Over the years, I have walked more than 4,000 miles along Britain’s coast, and I have been struck by the beauty of the shoreline and sea that encircles our isles. England has some of the finest beaches in the world, and in summer, visiting them can be as rewarding as a holiday abroad – all you need is a little planning and luck with the weather.
With the exception of Cheshire and Bristol/Gloucestershire, which have fine estuary walks but no beaches to speak of, every coastal county has something to offer. Whether you are a family with young children or an adventurous soul, you are sure to find a suitable stretch of shoreline in a nation that is never more than 70 miles from the sea.
Personal favourites are subjective, but these are the English beaches that have made me stop and marvel….
Cornwall – Portheras Cove
Portheras Cove has long attracted artists for its light (Photo: Ian Wool/Getty)
