As a born and bred Londoner, I think it’s fair to say we have quite the reputation for turning our noses up at anything that falls more than 45 minutes away from the River Thames.
Londoners are renowned for many things, and one of them is arguably their reluctance to venture too far from their cherished city. As a true Londoner myself, I believe it’s fair to say we’re notorious for snubbing anything that lies more than 45 minutes away from the River Thames.
Why depart when there’s already an abundance of activities right here? Moreover, if you’re craving a holiday, there are numerous airports nearby ready to whisk you off to a tranquil retreat adorned with golden sands and azure waters. Indeed, Londoners often grimace at the idea of trading sun-kissed Greek beaches for the rugged bays of Cornwall.
I was once one of these Londoners until a few years ago. During a visit to relatives residing in Cornwall, I was introduced to a beach that I later discovered is frequently ranked among the world’s best each year, and since then, I’ve become an ardent admirer of the British countryside.
Just three miles from the charming town of Padstow lies Harlyn Bay, a horseshoe-shaped expanse of beach frequented by surfers worldwide and where local families enjoy leisurely weekend strolls.
Finding a beach that ticks all the boxes of what a beach should offer is indeed rare, and I certainly didn’t think such a place existed in the UK. However, having been fortunate enough to visit several tropical beaches, few can rival the tranquillity I experience while ambling along Harlyn Bay.
During a sunny morning visit last November, the blue sky seemed to merge with the sea, and I found myself questioning why I reside in London when mornings could be as serene as this instead of being stuck in a packed tube carriage. However, as a typical Londoner who can’t drive, I’ll likely remain somewhere with public transport access for the foreseeable future.
Cornwall is far from undiscovered, and the increasing influx of tourists in recent years has caused numerous issues for locals, yet this beach manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere, away from bustling crowds.
What I love most about this Cornish treasure isn’t its beauty on a sunny day; it’s how picturesque it remains throughout all seasons. I often visit during winter, even stopping by on Christmas Day occasionally, and it remains as charming as ever.
Indeed, while it’s too chilly for a swim, the sand dunes provide some shelter from wind and rain, and the moss-covered stones and rock pools often appear even more stunning in the depths of winter.
As a Londoner, I’ve discovered that I actually appreciate some peace and quiet away from the city, and Harlyn Bay offers that kind of respite that makes it worth escaping the Big Smoke for. While there are plenty of breathtaking beaches in Spain, Greece and Italy, having one a bit closer to home is ideal.