Swimming

For Orville Peck, the best Sundays are basically all the same. And they are pretty similar to every other day of the week too. The masked country singer (and now actor) got sober three years ago and has figured out a routine that helps him stay clear-minded and present with the people in his life whom he cares about.

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

“If I don’t keep up that routine, especially on a day like a Sunday, it quickly falls into no day feeling fun,” he says. “[The routine], which to some people is like, ‘Oh God, that looks like hell,’ is fun for me because it is fun for me to show up for myself.”

Peck’s latest album, “Mule,” which details his sobriety journey, is out Friday. That same day, he’s headlining the Hollywood Bowl, one of his favorite venues in the city.

Peck currently lives in the Hollywood Hills and has been in Los Angeles, on and off, for 18 years. “It’s definitely home to me,” he says. “I met my partner there. I’ve had some of the most important moments of my life in Los Angeles. I will always love this city.”

It’s also particularly conducive to his new lifestyle. “There’s a ton of other crazy people going to the gym and swimming and going to [12-step] meetings every single day,” Peck says. “So I’m in appropriately obsessive company for sure.”

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

5 a.m.: Early to rise

I wake up painfully early. I’ve been doing that since I was a toddler. I used to hold my mother’s eyelids open in the morning to get her to wake up.

When I wake up, the first thing I will do is meditation. I do transcendental meditation. I find every other form of meditation impossible. I’ll do TM for 20 minutes. My partner started doing it and I saw how much he was benefiting from it, so I decided to go and take the course and just loved it.

And then I’m an avid journaler, so I usually journal for probably about half an hour in the morning.

7 a.m.: Caffeination and hydration

I will make a very large iced coffee. I’m not snobbish about coffee, I’ll drink whatever.

I also fill up a massively obnoxious water bottle that has times on it that I carry everywhere. It looks like performative hydration, but it’s literally because if I don’t challenge myself to drink water, I just won’t drink water at all. It’s basically to shame myself into drinking water.

8 a.m.: Pool time, Part 1

I get to a public pool and I do laps. I grew up in South Africa and you’re forced to play every sport known to mankind. I always excelled at swimming, so it’s the one thing I still love to do. I just started up [again] within the last year.

I work out a lot, but when I’m at the gym, I don’t do any cardio. I’m never going to be on a treadmill or anything like that. Swimming feels like a fun way to keep me engaged.

10 a.m.: Meal prep

Then I go meet back up at home with my partner. We’ll go take our dog for a walk or we’ll go to a farmers market to get some produce for the week.

Then we’ll go grocery shopping because I love to cook. I will go to whatever is easiest. I’ll frequent a Gelson’s or a Ralphs or a Whole Foods. If I’m going to Whole Foods, I’m not doing regular grocery shopping. I want brands. I like a Coca-Cola.

I’d say I’m cooking usually about five or six nights a week. I’m very organized — I’m a Capricorn, if you can’t tell. I usually have a whole menu of what I’m going to do for the week, so I’ll get everything I need for that.

I will read a recipe or see a recipe I like, and then I will just freestyle it. I used to work in restaurants, so I feel pretty confident about it. But in terms of the style [of cooking], I’m best at recipes that take a long time, so anything that requires lengthy flavor building, like stews or curries.

Noon: Pool time, Part 2

Back at the house, we’ll have some lunch, something easy by the pool. So more swimming.

2 p.m.: Gym time

I’ll work out either at the house or go out to the gym. I’ve been sticking with a weight training routine for a couple of years now, but I try to evolve the exercises all the time because I get bored really easily.

Sometimes I work with a trainer. I filmed “Street Fighter” last year in Australia, so I did a ton of different training and martial arts training for months. It opened up my horizons to a lot of different forms of working out that I just didn’t know before. I’ve got a pretty big encyclopedia to pull from at this point.

4 p.m.: Recovery

I’ll usually head to a 12-step meeting, I’ll either catch one online or try to find one in person because there’s a lot around L.A.

6 p.m.: Not cooking tonight

On the weekend is where we will typically order in or eat out, maybe with some friends. Some places I love to order in from are the Sisters Cafe, which is Vietnamese, and Jon and Vinny’s.

9 p.m.: Early to bed

Both my partner and I are 80 years old at heart. We always have grand plans about watching a movie or whatever, and then we’re both inevitably snoring by 10 p.m. at the latest.

I used to live my life like a psycho maniac doing everything unhealthy. It definitely didn’t involve going to 12-step meetings and swimming laps at seven in the morning. It was whatever the opposite of that is.

When I went through the first two years of my sobriety, I went through a lot of trial and error in terms of overdoing it with things like therapy and mindfulness, and then also underdoing it as well. It took me a couple of years to really find what are the things that make me feel good about myself, make me feel grounded, make me feel accountable, and still feel like I’m living a happy life and not just white-knuckling 12 hours of, essentially, therapy every day. So I’ve found the things that really work for me.

There’s days where I will totally not do every one of those things. There’s days where I’m too lazy to go swimming and there are days where I’m like, “I don’t want to go to the gym.” I’m not militant about it. The other thing I’ve learned is to be easy with myself.

I NEVER ever thought I’d be into geology – but after a week on a nature reserve in Tenerife, I’m officially an earth geek.

Admittedly, the ice-cold margaritas served inside the tranquil oasis of Barcelo Tenerife oiled my educational rediscovery of the island’s natural wonders, but now I am well and truly hooked.

My last memory of visiting Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, was marred by an over-excited, elderly sailor who threatened to throw my beloved teddy bear into the path of an approaching pod of pilot whales when I was only eight years old.

But after touching down 31 years later, I rediscovered my love for it.

The Barcelo Tenerife, my home for the trip, is set within 124 acres of almost untouched land in the San Blas Environmental Reserve — and it fully takes advantage of its rural surroundings.

It’s not just the decor that sets the tone for rustic Tenerife — guests at the resort can book a guided tour through the reserve that will showcase the best of Tenerife’s wild scenery.

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During my two-hour or so trek through the fascinating landscapes, I touched stone formed by molten lava as well as compressed volcanic ash, a type of rock that created the foundations of the island after the (still active) Mount Teide volcano erupted millions of years ago.

It was one of the best experiences I’ve had — and reminded me that this gorgeous island offers so much more than just sun-drenched beaches and cocktails by the pool.

Make sure to try and catch a look at Teide on your flight in — the mountain top peeps out above the clouds.

While it is still active, the last eruption happened in 1909 and there’s nothing to suggest it’s going to happen again in the next 100 years or so, so visitors need not panic.

When it comes to history, the mighty volcano isn’t all the island has to boast about, though.

Travellers visiting the San Blas Environmental Reserve can observe the archaeological remains of the Guanches, an indigenous community who first inhabited the islands.

Fans of The Lord Of The Rings will also recognise many of the rocky pastures as sets from the show.

It’s well worth exploring this striking landscape — if you can tear yourself away from the seven luxurious swimming pools at the hotel.

The Barcelo Tenerife manages to exude luxury without stomping on thousands of years of history — as the incredible scenery has been incorporated into the hotel’s earthy design.

The beauty of the land is seen in every inch of the hotel, from the terracotta plant pots on the terraces to its clay-coloured buildings.

Barcelo Tenerife also prides itself on its eco-friendly ethos, with sustainability built in, not tacked on — and walking through the building, you feel immersed in the natural environment.

Along with solar power energy, the hotel relies on energy-efficient lighting and ethical food supplies.

And with a 500,000-square-metre nature reserve on your doorstep, you could walk a different route every day and still feel like you have explored more of Tenerife than anyone else.

The food options include an impressive and tasty buffet for breakfast, while fine-dining restaurant La Dolce Vita Trattoria brings a taste of Italy while using superb Spanish produce.

Creamy burrata served with locally-reared beef carpaccio was a highlight, as was a tasting menu inside the Arrozante Restaurant — where I had a truly wonderful paella.

The hotel is a five-star — and worth it — but if you fancy spending a little more, upgrading to the Royal Level is worth saving your cash for.

A private pool and access to a premium bar and restaurant give you a chance to live the high life without breaking the bank too much (from just £160 per night).

Rooms have a slightly more elevated feel to them, too, with chic, sandy-toned furnishings inspired by the nature reserve and fabulous views of the ocean.

But the hotel is so well proportioned and the nature reserve so vast, I don’t think you could ever feel cramped, even during the high season.

Now is the best time to visit, too, with the weather in the UK finally taking a rather more drizzly turn, announcing the official arrival of autumn.

In Tenerife, by contrast, temperatures tend to stay balmy throughout this time of year — with highs of 26C in October perfect for both sunbathing and exploring the island — and even into winter.

My helpful hotel guide informed me that Tenerife has only had five days of rain in the last four years, so the sunshine is pretty much guaranteed.

It’s a go-to destination for winter sun and I, for one, am sold.

See you again in November, Tenerife — and this time, I’ll be bringing along my walking boots.

A BELOVED 90-year-old lido has been forced to shut early this summer due to flash flooding.

Season ticket holders have been directed to a nearby lido, where they will be able to swim free of charge.

Letchworth Lido in North Hertfordshire has cut its summer season short due to local flash flooding and torrential rain.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Letchworth Lido said: “We are sorry to confirm that, due to the impact of localised flooding, Letchworth Lido will remain closed and will not reopen for the remainder of this season.

Bookings were set to be taken up until Sunday, September 6 at the heated lido, however, it will now reopen in winter for its seasonal ice rink.

Letchworth Lido had initially shut on August 27 due to “unforeseen circumstances”, where closures were expected to remain in place during the following week.

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This was the second time in just over a year that the pool had shut, with facilities also closed in July 2025 after flooding required a clean-up operation.

The historic heated outdoor swimming pool, located on Norton Common in Letchworth Garden City, originally opened in 1935 as a beloved destination for local residents.

Over 27,000 people attended the 50metre heated lido last summer, with facilities that also include a learner pool, sunbathing area and a cafe.

Customers with bookings before the closure announcement will be contacted directed and offered a full refund for all cancelled sessions.

Season ticket holders for Letchworth Lido will also be able to transfer their ticket to the nearby Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre to swim between now until Sunday.

The Doggy Splash sessions that were planned to take place at Letchworth Lido will now also be held at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre on September 11, 12 and 13.

Letchworth Lido continued to say: “We’re very sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the early closure and thank customers for their understanding.

“We look forward to welcoming you back to Letchworth Lido later this year when it transforms into our festive ice rink.”

Young Brits are swapping traditional beach-day pastimes for paddleboards, surfing and a dip in the sea – but they still love one thing

Gen Z is redefining the great British day at the seaside, replacing traditional favourites like arcade games and crazy golf with paddleboarding and surfing. A poll of 2,000 adults found 11% of Gen Z consider paddleboarding to be essential to the perfect day by the sea, compared to just 7% of Millennials and 3% of Boomers. They were also far more likely to take a dip, with 38% saying swimming in the sea is a beach day priority.

Classic seaside pastimes appear to be losing their appeal among younger adults as 74% would skip arcade games, and 87% would happily avoid a round of crazy golf.

But seaside traditions such as tucking into fish and chips, a picnic and coastal walks were still among the most treasured experiences across all those surveyed.

Bryony Walker from Walker’s Shortbread, which brought its newly launched Wee Chunkies bites to a seaside pop-up on Brighton beach, said: “While the research shows beachgoers still crave the classic seaside experiences, it’s interesting to see what now makes up the ideal day at the beach.

“Activities like paddleboarding are becoming more popular with younger generations, but what remains constant is a dip in the sea.

“The coast holds special appeal, combining nostalgia, quality family time and the simple joys of a well-packed picnic, fresh air and time outdoors.”

The study, conducted through OnePoll, revealed that 15 minutes is considered the perfect amount of time to spend in the water.

Following the dip, beachgoers enjoy wrapping themselves in a toasty towel (49%) or tucking into a warm sweet snack to restore energy levels (18%) – a tradition the Scots refer to as a ‘Shivery Bite’ – something only 9% of Brits are familiar with.

Due to the unfamiliarity with this Scottish phrase, Walker’s Shortbread decided to introduce the Shivery Bite concept to Bank Holiday beachgoers and swimmers along Brighton’s bustling seafront.

Bryony Walker added: “The insights have revealed the nation’s ideal beach day, with fresh sea air, sunshine, blue skies and that essential paddle in the water. “After a summer of intense heat, beachgoers are craving a moment of relief, whether it’s a colder coastal breeze or cosy comfort food.

“Few things beat wrapping up after a swim or enjoying a warm treat, something in Scotland we call a ‘Shivery Bite’, and our new shortbread offering is exactly for this moment, best served warm, to help make the most of the post-dip feeling.”

THE NATIONS PERFECT BEACH DAY:

1. Warm sunshine
2. Having ice cream
3. Coastal walks
4. Having fish and chips
5. Blue skies
6. Walking barefoot in sand
7. Having a paddle in the sea
8. Calm sea
9. Having a picnic
10. Take family photos
11. Visiting a pier
12. Sunbathing
13. Swimming in the sea
14. Beach snacks
15. Building sandcastles
16. Reading
17. Arcade games
18. Sharing snacks
19. Rock pooling
20. Seaside souvenirs
21. Skimming stones
22. Collecting rocks
23. Play crazy golf
24. Taking naps
25. Hot foods to warm you up after swimming.

IF you want to stay at some of the best hotels in the world – check out these five resorts.

All of these spots were recognised at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026 with spaces still available this year and affordable stays.

TUI BLUE Barut Andiz, Turkey

Starting strong, this hotel was voted as the Best Hotel – TUI UK & Ireland thanks to its high praise from guests noting its friendly staff and chilled atmosphere.

Inside the adults-only hotel, guests can dine at two à la carte restaurants – both are on the first-floor which has panoramic sea views.

Or check out the spa which comes with its own roof terrace with treatments on offer.

Side itself is a 20-minute walk along the promenade, which will get you there where you can explore its Roman ruins and restaurant-lined harbour.

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A seven-night all-inclusive stay in a Double Room with Balcony starts from £748.24pp – this includes return flights to London Southend.

Hotel Fariones, Lanzarote

The Hotel Fariones in Lanzarote came out on top for being TUI’s best hotel in the Spain and Portugal category.

It boasts two pools, three restaurants and direct access to the Playa Grande Beach.

Just a short walk away, you can discover Puerto Del Carmen’s Old Town where you will find a selection of restaurants and bars.

In the summer season there’s usually live music in the evenings.

A seven-night stay for two in a Double Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace with bed and breakfast starts from £1302pp with return flights to London Gatwick.

Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites, Greece

If you’re looking for a beach break in Greece, then check out Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites.

It was named the best hotel in the Cyprus and Greece category and comes with its own private beach, along with two restaurants.

There are also two outdoor freshwater pools, an indoor pool, a whirlpool and a spa.

The hotel sits on a cliff-top so be prepared for some breathtaking views across the bay.

A seven-night stay in a Double Room with Sea View and Balcony or Terrace with bed and breakfast starts from £1186.15pp – this includes return flights to Newcastle.

TUI MAGIC LIFE Sarigerme, Turkey

TUI Magic Life Sarigerme has been named the best family-friendly hotel – and it’s not surprising.

The hotel has five swimming pools, seven bars and four restaurants – all of which sit on the beachfront.

The hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Dalaman but also right by Sarigerme Beach, which is a large, sprawling beach loved by locals for kitesurfing.

There’s also a packed entertainment programme with parties and live music as well as dedicated areas for those over 16.

A seven-night all-inclusive stay for two people in a double room starts from £932.63pp – this includes return flights to London Gatwick.

Hotel Caravel, Italy

Nestled away in Torbole, Lake Garda, is Hotel Caravel, which was declared the Best Hotel Northern and Central Europe.

Rooms have mountain views and make sure to take a dip in the pool, surrounded by greenery.

The hotel team are cycling specialists so simply hire a bike and they will recommend the best lakeside routes or mountain biking trails.

Included in the stay is a Trentino Guest and Garda Guest card which allows for free public transport and discounts into local attractions and experiences.

A seven-night holiday for two people in a room with a balcony and bed and breakfast in September starts from £801pp – this includes return flights to Bristol.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THE seaside town of Brighton isn’t exactly off the radar – but it could be become a new hub for tourists.

In terms of its artsy scene, the coastal city has been said to potentially ‘rival Margate‘ with a new attraction.

With buildings covered in beautiful murals, handmade trinkets being sold at markets and the fact that it’s home to many creatives, it’s surprising that Brighton doesn’t have an art gallery.

But that could be set to change as a development plan has revealed one could open on the seafront.

This isn’t too dissimilar to Margate in Kent which is home to the world-class Turner Contemporary.

The Black Rock area in Brighton next to Brighton Marina is set to be developed – while there are no official plans, it could become a gallery.

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According to Time Out, the local council are in talks with a major London art institution. 

That isn’t the only part of Brighton getting a new look – another part of the town’s redesign is on the seafront.

The council are looking to update the King’s Road paddling pool and play area.

The local council are currently looking for proposals that must have a “high-quality family play area and paddling pool that will remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The hope is that the existing pool, play area as well as surrounding facilities will be upgraded and modernised.

Speaking of pools, Brighton just a few years ago opened a seafront lido called Sea Lanes which sits right by the seafront on Madeira Drive.

The 50metre swimming pool has six lanes and is heated to 19C year-round.

On the day sessions are £11.90 per adult and £7.60 for concessions.

Thanks to several businesses being open on-site, Sea Lanes is a great spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.

One such place is a cafe called Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee“.

Think re-fuelling smoothies and enormous breakfast and brunch sandwiches.

There’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.

Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.

Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options as well as spirits, wine and cocktails.

Another part of Brighton set to be upgraded is its historic arches along the King’s Road.

The seafront arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes – and are set to undergo a £22million investment.

Later this year, the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace will reopen  following a £750,000 revamp

The historic harbour is the hub of this working East Neuk fishing port, home to a fleet of about 30 small trawlers and creel boats. Their catches are sold at the covered market on the quay each weekday morning, and served at the harbourside Dory Bistro and Chip Ahoy at the Larachmhor pub. Pittenweem (which means “place of the cave”) also has a Victorian-era swimming pool next to the beach, which is filled by the tide twice a day. After falling into disrepair, it was saved by a local group called the West Braes Project and reopened in 2021, along with the crazy golf course. Early each August, there is an annual arts festival with exhibits by nearly 200 artists in harbourside spaces, heritage buildings, homes and studios. Pittenweem is flanked by two other pretty harbour villages, St Monans and Anstruther, while a third, Crail, is a little further north; the Fife Coastal Path links them all. The Bank in Anstruther has harbour-view rooms (doubles from £120 B&B).

There has been a harbour in the village of Carnlough since the late 1700s, but the one standing today dates to 1853 (Game of Thrones fans may recognise it as the Braavos canal). It was built on the orders of the Marchioness of Londonderry to transport limestone from her quarries – the town hall’s Heritage Hub tells the full story. The old railway line between the quarry and harbour is now a footpath with panoramic views, leading to Cranny Falls. The harbour is the focal point of the village, which stands at the foothills of Glencoy – one of the nine glens, or glacial valleys, of Antrim – on Carnlough Bay. It bustles with local fishers, and boat trips set sail daily (£10 adults, £6 children; trips last 45 minutes). The Twilight coffeeshop, directly across from the harbour, serves brunch and has bunkhouse accommodation upstairs (sleeping 14). The recently refurbished Harbourview hotel offers more than 200 Irish whiskeys and hosts an annual whiskey festival (doubles from £120 B&B).

Solva, Pembrokeshire

Solva’s ancient harbour is at the bottom of a steep-sided valley on St Brides Bay, a few miles from St David’s. At high tide, it is popular with paddleboarders, but at low tide it becomes a huge stretch of sand, with the River Solva meandering down the middle. Then, there are rock pools and caves to explore; prime fishing, crabbing and shrimping spots; and safe, shallow places to swim. The village is split into Lower Solva, by the harbour, and Upper Solva – there are fantastic views over both ends from the Gribin headland. Cafe on the Quay and the Harbour Inn have outdoor tables overlooking the water; the Hats & Barrels serves fresh fish, and seasonal lobster and crab; and the Cambrian Inn is a restaurant with five rooms (doubles from £140 B&B).

Craster, Northumberland

While Craster’s natural haven has been used by fishers for centuries, today’s harbour was built in 1906 as a memorial to a member of the Craster family and has the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a mile’s (1.6km) walk away up the coast as a backdrop. Craster is perhaps best known for its kippers, and L Robson & Sons has been producing them at its smokehouse overlooking the harbour since 1856. They are sold in the shop next door, while the Piper’s Pitch hut serves them in a bun, and the Jolly Fisherman pub turns them into paté and puts them in a scotch egg. The Cottage Inn, just outside Craster, has 10 rooms (doubles from £105 room only), and the Dunstanburgh Castle Inn in neighbouring Embleton has 16 (doubles from £120 B&B). The market town of Alnwick is about seven miles away.

Brixham, on Devon’s south coast, is probably the county’s best-known harbour town – but the village of Clovelly, on the north coast, is well worth seeking out, too. It was once the property of William the Conqueror, and is still privately owned today (entry is £10.90 adults; £6.25 children). The tiny harbour stands at the foot of a 122-metre cliff, reached via the steep, cobbled main street (known as Up-along or Down-along). Cars are not allowed, so goods are transported by sledges and donkeys. The Red Lion hotel, right on the quay, has 17 rooms, all with sea views (doubles from £225 B&B); the restaurant serves dishes such as wild hake and local lobster, while the snug bar offers haddock and chips. The Fisherman’s Cottage & Kingsley Museum is a 1930s time capsule, and there are annual festivals celebrating seaweed, seafaring and seafood.

Staithes, North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is not short of busy harbour towns and fishing villages: see Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. But Staithes, a little further north, is less well known. The name means “landing place” in Old English; Vikings landed here, and it was once one of the busiest fishing ports in the north-east. Today, there are still a handful of cobles (a traditional fishing vessel), plus boats running wildlife-watching trips, from which minke whales can be seen in August and September. The village is a steep jumble of cottages (largely white-washed and red-roofed, with the occasional electric blue pile), threaded with cobbled snickets (narrow alleys). The Cod & Lobster pub is right on the harbour wall; and the Endeavour B&B (refurbished in 2022) has four rooms, one with harbour views (doubles from £120 B&B). There is an annual arts festival (this year running 11-13 September), and visitors can walk a mile or so along the Cleveland Way to the ruined harbour at the abandoned hamlet of Port Mulgrave.

From mighty Falmouth to minuscule Mousehole, harbour hunters are spoiled for choice in Cornwall. But pretty Porthleven, on the Lizard peninsula, tends to have fewer crowds. Its double harbour, which opened in 1825, is said to have been built by French prisoners of war after the battle of Waterloo. It is lined with pubs, restaurants and galleries; there is a craft market most days from Easter to the end of October, and a food festival in April. The 17th-century Ship Inn straddles the harbour and the waters of Mount’s Bay; the Mussel Shoal is a seafood shack right on the harbour head; and Kota Kai serves fusion food such as Cornish fish and chips with katsu curry sauce, wasabi tartare, Asian slaw and pea puree. The Harbour Inn is a recently refurbished pub with 15 rooms (doubles from £110 B&B).

Lyme Regis’s harbour includes the Cobb, a breakwater and jetty. The first written mention of it was in 1328, when it was damaged by storms, but today’s Cobb was built from blocks of Portland stone in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It is on the west side of the town (known locally as the Pearl of Dorset), so is great for a sunset stroll. You can often see seals in the harbour and dolphins just out to sea; there are daily boat trips in late spring and summer. The beaches are fertile ground for fossil hunters – especially at Monmouth, to the west of the Cobb, and East Cliff, to the east of the town – and have thrown up many amazing discoveries, including an ichthyosaurus excavated by the paleontological pioneer Mary Anning in 1812. The Cobb Arms is the closest pub to the harbour and has three rooms (doubles £155 B&B); while the Harbour Inn, a tiny bit farther north by the beach, serves Lyme Bay seafood.

This market town on the west bank of the River Lymington, at the edge of the Solent, was first mentioned in the Domesday Book, became a hotbed for salt manufacture in the medieval era and later a shipbuilding centre in the 19th century. Today, it is a yachting hub, with two marinas as well as the old town quay. Near the Royal Lymington Yacht Club are the town’s seawater baths – established in 1833 and still open for swimmers (plus paddleboarding and inflatable obstacle courses). There is a lively market along the high street on Saturdays; while waterfront pubs and restaurants include the Ship Inn and The Haven, and the recently reopened Mayflower, set a little back near the seawater baths, which has seven rooms (doubles from £100 B&B). The Wightlink ferry port is just outside the town at Lymington Pier, taking passengers to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, another historic harbour town (with a crossing of about 40 minutes).

Plockton, a planned harbour village built to support the herring industry in the early 1800s, is known as the Jewel of the Highlands. It sits in a sheltered bay on the banks of Loch Carron, with a mild climate that allows incongruous-looking palm trees to thrive, and wooded hills beyond. Visitors can buy fresh fish and prawns off the pier when the boats come in at about 3pm; go on sea-kayak tours and seal-watching trips (from spring until the end of October); and watch the annual summer regatta in July. The Plockton Inn serves local langoustines and other seafood; the Plockton hotel has six rooms with loch views and five overlooking the gardens (doubles £180 B&B); and the bunkhouse by the railway station has budget beds (£20pp, discounts for groups). It is about an hour’s drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye and on to its pastel-painted harbour capital, Portree.