We don't want to jinx anything, but it looks like the sun might finally be here to stay. And where better to enjoy the spring sunshine than by the sea?
In the first of our round-ups of the UK's best beaches, we've picked the ten best stretches of sandiness less than two hours' drive from the centre of London. They might not be the warmest of places at this time of year, but who needs sweaty temperatures and posers in skimpy swimwear when you can enjoy fresh sea air, a bracing dip and fish n chips all on your own doorstep?
Camber Sands offers exactly what it says on the tin. A vast expanse of sandy beach, romantic grass-topped dunes and a sky that goes on forever. At low tide, you might face a bit of a trek to the water, but you can't beat this beach for a real sense of escape. Just a few miles inland is the super-pretty town of Rye - the perfect spot for a spontaneous night or two away.
Lovely West Wittering has long been the seaside destination for Londoners in the know, with its sandy dunes and beautiful views over Chichester harbour and the South Downs beyond. The award-winning beach is great for swimming, but it's the windsurfers that are particular fans - at high tide the water can get pleasingly exciting. Picknickers will love the grassy fringe behind the beach - great for keeping the sand out of your sandwiches.
Bournemouth, Dorset
Just on the two hour boundary, the historic seaside resort of
Bournemouth has a seven mile-long sandy beach that stretches far beyond
the trappings of the busy town. Brilliant for young families, with lots
of facilities and a great Kidzone safety scheme, the beach is also big
enough to be able to find a quiet place to relax if you're after some
peace and quiet. For a real escape head a few miles east to Hengistbury
Head, a sandy headland that stretches out to sea and around to pretty
Mudeford.
A few miles west of Eastbourne, this secluded shingle beach feels
hidden away from the rest of the world. The lowest part of the mighty
South Downs, Birling Gap beach is surrounded by high chalk cliffs. The
beach is known as an unofficial nudist beach, but clothed beach-lovers
will enjoy it just as much. Walk along the end part of the South Downs
Way from Birling Gap to Eastbourne, over the infamous Beachy Head, for
prolonged lungfuls of sea air and fantastic views out to sea.
The small seaside town of Westgate-on-Sea, a few miles along the coast
from Margate, is home to West Bay beach, a sandy and rocky stretch
that's great for sandcastles and crabbing. The endless rockpools are
brilliant for exploring (honestly!) and there are some lovely coastal
walks on the nearby cliffs if you want to stretch your legs. End your
day at the Westbay Cafe, which opens late so that you can enjoy sunsets
over the sea.
The vast, but slightly eery shingle beach at Dungeness is famous for
its views of Dungeness Power Station. But that's not to say that this
windswept stretch isn't a great spot for romantic strolls and peaceful
picnics. Anglers will also have a whale of a time, with lots of great
opportunities to try your hand at catching bass, sole, flounder or
plaice. Head for Dungeness steam rail station, under the old lighthouse,
for a puffing trip into the past.
This quiet stretch of shingle is reached via a pretty country lane
through the pretty country village of Climping. Stretching between the
towns of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, you'll find none of the signs
of resort life here, just miles of blue sea, lovely beach separated by
groynes and backed by fields and forest. Just a few miles from the
gorgeous town of Arundel and the rolling South Downs, Climping is the
perfect weekend destination. There's even an award-winning boutique
hotel and spa just two minutes' walk from the beach.
Frinton is the epitome of a Victorian seaside resort, with its green
lawns, handsome terraced seafront houses, promenade and beach huts.
Pleasingly uncommercialised and very clean and tidy, it's a perfect
place for families and beach bunnies alike (although the North Sea isn't
known for its balmy bathing conditions!). The beach is a mix of sand
and pebbles, and large enough to find a spot to yourself, even in the
summer.
Ok, ok, so it's not exactly beside the seaside, but if you're desperate
for a beach break and don't want to spend hours in the car, this huge
13th century man-made lake close to Farnham in Surrey (about an hour
outside London) has its own wide, sandy beaches and is great for
swimming. Lots of parking, a great little cafe and warm, placid waters
makes for a perfect beachy bolthole.
The ultimate seaside destination if you're after lots more than
lounging around by the sea. Buzzy Brighton (or London-super-Mare as it
became known to Victorian holidaymakers) has something for everyone,
whether it's amazing shopping, a fantastic nightlife, great live music,
fab galleries and museums, food from every corner of the globe, or
simply a spot of people watching. Oh, and the long pebbly beach isn't
bad either.