Latest news with #ChrisHaslam
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach
I found the perfect Welsh coast walk with secluded swim spot and food right on the beach Combine beaches, woodlands, and a pancake stop on this straightforward coastal hike The 180-mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path is a well-established National Trail within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Image: Shared Content Unit ) There's no better way to embrace the great outdoors than lacing up your hiking boots and heading for the Welsh coast. With the salty breeze in your hair, the crash of waves and dreamy sea views stretching to the horizon, walking along the bracing Welsh coastline invigorates the senses. Wales has an extraordinary 870-mile-long coast path – the first in the world to trace an entire nation's shoreline. The famous trail bursts with dramatic headlands, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and wildlife. While walking its full length is a bucket-list challenge you don't need to be an ultra-hiker to enjoy its best bits. Throughout the long-distance route countless short walks and circular trails offer epic coastal scenery without requiring a full expedition. One of my favourite treks, which I recently discovered, is in Pembrokeshire. It features sandy shores, secluded bays, and a pancake and waffle hut right on the beach. The 5.1-km out-and-back walk is from Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point and features some inclines through a wooded area as you trace the shore. You can follow the coast's path signs or download the trail on the AllTrails app. It starts at the coastal village of Saundersfoot. Considered a "compact version of Tenby" the swish seaside town has a sandy beach that has just been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide and is described as a beach that "rewards explorers". The 17th edition of the list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. Chris' selection was based on an exhaustive 11-point inspection checklist. Article continues below The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness. Outside of the acclaimed beach the town and surrounding area have plenty of things to see and do including a coastal trail, proper pubs, independent shops, and cafes. If you want to experience the scenic shoreline, though, the best thing to do is lace up your hiking boots and hit the coast path. Saundersfoot Beach to Monkstone Point hike The walk starts on the beach (Image: St Brides Spa Hotel ) From Saundersfoot Beach head towards the harbour. This marine hub, completed in 1834, primarily served Pembrokeshire's burgeoning coal industry. The harbour facilitated coal exports, significantly contributing to the local economy. In recent years Saundersfoot Harbour has undergone significant redevelopment to modernise its facilities, establish new business ventures, and promote local heritage through the Welcome and Heritage Centre. From the harbour follow the B1436 and you'll soon reach the award-winning clifftop St Bride's Hotel and Spa, where you can gaze over Saundersfoot Bay from their jaw-dropping infinity swimming pool and elevated rooms. This privately-owned hotel is a few minutes from the beach allowing guests to enjoy ocean therapy before indulging in the many spa treatments. I highly recommend this swish coastal bolthole if you want to stay longer in Saundersfoot. You'll continue along the Glen Road from the hotel until you reach the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which you'll follow through the peaceful Glen Woods as it ascends over the craggy shoreline. Part of the walk goes through beautiful woodlands (Image: Portia Jones ) As you climb higher you'll see the sandy Glen Beach. This woodland and cliff-backed beach has two main access points: Saundersfoot Harbour at low tide and Glen Woods when the tide is in. Visit early, during the off-season, and you'll have a secluded spot where you can swim in clear waters or enjoy a picnic with sweeping coastal views. Keep going and you'll soon pass Swallow Tree Gardens behind you – a small holiday park situated yards from the beach and sheltered by pinewoods. The perfect spot for a breather (Image: Portia Jones ) Follow the coast path and soon reach Monkstone Point – a secluded rocky headland with golden sands and naturally-formed pools. You can spend a good few hours here swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the unusual rock formations. To return to Saundersfoot follow the coast path back the way you came and look for a pancake hut on the beach and a mobile sauna overlooking the shore. Have pancakes on the beach On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da (Image: Portia Jones ) Hungry after your hike? On Saundersfoot's golden sands you'll find Crêp Da, a cutesy pop-up pancake van run by Courtney and Anouk. This compact green van sells a delectable selection of freshly-made pancakes and waffles along with iced coffee, hot chocolate, and hot drinks. Their fresh-off-the-griddle crepes and golden waffles come piled high with your pick of sweet gooey goodness. Expect melty Nutella and strawberries, maple syrup with sliced banana, or simple sugar and lemon. Craving something extra? There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials like Smarties-studded waffles, Twix-packed crepes, and Bounty-topped beauties. Each one is as outrageously delicious as it is Instagrammable. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . There are also plenty of drool-worthy specials (Image: Portia Jones ) Hwyl Outdoor Sauna If you need a moment to unwind after hiking and feasting on pancakes why not book a sauna session with a sea view? You can enjoy wellness by the water at Hwyl Outdoor Sauna – a mobile wood-fired sauna overlooking the award-winning blue-flagged beach. This sustainability-focused sauna sources its wood locally and has the cleanest-burning sauna fire available, keeping its carbon footprint low. Who doesn't love a steamy sesh with eco credentials? A treat awaits (Image: @sillbillsocial ) Bookable for 25-minute and 50-minute sessions, enjoy the invigorating experience of deep healing and mindfulness using the heat of the sauna and the bracing cold of the sea. You can book slots for a shared sauna or a private session to rent the whole six-person sauna just for yourself and your friends and family for a steam and epic sea view. Pint with a view The perfect finale (Image: harbwrbarandkitchen/Facebook ) Round off your trip to Saundersfoot with a lovely pint with a view. Pull up a chair at Harbwr Bar & Kitchen, perfectly perched on Saundersfoot Harbour, and settle in for a laid-back pub sesh with some lovely Welsh brews. This stylish seaside spot is the swish sister venue of Tenby's award-winning Harbwr Brewery, which is pouring the good stuff straight from the source. Article continues below If you're more into your spirits don't miss the Harbwr Dry Gin, crafted in west Wales and distilled with actual beer. It's crisp, coastal, and perfect with tonic and a slice of citrus.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
One of Wales' best beaches has an amazing campsite where ocean views are unreal and you can order award-winning streetfood
One of Wales' best beaches has an amazing campsite where ocean views are unreal and you can order award-winning streetfood This dreamy beach has a campsite with a pitch described as "the best in the nation." The campsite at Three Cliffs Bay in Gower is described as having "the best beach view in the country." (Image: Copyright Unknown ) Wales' craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and has a vast range of sandy shores, secluded bays and pebble-strewn beaches with clear waters for swimming. From Pembrokeshire's golden sand beaches and tiny coves to the windswept Llŷn Peninsula and the Vale of Glamorgan's Jurassic coastline, you are truly spoiled for choice here. Unsurprisingly, eight Welsh beaches have been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide for 2025. The 17th edition of the highly anticipated list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. Chris's selection was based on an exhaustive 11-point inspection checklist. The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness. One of the Welsh beaches on the list has a nearby campsite with a pitch described as "the best in the nation." Haslam describes the Three Cliffs Holiday Park in Three Cliffs Bay in Gower as having "the best beach view in the country." Article continues below Three Cliffs Bay Beach has won many accolades and was recently named one of the Best Beaches in Europe in 2025. The sandy beach has been ranked alongside Diamond Beach in Iceland and the Blue Lagoon in Malta, among other top coves and bays. Three Cliffs Bay Beach was also a finalist in the ITV series Britain's Favourite View (the only nomination in Wales) and appears regularly in those 'top ten' lists beloved by papers. If you're an early riser, you'll be treated to one of the most unreal sunrise views in Wales. Three Cliffs Bay Beach was also a finalist in the ITV series Britain's Favourite View (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Named after its three distinctive limestone sea stacks, it's well known for its dramatic natural beauty, expansive sand dunes, salt marshes, and the Pennard Pill stream that wanders over the sands. It's part of the Gower ANOB, a particularly scenic stretch of the Wales Coast Path. In 1956, it was the first area in Britain to be designated as an AONB. The gorgeous, varied landscape includes sandy beaches, cliffs, and salt marshes. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here One of the more challenging walks in the area is the Southgate to Three Cliffs Bay walk as featured by the National Trust. They explain that this walk starts in Southgate car park and follows a coastal footpath with a downhill section to the Three Cliffs Bay. You'll also trek through a wooded valley, including muddy woodland floors and an uneven stony path. The walk starts with a steep descent into the valley and ends by climbing back up the same hill. Three Cliffs Bay Camping Looking for a longer stay in the area? Three Cliffs Bay is Swansea Bay and Gower's only Visit Wales 5-star family campsite and has epic coast views (Image: The Greenroom, Mumbles ) Looking for a longer stay in the area? Three Cliffs Bay campsite is Swansea Bay and Gower's only Visit Wales 5-star family campsite, tucked right in the heart of Gower. Just a short walk from the glorious Three Cliffs Bay, it's the perfect spot for families to enjoy golden sands and epic views. Whether you're setting up tents, caravans, or motorhomes, there's space for everyone at this coastal retreat. Pitches have sea or countryside views, and there are plenty of options for guests bringing their own tents. If you want a more comfy slumber by the coast, the luxurious yurts sleep up to five people and are naturally dog-friendly, making them an excellent choice for families with furry friends. The campsite has a newly refurbished amenity block with over 20 ensuite-style bathrooms, underfloor heating, touch-sensor showers, and large heated mirrors. Separate loos, a kitchen area, a disabled bathroom, and outdoor dog-washing showers are also available. Food Anarchy will be on-site (Image: Phil Fraser ) For 2025, you can now book all your hot food online. This year, the swish site also welcomes Phil from Food Anarchy and award-winning Babita's Spice Deli. If you want a slice with a view, you can also order tasty pizzas from the shop (until 7:45 p.m.). Fabulous Indian street food from Babita's Spice Deli More on Wales' beaches Whether it's a summer day out, an autumn stroll or a seasonal dip, there are so many beaches to choose from and we've hand-picked the best for you to visit this year. Article continues below From Pembrokeshire's stunning coves and bays to the Llyn Peninsula, it's not easy deciding which area you should head for. Here are some of the public's favourites to check out, too and for all our latest beach content, click here.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
The ‘otherworldly beach' with romantic ruins that's just 40 minutes from Cardiff
The 'otherworldly beach' with romantic ruins that's just 40 minutes from Cardiff This fossil-rich beach is packed with rock pools and geological wonders, and it was designated as a part of the Heritage Coast in 1972. If this ethereal-looking beach looks familiar, it's because you may have spotted it on the beloved BBC series Doctor Who (Image: South Wales Echo ) Wales' craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and has a vast range of sandy shores, secluded bays and pebble-strewn beaches with clear waters for swimming. From Pembrokeshire's golden sand beaches and tiny coves to the windswept Llŷn Peninsula and the Vale of Glamorgan's Jurassic coastline, you are truly spoiled for choice here. It's no surprise then that eight Welsh beaches have been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide for 2025. The 17th edition of the highly anticipated list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness. One of the Welsh beaches on the list is described as "otherworldly" and is just a 40-minute drive from Cardiff. Dunraven, a secluded fossil-rich beach in Southerndown, is packed with rock pools and geological wonders, and it was designated as a part of the Heritage Coast in 1972. Article continues below Located on the highly underrated Glamorgan Heritage Coast, which stretches from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, this 14-mile expanse offers an unspoilt coastline marked by Jurassic features and waymarked trails that meander through charming villages, rural farmland, and secluded bays. Haslam writes that this stretch of coastline "bears comparison with geological wonders such as the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim and Lulworth Cove in Dorset — but without the crowds." (Image: Wales on Sunday ) Haslam writes that this stretch of coastline "bears comparison with geological wonders such as the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim and Lulworth Cove in Dorset — but without the crowds." He adds, "at Dunraven Bay (also known as Southerndown beach) you'll find a millefeuille of carboniferous limestone and blue lias — layers of limestone and shale — overhanging a beach paved flatter than your patio." Dunraven Bay has a large car park and visitor facilities and is also designated a 'Seaside Award' beach. The Seaside Award is the national standard for the best beaches across the UK. If this ethereal-looking beach looks familiar, it's because you may have spotted it on the beloved BBC series Doctor Who. Whovians (Doctor Who fans) will likely know this spot as 'Bad Wolf Bay', as the beach played a starring role in several episodes. The most memorable scene was the tearful farewell between the Doctor (David Tennant) and companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) in Doomsday. It was also featured in the Time of Angels episode, featuring Matt Smith as the Doctor, Alex Kingston as River Song, and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in a scene filmed at Southerndown. Doctor Who filming on the rocky beach of Southerndown,The Vale of Glamorgan (Image: Wales Online ) It's not just a scenic location, however. According to the Vale of Glamorgan website (VOG), the unique beach has a long history. People lived in and occupied Dunraven as far back as the Iron Age when the cliff-top location was thought to have been used as a trading post. Much later, the Romans built a fort here, which was later replaced by a manor house in the 1700s. Lastly, a residence known as Dunraven Castle was later transformed into a convalescent hospital during the two World Wars. Sadly, the 'castle' was demolished in 1963, and what remained of the site was the castle's walled garden, gatehouse and several other structures. Now part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the romantic remains are designated Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, which curious tourists and locals can enjoy. To find out more about what Dunraven may have looked like as an Iron Age trading post or to take a tour of Dunraven Castle, download the VOG app and then visit Dunraven and watch sites come to life on your smartphone or tablet. For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here. Nearby, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre has plenty of information about the local area. The interactive information stations allow you to learn more about the coastline, its geology, the history of Dunraven Park, and the flora and fauna unique to the Heritage Coast. The centre is open to groups by appointment only, and you can contact them to arrange. Hikers will also love this acclaimed beach and the surrounding coast paths along the Heritage Coast. (Image: John Myers / WalesOnline ) Hikers will also love this acclaimed beach and the surrounding coast paths along the Heritage Coast. Walkers can attempt to walk the entire Heritage Coastline or take on one of the shorter walks or loop trails. A series of marked and numbered Vale Trails takes you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features. Many of the short walks in the Vale include various heritage and maritime points of interest, including the last manned lighthouse in Wales, a Neolithic Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, churches, and castles. The Vale Trail One takes walkers eight miles along the coast with highlights including Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, Ogmore Castle, Ogmore Down, and the Dunraven Castle and Walled Garden. As you trace the shoreline above Dunraven Bay, you'll have one of the best views along the entire Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Article continues below
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
‘It's been a long time coming': Residents delighted as Portstewart beach named best in UK
For many in Portstewart, both residents and those visiting, the news that the local beach was named the best in the UK come as 'no surprise at all'. Though the weather was not ideal, with bracing gusts and overcast grey skies, many still came to walk along the broad idyllic sands of Portstewart beach. The threat of rain this afternoon, didn't stop the occasional daring sea swimmer from running down the beach and taking the icy plunge. Large sodden and sandy dogs sniffed at other walkers while their owners followed after them, bundled up in their bright rain coats. Others simply walked along the picturesque coastline, as the foamy white waves raged and crashed beside them. In the distance, in the lead up to the Open in the neighbouring Portrush, golfers played on sand-coated grassy plains. Strolling along the flat, hard sand near the mouth of the Atlantic, avoiding the occasional washed-up jellyfish, it is little wonder why it was recently named the UK's best beach. The title was awarded to the Co Londonderry beach as part of the Sunday Times' best beaches list. It is, in fact, one of five Northern Irish coastlines to be named in the list. Listing 50 beaches from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Times' chief travel writer, Chris Haslam added Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry in the annual Sunday Times guide. Each beach, including the two-mile-long strand, was judged on 11 points. The checklist included cleanliness, water quality, accessibility and dog-friendliness. Frequently hailed as the jewel of the north coast, Portstewart's crowning comes as no surprise to both visitors and locals. Coming from Scotland to visit family in Northern Ireland was Stephen and Ruaraidh Berry. 'This is our first time on Portstewart beach, I definitely believe it when I see it, it's a beautiful walk along the beach,' Stephen said. 'It's well-kept and clean, and the fact you can park your car on it too is handy, you can't do that in Scotland.' 'I am definitely not surprised to hear that it is the best beach, it's a bracing walk too.' Taking their two dogs for a walk along the coast were Edith McKeever and Elaine Mullan, who also weren't surprised to hear the news. 'I am not surprised at all, I have been to many lovely beaches, and this one is really lovely, it is well kept as well,' said Edith. 'It is definitely gorgeous, I thought all beaches were like this, with all the sand, but that isn't the case,' added Elaine. 'I am on the beach every morning to walk the dogs. They keep it very clean and people always pick up after their dogs. 'The people around here definitely make it a dog-friendly beach, it's nice and big for the dogs too.' Coming to Portstewart beach for over 60 years is Gail Butler. 'I think it has been a long time coming for Portstewart beach,' said Gail. 'We have enjoyed this beach for a while now, over 60 years. 'The improvements made to Harry's Shack have definitely helped it too. I am not so keen that there are so many dogs, given that I have young grandchildren.' In the nearby Anchor Bar, a popular watering hole for students and locals alike, Marketing Manager Luke McIlreavy, believes it will mean good business for the bar. 'I think that [Portstewart being named as the best beach] is certainly right,' said Luke. 'It is well due as one of the best beaches, it is well looked after by the National Trust as well. 'Basically, it is a great beach, I think that a lot of our guests and the residents of Portstewart, they do tend to go to the strand in the morning, it is a lovely beach. 'They would typically walk down to the beach, especially during the summer. It is a beautiful spot. 'I hope that the new title will impact business positively. Fingers crossed. We do have a lot of American tourists during the summer. 'It has been a popular beach, certainly one of our most popular.' With the expansive strand in view from Portstewart town, Lindsay Bell believes the accolade is 'well deserved'. 'I am from the countryside myself, but Portstewart is always a place where we would go,' said Lindsay. 'It's well overdue for being named as one of the best beaches, here, we do have some of the best beaches in the world.' Carolyn Green Lindsay's opinion. Watch: Minke whale washed up on Portstewart Strand 'It's great for kids, picnics as well as surfing and swimming,' said Carolyn. 'It must have been overlooked in the past. There are just so many great beaches in Ireland as a whole. 'It's part of the reason why I moved here.'
Time Out
6 days ago
- Time Out
The best beach in southern England is less than 90 minutes from London
It's easy to forget that London isn't actually that far from the coast. It is never too difficult to leave the city, breathe in fresh salt air, go for a sea dip, eat some proper seaside fish and chips and comfortably be back before the sun goes down. In fact, us Londoners are spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches that are within easy reach of the capital. So it's nice to have a helping hand when deciding which one to head to. At Time Out, we've got our own expert opinions on which beaches near London are the greatest of them all. But we're not opposed to seeing what others have got to say. And this week, the Times named one beach within an hour and a half of the city one of the best in the whole country. Over 12 months, Chris Haslam, the paper's chief travel writer, visited 756 beaches and 51 resorts across the British Isles. He judged each and every one based on their views, water quality, facilities and general vibes to come up with a list of the 50 best British beaches and a winner for each region of the UK. According to the Times, Milford on Sea in Hampshire is south England's best bit of coastline. The paper said that you get 'four gorgeous beaches' at Milford on Sea. The 'most dramatic', it says, is the shingle bank beach that runs from the village to Hurst Castle, then there's Hordle Cliff West with its pretty rows of beach huts. But it says that the best beach of the four is at Taddiford Gap where 'a short walk along a footpath brings you to a grassy cliff and a quiet stretch of shingle with the best views of the Needles'. The water quality there is rated excellent, and the beach is accessible and dog-friendly with loos and beachside eateries Needles Eye Cafe and the art deco Lighthouse Restaurant. The best bit, though, is that you can get there from London via a quick hour and a half train ride. All you have to do to enjoy Milford on Sea for yourself is to hop on a South Western Railway train from Clapham Junction. The quickest service will get you there in an hour and 29 minutes, with single journeys starting from £19. The rest of the Times's best beaches in the south of England were Margate (also an hour and a half from London), Norman's Bay (around two hours away), Newhaven West (just over two hours), Selsey (just over one hour), Southbourne (an hour and 45 minutes) and Hive Beach (between two and a half and three and a half hours away). Read the full article on the Times website here.
