Autumn Walks on the Beach

ICYMI: summer is coming to end. Pumpkin spice is in the air, jumpers and scarfs are being rescued from the backs of wardrobes and under beds. Soon, we will be saying to each other “hey isn’t it getting dark so much earlier now… when do the clocks change again?” So, this may seem like a strange time to write a post about some of my favourite beach walks, but Autumn is when English beaches come into their own. I think of brightly coloured jumpers, boots on the sand and a cool wind making the tip of your nose tingle. Then fish and chips and mug of tea to warm yourself up after a slow walk in the salt air. Here are some of my favourites places to explore as the season changes.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

This beach seems to go on for miles and miles and I’ve never known it feel busy. I’ve also never known it to be warm either – there’s always a sneaky wind so take plenty of clothes to wrap up. It feels quite rugged in places and is beautiful on a cold clear day.

The beach is also watched over by the huge Bamburgh Castle which is fun to visit.

We stayed in a shepherd’s hut at Westfield House Farm which was absolutely gorgeous and super comfy – would definitely recommend this place for those who like glamping or staying somewhere a bit different.

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Whitby, Yorkshire

Whitby is a small seaside town that is bursting with things to see and do. There’s the links to Dracula to explore, the 199 steps to climb up to the ruins of the abbey, and a whale’s jaw bone to stand under and take a picture of.

My favourite thing to do in Whitby is to get some of the superb fish and chips and then walk up to the abbey. Magpie Café is super traditional and lovely, or you could go the Star Inn the Harbour for something a bit more fancy.

It’s a great day out and very atmospheric at night for a walk through the cobbled streets.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Bright and colourful beach huts line the beach making even the cloudiest and gloomiest of days feel joyful. Walk from Wells-Next-The-Sea to Holkham past the lagoon: it’s also a great place for looking for the mussel, oyster and razor clam shells that decorate the beach.

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Wells-next-the-Sea is a very picturesque little village with two great hotels (The Crown and The Globe Inn). 

“What about the rest of the UK?” I hear you cry. Well, I’ve only ever been to Northern Ireland and Scottish beaches in summer when they are looking magical and so cannot confirm, but am highly convinced, that they would also make for glorious autumnal walks. And as for Wales, I am currently travelling there! It is my first time so I’m looking forward to coming home with some Welsh recommendations of where to go and visit.