As we get into the warmer weather, now is the perfect time to start booking up some of the latest coastal adventures to embark on.
CULTURE, COASTLINE AND CREATIVITY
Nestled along Cymru’s southern coastline, the Dramatic Heart of Wales is often overshadowed by its more boisterous neighbours Cardiff, Gower and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). Yet this landscape of stunning contrasts is a microcosm of Welsh tourism, ready to welcome visitors seeking coastal adventures, action, culture, and coast.
Surfers seeking year-round waves should head to Aberavon beach, warming up from a long surf at Remo’s Cafe on the seafront. For a day out featuring cycle paths, SUPing, high ropes assault courses, and stunning heritage site strolls, head to Margam Country Park, which boasts panoramic views of the coastline punctuated with the stark beauty of the steelworks.
Dog-walkers are welcomed at Ty Hiraeth, a gorgeous cottage tucked in the majestic surroundings of the Afan Valley which welcomes up to four adults and three dogs. Swansea Valley Holiday Cottages at Cilybebyll welcome large groups, and for those seeking a tranquil escape, the Towers Hotel and Spa has towelled robes and delicious menus ready and waiting.
Visit easy accessible waterfalls at Melincourt and Aberdulais, discover cultural heritage sites at Margam and Neath Abbey, and explore the creative furnace of south Wales in local galleries and arts centres. In the Dramatic Heart of Wales, exploration awaits. Dramaticheart.wales
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR BEACH CAFE
A café which overlooks an iconic north Devon beach is to be given a new lease of life thanks to an innovative collaboration between its owner and a local architect.
The new scheme for the Beachcomber café site on Woolacombe beach promises to be a focal point of the resort’s culinary, retail and social scene. The unrivalled location boasts panoramic views down the miles of golden sands, along the fabulous coast to Baggy Point at the end.
Working closely with beach owner Parkin Estates, north Devon experts Peregrine Mears Architects have achieved planning permission for a major development project which aims to revitalise the traditional seaside café for the future, while preserving its unique coastal charm.
The design concept reflects a harmonious blend of modern, sustainable architecture and the serene ambiance of its coastal surroundings, creating a welcoming space for visitors to unwind and enjoy.
The proposals will deliver a new two storey café and ground floor retail units. The remainder of the first floor will contain flexible spaces which may be used for work, meetings, fitness or wellbeing activities. The retained public toilets will be renewed along with an enhanced public realm to improve the building’s relationship to its surroundings.
View our latest coast confidential feature here.
A SUPER SUB-TROPICAL EXPERIENCE
Nestled in the serenity of sub-tropical gardens and just footsteps from white sands, open the doors to your next Cornish getaway in one of St Michaels’ stunning spa lodges.
Elegant and refined, the four spa lodges are inspired by nature and the surroundings of the Cornish coast. Their cosy, stunning and luxury interiors are coupled with contemporary calming hues, filled with natural touch points, private terraces and outdoor bathtubs. In essence, your very own exclusive haven.
Peacefully tucked away from the main hotel among the flora and fauna of the gardens, the spa lodges are just a short meander from their award-winning spa, with the largest hydrotherapy pool in the south west as its holistic centrepiece. Uniquely, as a guest in a spa lodge, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to their two-hour Hydrothermal Experience, as often as you’d like throughout your stay.
Carve out a slice of paradise this year at St Michaels Resort, available to book now for stays from £200pp per night. stmichaelsresort.com/spa-garden-lodges
CRACKING START TO FESTIVAL
This month Cromer will host its famous Crab and Lobster Festival, with a host of seafaring fun for all the family – and it is set to get off to a cracking start with the return of the grand opening concert after a break of five years.
The fabulous variety show is for anyone who enjoys a traditional seaside spectacular filled with irresistible humour and unique songs of the sea.
The festival will also host an array of local food and drink stalls, cookery demonstrations, activities for children, heritage displays, live music, crab sandwiches, superb seafood, seafaring crafts, crab dressing demonstrations and a crab dressing competition. cromercrabandlobsterfestival.co.uk
GOING WILD ON THE WATER
Dorset-based coastal adventures and outdoor activities company Land & Wave has launched new kayaking trips from Studland to Old Harry Rocks thanks to better access granted from the National Trust.
This new tour goes out along the wild northern shores of Studland and around the stunning chalk landmark, allowing kayakers to experience the scale, texture and brilliance of the iconic sea stacks from a whole new perspective.
The three-hour tour is led by an experienced guide on double-sit-on-top kayaks for groups of four to ten people. The Old Harry Kayaking tour is £54 per person and can be booked online at landandwave.co.uk/kayaking-in-dorset.
THREE TO TRY…
Here’s three lovely products Coast loves this month for life on the beach:
A CLASSIC ONE-PIECE
Animal’s Zayley women’s swimsuit is perfect for beach spent days, water sports or coastal adventures. This classic one-piece with a scooped back is crafted from durable recycled material. Adorned with the iconic Animal font and flexible straps offering complete freedom of movement, it’s the perfect choice for your summer adventures. It is also chlorine and saltwater resistant and its stretchy construction means it is comfortable to wear and gives full freedom of movement. animal.co.uk
ROLL WITH THIS RUCKSACK
The new roll top rucksack collection from D-Robe Outdoors features a 20L capacity, is fully waterproof and is made from recyclable and biodegradable material. It also has an external 14in laptop compartment and an air valve for compression to increase flexibility of sizing. It comes in Admiral Navy, Moss Green and Midnight Black colours. RRP £84. d-robeoutdoors.com
TAKE ON ALL TERRAINS
The Outscape Max lace-up boot from the Muck Boot Company is a high-performance, all-terrain boot designed to be worn similarly to trainers. It has a 100 per cent waterproof lace-up construction and speed hooks for rapid lacing coupled with a rubber outsole which disperses debris and offers optimal traction on various terrains. muckbootcompany.co.uk
