Home//Coast/May 2024/In This Issue
Coast|May 2024WELCOMEI’m not saying I still get a childlike pleasure from a day trip to the coast, but one of my most exciting purchases in recent times has been the collapsible beach trolley in which we load all the paraphernalia needed for a first class time on the sands. It’s a game-changer!Instead of strapping a bodyboard and rucksack to my bag whilst also trying to hold a wind break under one arm and a picnic hamper in the other hand, like some modern day version of the kids’ game Buckaroo – prone to collapse at any minute – everything now goes into my swish new trolley and off we go. It’s also very handy for lugging tired grandchildren back to the car at the end of a long beach day.And a…2 min
Coast|May 2024BEACHCOMBERFIND OF THE MONTHCreated by south Devon homewares company Weaver Green, the butter-soft Juno runner in teal is made out of recycled plastic bottles but feels as comfy as wool. The hard-wearing rug is ideal for high traffic areas such as kitchens and halls and is also machine washable, moth resistant and kind on claws. (£205, weavergreen.com)ON TOP OF THE WORLDThe Isle of Man beach cleaning charity Beach Buddies has won one of the world’s top environment accolades at the Energy Globe World Awards.The charity won the Youth category award for its pioneering educational work in schools and with young people. Founder Bill Dale says: “Energy Globe highlighted how Beach Buddies has created a sustainable and efficient system of engaging with the community to clean the Isle of Man’s beaches…4 min
Coast|May 2024JOIN THE COAST CLUB!When you become a subscriber, you’ll automatically join the Coast Club, where you can enjoy exclusive subscriber-only discounts from our partners. Plus, you’ll receive your monthly dose of Vitamin Sea with Coast magazine, taking in all the beauty that our British coast has to offer with every issue. Discover the best staycations, dream homes, coastal walks and places to eat, plus our special focus each issue on ten fabulous things to do by the sea! We can’t wait for you to join us!Find out more at coastmagazine.co.uk/coast-clubGuarantee yourself a whole year’s worth of Vitamin Sea with a subscription to Coast, the only monthly magazine which shares your love of our stunning shores. Or a subscription is also perfect as a gift for someone special in your life.By joining the coast…3 min
Coast|May 2024HISTORY MANWillow or ‘withy’ pots are traditional traps that fishermen would make in the winter and then use to catch prawns, crabs and lobsters in the warmer months. While the craft is believed to be centuries old, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where they first originated as, historically, the process has been very poorly documented.In 2019, less than 20 people were known to be keeping the tradition alive along the shores and small neighbouring islands of England, Wales and Ireland. It’s therefore no surprise that withy pot making is among 63 traditional heritage crafts currently listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the Heritage Crafts Association.And as far as he is aware, Jamie (James) Lawrence is one of very few fishermen, if not the only one, who is still making…4 min
Coast|May 2024WHY WE SHOULD BE BESIDE THE SEASIDEResearch shows that spending time on the coast - even if it’s just a couple of hours or so - can be hugely beneficial for our mind, body and soul.Dr Lewis Elliott (pictured) is an environmental psychologist and part of BlueHealth, a Europe-wide project that investigated the human health benefits of coasts and waterways.He says: “There is evidence from large international populations that the more visits we take to coastal environments, the better we tend to report our mental health to be.“Over the past decade or so, we have tried to investigate how these benefits come about.”Dr Elliott, a lecturer at the University of Exeter, explains there is considerable evidence that coastal spaces provide a sense of escape from our everyday lives, as well as being less polluted than urban…1 min
Coast|May 2024GO WEST!I think I must have last visited Pembrokeshire nearly 50 years ago which is a slightly bizarre statistic, given that I have lived around 50-70 miles south of the region for the past 30+ years.But, of course, standing ‘in the way’ is the small matter of the Bristol Channel, meaning one can’t just ‘pop’ to west Wales. So when the invite came from Visit Pembrokeshire to come and stay, it was time to update my travelling CV.Our first stop-off having completed the long drive from home in Devon was at the rather wonderful Llys Meddyg Hotel, nestled under Carningli (Mountain of the Angels) on the Nevern estuary, within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.Founded in 2003 by Ed and Louise Sykes, Llys Meddyg Hotel (llysmeddyg.com) is situated in a Georgian townhouse…7 min
Coast|May 2024A WEEKEND IN…SEAHOUSESOne of Northumberland’s best known coastal villages, Seahouses has been making happy memories for a few years now. It’s unique mixture of being a ‘kiss me quick’ style of resort and also having the gentle isolation of a centuries old fishing village draws you back time after time.Add on the fact it has become the jumping off point to visit the Farne Islands with its quarter of a million sea birds, plus seals and dolphins, and it has a plethora of pubs, restaurants, cafes and lovely little shops then you’re going to have to go some to get it all in.We drive in from the north with the islands and their lighthouses calling to us from out to sea with the high sand dunes and beaches also letting us know…5 min
Coast|May 2024COAST CHARACTERNigel Philpott is a registered Blue Badge guide for south central England and has worked along the south coast for over 20 years. Previously the commercial manager at Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway in the New Forest, Nigel began volunteering for Southampton’s heritage steamship SS Shieldhall in 2013, where he can be found during sailngs giving an informed commentary on the sights and history of Southampton Water and the Solent.Nigel reveals: “I get the best view in the house as we pass the mighty cruise ships moored on Southampton Water, before sailing by the listed pier at Hythe; the former Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley, and Henry VIII’s device forts at Netley and Calshot.“The Shieldhall is a rare survivor, a seagoing time capsule - she celebrates her 70th birthday in…2 min
Coast|May 2024We do like to be besideTHE SEASIDE…From boosting our mood to reducing anxiety, the mental benefits of spending time in green spaces are well known. But when it comes to our wellbeing, not all landscapes were created equal: in fact, studies have repeatedly shown that these positive effects are even more pronounced when we spend time by the sea.Back in 2013, researchers conducted one of the most extensive studies to date into the effect of different natural environments on our happiness. In the study, 20,000 smartphone users were promoted to record where they were and their sense of wellbeing at random intervals. Coastal landscapes were found by some distance to be the happiest locations.Whether it’s the sea breeze on our cheeks or the gentle rhythm of the rolling waves, spending time by the sea has a…4 min
Coast|May 2024PICTURE PERFECTIONThe beach has captured the artistic eye of David Edmond.The coastline seems a natural place for artists. The light, the changing weather, the endless possibilities of seascapes and landscapes, not to mention the contrast between busy bustling beaches and a quiet contemplative expanse of empty sand. But ironically, the beach can offer little visual inspiration for artists. It can lack landmarks, and colours are often limited to the blues and grey of the sea and sky, and the yellow ochre of golden sands. Under the paintbrush of a lesser artist, beachscapes can be unfocused and underwhelming.But artist David Edmond has taken up the challenge. The beach has become the latest vista to capture his artistic eye with the result of a series of stunning beachscapes that capture the pure joy…3 min
Coast|May 2024MOVE TOLEIGH-ON-SEANestled at the mouth of the Thames estuary in Essex, the coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea has bags of seaside charm which attracts day trippers and commuters from London.Mentioned as Legra in the Domesday book in 1086, Leigh-on-Sea’s geographical location to the east of the capital meant it flourished as a trading hub and naval base between the 14th and 18th centuries.The village continued to prosper in the 19th century thanks to its thriving oyster and shrimp trade, evidence of which can still be seen in Old Leigh, which hugs the coast. Here you can stop for fresh co*ckles on a cobbled lane, while away an afternoon painting clapboard housing and wooden fishing boats bobbing on the water or peruse Leigh Heritage Centre, a former blacksmith’s cottage that depicts daily life…6 min
Coast|May 2024GREAT OUTDOORSIf the weather follows the rules, May should be the time for dipping our toes into outdoor living. And this month is the perfect time to get everything ready for a long hot summer – and that means spending plenty of time outdoors, even if the sun isn’t shining as we might like.A garden designer once opined that our garden is probably our biggest room. Yet we don’t tend to give it the same time, effort - and often money - that it deserves. And like the kitchen, living room and bedroom, gardens are susceptible to trends in colour, furniture, floor coverings and even lighting and heating.Worst of all, they get the wear and tear of our changeable climate every year – but don’t despair and work out the cost…4 min
Coast|May 2024DOGS of the MONTHHere’s my dog, Frankie, on a trip to Robin Hood’s Bay in north Yorkshire. He loves the beach and chasing the tennis ball with his brother Rum, a co*cker spaniel. Anne Melrose, Colchester, Essex.This is my dog Bailey on the beach in Bryher on the Isles of Scilly. My parents live in Penzance and I live in London. Cornwall has been my second home since I was a teenager and I visit the Scillies every year and Penzance several times a year. Michelle Powell, London.Here is our three-year-old co*cker spaniel Margot enjoying the views at Porthcurno in Cornwall. We re-homed her in 2023 and this was her first holiday experience, taking everything in her stride. Margot cannot wait to return to Cornwall! Susan and Alan Cross, Fakenham, Norfolk.This is Monty…1 min
Coast|May 2024MY COASTBecca is enjoying a more relaxing pace of life in Cornwall.Becca Mably’s morning commute has changed hugely since she moved back to her homeland of Cornwall in 2020. Raised in Trebetherick in north Cornwall, Becca left home to spend nearly a decade in London working in the music industry managing pop stars around the globe. But when the opportunity to take on Highcliffe, the family business arose, and the chance to enjoy a slower pace of life she packed her bags and headed west.Becca reveals: “I am an early bird, so I am always up by 5.30am. First up, a hot lemon and tea! I need to get out of the house in the morning, so if the sea is looking inviting, I’ll walk down to nearby Greenaway Beach for…2 min
Coast|May 2024THE CREWSU CARROLLSu counts her blessings living in Plymouth, a big city with the amazing Theatre Royal and The Box art gallery and museum. Plymouth Sound is the site of the country’s first National Marine Park and there’s always lots to do in, around and on the water. Sometimes she sneaks over the border to Cornwall to Harlyn Bay with grandson Arthur, eight, and the rest of the family.CHRISSY HARRISChrissy is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years’ experience working for national and regional newspapers, magazines and websites. She’s based in south Devon and is often at her local beach with the dog. In this issue, she rounds up some top day trips to the coast.SARAH RICHESSarah has written for Condé Nast Traveller and National Geographic Traveller and was the…1 min
Coast|May 2024CATCH OF THE DAY1 THIS CUSHIONPrint Sisters Archive draws on historical prints and textile patterns to create vintage feel fabrics and wallpapers such as Oysters, shown here in ocean blue foam colourway on a cushion. (£85, printsistersarchive.com)2 THIS TOTE BAGCelebrating its 200th birthday, the RNLI’s Lifeboat Saturday range marks the world’s first street collection held in 1891 to support the families of lost lifeboat crew – there’s a tote bag, a scarf, a t-shirt and more. (£10, shop.rnli.org)3 THIS PICNIC SETGet ready to hit the beach this spring with some jaunty picnicware made from the sustainable material Ecozen. The picnic set for four is scratch resistant and dishwashable. (£66.95, berryuseful.co.uk)4 THIS KITCHEN CERAMICThe Blue Splatter pattern has been revived from the Emma Bridgewater archives exclusively for Liberty London – the large hen on…1 min
Coast|May 202410 THINGS TO DO IN MAY1 IT’S SHOWTIMEAny fan of Strictly Come Dancing will tell you how special Blackpool is – it’s the magic of the Tower ballroom which entrances the competitors and professionals alike.Showtown is a new museum which opened in March to celebrate the seaside, circus, magic, show, dance and Blackpool’s world-famous illuminations with six interactive exhibitions. Visitors have the chance to discover the people who helped put Blackpool on the entertainment map - comedians, dancers, acrobats and showbiz characters.There are galleries dedicated to different aspects of entertainment, including magic and illusion and the circus. The museum is right at the heart of the famous seafront – close to the tower, the piers, Madame Tussauds and the Coral Island Family Arcade.showtownblackpool.co.ukBlackpool Tower, built in 1894, is the iconic structure on Blackpool’s famous seafront…11 min
Coast|May 2024WAITING GAMEWithy pots were made in a beach or garden shed during the winter months, when the sea was too rough to go fishing. It was a tradition in Jamie’s family to start cutting bundles of withies on Boxing Day, from farmland around the edge of Pagham harbour.Today the area is overgrown and no longer used for this purpose, so Jamie sources his withies from a family-run business in Somerset. Ideally, he likes to use the withies around three weeks after they arrive, while they are still fresh and malleable. Soaking the ends in water helps to keep them hydrated, but they are at their best when they still have their original sap.…1 min
Coast|May 2024A GRAND DAY OUT…SOUTHEND ON SEA, ESSEXAnywhere that has an iconic Victorian pleasure pier is in the business of proper seaside fun. ‘Saaaaafend’, as they say, has held resort status since the 19th century and city status since 2021. This is place that embraces it all, much to the delight of the generations of day-trippers that come here for the arcades, candy floss and the posh restaurants.WHAT TO DO: The pier. At 1.3 miles, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world. It even has its own electric train line. Jetstream Tours offer boat trips from the pier to see the Maunsell Forts - armed towers built in the estuary during World War Two.The kids (including big kids) will go mad for Adventure Island, the free-to-enter seafront theme park.Southend Cliff Lift…8 min
Coast|May 2024MARINA NEWSBOATLIFE 2024 HAILED AS A MAJOR SUCCESSDuring its four-day run, BoatLife 2024 - Powered by Suzuki, solidified its position as an important sales show for the UK boating community. Despite current market challenges, the organisers were pleased to see attendance figures closely mirroring those of last year.Organisers said: “It was encouraging to see from the start the show generated a successful sales platform for a number of brands, setting the tone for days to come. Clearly from feedback exhibitors enjoyed a flow of quality enquiries, solid leads and potential deals - not just for boats but also equipment, holiday packages and products.”Other highlights recognised an array of achievements in the marine industry, such as the new Best of BoatLife Awards, voted for by the public. Technical Marine Supplies clinched the…3 min
Coast|May 2024coast CONFIDENTIALCULTURE, COASTLINE AND CREATIVITYNestled along Cymru’s southern coastline, the Dramatic Heart of Wales is often overshadowed by its more boisterous neighbours Cardiff, Gower and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Yet this landscape of stunning contrasts is a microcosm of Welsh tourism, ready to welcome visitors seeking adventure, action, culture, and coast.Surfers seeking year-round waves should head to Aberavon beach, warming up from a long surf at Remo’s Cafe on the seafront. For a day out featuring cycle paths, SUPing, high ropes assault courses, and stunning heritage site strolls, head to Margam Country Park, which boasts panoramic views of the coastline punctuated with the stark beauty of the steelworks.Dog-walkers are welcomed at Ty Hiraeth, a gorgeous cottage tucked in the majestic surroundings of the Afan Valley which welcomes up to four adults…4 min
Coast|May 2024DINE IN STYLESeahouses has a vast choice places to eat with quite a few hidden gems and it’s a good idea to walk around the village to see what’s on offer before you decide.There’s the American-style diner at the Bunker crazy golf course, two Indian restaurants, three fish and chip restaurants, a Chinese takeaway and two pizzerias. (Check out the excellent menu outside Insieme tucked away down a side street at the top of the High Street).Inns such as The Bamburgh Castle Hotel, The Black Swan and The Olde Ship all have excellent food on offer and you can also get a quick coffee either inside or out and sit and watch the world go by at places such as Seahouses Cafe, Trotters, Scotty’s and King Kebab, which serves an authentic Turkish…1 min
Coast|May 2024HOT HOTELWhat’s the buzz? How often do you think of the Roman Empire? This question – that went viral on TikTok - wasn’t uppermost in our minds arriving at the Cairndale Hotel. But as it turns out, the ancient sea port owes a great deal to the Romans.They were among the first to sail up the tidal River Nith - some nine miles inland from the Solway Firth - and Dumfries’ maritime air and stunning coast have ensured many have made it their ‘hame’ ever since.The Cairndale, a short walk from the historic Midsteeple and a stroll from the river and its iconic bridges and weir, boasts great facilities including a pool, sauna and steam room. Known for entertainment - dinner dances, ceilidhs and live music - the hotel is also…3 min
Coast|May 2024THREE MORE TO TRY…Arnside, CumbriaA circular walk crossing the border between Cumbria and Lancashire and taking in views of the Kent estuary viaduct and the attractive bay of White Creek. tinyurl.com/y5rt5xrwCromer, NorfolkA point-to-point from Cromer to Cley-next-the-Sea featuring woodland paths leading to the highest point in Norfolk, wonderful clifftop views and the chance to visit the Muckleburgh Collection. tinyurl.com/pyba924cSkipsea, YorkshireLinking Skipsea Sands and Barmston Holiday Parks, this route passes World War II lookout posts and Skipsea Castle, a motte and bailey built in 1086 by Flemish mercenary Drogo de la Buevriere. tinyurl.com/2xtx8rh6…1 min
Coast|May 202410 FABULOUS COASTAL SPOTS TOGO WILD SWIMMING1 CULLYKHAN BAY, PENNAN, ABERDEENSHIREDramatic cliff scenery surrounds this sheltered beach. Castle Point, also known as Fort Fiddes, overlooks the bay and is worth a post-swim climb. Look out farther west and you’ll see the gaping black mouth of Hell’s Lum, a collapsed sea cave at the end of a tunnel. Back in the water, the swimming here is good at high or low tide. Explore the edges and enjoy peering into the assorted rock pools and caves.2 WARDIE BAY, EDINBURGHThis is a popular choice and great for all ages and abilities. Sheltered by the breakwater, Wardie is usually calm and the water is easy to reach, even at low tide. Serious swimmers make a beeline for the various buoys in the bay, others bob around near the beach. Best…4 min
Coast|May 2024A MIGHTY VINE PROJECTAshared passion for Champagne and sustainable design led husband and wife, Ben and Sam Ellis, to build their dream home on the outskirts of the picturesque East Sussex village of Ditchling.The couple moved from London, where they had met working as town planners for a city consultancy, to Lewes when their three children, Georgia, Ollie and Eva, were small. With a wealth of property planning experience between them, they soon felt it was time to start looking for the ideal spot to build their perfect home.But for the Ellis’, that vision wasn’t just one of an idyllic residence in the country in which to raise their children, it was also one that would allow them to realise another dream – making their own sparkling wine.It all started in 2010, after…8 min
Coast|May 2024HISTORY IN FOCUSThis atmospheric photograph of a former German Second World War bunker at Pleinmont Headland on Guernsey was taken by Adam Simpkins.Adam explains: “I’m a professional automotive photographer by trade, but my passion away from cars is Second World War history. During university I worked on a project looking at abandoned wartime structures in the UK, documenting how they now sit in their environment.“After I’d photographed as much I could here, I travelled to Guernsey in search of large German bunkers. As the Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles invaded during the war the Germans heavily fortified them, thinking that we would want them back. This has left huge bunkers, tunnel systems, and observation towers dotted around the island.“What you see in the distance perilously perched on…1 min
Coast|May 2024SHOP OF THE MONTHThe Stephen Joseph Theatre is an independent theatre and cinema in the spa town of Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast. Its location is a beautifully restored Art Deco Odeon which houses a cinema and an intimate theatre-in-the-round.Scarborough man Sir Alan Ayckbourn was artistic director at the SJT from 1972-2009 and the majority of his 90 full-length plays – such as The Norman Conquests – have been launched there and continue to be so.The SJT Shop is an integral part of theatre life and is situated in the foyer. The coastal creative co-operative opened six years ago to showcase and sell the work of over 20 local authors, artists, crafters and artisan makers.Gifts on sale include poetry books, novels and spoken word recordings as well as photographs, fine art prints, paintings,…2 min
Coast|May 2024COMING SOON…A new nine-day nautical festival is being added to the events calendar on the Isles of Scilly. Ocean Scilly will be a broad, fun-filled celebration of the seas that surround the isles, championing all waterborne activities, sea life, the maritime heritage and everything on, in and above the water.It promises to be a family-friendly mix of aquatic adventures such as paddleboarding and kayaking, sailing sessions, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, coasteering, snorkelling with seals and boating of every kind.As part of the festival Scilly60 Events will be hosting five Swimrun adventures. A guided Swimrun taster session will involve three swims and five runs, with plenty of support along the way.Other events will include the St Mary’s Half Swimrun and Full Swimrun, a Junior Swimrun and the final event, the Archipelago Swimrun.August 23-September 1,…1 min
Coast|May 2024And there’s another thing…Visitors to Bude often ask me where people from Bude go for their holidays. It’s a good question. I live in a holiday resort so, in theory, every day must be like a holiday.Well, yes and no. Some days, when I do nothing but go into the office and then home again, I feel as if I could be living anywhere. Then again, when I can meet up with Lizzy for a sundowner at the Crooklets Beach Cafe, it’s like being on permanent vacation.Even so, it is nice to get away once in a while. Even for coastal dwellers, wanderlust is strong.Where do we go? People who work in hospitality or who own holiday businesses tend to take their holidays in the winter (they have no choice), which means there…3 min
Coast|May 2024DAY TIPS FROM THE COASTLundy Island – if you’re in North Devon, take a trip to Lundy for the day. The crossing can be, erm, interesting, but you’ll recover as soon you set foot on this wildlife haven. landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/Isles of Scilly - travel to the islands from Cornwall by Skybus from Land’s End or sail on board Scillonian III from Penzance and spend the day overseas. islesofscillytravel.co.ukSt Kilda - the dramatic archipelago of St Kilda lies 41-miles west of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and is the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. This boat trip is an epic one – crossings take up to four hours one way – but it’s a trip that you’ll never forget. nts.org.uk/visit/places/st-kildaExplore Gower: experience the beauty of Gower from the water. Set out to sea in…1 min
Coast|May 2024WIN A LUXURY STAY IN FOWEYWe have teamed up with Marners Rock to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a relaxing stay in the heart of Fowey.Marners Rock comprises three exquisite self-catering apartments located in the coastal town of Fowey, a town steeped in history in an area of outstanding natural beauty.These wonderful dog friendly holiday homes sleep between two to eight people and are nestled on the west bank of River Fowey’s tidal estuary, with breath-taking views across the water – the ideal base for those looking for a comfortable, stylish home from which to enjoy the charms of Fowey throughout all seasons.The apartments are family owned and run and provide the highest level of luxury accommodation, with stylish interiors, beds that were handcrafted by a local carpenter and a compelling collection…3 min
Coast|May 2024SHIPPING FORECAST FASTNETThe Fastnet Shipping Forecast region draws its name from a rocky outcrop off the southern tip of Ireland, etched on sailors’ charts as the ‘teardrop of Ireland’ - a title earned from its position as the last sight of Ireland for emigrants sailing to America. This isolated beacon, lying roughly 6.5km southwest of Cape Clear Island and about 13km from the Irish mainland, is a small, craggy outcrop, spanning around 24 acres, with its highest point standing 30m above sea level.Despite the island’s small size, it dominates the maritime landscape with the iconic Fastnet Lighthouse, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering. The 54-metre tower, clad in Cornish granite, was constructed to withstand the fiercest Atlantic storms. Its light, a powerful beacon with a range of 27 nautical miles, flashes white every…6 min
Coast|May 2024THREE TO TRY…A CLASSIC ONE-PIECEAnimal’s Zayley women’s swimsuit is perfect for beach spent days or water sports. This classic one-piece with a scooped back is crafted from durable recycled material. Adorned with the iconic Animal font and flexible straps offering complete freedom of movement, it’s the perfect choice for your summer adventures. It is also chlorine and saltwater resistant and its stretchy construction means it is comfortable to wear and gives full freedom of movement. animal.co.ukROLL WITH THIS RUCKSACKThe new roll top rucksack collection from D-Robe Outdoors features a 20L capacity, is fully waterproof and is made from recyclable and biodegradable material. It also has an external 14in laptop compartment and an air valve for compression to increase flexibility of sizing. It comes in Admiral Navy, Moss Green and Midnight Black colours.…1 min
Coast|May 2024WHAT TO DOMost people come to Seahouses to visit The Farne Islands with its incredible seabird colonies. Billy Shiels and Serenity Boats have trips to Inner Farne and Staple Island when they are open. You can also get boat trips to Holy Island and sunset cruises.The Farnes are also popular with divers due to the large numbers of wrecks around the islands and you can book diving sessions here.The Golden Gate is the only boat allowed to land on Longstone Island and tour inside the Trinity House Longstone Lighthouse.Ranger Jane Beach School offer a 90-minute beach safari where you can find out all about life amongst the rock pools. They also have a snorkel safari with a qualified diving instructor at both Seahouses and Beadnell.Seahouses has a large beach to the north…1 min
Coast|May 2024STILL CHARTING A SUCCESSFUL COURSEEdd Harvey-Bates taught Amelia Fairburn to sail in East Anglian Sea School dinghies when they were in their early teens. Who knew that their synergy out on the water would be the foundation of their future business partnership!In 1969 Amelia’s grandparents, Bill and Pat Smith, began teaching navigation classes in the back rooms of the family furniture shop in Essex. They were ahead of the curve, as the Royal Yachting Association introduced the first sail training schemes in 1973. Bill and Pat were well-placed to adopt these, and they ramped up their operation, launching the East Anglian School of Sailing. They began training students on Terada, a Westerly Centaur sailing out of Bradwell.In the early 1980s Bill and Pat made the decision to move to Fox’s Marina to expand, where…2 min
Coast|May 2024WALKING TO WELLBEINGFor many of us, spending the majority of our time by the coast may be more of a wish than a reality. But the good news is you don’t need a house with a sea view to experience a wellbeing boost. Researchers from the University of Exeter have found you’ll start to feel the benefits after just two hours a week by the seaside. Just about the time it takes for a leisurely seaside stroll.But with so many picturesque stretches of coastline to choose from, knowing where to start can seem daunting. That’s where the Ramblers come in. As well as a library packed full of coastal routes like the ones above, we’re also Britain’s largest and most vibrant walking community: in fact, we led over 96,000 group walks last…1 min
Coast|May 202410 fabulous COASTAL HOMES to buy1 CHAPEL PORTH, CORNWALLGUIDE PRICE £1,600,000Willow Lodge stands as a testament to design and craftmanship. The property boasts an abundance of period features and charm. The ground floor features a magnificent kitchen/dining room with a rustic limestone floor and bespoke painted ‘Shaker’ units, housing a range of high-spec appliances.The sitting room, boasting a full double floor height into the ‘A’ frame, showcases a granite fireplace with a Franklin wood-burning stove. Trifold doors open on two sides to reveal views of the sunken wild garden and terrace, with picturesque views out to sea. Accompanying this is a guest suite with a wet room and an additional downstairs bedroom/study with its own bathroom.The first floor plays host to a library/sitting room that has been artfully crafted with bespoke bookcases, a fireplace, and…5 min
Coast|May 2024WHAT YOU CAN GET FOR YOUR MONEYBURSTING WITH LIGHT (£375,000)This two-bedroom flat on the ground floor of a contemporary building sits just off Broadway, a few minutes’ walk from Leigh-on-Sea’s best restaurants and cafes. It’s south facing, so it bursts with light during the day, while underfloor heating keeps things cosy in cooler months. rightmove.co.uk/properties/86356275#/?channel=RES_BUYGOOD-SIZED GARDEN (£575,000)Just across the road from Leigh Heritage Centre in the centre of Old Leigh, this semi-detached three-bedroom house has a good-sized rear courtyard garden. The main bedroom features two double glazed doors opening onto a south-facing balcony that has sweeping views of the estuary. rightmove.co.uk/properties/132732290#/?channel=RES_BUYCLOSE TO THE BEACH (£400,000)This semi-detached bungalow near Chalkwell Park is a 15-minute amble from Chalkwell Station and beach. As well as a spacious lounge and two large double bedrooms, it features a beautiful rear garden…1 min
Coast|May 2024Coast SEA DOGSA PERFECT COASTAL SPOT FOR POOCHESWhen it comes to holiday stays by the sea, dog lovers usually have a few priorities, writes RICHARD BRYSON. We tend to want properties that have a safe and secure garden, a beach that permits dogs (obviously) and plenty of local walks. If you have an elderly pet, or like us, one with an elbow deformity, an absence of stairs plus a non-slippery floor may also be important.Rosehearty, a three-bedroom bungalow at Winterton, Norfolk, let by specialists Winterton Cottages, ticks all those boxes and a lot more besides. It may not be set in the most fashionable part of this county (the likes of ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, AKA Burnham Market and surrounds) but it is close to the Broads, about half an hour from Norwich, and Winterton…8 min
