LIFESTYLE TRAVEL
It’s a beachy life
B
eaches are synonymous with childhood. Whether teen or toddler, beaches are a playground for children of all ages. Memories
of my own childhood are peppered with images of rockpools and shrimping in Jersey, as well as wild, windswept beaches in the Hebrides. With my own children, who are now 17, 14 and 12, I have tried to instill a sense of continuity – a deep-rooted love of a particular place which, in years to come, will trigger happiness at the thought of childhood holidays. Our chosen spot is in north Wales, near to Harlech beach – a six-mile expanse of golden sand backed by undulating dunes, as well as Harlech Castle and the mountains of Snowdonia. We’ve had hot summer days
there, lolling about in the sun, swimming, boogie-boarding and playing French cricket. The below are my recommendations for family beach holidays – many of which we have enjoyed in time away from Wales, as well as others which are still on my wish list.
Summer UK
In the same way that we are devoted to our bit of Wales, you will fi nd families with strong allegiances to other parts of the UK. The Cornish brigade generally fall into north Cornwall regulars who enjoy Polzeath (good surfi ng school), Constantine Bay (ideal for buckets and spades) or Trebarwith Strand (great for everything), while those who visit south Cornwall usually do so for the superb sailing and watersports.
Near right: Hilltop
view of the Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus.
Far right: Family
scuba diving in the Caribbean
Beach holidays off er entertainment for teens and tots alike. Pamela Goodman explores some family holiday locations that off er sun, sea, sandcastles, shrimping, sailing and surfi ng
Further north is Saunton Sands in Devon, a
three-mile stretch of fl at sand that’s perfect for surfi ng or sandcastles. Head to East Anglia and you’ll fi nd Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, where children of all ages hang out on the long stretch of pebble beach, when they are not sailing, playing tennis, or rowing on the mere. In nearby Norfolk, Holkham beach is truly stupendous, although for messing about in boats and on mudfl ats, some people swear by Burnham Overy Staithe and its environs. In Wales, the Pembrokeshire coast has a loyal following for its cliffs and sandy bays. Wales has more Blue Flag beaches than any other in the UK, making it perfect for swimmers and little ones. Keen surfers, windsurfers and sailors, however, should go to Abersoch on the tip of the Llyn Peninsula. There’s a surfi ng school and Hell’s Mouth (a famous surfi ng beach) but the main Abersoch beach is good for toddlers too. Let’s also not forget the Scottish fraternity. The Hebridean Islands boast some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Much of the west side of the 130-mile-long string of islands is beach – and not just any old beach but pearly white sand and turquoise water. Everyone has their favourite – mine is Balephuil on the Isle of Tiree, scene of many childhood summers.
d Make plans
To fi nd UK rental properties and beyond
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk deals directly
with the owners. Walking on Waves surf school, Saunton Sands email: sarah@
walkingonwaves.co.uk. UK surf schools,
visit
www.britsurf.co.uk
Above: Windsurfi ng off the Isle of Tiree,
Scotland. Above right:
Surfi ng at Saunton Sands.
Right: Shrimping at Paignton, Devon
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