Looking for gorgeous coastal spots to visit and activities to try out this month? Here’s our recommendations on the hottest coastal stays, where to eat and things to buy this October, by yours truly…
A WONDERFUL WELCOME…
Wake up to glorious views of the harbour in the traditional Devon fishing town of Brixham at the modern townhouse apartment Failte View (pronounced Fall-cha), which means Welcome, writes ALEX GREEN.
With a double room and king size master bedroom, it’s perfect for a small group of friends or an October family getaway. Dogs get a warm welcome too, with blankets and bowls ready to welcome your furry friends. A utility room with washing machine and dryer is ideal for outdoorsy types coming in from all weathers, while the kitchen contains everything you might need for a luxury self-catering break. A bathroom with handy shower, underfloor heating and an indulgent roll-top bath ensures you’ll feel refreshed at the end of the day.
Spend an active weekend exploring the coastline of the English Riviera on foot, with the South West Coast Path a stone’s throw from the front door. Just follow the waymarked signs out towards the heady heights of Berry Head, where guillemots and gulls nest in the cliff face, or stride out towards Torquay and soak up the Victorian splendour of the seafront. Agatha Christie enjoyed sea swims in Tor Bay and her holiday home at Greenway (within five miles), where the Christies spent their summers, is a must-visit beside the River Dart.
Family-friendly activities in the town include a visit to the replica of the Golden Hinde in the harbour, a fascinating tour above and below deck of Sir Francis Drake’s historic ship.
Back on dry land and in the laid-back luxury of the apartment, cosy up by the fireplace and enjoy a board game or two while watching the fishing boats sailing back to shore.
marsdens.co.uk/cottage/oc-28892-failte-view
AN ISLAND PARADISE
The Coll Hotel is a destination hotel on the Isle of Coll in the inner Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland…a totally unspoilt island as nature intended!
There are ten rooms in total at the hotel, seven with stunning bay views. All have been totally refurbished and updated to reflect Coll and the natural environment.
The award-winning restaurant specialises in local creel caught shellfish, Coll-reared Hebridean lamb and locally grown vegetables, with the talented kitchen team having gained and retained their first AA rosette for culinary excellence.
The only bar on the island makes the Coll Hotel the place to meet and chat with the locals and understand how Coll works. Non-residents are welcome for lunch and dinner. Booking is advisable for evening meals.
ESCAPE TO THE COAST THIS OCTOBER
A 200-acre farm in west Wales, fforest is bordered by a wild nature reserve and the River Teifi, which offers the ideal location for a rural and remote October escape, within striking distance of beautiful beaches and coves, and close to the increasingly popular market town of Cardigan, which is a refuge for creatives.
On the coast, fforest runs a separate, smaller campsite, offering fully self-catered accommodation ranging from a farmhouse to geodesic domes and cabins, a short walk from the award-winning Penbryn beach.
New to the group, The Boy Ashore, in Aberporth, is a beach bar and snack shack serving freshly caught lobster rolls, crab sandwiches, fish and chips, accompanied by fforest brewed beers and signature craft cocktails.
SHOWTIME FOR MOTORHOME LOVERS
Whether you want to find out how to get started or are already adventuring on wheels, the Motorhome & Caravan Show, at NEC Birmingham from October 15-20 is the place to be. Spanning 11 huge halls, it’s the largest showcase of new campervans, caravans and motorhomes in the UK.
Step inside and compare over 1,000 new leisure vehicle models from the UK and Europe’s top manufacturers. Find all the advice, products and inspiration you need for successful and fun touring adventures, as well as hundreds of outdoor accessories – many at show only prices.
If you’re new to the world of motorhome holidays, don’t worry! Enjoy free caravan towing and motorhome manoeuvring sessions designed to build your confidence and leave you road-ready. Soak-up inspiring free talks by those who love the outdoors (including TV’s Matt Baker and Kate Humble), plus experts who’ll reveal top tips from their travels in the UK and further afield.
Buy your tickets now for just £13.50* including parking at mcshow.co.uk quoting code COAST. Kids go free!*
*Offer ends 23:59 October 15 when tickets go up to £16.50, subject to availability. A £1.25 transaction fee applies. Children 16 years and under go free with a paying adult but require a ticket.
Coast confidential: our pick of the best coastal stays this month
A PITCH PERFECT SEASIDE SITE
The Norfolk Brickyard offers camping and glamping site on the north Norfolk coast set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a haven for wildlife and vivid night skies, ideally placed to explore the October coast from Hunstanton to Cromer.
Pitch up in one of the tucked away pitches, or go for some back-to-basics luxury in one of the unique safari lodges.
Each pitch offers privacy and the chance to unwind in a stunning part of the UK – a multitude of wild species, wetland and migrating birds grace the skies, whilst hares, stoat and hedgehogs roam the site.
Holkham bay is reached by bike via the magnificent grounds of Holkham Estate, the local villages of Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-sea offer independent shopping opportunities, galleries and farmers’ markets to sample local food, wine, arts and crafts.
Evenings are spent around the campfire, cooking in the cob oven, sampling cocktails, local beers and wines in the Barn Bar.
THREE TO TRY…
Here’s three lovely products Coast loves this October for life on the beach:
BE AN OUTDOOR HERO IN THIS CAPE
Stay warm in a stylish and practical way whilst on your coastal adventures by popping on a Blanko, the insulated poncho-cum-blanket from outdoors experts OLPRO. Available in two brightly-coloured versions and fully machine washable, the Blanko is lined with plush fleece on one side to keep you warm when the temperature drops, and the other is a durable polyester, providing water resistance and windproof protection. Its insulated design traps heat effectively, keeping you warm during chilly evenings and cold nights under the stars. olproshop.com
RED ON ALERT FOR A CHILLED EXPERIENCE
Keep cool and carry on with your beach activities with Red’s new cool bag. Available in a stylish storm blue colour, this robust new cool bag is waterproof and leak-proof. It has highly insulating properties to keep the contents cold for longer than you thought possible! Use it as an ice chest to keep your drinks refreshingly cool or as the ultimate picnic bag. Choose from 18L or 30L options. red-equipment.co.uk
SKIN SAFETY FIRST – EVEN IN OCTOBER
Keep your skin safe and nourished when out and about on the coast by using the fabulous range of products from LifeJacket Skin Protection. Trusted by professional athletes, sports teams, the military and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the comprehensive range of high performance sunscreens, moisturisers and UPF 50+ technical wear is scientifically developed and rigorously tested to provide robust protection against UV damage and other environmental stressors. And there is something in the range for all the family. lifejacketskin.com
CHILLED BOTTLE BLISS
Keep your beach bottle nicely chilled for a picnic with this Rambler Wine Chiller from Yeti. Designed for wine nights in the wild, this cold-holding wine chiller is durable enough to withstand any condition, and sized to fit nearly any wine or champagne bottle. Just drop in a cold bottle to lock in the perfect sipping temperature for hours. yeti.com
