I’ve heard you can even spot dolphins amongst the waves if you’re lucky.
– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Whitesands Bay, Scotland
A gentle curve of fine, clean sand offers peace and seclusion in this great spot near Dunbar in Lothian.
Perfect for morning strolls as it is east-facing and gets the best of the early sunshine.
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With rockpools at low tide and backed by grasslands of wild flowers it’s a perfect spot for walking the dogs.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Kennack Sands, Cornwall
Cornwall is full of fantastic beaches, and one that I don’t think gets enough praise is Kennack Sands on the Lizard Coast.
The huge stretch of white sand has everything from rock pools and surfing, to beach streams and watersports.
The beachfront cafe serves excellent homemade food and huge crab sandwiches, and it’s a short drive to Ann’s pasties in Heston – arguably the best pasties in the whole of Cornwall.
– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
West Sands Beach, Scotland
You’ll instantly recognise this wide stretch of sands as it featured in the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire.
The Scottish city may be best known for its university, but there’s plenty to enjoy on the beach as well as views of the famous St Andrew’s Golf Club.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Crackington Haven, Cornwall
Tucked between a road and two cliffs, Crackington Haven is one that you have to know about to find.
Its secluded location means there isn’t much else to do there apart from catch some waves with the other surfers.
Warm up at the drink shack, where you’ll find the showers, or head to The Coombe Barton Inn for a hearty roast dinner.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Southwold Beach
I’ve been visiting Southwold for years, the sandy beach always draws me back whether it be summer or winter.
You can take a stroll to see the multi-coloured beach huts, as well as the traditional amusement arcades on the pier.
The town has great shops as well as an Adnams brewery – you can go and experience tastings and tours too.
When it comes to enjoying the classic seaside fish and chips, make sure to head out of town to the harbour where you can pick some up at the Sole Bay Fish Company.
– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Walberswick Beach, Suffolk
Nature lovers will enjoy this picturesque spot just a short stroll from the Suffolk town of Southwold.
Backed by sand dunes it is bordered on both sides by a nature reserve with stunning marsh and heathland.
It’s also known as the home of British crabbing and a visit could reward you with supper!
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
Edinburgh isn’t just a fantastic spot for a city break, it also has an amazing beach.
Portobello Beach is a popular spot and features a long stretch of golden sand, with a Victorian promenade running alongside it.
The waters are usually calmer here and quite shallow, which makes it an ideal spot for some paddling or wading.
Families can also enjoy a range of facilities such as a historic Victorian swimmingpool and lots of cosy cafes and bars.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Portobello Beach is great if you are visiting the Scottish capitalCredit: Michael Schofield, News Group Newspapers Ltd
Thornham Beach, North Norfolk
Thornham Beach in North Norfolk is a favourite with dog-walkers and locals in the know.
Walk down a scenic coastal path through wild forests to reach a clearing of vast sea, sands and crisp blue skies.
It’s not the place for deckchairs or ice creams – but it’s certainly the place for hikes, birdwatching and letting the dog run wild.
It’s a great beach to escape to if you’re looking for total silence, broken only by wind and waves.
The nearby Lifeboat Inn is a cosy, traditional pub serving home-cooked food and local ales, overlooking the marshes.
– Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer
Barricane Beach, Devon
Exotic shells brought by the waves all the way from the Caribbean have been found gracing the golden sands of this beach at the northern end of Woolacombe in Devon.
Rocky outcrops are perfect for rockpooling and the waters are clear and calm in summer.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Barricane Beach is a small sheltered cove near Woolacombe in North DevonCredit: Alamy
North Beach, Tenby
Each summer growing up, I would visit Tenby to see family.
The small Welsh seaside town has a traditional charm to it and it is a great spot for those wanting to explore outside of England.
North Beach is one of a few great beaches in the area, but is ideal for all types of visitors.
For example, if you love history there is the harbour, known for its Georgian architecture and day trips to Caldey Island.
There is also Goscar Rock – a prominent rock in the bay – and watersports lovers will find plenty of activities.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Sandgate Beach, Kent
The beach in Sandgate is often overlooked by tourists, who stay on the main strip in Folkestone.
Yet it also means it is where the locals go – so you can expect far fewer crowds.
Order an ice cream or coffee at the beach hut on the promenade, or a pint at the Ship Inn which has huge windows overlooking the ocean.
The high street is worth a stroll too, with cafes and vintage shops to explore.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Thornham Beach is a great spot for dog walkers, says JennaCredit: Jenna Stevens
North Beach, St Annes
Backed by dunes between Blackpool and Lytham St Annes, at low tide there’s 300metres of clean, golden sands perfect for building sandcastles and playing beach games.
It’s strong sea breezes make it perfect for kite flyers and the dunes provide shelter for picnics.
St Anne’s itself has an elegant Victorian pier for summer strolls.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Sidmouth Beach
You can’t beat a trip to Devon in the height of summer, and one of my favourite spots is Sidmouth – you can head down to the shingle beach from the famous Jacob’s Ladder, a very steep set of steps.
Or if you don’t fancy it, head down the hill.
The only downside is the beach is shingle, so take something to lie on if you plan on sunbathing.
But it’s all worth it to take a dip in the cool and calm waters.
Later on, make sure to go to Ice Cream Paradise for a frozen treat.
– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
North Landing, North Yorkshire
An azure blue lagoon flanked by chalk cliffs, this natural cove near Flamborough in North Yorkshire has it all.
Soft sand, pebbles and rockpools at low tide – it is perfect for a spot of bird spotting with kittiwakes, puffins and cormorants regular visitors.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Chalk cliffs line North Landing beachCredit: Alamy
Walpole Bay, Kent
Having one of the few sandy beaches in Kent, the crowds in Margate can be overwhelming.
So join the locals over in Walpole Bay, an easy walk through Cliftonville (named the UK’s trendiest neighbourhood by Time Out this year).
Not only is it quieter than the main sands, but it is home to the huge Walpole Bay Lido, one of the biggest in Europe.
Time it right and you can pop into the on-site sauna to warm up.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
Thousands flock to the Victorian seaside town of Hunstanton in Norfolk each year – famous for its soapbox derby and huge beachfront arcade Yet Old Hunstanton Beach is the quieter, prettier sibling of its tourist-heavy neighbour just a 15-minute walk away.
Here you can walk beside striped red and white cliffs or through thick pine forest to stretches of soft golden sand.
Plus, there’s a laid-back beach cafe which is dog-friendly and serves a smashing full English breakfast.
My favourite time to visit though is the early evening, finding a dune to perch on to watch Norfolk’s famous pinksky sunsets.
– Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer
Jenna rates Old Hunstantan beach which is in a Victorian seaside town with a beachfront arcadeCredit: Jenna StevensSidmouth Beach in Devon is shingle beach, ideal for seeing clear watersCredit: Getty
Presipe Bay, Pembrokeshire
Check the tide times before setting off for this pretty Pembrokeshire beach.
When the tide is out a stretch of golden sand is revealed, accessed via 162 steep steps.
Surrounded by rich red sandstone cliffs, there’s treasures to be picked up brought in by every tide as the area is known for its fossils.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Brighton
An oldie but goodie, can you ever go wrong with Brighton?
There’s plenty of space to sunbathe, you can join other swimmers for a paddle in the water.
Not to mention there’s plenty of bars and cafes underneath the arches.
You can explore Brighton Palace Pier too which has arcades, rides and little pit stops for ice cream, candy floss and fish and chips.
If you fancy a walk, head across to Hove and make sure to stop in at Rockwater for an Aperol Spritz.
– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
The much loved Brighton Beach is perfect for day trips from London, says AliceCredit: Alice Penwill
Dungeness, Kent
Dungeness in Kent is the beach version of Marmite.
Once known as the UK’s only desert, thanks to the lack of rainfall, its shingle shoreline is incredibly bleak thanks to the backdrop of the nuclear power station.
But this has its pros – mainly that only a handful of small cabins were ever built on the vast beach at the tip of Romney Marsh.
Still now, the only things aside from the power station are some small cabins, a lifeguard station, a fish shack, the Britannia Inn pub, two lighthouses, a miniature railway, and numerous fishing boats.
As a result, it has developed a cult following – the renowned filmmaker Drek Jarman had a cottage there and Ed Sheeran is now rumoured to be a homeowner too.
I love it in the summer, when we can have a long walk along the never-ending pebbles and a pint in the Britannia, but I love it even more in winter, when the waves smash against the shore and you’re forced to shelter from gusts of wind behind fishing boats.
– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (digital)
Deal Beach, Kent
Deal remains one of the more popular seaside towns in Kent but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a trip.
The huge pier takes you to much-loved Deal Kitchen, where you can grab a bite to eat with views of the beach but with some protection from the winds.
And the beach itself is huge, stretching miles while peppered with arcades, art galleries and pubs along the way.
It’s easy to get to as well, with a 90 minute direct train from London.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Deal remains one of the more popular seaside towns in KentCredit: GettyCrackington Haven is ideal for those who want a quiet spotCredit: Alamy
Shoe Bay, Eilean Shona, Scotland
On a remote island in the Inner Hebrides, you will find Shoe Bay.
This beach is unlike any other I have seen in the UK, with white soft sand and crystal clear waters, that sit still.
I found that it felt more like being somewhere tropical, than Scotland.
People staying on the island can visit the beach, which means it is super remote and quiet – essentially you get the beach to yourself.
It is the ideal spot for spotting local wildlife like seals and having a picnic.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Shoe Bay on Eilean Shona in Scotland has soft white sandCredit: @goodcompany.group @konrad.j.borkowski
Porthcurnick, Cornwall
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Porthcurnick in Cornwall has the UK’s best beach cafe.
The Hidden Hut, which has a huge Instagram following and a very successful cookbook serves everything from Indian food to cheese toasties, tomato soup and Moroccan tagine – and it is ALL excellent.
I would happily do a one-hour detour simply to get my lunch from there.
But not only that, Porthcurnick is a fantastic beach – sheltered by cliffs on either side, it has a decent expanse of sand (not so large that you’ll worry about losing your kids) and a stream running through it that it keeps all children occupied for hours, digging dams and moats.
Great food and free childcare from mother nature? Unbeatable.
– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)
London Thames Beach
Londoners need not fret, there is a beach right on your doorstep.
Head down to the Founder’s Arms pub on the Thames between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars Station and at low tide you will find a small beach.
The sand is even golden, surprisingly.
It is a great spot to feel like you’re getting a little beachy escape in the middle of the city.
And thanks to being right next to the pub, you can grab a tipple too.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
There’s a beach on the River Thames in London between the Tate Modern and Blackfriars Station, says CyannCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
Perched atop a craggy cliff, overlooking a dinky shore, Robin Hood’s Bay seems like something from a fiction tale or a North Yorkshire postcard.
In summer, you’ll find dogs sprinting along the sands, while owners tuck into fresh crab sandwiches from the beachside hut and little ones fish for treasures in the rock pools.
I prefer the village in winter, though, when the weather takes a turn and nature comes alive with the grassy dunes dancing in the wind and moody waves thrashing on the rocks.
– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Lee Bay Beach, North Devon
Lee Bay Beach in the village of Lee is exactly what I picture when I imagine the Famous Five going on an expedition, with a picnic bag stuffed with ginger beer and boiled eggs.
The tiny bay at the edge of the very picturesque village is quintessential English coast – the kind without arcades and chippies.
It’s the north coast of Devon, so nice and choppy – a change from the southern side.
The beach is made even better by the fact that the Grampus, an excellent local pub is just a few minute’s walk up a winding lane.
A travel influencer has shared a viral video of one city in France which is described as like ‘walking through a fairytale’, with followers calling the lakeside city ‘so beautiful’
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
13:19, 07 Jan 2026
Thiou river with Palais de l’Ile on background in Annecy, France(Image: alxpin via Getty Images)
If you’re still mulling over your holiday plans for 2026 and fancy a French escape with a difference, then this travel blogger’s suggestion might just catch your eye. A globetrotting enthusiast has turned to Instagram to rave about a charming city tucked away in the French Alps, describing it as akin to ‘walking through a fairytale’. The magical spot she’s championing? The delightful Annecy.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy is a breathtaking lakeside town located in France‘s southeastern Haute-Savoie department. Sitting just 45 minutes south of Geneva by car, it’s celebrated for its dazzling turquoise alpine lake, towering snow-dusted peaks, and elaborate system of historic waterways.
Wendy, who boasts 100,000 Instagram followers under the handle @nomadicfare, posted a mesmerising video highlighting the town’s most spectacular attractions. Her accompanying post read: “Walking through a fairytale.”
She went on to explain: “A dreamy sunset-to-night wander in Annecy. We started golden hour along the lakefront, then grabbed gelato while crossing the many flower-covered bridges of the old town. The perfect summer night.”
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Wrapping up, she posed the question to her audience: “Is this town on your bucket list?”
The clip proved a massive hit, racking up over 195,000 likes from impressed viewers.
One admirer enthused: “Great photo-tour. Makes me dream of visiting Annecy.”
Meanwhile, another shared their memories: “Annecy is so beautiful! Visited the town as a side trip from Geneva, Switzerland.”
A third commended Wendy’s talent for capturing the spirit of the location, remarking: “Love how you capture not just the place, but the feeling of being there.”
Annecy’s key sights and attractions
Vieille Ville (Old Town): A pedestrianised maze of cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses lined with flower boxes.
Palais de l’Isle: This iconic 12th-century “ship-shaped” castle sits in the middle of the Thiou Canal. It has served as a lord’s residence, courthouse, and prison, and now houses a local history museum.
Lake Annecy: Widely considered one of the purest urban lakes in Europe, it offers activities like boating, swimming, and paddleboarding.
Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge): A romantic iron bridge connecting the Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier esplanade, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Château d’Annecy: A restored medieval fortress overlooking the city that served as the home of the Counts of Geneva; it now features a museum of regional history and art.
Best way to travel to Annecy
Visitors can reach Annecy from London by plane (quickest and often most affordable), train (scenic and comfortable), or bus (cheapest but longest).
By air
The most convenient choice means flying from a London airport (Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, or City) to Geneva Airport (GVA). The flight time is around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Once in Geneva, travellers can take a bus service to Annecy, taking about 70 minutes. At present, no direct flights operate to the smaller Annecy Airport (NCY).
Train
One alternative is catching the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, then changing to Paris Gare de Lyon and boarding a high-speed TGV train to Annecy. The journey typically takes between 7-10 hours.
Though slower than flying, it provides a beautiful trip through the French countryside.
Optimal time of year to visit Annecy
The ideal time to visit Annecy really depends on your personal preferences and the activities you’re keen to partake in.
Summer (July to August): This is when Lake Annecy truly comes alive, offering perfect conditions for swimming, boating, and cycling.
The city buzzes with various festivals, including the spectacular Fête du Lac fireworks display in August.
However, be ready for larger crowds and a spike in prices.
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October): These are the seasons for those seeking a more peaceful experience, with mild weather and fewer tourists. Spring brings beautiful blossoms, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage around the lake.
Winter (December to March): Annecy oozes charm during the winter months, with Christmas markets and a festive atmosphere. Its close proximity to several ski resorts makes it an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts.
A church in a thriving UK city is the oldest surviving building that is still regularly used today, and it’s even part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside a nearby cathedral
15:31, 18 Dec 2025Updated 15:33, 18 Dec 2025
St Martin’s Church in Canterbury was the first church founded in England(Image: Getty Images)
England is home to some of the most architecturally fascinating buildings, from domed cathedrals and spire skyscrapers to grand castles and stately Georgian manors. But there’s one that is the oldest surviving structure in the country, and it’s certainly worth a visit.
In the heart of Canterbury lies the ancient Church of St Martin, built on Roman foundations, featuring Saxon elements in its windows and structure, as well as Norman and Medieval additions following its alterations. It’s the oldest church building in Britain that is still in use today, having been constructed before 597 AD. According to Heritage Calling, it is the oldest surviving building full stop in England.
The oldest part of the church was built during the Roman occupation of Britain, but it’s unknown what the first part of the structure was originally built for, or whether it was used as a church or a mausoleum. It was later expanded to almost its current grand size, with the largest part of the building, the nave, becoming the first Anglo-Saxon structure made of mortared brick and stone, rather than wood.
TheChurch of England parish church is also a part of the World Heritage Site, alongside Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey, making it a standout attraction in the city. Since 1668, the historic building has been part of the benefice of St Martin and St Paul, Canterbury, with both churches used for weekly services.
Visitors far and wide have marvelled at the exposed wooden beams inside St Martin’s, along with the intricate stained glass windows, lengthy nave and wooden pews, that feel as though you’re stepping back in time. One admirer noted on TripAdvisor: “I visited early as the church opened, and I had a peaceful, excellent visit.
“Upon entry, I was greeted by a friendly employee who offered me a written guide of the church. The guide was easy to follow and had great, interesting information. The cemetery on the property was great for wandering and reading the graves as well!”
With the church steeped in history, the knowledgeable guides can help to make the visit so special, along with its undeniable beauty and charm. Another visitor shared: “Given to the 6th-century Frankish princes, this beautiful building has a wonderful history.
“Guides were present from 11 am and greatly helped appreciate the story behind the building and its lovely and slightly overgrown churchyard. Interesting people are buried there, too. Can look from this elevated spot down to its daughter Church – the Cathedral itself!”
Those buried in the grounds of St Martin’s include 19th-century evangelist William Cadman, artist Thomas Sidney Cooper, and the creator of Rupert Bear, the comic book character, Mary Tourtel. Others noted that visitors can also explore the grounds independently, allowing you to take your time.
Another fan commented on TripAdvisor: “The oldest church in mainland Britain, tucked quietly away, about 10 mins from the cathedral. Quiet and serene, maintaining the sense of a truly sacred space. There is a helper who will provide information or guide you, or you can explore independently. Not far from the Abbey, and worth the extra time.”
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