make the most of the weather
For once, the UK is set to outshine Europe in terms of weather. This week, parts of England are expected to be warmer than Spain as temperatures soar into the 20s.
This comes as great news for budget-conscious British holidaymakers. New research from the Post Office reveals that 81% of Brits plan to take a staycation this year. Popular destinations include Weymouth, Brighton and Sandbanks in Dorset, while Cornwall is hailed for having the best beaches overall.
A seaside day trip might seem a bit early in April, but there’s every reason to make the most of the coast as the days get longer with the changing seasons. Here are some of the best for an early season dip.
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Holkham Beach in Norfolk
A favourite spot for long, ankle-deep walks thanks to its vast skies, sandy stretches and shallow waters. There’s always ample room to lay down a towel on the golden expanse that spans 20 million square feet at low tide. Enjoy the sight of shifting clouds mirrored on the silky shores and take time to relax in warm water pools while gazing out at the North Sea. Part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, the beach can be reached via boardwalks surrounded by dunes and pine forests.
Book it: Double rooms at The Victoria, located within the Holkham Estate, start from £200 per night, including breakfast. Visit holkham.co.uk.
Studland Bay, Dorset
A gently sloping sandy beach and sheltered bay make this a favourite spot for swimmers throughout the year. Situated on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula, where the Old Harry Rocks sea stacks extend into the English Channel, it’s part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, renowned for its array of dinosaur fossils.
If the temperatures soar exceptionally high, there’s always the option to go au naturel at a designated naturist section – perfect if you’ve left your bikini behind.
Book it: Double rooms at The Pig On The Beach start from £329, including breakfast. Visit thepighotel.com.
Saundersfoot Beach, Pembrokeshire
Even when the sun is out, British waters are undeniably chilly. One way to counterbalance the cold with warmth is to pop into a conveniently located beachside sauna. Sea + Steam run a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking this blue flag beach in Pembrokeshire. A 25-minute session costs from £9 per person or the six-person space can be booked exclusively for £48.
Restaurants and cafes line the beach and there’s a bustling harbour at the southern end.
Book it: With a gate leading directly to the beach, the six-person self-catering cottage 4 The Strand starts from £1,010 for a seven-night stay. Visit coastalcottages.co.uk.
Battery Rocks, Penzance
While not technically a beach, this rocky headland south of the harbour in Penzance is a perfect spot for a wild swim. It’s even rumoured that Harry Styles once took a dip here. If you’re hesitant about diving in alone, you can join the Battery Belle and Buoys swimmers who gather for an 11am swim. If that sounds a bit too adventurous, the Jubilee Pool offers a great alternative.
This iconic Art Deco saltwater lido is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
How: Chapel House, which overlooks Mounts Bay, offers B&B rooms from £180 per night. Visit chapelhousepz.co.uk.