Beach Blog

Did you know that just three miles from the bustling town of Newquay lies a quieter, windswept paradise known as Watergate Bay? While Newquay grabs the headlines, a growing number of visitors are discovering the raw beauty of Watergate Bay’s two-mile stretch of golden sand, flanked by dramatic cliffs and the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Cornwall, down in the far southwest of England, is one of those places that feels like a proper escape. Bordered by the English Channel to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, it’s all rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sea views that go on forever.

Devon has become the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve and by default the number one surfing destination in the UK, according to the Save the Wave Coalition which has awarded about 30km of Devon’s northern shores World Surfing Reserve status. This designated stretch of coastline includes beaches such as Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Lynmouth.

Whilst there are hundreds of amazing beaches in Cornwall, there are only nine in Cornwall that have received this prestigious award in 2024. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches as an endorsement of their high environmental and quality standards, including water quality, facilities, and safety.

Wales, with its stunning coastline and natural beauty, offers a wealth of dog-friendly beaches where four-legged friends can frolic in the sand and surf. Here are the top five dog-friendly beaches in Wales that promise a delightful experience for both humans and their furry companions.

Welcome to the new Beach Stays website where finding the perfect beachside holiday cottage to rent couldn’t be easier. Choose from thousands of self-catering holiday cottages on the beach throughout the UK and Ireland, including popular favourites like Cornwall and Devon on the South or remote cottages in Wales and Scotland in the North.