Make the Most of Your Coast

Make the Most of Your Coast – British Beach Week Launches Seaside trips, the most popular domestic visit British Beach Week (23rd – 31st July)launches to celebrate the UK coastline cottages4you reveals most popular UK beaches for 2011

When it comes to UK holidays, it seems nothing beats a visit to the British seaside, but according to holidaymakers, only a third of us would consider extending a visit into an overnight stay.

The poll, carried out by the UK’s leading holiday cottage letting agency cottages4you, found that although the nation prefers a coastal visit over a countryside or city break, most people (47 per cent) only consider a day trip. The survey was commissioned ahead of the cottages4you British Beach Week, which runs from 23rd to 31st July. The week aims to encourage people of all ages to fully explore the nation’s beaches and highlight the boundless opportunities the UK’s coast has to offer.

Whether it is kite surfing for the adrenalin junkie or beachcombing and rock-pooling for families, there is something for everyone to enjoy, in all weathers! The majority of coastal lovers identified their main reason for visiting a British beach as a chance to spend time with the family (40 per cent), with small resorts being the most popular. Only five per cent said their visit was for a specific beach activity, such as surfing, despite the abundance of facilities available across the country. Nick Rudge from cottages4you said: “With miles of coastline to explore, many of which are within only a few hours’ drive, the British seaside is the perfect holiday destination with plenty to see and do. “We’re launching British Beach Week to highlight the variety on offer. Whether you want an adrenalin-packed holiday with water sports, fun-filled resorts with amusements or simply a stunning backdrop to your family break, we have cottages throughout the UK where you can base yourself and enjoy all the UK coastline has to offer.” For those needing inspiration on where to go for a week’s stay or short break on their next staycation, cottages4you has also revealed the UK’s top beach destinations, based on booking figures for Summer 2011.

What’s more, to make the most of your summer, cottages4you is offering up to 20 per cent off many holidays during the school holidays. To find out more, visit www.cottages4you.co.uk

Top 10 UK beach destinations*

1. Cornwall
2. Isle of Wight
3. Sussex
4. Kent
5. Dorset, Exmoor and Somerset
6. Hampshire 7. Norfolk North Coast
7. Wales
8. Lakes, Cumbria and the North West
9. Devon

* Based on 2011 booking figures to June 2011.