You may also like:<\/strong><\/p>

Britain\u2019s best family friendly beaches<\/a><\/li>
Britain’s best beaches<\/a><\/li>
Rockpool identification guide<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
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$\"\"$ <\/figure><\/div><\/div>
Robin Hoods Bay, Yorkshire<\/h3>
$\"Robin$
The tide ebbs at Robin Hood\u2019s Bay in the North York Moors National Park to reveal a series of wave-cut platforms\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Robin Hood’s Bay<\/a> is a hidden bit of history, with its raw, brooding cliffs, red-roofed cottages and unusual architecture. The beach itself is one of the UK\u2019s best spots for fossil hunting<\/a>.<\/p>
Perfect to visit in the winter, you can enjoy a walk along the cliffs or beach to take in the historical village and spectacular scenery and end in one of the many cosy pubs.<\/p>
Durdle Door, Dorset<\/h3>
$\"durdle$
Durdle Door covered with rare winter snow\/Credit: Antony Spencer, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Running from Orcombe Point near Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, the Jurassic Coast<\/a> is a wonder in the soft light of summer, but in the winter its striking, rugged beauty really shines through. With over 90 miles of coastal walks, stunning beaches and impressive cliffs, there is plenty of choice about where to go.<\/p>
Wrap up warm and enjoying the coast without the crowds of the summer. Durdle Door<\/a> in particular is worth a visit; try and get there early on a misty morning and watch the sunrise through the door.<\/p>
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire<\/h3>
$\"Pretty$
Runswick Bay is a quaint little coastal village near Whitby in West Yorkshire\/Credit: TraceyAPhotos, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The pristine, mile-long sands of the former fishing village of Runswick Bay on the North Yorkshire coast were recently crowned \u201cBritain\u2019s best beach\u201d by the Times and Sunday Times.<\/p>
With its sheltered, sweeping bay, golden sands and delightful cluster of pantile red-roofed cottages tumbling down to the sea, it is a firm favourite with many families. The beach, which once provided anchorage for scores of brightly coloured fishing boats, is now more popular for rockpooling<\/a>, Jurassic Age fossil-hunting<\/a> and bracing coastal walks<\/a>.<\/p>
Walberswick, Suffolk<\/h3>
$\"Walberswick$
Walberswick offers solitude and space in the winter months\/Credit: chillingworths, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, tucked away between the mouth of the river Blythe and the Suffolk coast, Walberswick<\/a> is well worth a visit this winter. It has miles of marshland, heath and coast to enjoy as well as access to the Suffolk Coast Path<\/a> that stretches 50 miles along the east coast.<\/p>
A bustling holiday destination in the summer, it\u2019s relaxed and quiet during the winter, with the crumbling Pump Mill ruins and beautiful natural scenery, contrasted with a the historic trading village, there is lots to enjoy.<\/p>
Embleton Bay, Northumberland<\/h3>
$\"Beach$
An old tree trunk washed up on Embleton Bay in a winter storm\/Credit: John Finney, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A beautiful long stretch of beach overlooked by the impressive ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay<\/a> is a perfect winter beach. On a clear cold morning the ruins can be seen perfectly from the beach and beach itself backs onto dunes, famous for there flowers, grasses and birds.<\/p>
More beach walks:<\/strong><\/p>
Walk: Holkham Beach, Norfolk<\/a><\/li>
Guide to Anglesey: best places to visit and coastal walks<\/a><\/li>
Walk: Branscombe to Beer, East Devon<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
Heysham, Lancashire<\/h3>
$\"Heysham$
Heysham Sands are on the shoreline of Heysham, and area inhabited by humans since the Stone Age\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The village of Heysham has some wonderful views to enjoy this winter. The town backs directly onto the cliffs and beaches creating some beautiful contrasting scenery. The famous graves in the ruins of St Patrick’s chapel are also worth a visit and look particularly spooky shrouded in a winter mist.<\/p>
Charmouth, Dorset<\/h3>
$\"Beach$
Charmouth beach looking into low winter sun. Dorset, England, United Kingdom\/Credit: FatManPhotoUK, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There are few family pleasures as simple or as satisfying as finding fossils on the beach. It\u2019s an outdoor experience perfect for children of all ages, and it continues to delight adults, too. There\u2019s no better place to indulge a passion for fossils than the Jurassic coastline of Dorset and Devon. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it\u2019s made up of 95 miles and 185 million years of prehistoric life, gradually exposed for eventual discovery.<\/p>
The Dorset village of Charmouth<\/a> \u2013 the gateway to the Jurassic Coast \u2013 is pleasantly removed from the blare and glare of other seaside amusements, and is a wonderful starting point for a fossil-hunting daytrip<\/p>
Best winter beaches in Scotland<\/h2>
Port Castle Bay, Dumfries and Galloway<\/h3>
$\"Port$
Port Castle Bay forms part of the south-western shoreline of the Machars peninsula \u2013 an area sometimes referred to as the Plains of Galloway\/Credit: Geograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A wind-wrapped Port Castle Bay<\/a>, on the south-western shores of the Machars peninsula in Dumfries and Galloway, is an ideal spot to embrace nature and follow in the footsteps of pilgrims \u2013 old and modern \u2013 to an adorned cave. To reach the secluded, stony site, drive south from Whithorn and follow the Historic Scotland road signs for St Ninian\u2019s Cave, down a tall beech-lined avenue to a car park.<\/p>
Sandwood Bay, Sutherland<\/h3>
$\"Sandwood$
At the southern end of the bay, a dagger-like sea stack, Am Buachaille, punctures the skyline\/Credit: Clive Griffiths, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Sandwood Bay<\/a> is one of Britain\u2019s most remote and beautiful beaches. Flanked by grassy dunes and buffeted by the rolling breakers of the Atlantic, the swath of white sand is a wild and wonderful place.<\/p>
The only way in is on foot and the car park at Blairmore, on the narrow road between Kinlochbervie and Sheigra, is the perfect place to start.<\/p>
Saligo Bay, Isle of Islay<\/h3>
$\"Saligo$
Remote Saligo Bay on Islay, Argyll and Bute\/Credit: Alan Copson, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Saligo Bay<\/a> can be found on Islay\u2019s Atlantic west coast, west of Loch Gorm. Many say Saligo Bay is the island\u2019s most beautiful bay, and offers stunning light conditions for photographers.<\/p>
Pack a flask of tea and a blanket and head down to this gorgeous bay to watch an unforgettable Atlantic sunset.<\/p>
Port Mora and Port Kale, Dumfries and Galloway<\/h3>
$\"Person$
Port Mora, Dumfries and Galloway\/Credit: Donald Greig<\/figcaption><\/figure>
On the south-western tip of Dumfries and Galloway in southern Scotland, a series of spectacular cliffs overlooks the Irish Sea. Snuggled into this idyllic coastline, about a mile north of Portpatrick, are the twin coves of Port Mora and Port Kale<\/a>. <\/p>
Without vehicle access to the beaches, the only traffic you\u2019re likely to encounter here is the distant glimpse of a ferry sailing between Cairnryan and Larne in Northern Ireland.<\/p>
Achmelvich, Sutherland<\/h3>
$\"Person$
Even in winter, there are those who brave the waters of Achmelvich Bay\/Credit: Jake Graham<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The single track road heads west, navigating the valley floor between the low, tortoise-back tors of north-west Scotland.<\/p>
Fissured hillsides of heather and shrub rise and fall beside the car, sinking into grassland before arriving on to the shores of Achmelvich Bay<\/a> \u2013 a sweep of soft, white sand, scythe-like, sheltered between the gnarled rock of two stunted headlands.<\/p>
North Berwick, East Lothian<\/h3>
$\"Seaside$
North Berwick, a seaside town in East Lothian with its arched beach\/Credit: moomusician, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Witch trials, fierce battles and huge volcanic blasts; the town of North Berwick<\/a> and its surrounding landscape has a long, fabled and fractious past. Yet in the 19th century, as the hum and smoulder of the industrial revolution largely bypassed the town, its character began to shift.<\/p>
Today, the town\u2019s Victorian past remains embedded within its charming backstreets and broad, sweeping beach. Dip sandy toes into the 1930s tidal pool and admire Beach Road\u2019s reef of 19th-century balconies and bay windows. This town is vintage, but there is far more to it than a step into the past. Head to the Scottish Seabird Centre<\/a> and learn about the local wildlife, or for those with a stomach for heights, get in touch with East of Scotland Microlights<\/a> for a tour of the sky and expansive, aerial views of the island-flecked coast.<\/p>
Guide to Britain’s seashells<\/a><\/h4>
Take a closer look next time you\u2019re walking along the seashore and you may be surprised about what you find \u2013 a pointy top shell, a colourful periwinkle or a spired whelk.<\/p>
Each species in our ID guide has specific patterns and markings, and varies in shape and size, offering clues about the animals\u2019 evolution and their day-to-day lives.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
Killantringan, Dumfries and Galloway<\/h3>
$\"A$
The sun sets over Killantringan Bay\/Credit: Nick Silverstein, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A coastal point just outside of Portpatrick, Killantringan is an impressive area of raw cliffs and rugged beaches. A lonely lighthouse position at its peak adds to the surrounding view.<\/p>
With the rolling Galloway hills to one side and coast to the other, it\u2019s a hotspot for wildlife, including golden eagles and red deer. Half a mile south there is also the Dunskey Castle ruin, a 12th century tower house.<\/p>
Best winter beaches in Wales<\/h2>
Dunraven Bay, Vale of Glamorgan<\/h3>
$\"Aerial$
Fast-eroding sedimentary rock cliffs line the 14-mile-long Glamorgan Heritage Coast\/Credit: WhitcombeRD, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dunraven Bay<\/a>, with its dramatic cliffs and other-worldly ribbons of limestone stretching out to sea, is one of my favourite beaches in South Wales. It never fails to boggle my brain that all of this used to be at the bottom of a warm, shallow sea near the Equator; the layers of blue lias rock (named for its grey-blue colour) were laid down when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.<\/p>
Battered by the elements, this compacted history is eroding before our very eyes, making it a prime spot for the amateur fossil hunter, while those armed with nets and buckets can lose themselves among the rockpools, searching for crabs, anemones and seaweed.<\/p>
Criccieth, Gwynedd<\/h3>
$\"Criccieth$
Sunset over Criccieth Castle and beach\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If the tide is very low (check tide tables \u2013 it comes in fast), you can walk around the promontory of Graig Ddu \u2013 riddled with sea caves<\/a> \u2013 and to Criccieth<\/a> along its stony beach (the Wales Coast Path takes walkers over the headland, through farmland and across the railway to Criccieth).<\/p>
The seaside town has a castle, abundant charm and refreshment \u2013 the Blue China Tearoom and Cadwaladers<\/a> are particularly good.<\/p>
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower<\/h3>
$\"Three$
Winter sun over Three Cliffs Bay\/Credit: Geograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A hidden beauty throughout the year, during the winter this spot is really an isolated wonder. The sunken Three Cliffs Way<\/a> is eerily quiet during the winter, with the surrounding cliffs enclosing the beach.<\/p>
You can also enjoy a coastal walk up to the ruined castle to really take in the spectacular views and sounds of nothing but the nature around you.<\/p>
Beachcombing guide: things to find along the seashore and best beaches in the UK<\/a><\/p>
Extraordinary and beautiful treasures can be found along the British coastline. Here is our expert guide to beachcombing, including things to look out for, how to beachcomb and best beaches for beachcombing in the UK.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
Traeth yr Ora, Anglesey<\/h3>
$\"Winter$
Walk to remote Traeth yr Ora on Anglesey\/Credit: Geograph<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The isolated, sandy beach of Taeth yr Ora lies midway between the villages of Benllech and Amlwch on the north-east coast of Anglesey. The cove can only be accessed by foot or boat, meaning few people venture to this remote spot, especially in winter.<\/p>
Explore the island of Anglesey on a three-mile easy walk<\/a> across a remote stretch of Anglesey’s north coastline. Look out for seals, porpoises and bottlenose dolphins as you stroll through Anglesey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.<\/p>
Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire<\/h3>
$\"St$
St Davids Head can only be reached on foot along the coastal path \u2013 the nearest road ending at Whitesands Bay is about a mile to the south-east\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This dramatic headland northwest of St David<\/a>\u2019s and Whitesands beach is spectacular for sea views and coastal walks. In winter, the sea churns up some beautiful surf and crashing waves that are mesmerizing to watch.<\/p>
Britain\u2019s best coastal caves, arches and stacks<\/a><\/p>
Along the British coastline you will find a range of dramatic rock formations which range from hidden caves, arches and stacks. Our guide to the most spectacular coastal caves, arches and stacks along the British coast.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve, Glamorgan<\/h3>
$\"Merthyr$
Gaze as far as Porthcawl from atop the tall grass-tufted dunes at Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve\/Credit: Geogrpah<\/figcaption><\/figure>
You don\u2019t need a stomach for roller-coasters to take on Merthyr Mawr\u2019s \u2018big dipper\u2019 \u2013 the second highest sand dune in Europe. <\/p>
A Carboniferous limestone ridge covered with sand, this huge dune\u2019s steep sides tower over Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve<\/a>\u2019s unique wildlife-rich landscape, where rich, soft colours of moss and marram grass blend into sultry butterscotch sands.<\/p>
Best winter beaches in Northern Ireland<\/h2>
Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down<\/h3>
$\"Silhouettes$
The granite tops of the Mourne Mountains \u2013 Northern Ireland\u2019s highest peaks \u2013 overlook Murlough Beach\/Credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Situated 3.5 miles north-east of the coastal town of Newcastle in County Down, Murlough National Nature Reserve<\/a> is a wildlife-watchers\u2019 dream, even in winter. <\/p>
Its range of habitats play host to a vast diversity of flora and fauna, and the long, sandy beach is the focal point of a fantastic walk, overlooked by the iconic Mourne Mountains.<\/p>
Downhill\/Benone beach, County Derry<\/h3>
$\"Winter$
Benone Strand \u2013 also called Downhill Beach \u2013 is one of the longest beaches in Northern Ireland\/Credit: Joaquin Ossorio-Castillo, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Downhill and Benone beaches<\/a> stretch seven glorious miles to Magilligan Point. Here, the wind throws the body off-kilter, stings the lips with its spume-blown salt and fills the ears with the roar of the Atlantic. With waves reaching upwards of five and six feet, it\u2019s a place to surf or walk, not sunbathe.<\/p>
Dundrum Bay, County Down<\/h3>
$\"Snowy$
Dundrum\u2019s Inner Bay is almost entirely landlocked and is separated from the Outer Bay by Murlough NNR\u2019s ancient sand dune systems\/Credit: Robert Thompson, Avalon<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Dundrum Bay<\/a> is a nature lover\u2019s haven in the colder months of the year when the Inner Bay teems with overwintering birds. This coastal walk begins on the edge of the Inner Bay at Dundrum, one of the county\u2019s loveliest villages, set below a magnificent Norman castle ruin. <\/p>
Cushendall and Cushendun, County Antrim<\/h3>
$\"Coastal$
The sun rises over Cushendall in Northern Ireland\/Credit: Keith Lecky, Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Cushendall’s ancient tower once served as \u201ca place of confinement for idlers and rioters\u201d, and Cushendun, near which there is a large boulder snared in the roots of an ancient tree with a small altar beside it. Roman Catholics would furtively worship at this Mass Rock when the penal laws banned them from practising their religion in the early 18th century. A local priest still conducts a service there each summer.<\/p>
Cushendun\u2019s sea caves made waves as the ominous Stormlands in Game of Thrones <\/i>but despite the fanfare, these ancient red sandstone caves remain down to earth. Visit in winter for added atmosphere.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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The British coastline has a wild beauty in the colder months but still offers incredible wildlife, views and buckets of fresh air. Our guide looks at the best beaches to visit in the UK in the winter months. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":33593,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"17"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/12\/32-wild-and-wonderful-beaches-to-visit-this-winter-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The British coastline has a wild beauty in the colder months but still offers incredible wildlife, views and buckets of fresh air. Our guide looks at the best beaches to visit in the UK in the winter months.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/33592"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33593"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Best winter beaches in Wales<\/h2>