Salcombe, with its almost Mediterranean climate, is the perfect destination for a summer holiday. Situated in the south-west of England, this small harbour town charms us with its narrow streets, pastel-coloured houses, small boutiques and art galleries, as well as its beaches and numerous coves that are home to numerous sailing boats. A real postcard setting!
With its islands, turquoise waters and white sand, the little-known (and heavenly) landscapes of this country close to France are sure to amaze you!
What if the UK were to emerge as THE new seaside destination? Known for its royal traditions, its castles, its popular shopping districts and its pubs, the UK is less well known for its beaches and heavenly coves. With its lagoons, white sand, lush green dunes and sometimes very tropical décor, the UK has much more to offer than just a cup of tea!
La plage de Woolacombe en Angleterre
- © ian woolcock / Shutterstock
Salcombe: wild coves and turquoise waters
La plage de Salcombe, Angleterre
- © iStockphoto.com / OlliemtdogPractical information
📍 Location: Salcombe can be found here on a map.
✈️ Getting there: from Paris, take a direct flight to Bristol, then the train to Totnes, then the 164 bus (one per hour).
Where to eat in Salcombe?
⭐ The Jetty
A beautiful waterfront establishment, you'll enjoy the day's fish and shellfish, as well as the best local produce. The award-winning chef offers discerning, high-quality cuisine with hand-picked wines. Prices are reasonable. For a more family-friendly atmosphere, opt for The Winking Prawn, also by the sea.
Salcombe
Booking.com
South Sands Hotel
Beautiful hotel overlooking Salcombe square
9
From
£161
Bamburgh Castle: dazzling sea views
With its royal traditions, the United Kingdom is famous for its many castles, so mentioning them in this article is hardly original... with one exception! Bamburgh Castle, in the county of Northumberland, is THE fortress not to be missed when visiting the north-east of England!
Le château de Bamburgh
- © Toms Auzins / ShutterstockA region with few tourists, here the peace reigns as much as it did for the kings of Northumbria in the 11th century. Nestling on the dunes of the Northumberland coastline, the castle stretches over almost 4 hectares and overlooks a wide stretch of beach. A dazzling landscape between land and sea that has served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Macbeth in 2015, starring Michael Fassbender. You can also explore the interior of the castle, with its 14 rooms, Victorian architecture and objets d'art.
Practical information
📍 Location: Bamburgh Castle can be found here on a map.
✈️ Getting there: from Paris, take a direct flight to Edinburgh, then the train to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where you'll catch the X18 bus.
Where to eat around Bamburgh Castle?
⭐ The Cattle Inn
As the name doesn't suggest, this is a pub with a traditional, authentic atmosphere where you don't just eat fish&chips, but also juicy burgers, pies and cheesecakes.
Bamburgh - United Kingdom
Booking.com
The Victoria Hotel
Beautiful hotel in an authentic Victorian house
85
From
£184
Durdle Door: the spectacular limestone arch
Durdle Door au Royaume-Uni
- © iStockphoto.com / AllouMake no mistake, this is not Etretat in Normandy, but the Jurassic Coast in England! If you're passing through the county of Dorset, make a diversion to Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch created by erosion thousands of years ago. From the cliff, there are paths for walks and hikes with panoramic views of the sea and its crystal-clear waters. The Jurassic Coast has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Practical information
📍 Location: Durdle Door can be found here.
✈️ Getting there: from Paris CDG, take a direct flight to London Gatwick, then the train to Wool with a change in London.
Where to eat around Durdle Door?
⭐ The Weld Arms
This country pub will strike you with its authenticity and the quality of its food. Market fish cooked in beer, cheddar burger with onion jam, lemon and thyme chicken, feta crumbles, glazed toffee pudding, honey ice cream. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
The Isles of Scilly: a tropical paradise!
Les îles Scilly en Angleterre
- © iStockphoto.com / Laura Perrett1White sandy beaches, wild coves, turquoise waters, palm trees and lagoons - the Isles of Scilly have all the makings of a tropical paradise. Right in the heart of the Celtic Sea, in the county of Cornwall, this archipelago stands out for its flora and fauna. Take a sea safari and see dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks. Cars are not allowed on the Isles of Scilly, so plan your itinerary in advance!
📍 Location: the Isles of Scilly can be found here.
✈️ Getting there: by plane, from Paris CDG, with a stopover in Newquay.
Where to eat around the Scilly Islands?
⭐ On the Quay
Located in St. Mary's, this restaurant serves purely British maritime cuisine: seafood platters, breaded whiting with aïoli, prawns with garlic, fish tempura, as well as pizzas with prawns, mussels and anchovies, or chicken thighs with buttermilk.
Woolacombe: green dunes and fine sand
Woolacombe et ses dunes
- © iStockphoto.com / Ian WoolcockSituated in the south-west of England, in the county of Devon, the seaside resort of Woolacombe stands out for its wild nature. Its vast expanse of fine sand and lush green dunes make it one of the most beautiful beaches in England. The small village of Woolacombe is a great place to eat, stroll and shop while enjoying the sea views. The area is also popular with surfers.
Practical information
📍 Location: Woolacombe can be found here on a map.
✈️ Getting there: first byplane, from Paris CDG toBristol airport, then the shuttle bus to the station and train to Barnstaple. Then take the 303 bus to Woolacombe.
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