Whether you’re fossil-hunting on the Jurassic coast or enjoying the tranquility of Norfolk’s golden sands before the summer holiday crowds arrive, late spring and early summer is an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of the UK coastline. Popular seaside resorts give a more intimate glimpse of their charms while wild remote shores abound with wildlife. From springtime events and free activities to enjoy at the seaside to what to pack for a family day at the beach, here’s how to make the most of your UK coastal breaks in the off-season:
Spring attractions and events by the sea
Thanks to the milder weather, spring and early summer is the perfect time to explore the UK’s many coastal paths on foot. Take in the stunning views as you put your best foot forward on popular routes such as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the South West Coast Path or the Cleveland Way.
This time of year is also a sweet spot for wildlife enthusiasts, so pack some binoculars as well as your walking boots. Atlantic puffins return to their coastal nesting sites in spring, and are easy to identify thanks to their colourful beaks. Look out too for guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. In the sea, seals, dolphins and occasionally even basking sharks move closer to shore in the warming waters of spring. Book a sea safari or wildlife cruise for a memorable experience.
This is also a great time to enjoy some watersports. Many watersport companies reopen their doors as the weather becomes more seasonable. Get on the water for a kayaking session or a surf lesson or try coasteering before the summer crowds mean these activities are fully booked.
There are also many UK coastal breaks for culture lovers, as tourist hot spots tempt early visitors with a plethora of entertainment. In Cornwall, the Minack Theatre lifts the curtain on a season of Shakespeare and musical entertainment with sea views. In Kent, the Turner Contemporary in Margate has kicked off its celebration of 250 years since the birth of JMW Turner, an artist famous for his stormy seascapes. Comedy lovers can enjoy a dose of stand-up at the Scarborough Fringe in June. Meanwhile, the Big Retreat Festival, held against the backdrop of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in late May, offers a chance for day visitors to relax, reflect and reboot with activities including yoga, meditation and fitness workshops.
Left: 2 Headland Place, West Wales - Ceredigion | Right: Sandpiper at Atlantic View - Pembrokeshire
Free fun at the beach
One of the best things about UK coastal breaks is all the free activities you can enjoy. Here are a few ideas to keep the whole family entertained all day…
- Explore rock pools: When the tide goes out, discover an underwater world that’s teeming with wildlife. Be careful not to disturb any creatures you find.
- Enjoy beach combing: Collect shells, sea glass, driftwood and stones, then using them to create unique portraits in the sand.
- Visit the beach toy library: Lots of beaches now have a toy library, where visitors can borrow/leave buckets, spades and beach balls.
- Play a beach game: One of the perks of UK coastal breaks in the off season is that you’ve got plenty of space to fly a kite, have a game of rounders or toss a frisbee around.
- Build a sandcastle: Who can build the biggest, best sandcastle before the tide washes them all away?
- Do a beach clean: Many beaches now offer grab sticks and bags so you can do your bit for the environment before you leave.
Top: The Lodge Cottage at Norfolk Coast Holiday Cottages - Norfolk
What to pack for the beach
The best UK coastal breaks are all about relaxing away from the crowds. But while it’s tempting to think that all you’ll need is some sunscreen and a good book, there are a few other pieces of kit that can make beach days more enjoyable:
- A changing robe: If you’re brave enough to take a dip, a waterproof changing robe such as a Dryrobe takes the hassle out of removing wet swimwear on the beach. Plus it’s something to snuggle into if the sun goes behind a cloud.
- A wetsuit: The UK waters are chilly in late spring/early summer. A wetsuit is a must for watersports.
- A waterproof phone pouch: Sand is great between your toes, but it doesn’t belong in your iPhone.
- A beach shelter: If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the beach with young children, a lightweight beach shelter will provide them with a place to play that’s out of the sun.
- A cool bag/box: To keep your picnic at the right temperature.
- A beach wagon: Handy for families with lots to carry on beach days. Choose one with big wheels that won’t get stuck in sand.
Top: Albatross at Norfolk Coast Holiday Cottages - Norfolk | Left: Orlando at Bulverton House - Devon
Book a stay at a coastal location
Whether you’re after stunning views of the Atlantic coastline, a surfers’ paradise in North Devon or the chance to get closer to nature in Northumberland, Premier Cottages offers a unique collection of luxury cottages within easy reach of the beach that make the perfect base for your UK coastal breaks.