A History Of Britains Most Famous Coastlines

Britain has some of the most stunning coastlines in the world. From sandy beaches to sheer cliffs, sweeping bays, and rocky coves a visit to these places is certainly a treat for the senses.

Going to some of Britain’s iconic coasts can be like stepping back in time. After all, Britain’s coastline began to emerge about 10,000 years ago. Of course, the coastline has changed over time with the rising sea levels and corrosion, but in essence, it is still very similar to certainly the past few hundred years.

Our Favourite Coastlines

With some remote and inhospitable areas, and others warm and welcoming, Britain’s coastline is about 7,723 miles long. It can be dramatic, breathtaking, gentle, and awe-inspiring, and can define the country’s history – from Viking invasions to scenes of battle and roaming dinosaurs, Britain’s seashores have seen it all!

So, if you are considering taking a British seaside trip , then let our guide help you to decide where to go.

Marloes Beach, Pembrokeshire

Marloes Sands beach sits on the west coast of Wales, just around St. Brides Bay from St. Davids. This is a large sandy beach, backed by dramatic cliffs and curious rock formations. Its beach can stretch for over a mile at low tide, but at high tide, the sea comes right into the cliff bases.

For history lovers, the adjacent beach, Albion Sands uncovers the shipwreck of the paddle steamer, Albion that ran aground in 1837 – along with its cargo of whiskey and pigs.

Polzeath Beach, Cornwall

Cornwall’s Polzeath Beach is set in front of the village of Polzeath and provides a huge expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out. If you are looking for somewhere to see people enjoying the beach, this is your place. Known for its excellent waters and beautiful scenery there is never a dull moment here.

And it’s not just you who would love Polzeath Beach. It was also a firm favourite for poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman, who featured the seashore in some of his work, and Laurence Binyon, a poet who wrote his work, ‘For the Fallen’ whilst on this beach.

In 1911, a chapel was constructed on the road to Trebetherick, at Chapels Corner, which helped to establish Methodism in the UK. The original building was replaced in 1932 but is still an iconic landmark in the history of British religion.

Lannacombe Bay, Devon

Lannacombe Bay, set on Devon’s south coast, is a hidden sandy beach that is as untouched as you’ll get in the UK. Surrounded by rugged rocks and matching landscape, Lannacombe Bay is as beautiful as it is historic.

Devon’s rich history includes being the scene of Danish invasions between 851 AD and 1003 AD, and the development of four strongholds in Exeter, Barnstaple, Totnes, and Lydford during the Saxon period, which were then developed by William the Conqueror. In addition to this, the ancient Lannacombe Castle was built close to Lannacombe Bay in 1348 – due to its excellent strategic position on the English south coast.

Abbot’s Cliff, Folkestone Kent

A popular coastal area with naturists, Abbot’s Cliff near Folkestone in Kent  is a pebbly seashore that sits just below the white chalk cliffs. This area has significant historical interest including an acoustic sound mirror (listening out to sea for enemy aircraft) built in 1928, and the beach was damaged during the 77 air raids and 6 V1 attacks that it suffered in the Second World War.

It has also been discovered that the chalk from Abbot’s Cliff was used in the local Roman Villa that was excavated in 1924, in East Cliff, as well as other Roman constructions.

Durdle Door, Dorset

The iconic beach at Durdle Door is well-known for its limestone arch in the sea and beautiful sandy beach. It is the ideal place to while away a warm day, but one of the most interesting features of Durdle Door is the fact that it is on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

The Jurassic Coast runs across the Dorset and Devon coastline and, due to its unique geology, uncovers a plethora of fossils and traces of life from a bygone era. These places were once trodden by dinosaurs and here you might even be lucky enough to come across a footprint or two!

Visit the Famous Coastlines Britain has to Offer with Just Go!

It can be impossible to choose which of Britain’s spectacular coastlines you would like to visit, both for their individual beauty, as well as for their historical importance. Here at Just Go! Holidays, we have a range of different trips and destinations to choose from, so why not look at our range of picturesque seaside breaks and start planning to make some memories of your own?