Life in the UK

People are racing to visit this seaside bench which supposedly offers the ‘best views in England’. It overlooks a picturesque seaside bay which is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the views

A small bench offering “possibly the best views in England” is likely to become a tourist magnet after a video was shared online.

When it comes to staycations, it doesn’t get much better than the sight of a beach with golden sands and crystal-blue waters – and this is exactly what this particular destination provides its visitors. The basic wooden seat was hailed as a “100 out of 10” spot for those who like like to relax and watch the waves from the clifftops. Indeed, experienced travellers Cat Smith and Joe Bird – who go by ‘UK Wanders’ online – clearly captured the bench’s beautiful surroundings in a video judging by the half a million TikTok users who have tuned in to view since it was posted a week ago.

Their clip begins with a view of the seat, with Cat and Joe soon swinging their camera round to unveil the stunning bay below them.

The pair received dozens of responses requesting the bench’s whereabouts, while others proudly revealed they would visit it too.

“Shh this is a beach we don’t want overpopulating,” one person joked in response. Another added: “My favourite place to go.” While a third chimed in: “What a view.” And a fourth said: “I’ve lived in Cornwall for 19 years now. It’s amazing here.”

Where To Find Cornwall’s Secret Clifftop Viewpoint

So, where exactly is this bench located? It looks out over Lantic Bay from Cornwall’s Coastal Path – a four-mile journey by car from the nearest town of Fowey, in the county’s south east.

The National Trust describes Lantic Bay as a “large shingly beach on a beautiful bay, great spot for paddling and picnicking, well worth the climb back up”.

Meanwhile, Cornwall Beach Guide has issued several warnings about the location, stating online: “South East Cornwall’s best kept secret, Lantic Bay is a quiet sheltered cove with white sands, feeling more like the Mediterranean, than Cornwall.

“An excellent beach, but it can be difficult to find. Bathing can be hazardous and toilets are some distance away.”

The website continues: “Rip currents make swimming hazardous at Lantic Bay. Risk of getting cut off at high tide.

“The closest car park is about a 20 minute walk. The final climb down to Lantic Bay Beach is very steep and unsuitable for wheel chairs or push chairs.”

Why Cornwall Is a Must-Visit UK Destination

Cornwall is popular due to its stunning coastline and rich industrial history. It is famous for its hearty Cornish pasties, creamy teas and breathtaking views.

Whether you fancy natural beauty or a surfing trip, Cornwall is your best bet. As for pop culture, Cornwall’s dramatic landscapes have even made it on hit TV shows and films like Poldark and Doc Martin.

It’s worth noting Cornwall can be extremely touristy and crowded during peak times. However if you visit in off-peak months you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of quiet and peaceful areas.

A hiker has shared a video of herself exploring a stunning coastal town which is just over an hour’s train journey from London and offers visitors the luxury of a hidden beach with its own shipwreck

A hiker has highlighted a breathtaking town which boasts a secluded beach complete with its own shipwreck. Zoe Tehrani, who is based in the London, posted footage of herself climbing down a rusty ladder onto the shingle beach before setting off on a winding trail across the cliff face.

“There might also be a creepy tunnel that used to be a smuggling route,” she enthused in a TikTok video. Zoe went on to describe her journey, explaining she boarded the train at London St. Pancras and travelled for 66 minutes.

The town she visited is Dover, which has a railway station located just a 10-minute walk from the coastline. “It’s not the most scenic to get there, but at least there’s a mist tunnel along the way,” Zoe continued.

“I followed signs for the White Cliffs of Dover, passed colourful houses, headed up the chunky hill then at the top the trail levelled out nicely.”

Zoe then aimed her camera down towards the beach, and headed off once more on another winding trail, making a steady descent. She warned that inside the smugglers’ tunnel there are no lights, which is “a little bit creepy”.

“There’s a few things you need to know about this beach,” she added. “It’s underwater at high tide, so it needs to be out a bit – and you don’t want to sit [directly] below the cliffs because they are crumbling.”

Zoe decided to take a swim in the Channel, which meant carefully picking her way through seaweed to reach the water.

“You definitely want sea shoes for this one,” she suggested. “And it’s much nicer to get in when the tide is a little higher, so I chilled for a bit, had some lunch and then it was perfect.”

The White Cliffs of Dover paths are managed by the National Trust, which advises online: “There is a wheelchair-friendly footpath that leads to a viewing point, ideal if you just want a short route to see the famous cliffs.

“This all-weather path is built with a staggered incline, which allows for a few breathers on the way up. At the top is one of the best views of the cliffs, with the rolling green landscape and sheer chalk edge, dropping to the sea below.”

Venturing further along gives walkers a choice of routes, which are steeper closest to the cliff edge and more gentle further inland.

“These will take you to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse,” the National Trust continues. “Beyond the lighthouse, you can continue walking the coast path to St Margaret’s, Kingsdown, or even Walmer or Deal.

“The ground can be uneven and the weather unpredictable, so please wear stout shoes and dress appropriately.”

Responding to Zoe’s clip, one TikTok user commented: “[I] went. Worth it for the views and the challenge but the beach/water is pretty bad. And the ladder was so scary, almost vertical.”

While a second person praised: “Stunning area.”

Seasoned traveller Helen documented her trip to the quaint Essex seaside town she described as the ‘cutest in the UK’ and it’s packed full of pubs, cafes and independent shops

If you’re hoping to make the most of the sunshine with a trip to the coast, one experienced traveller reckons she’s discovered the most “charming” seaside town in the UK. Helen, who founded travel guide Travel and Squeak with her partner Andy, shared her findings on TikTok, describing what she called the “perfect summer daytrip” – and it’s particularly appealing to those in London as it’s less than an hour away from the capital.

Helen explained she and Andy hopped on a c2c train bound for Leigh-on-Sea. “It’s a charming seaside town full of cafes, pubs, cobbled streets, cute boutiques and cockle sheds,” she revealed in a video.

The couple kicked off their visit with coffee at The Grove bistro, located just a short walk from the station. Once their dog, Plum, grew restless, Helen and Andy ventured into Old Leigh, a village celebrated for its 1,000-year fishing heritage and riverside pubs.

“We chilled by the beach for a little while and, while Plum couldn’t go on the sand, we were able to dangle our legs over the sea and watch the boats bobbing in the water while enjoying breathing in the fresh, salty air,” Helen said. “It’s moments like this that I would love to live by the sea.”

Helen also championed The Peterboat, a Leigh seafood restaurant boasting a “huge sun-soaked patio full of benches overlooking the sea”. Naturally, no seaside excursion would be complete without fish and chips – which is precisely what the pair chose.

“It was good,” Helen said as she tucked into a hearty portion. “Sometimes fish and scampi can leave you feeling quite greasy, but not here. The calamari was also delicious.”

The day was far from over, however, with an ice cream next on the agenda, followed by a visit to the Boatyard pub for a well-earned drink. “This is a proper holiday vibe with music and a fun atmosphere over the water,” Helen continued in her clip.

Before making their way back to the station, the couple picked up some fresh cockles and prawns from Osborne’s. “This cafe is in an 18th century stable that was originally used to house horses and carriages delivering ale to the local public house, The Crooked Billet,” Helen explained.

She wrapped up with a candid verdict: “The prawns were delicious and tasted so fresh, but the cockles were unfortunately very gritty so they hadn’t been cleaned properly.”

Writing in response, one TikTok user offered their own Leigh-on-Sea tip: “We always go to Ye Old Smack pub in Leigh-on-Sea. Lovely food, service, and atmosphere.”

A second declared: “Old Leigh is top tier, if you have dogs it’s the place to go to meet lots of well-behaved dogs.” A third revealed: “On Sundays they have a car boot sale in the car park of the station.”

While a fourth TikTok user remarked: “Been going there for years. Child memories of going after Sunday dinner for a cockle tea. Now I live nearby and still visit and my kids and grandkids go there.”

c2c has shared three top tips online when visiting Leigh-on-Sea. These are:

• There’s a huge tide in Leigh-on-Sea, make sure to check for high or mid tide if you’re planning a swim
• You can walk from Leigh-on-Sea to Southend on the beach or on the coastal path, it takes about 40 minutes
• Lots of fresh fish is caught in the morning and sold at fishmongers on the beach front, why not take some home for dinner!