With summer around the corner, our instinct may be to head straight for the Mediterranean for a beach break, but why not save yourself the airport queues and stay closer to home?
With more than 11,000 miles of coastline, Britain punches well above its weight when it comes to seaside holidays. From the South Coast’s wide, sandy bays to dramatic cliffs in Wales and Scotland’s wild shores, some of the UK’s finest beaches look as if they’ve been lifted from European climes, complete with turquoise coves and Blue Flag credentials. Others are pure postcard nostalgia: wind in your hair, a Mr Whippy ice cream and the scent of salt in the air.
