Sandgreen - Far From The Madding Crowd! 18th July: 12.54pm. 24 Degrees and Sunshine - No Crowds!

Staycation Beaches Without The Bustle…..

During the Staycation Summer of 2020, Bournemouth and Brighton are increasingly resembling Benidorm, or at least tabloid media would have us believe. The frolicking furloughed are apparently heading out at first sunlight and any sensible citizen would be well advised to steer clear.

Yet the UK has over 7000 miles of coastline ( possibly more depending on how you calculate it), and whilst the popular counties of Dorset and Devon may have social distancing challenges, there is most definitely a space awaiting you on a sun kissed UK beach….you just need to use your imagination.

Beaches Bordering On Deserted

The concept of a UK beach holiday frequently raises eyebrows, most likely due to our obsession with the terrible British weather, even as we swelter in tropical temperatures. However the South of the country, particularly the South West, seemingly gets a pass, an area practically in France without the possibility of a potential quarantine.

However if you’re looking for a sunny spot far away from the madding crowd, the only way is up, ( depending on where you reside) and surprisingly, it isn’t always grim.

Dumfries and Galloway National Scenic Areas

I think it has been well documented that the Highlands and Islands of Scotland boast beaches that would even make the Bahamas bitter, however for those living south of the border, the journey to the Outer Hebrides is lengthy, so we need to look closer.

As lockdown eased and Scotland reopened, I was keen to explore and went in search of quiet beaches just across the Scottish border. I wasn’t disappointed….

Let’s start with the negatives. This is NOT Cornwall. It is not an area lined with pastel coloured cottages. Neither has it enjoyed a foodie revolution, yet! Indeed the journey from the M6 exit at Gretna Green is a little grey, leaving me less than excited on approach.

However turning off to the quiet lanes of a National Scenic Area ,my perceptions shifted and as I stepped out onto the soft white sandy beach of Sandgreen, I knew I had found somewhere special.

First off, this was the middle of July and it was a warm one! And yet the beach was completely empty, at lunch time. See the evidence above.

And as I stood and surveyed the area, I noticed the numerous coves dotted around the coastline and thought this would be the perfect space to rent a boat and hop from place to place, Greek Island style.

The beach is lined with about ten houses, some of which have already undergone major refurbishment, complete with glass balustrades and contemporary rendering. Indeed if I was a property investor, I think my eye would be definitely watching this area.

Airds Bay Luxury Holiday Beach Rental ( Middle House, Grey)

Heading off the beach, a short and very scenic walk takes you to the sheltered cove of Carrick Bay, with views across to Ardwall Island, followed by stunning Knockbrex!

Yorkshire Coast

Scarborough and Whitby are well and truly on the tourist trail and rightly so. And with the coastline also being dotted with picturesque villages, the crowds do gather.

However venture just slightly further down the coast to Hunmanby Gap and you will be rewarded with a swathe of sandy coastline and clear water, all against the backdrop of majestic cliffs. And with the added benefit of a handy beachside cafe.