Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


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<p>We may be pretty much landlocked in our lovely shires but a one-day jaunt to the beach is so doable from Glos &amp; Worcs.  Sling on the slides, pack the wind-break (it is the UK after all) and SPF and hit the M5.</p>



<p>You&#8217;ll be on the beach, toes wiggling in the surf, scoffing down crab sandwiches, before you know it. PLUS &#8211; see where to find the UK&#8217;s largest inland sandy beach, with sand imported from Padstow, right here in Glos&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studland Bay</a>, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-17.jpg" alt="studland bay in dirset" class="wp-image-49155" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-17.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-17-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-17-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-17-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fun fact to whip out if you get stuck in traffic: Coldplay’s famous one-take video for&nbsp;<em>Yellow</em>, where Chris Martin walks/sings along a beach was filmed at Studland. There are four miles of divine sandy beaches here – I like Middle Beach which is an easy stroll from boutique hotel/restaurant&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thepighotel.com/on-the-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pig</a>, aka the perfect spot for a sundowner at the end of a hard day’s sunbathing. Alternatively there are&nbsp;plenty of watersports and sand dunes on offer at Knoll Beach, plus a 1 km stretch for naturists, should you fancy letting it all hang out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bournemouth</a> Beach, Dorset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-16.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49151" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-16.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-16-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-16-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-16-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Tiia Monto Wiki Commons</figcaption></figure>



<p>An obvious choice but you can’t beat Bournemouth. Seven miles of golden sands with five Blue Flag beaches to be explored here. Expect golden sands, beach cafes with views out across the water, tropical gardens (with a train up Boscombe beach). Feast on lobster – or fish and chips – at the Michelin-recommended, 2AA Rosette seafood restaurant&nbsp;<a href="https://west-beach.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Beach</a>, near the pier or grab a cheap and cheerful brunch or coffee at the outdoor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.picnicparkdeli.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Picnic Park Deli</a>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/weston-super-mare-p500433" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weston-super-Mare,</a>&nbsp;Somerset</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="690" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-15.jpg" alt="weston super mare beach in the summer" class="wp-image-49150" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-15.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-15-800x552.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-15-400x276.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-15-761x525.jpg 761w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Visit Weston Super Mare</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you love a proper British beach, with&nbsp;donkey rides, tearooms and grand Victorian piers-cum-theme parks (the rebuilt Grand Pier has dodgems, a ghost train and a 300m-long go-kart circuit), make a beeline for Weston.&nbsp;It’s one of the oldest resorts in the country and&nbsp; with its endless stretch of sand and surf is perfect for families. And you can forget the picnic&nbsp;–&nbsp;you’ve&nbsp;<em>got</em>&nbsp;to&nbsp;eat fish and chips here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.burnham-on-sea.com/tourist-information/beach-guide/">Burnham-on-Sea</a>, Somerset</h2>



<p>With seven miles of golden sands stretching between the resorts of Burnham-On-Sea and Brean, this stretch is perfect for fresh air strolls, playing beach games, flying kites, picnics and splashing about in the sea (when the tide is in!) The coastline is well known for its fine sandy beaches, unspoilt dunes and high and low tides, perfect for bird watching. There are four beaches, but be aware &#8211; Burnham has the second greatest rise and fall of tide in the world – after the Bay of Fundy in Canada – so strong currents make it unsafe to swim except for two hours before high tide until two hours after.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.northdevon.com/beaches/instow-beach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instow Beach</a>, near Bideford, north Devon</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="746" src="https://glos.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/07/Instow-Beach-Devon-1.png" alt="sandy beach sky sea" class="wp-image-8172" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/07/Instow-Beach-Devon-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/07/Instow-Beach-Devon-1-150x112.png 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/07/Instow-Beach-Devon-1-300x224.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/07/Instow-Beach-Devon-1-670x500.png 670w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At just over two hours, less massively touristy than Woolacombe and Illfracombe, Instow&nbsp;has the softest white sands, dunes for the kids to run up and down, and a decent pub/restaurant called&nbsp;<a href="http://www.instowarms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Instow Arms</a>&nbsp;which does&nbsp;a fantastic Sunday lunch&nbsp;– nothing fancy, but good solid fare, especially if you can’t be bothered with a picnic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/places/salcombe-p238773" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salcombe</a>, south Devon</strong></h2>



<p>OK, so this one is 2 and a half, but worth the extra gas. Salcombe is as close to the French Riviera as a British seaside experience gets. And where Saint-Tropez birthed Brigitte Bardot-style glamour, Salcombe spawned the cool, preppy Jack Wills look, so roll out your best swimmie for this outing, that one-piece that’s gone baggy in the wash won’t cut it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="http://www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Wittering</a>, West Sussex</strong></h2>



<p>Bang on two hours away with its wide, gently shelving golden sands, Blue Flag rating and ample parking, West Wittering is perfect for a family day out. Bring a picnic or BBQ, and loll on the grassy area behind the beach to take in views across to Chichester harbour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyme-regis-dorset">Lyme Regis, Dorset</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/image-10.png" alt="fossil on lyme regis beach dorset" class="wp-image-71970" /></figure>



<p>This lovely pebbly beach is perfect for little or large fossil hunters. You might not discover a complete ichthyosaur, but you will have fun bashing the rocks to eek out some ammonites and bullet-shaped belemnites in the rook pools and the shingle, hunting is especially on Monmouth Beach. Or, head to Cobb Gate and Front Beach which are both sandy and safe for swimming.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/mudeford-sandbank/114571301/">Mudeford Sandbanks</a>, Dorset</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-18.jpg" alt="mudeford sandbanks beach in dorset" class="wp-image-49158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-18.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-18-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/06/1-18-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A sand spit creating a natural barrier between Christchurch harbour and made up of beach after golden beach, separated by breakwaters. Running east from Hengistbury Head towards Mudeford Quay, head for this simply beautiful beach is edged by around 300 colourful – and expensive – beach huts (one sold for around £300k last year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visitswanseabay.com/listings/rhossili-bay-beach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhossili Bay</a>, Gower Peninsula, Wales</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://glos.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/06/Rhossili-Bay-Beach-1.jpg" alt="beach blue sky sand" class="wp-image-8091" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/06/Rhossili-Bay-Beach-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/06/Rhossili-Bay-Beach-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/06/Rhossili-Bay-Beach-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/06/Rhossili-Bay-Beach-1-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Take a day trip to&nbsp;one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://suitcasemag.com/travel/explore/the-10-best-beaches-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best beaches in the world</a>&nbsp;(yes,&nbsp;<em>in the world</em>) as voted by classy, high-end travel magazine&nbsp;<em>Suitcase</em>. Rhossili Bay&nbsp;is a divine stretch of white sand&nbsp;with super surf-friendly waves, and from Muddy Glos manor near Stroud takes a tad over two hours to get to (crossing the majestic Severn Bridge, always an awe-inspiring moment). Pack a picnic or&nbsp;fuel up at the excellent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebaybistro.co.uk/#eatinrhossili" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bay Bistro,</a>&nbsp;which does fab healthy fare.</p>



<p>And so close to home it&#8217;s literally in Glos? The <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-cotswold-country-park-beach-cirencester/">Cotswold Country Park and Beach </a>of course. The UK&#8217;s largest, inland sandy beach, a beautiful swimming lagoon, and a variety of activities including water sports and AquaVenture inflatable course. Little known fact &#8211; the sand is imported from Padstow!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/1-49.jpg" alt="beach" class="wp-image-39806" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/1-49.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/1-49-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/1-49-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/06/1-49-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>


Splash dash: 11 best beaches within two hours drive

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