Sand and the city: 11 best sandy beaches near London

If you want to take a staycation this year after the summer holiday rush, you can still catch some summer sun in the south of Britain. Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and West Wales all stay warm but without the crowds of mid-August. Below are some of the best coastal locations for a September sun staycation. 

1. Stoke Fleming

Location: Devon

Best for: Sea views

 

 

Stoke Fleming is a village just outside Dartmouth with fantastic sea views, local restaurants and Blackpool Sands Beach a short walk away. This small village in Devon is perfect if you want to explore the area but don’t want the hustle and bustle of a large town. 

 

If you do one thing: Visit the nearby Blackpool Sands; this blue flag family beach is perfect for catching the last of the summer sun.

 

Place to stay: Fairyfield is a luxury sea view bungalow near Stoke Fleming on the south coast of Devon; it sleeps eight people.

2. Padstow

Location: Cornwall

Best for: Harbour town

 

 

Padstow is a perfect example of a Cornish harbour town, buzzing with life and activity. The harbour is the main attraction with cafes, shops and restaurants to visit. Padstow can get packed in the height of summer, so September would be a perfect time to visit this lovely harbour. 

 

If you do one thing: Go to Rick Stein’s ‘The Seafood Restaurant’ in Padstow. This is one of four restaurants owned by the chef in Padstow and was also the first. 

 

Place to stay: The secluded Barn in North Cornwall is on the outskirts of Padstow and sleeps six people.

3. West Lulworth

Location: Dorset

Best for: Seeing Durdle Door

 

 

West Lulworth is spread out into two parts. One is next to Lulworth Cove, and the other is a short walk away from the coast. There are several stunning cottages and restaurants, such as The Castle Inn. The village is also close to Durdle Door. 

 

If you do one thing: Go on the walk to Durdle Door which takes you to the beaches of Durdle Door and Man O War. 

 

Place to stay: Cottage in Dorset sleeps five people and is only a five-minute walk from Lulworth Cove. 

 

4. Perranuthnoe

Location: Cornwall

Best for: Relaxing beach holiday

 

Perranuthnoe is a village in the Penzance area of Cornwall. It’s complete with quaint cafes and country pubs. Perranuthnoe Beach is also a very short walk from the village where you can relax after a coastal walk or adventure in the countryside. 

 

If you do one thing: Walk the causeway to St Michael’s Mount from Marazion Beach. 

 

Place to stay: Littlecot is a small cottage in the centre of Perranuthnoe that sleeps two. 

5. St Helens

Location: Isle of Wight

Best for: Staycation island holiday

 

 

If you’re used to visiting small island towns for your holidays, St Helens on the Isle of Wight makes for a great staycation replacement. On the island’s eastern side, this small village is a quaint coastal settlement based around a large village green.

 

If you do one thing: Visit St Helens’ Duver, located at the mouth of Bembridge harbour. 

 

Place to stay: Cottage in the Isle of Wight is a compact, well furnished, thatched cottage with a well kept enclosed garden.

6. Solva

Location: Pembrokeshire 

Best for: Exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast

 

 

Solva is a small village in Pembrokeshire. It’s known for its fantastic views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and quaint harbour. This is a great hub for exploring the coast and catching some of the last summer sun. 

  

If you do one thing: Visit Gwadn, a cove just around the harbour and is a wonderfully secluded spot for a bit of kayaking or a picnic. 

 

Place to stay: Caswell Cottage is a traditional Welsh cottage in the centre of Solva sleeping five people.

7. Porthcurno

Location: Cornwall

Best for: Experiencing a breathtaking outdoor theatre

 

 

Porthcurno can be found on the coast. It’s home to the Minack Theatre and some of the most picturesque beaches in Cornwall. This particular area of coastline is full of small coves and beaches that are often secluded, so it’s a great base to explore. 

 

If you do one thing: At the bottom of the village lies the Minack Theatre, an ancient Greek style outdoor theatre built on the edge of a cliff with the English Channel acting as a backdrop. 

 

Place to stay: The Granary is a secluded country farmhouse that sleeps eight and is located in the peaceful hamlet of St Levan.  

 

 

The most popular places to stay: 

 

 

Devon
Cornwall
Yorkshire
Cumbria
Pembrokeshire

 

Top holiday properties: 

 

 

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