Being an island, the UK has a lot of beaches. Some are sandy, some are pebbly, some are untouched by human hands, and some get so busy on sunny days that you consider swimming miles out to sea just to be alone again.
Not too long ago, the seaside was the favoured holiday spot of millions of Brits who flocked to the coasts every year, but ever since flying abroad became cheap and easy most of us now opt to go places with guaranteed sun when we fancy a beach break. Sure, we’re not exactly on the Costa Del Sol but British beaches still have their charm, and according to Airbnb, one English county is actually among of the top trending beach destinations in the world. Yep, across the entire Earth.
You might expect it to be Cornwall that made the cut, but apparently Northumberland is actually the most trendy seaside spot in the UK right now. According to Airbnb, which recently revealed the ten most trending coastal destinations amongst its users, ‘Northumberland is drawing more summer visitors, with searches up over 50 percent this summer, thanks to its pristine North Atlantic beaches and peaceful countryside stays’.
If you can stand the cold water, you’ll find some of the country’s clearest water tucked away in hidden coves throughout the county. And if it is too chilly for a dip, there are countless dog (and human) walks, National Trust sites and brilliant fish and chip shops to keep you occupied.
Northumberland’s beaches are usually very clean with gorgeous, clear water, and are usually quieter than the more touristy spots down south. As Airbnb pointed out, the county has a ‘timeless coastal charm’ which means that ‘after a day by the sea, guests can unwind in one of the area’s many cozy countryside cottages’.
Airbnb isn't the first to recognise Northumberland’s beauty. One of the county’s little coastal villages, Cresswell, was recently named the second most relaxing town in the UK, and Which? declared Bamburgh the best beachy place to visit this summer.
Other spots on Airbnb’s list were a lot further from home. The USA had three entries, with Brazil’s Saquarema taking the top spot. You can have a look at the full top ten here.
Looking for some cracking beaches?
Home or away, we’ve got you covered at Time Out. Here’s our roundup of the best beaches in the UK, and our list of the best beaches in the world, if you're looking for shores further afield. We’ve also got a guide for places in the UK that don’t look like the UK, if you want beauty on a budget.
The stunning island that is one of the quietest places to visit in the UK
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