Some will be familiar – along the popular waterfronts of Cornwall, Devon and Sussex. Others can be found a little further from what might be deemed the beaten track – up in the Highlands, and out in the Hebrides.
But all of them have that essential something which makes a beach a splendid place to spend an afternoon or early evening – scenic beauty, a certain magic.
Of course here at the Packet we have just highlighted the Cornwall ones selected:
1. Par, Isles of Scilly
You might, if you weren’t going to be a stickler for geography, describe this glorious arc of sand as Britain’s most south-westerly beach.
It isn’t, because though it haunts the south flank of St Martin’s, fellow Isles of Scilly St Mary’s and St Agnes sit further out to sea, and have lovely bays of their own.
Still, there is something wonderful about Par Beach. I tripped over it during the pandemic, in that time when we were all meant to be discovering our own country. And it did feel like a discovery, as I approached by water – and found myself staring besotted at this largely unadorned crescent, with its little jetty and handful of rowing boats.
Here was the social distancing we were meant to seek in the Covid days – but during my couple of hours next to that beach, the world’s worries felt very far away. Plan the perfect trip to the Isles of Scilly with our guide.
Where to stay
St Martin’s Vineyard (07936 710 262; stmartinsvineyard.co.uk) offers shepherd huts as well as wine. From £820 for a week.
Where to eat
The Island Bakery (theislandbakery-stmartins.com) does pizza and picnics.
Rainy day activity
St Martin’s is not much of a rainy-day place, but if the dark clouds gather, there is always the Seven Stones Inn – and its potent beers (sevenstonesinn.com).
Chris Leadbeater
2. Pedn Vounder
Cornwall Most visitors to this part of West Cornwall gravitate towards Porthcurno, but those in the know head instead to Pedn (pronounced ‘pednee’).
It’s every bit as beautiful as its more famous neighbour, with glassy waters, soft white sand and soaring cliffs behind. The sea here is sheltered and usually very calm, so it’s a lovely place for a swim (although watch out for rip tides).
It’s quite hard to get to though, hence the smaller crowds. Park up at Treen, from where it’s a half-mile walk down to the coast. The last stretch is a steep scramble down onto the beach: not recommended for the not-so-spry.
Also be aware that this is an unofficial nudist beach. You’re not expected to strip off on arrival, but don’t be surprised to find some fellow beachgoers in the buff.
Where to stay
There’s little in the immediate area, but the Old Coastguard Hotel (01736 731 222; oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk) in Mousehole, a half-hour’s drive east, is a cosy spot to hole up. Double rooms from £197.
Where to eat
For pub grub and a pint, the Logan Rock Inn is an atmospheric old boozer in Treen (theloganrockinn.co.uk).
Rainy day activity
PK Porthcurno is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of communications, housed in a former Victorian submarine telegraph station. Adults £12; under-18s £6. (pkporthcurno.com).
Tom Mulvihill
3. Polzeath, Cornwall
There are dozens of fantastic family beaches along Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, but Polzeath is the standout choice for those visiting the seaside with children.
A reliably consistent swell makes it a prime spot for surfing and bodyboarding, and there are several surf schools to help beginners catch their first waves.
It’s a Blue Flag beach, so you don’t have to worry about the water quality (sadly not always a given these days), and, since the beach shelves very gently out to sea, it’s safer for children to play in the water (although you still need to watch out for rips).
Then there’s the village itself: a laid-back resort with a smattering of pubs and restaurants to which you can retreat when the tide comes in. Plan the perfect holiday to Cornwall with our guide.
Where to stay
The St Moritz Hotel (01208 862242; stmoritzhotel.co.uk), situated a little further down the coast, is a family-friendly seaside stay with a breezy Art Deco vibe. Double rooms from £140.
Where to eat
The Cracking Crab serves great seafood atop the cliff at Polzeath Beach’s southern fringe, with sweeping views from its outdoor terrace (crackingcrab.co.uk).
Rainy day activity
It’s definitely worth making the 30-minute drive to Bodmin Jail, a wonderfully creepy museum dedicated to crime and punishment in the Georgian era.
Entry from £19.50 (bodminjail.org).
Tom Mulvihill
You can read the full guide here.
