THINK the UK‘s beaches should only be visited in the heat of summer? Think again.
Many stretches of the country’s coastline make the perfect day out, even if layers may be essential.
While only the very brave might get into their swimwear for a winter dip in the sea, it’s worth noting that some beaches are warmer to visit than others.
From East Sussex to Essex, consider these for a festive trip to the seaside…
Located near the quaint town of Rye, off the English Channel, it is one of the mildest spots of UK coastline at this time of year.
While July may be the warmest month to pay a visit – with temperatures reaching 17°C on average – you’ll need to wrap up warm for the beach’s 5°C right now.
However, you’ll be sure to get a decent vitamin D top-up, with an average of 195.19 hours of sunshine logged on average per month.
Fancy a dip? It’s one of the best sections of sea to go for a swim in all year round – at least for those who are experienced at cold water swimming.
The average annual water temperature is 12.2°C, although it reaches 8.8°C a refreshing in winter.
One of the most famous features of Camber Sands is its stunning sand dunes, which have led to it becoming a specially protected area.
The natural beauty of the five-mile sandy stretch has meant it’s been a well-known filming location over the decades.
It was famously used to film scenes of the invasion for the 1958 film Dunkirk and even doubled up as the Sahara Desert in 1967 in a Carry On film.
Additionally, it provided the backdrop to a fashion shoot for The Face magazine, which catapulted a then-unknown model called Kate Moss to superstardom in 1990.
If things are a bit too chilly to hang around for long on the day you drop by, then within close proximity are Rye’s cobbles – with its famous Mermaid Street unmissable.
In this corner of Kent, it is trendy Margate that tends to get all the attention – however the sandy 250-metre stretch alongside the town of Ramsgate is a real winter gem.
The annual water temperature in this spot off the Thames Estuary is 12.2°C, reaching 8.3°C at this time of year for seasoned cold water swimmers.
While the regular forecast during the festive season is 3°C on average, it can reach 17°C in the hottest month of August at this sandy spot flanked by impressive chalky cliffs.
However, regardless of how many layers you need to wear, there are as many as 208 hours of sunshine per month whenever you plan to visit.
Further still, while Camber Sands may provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, one of Ramsgate Beach’s USPs is its close proximity to amenities.
The adjacent Royal Harbour is the only one in the UK, given the accolade after King George IV was particularly impressed by the hospitality before he set sail for Hanover in 1820.
Just over a century later, Ramsgate had the unfortunate experience of being the most-bombed UK seaside town during the First World War.
Today, there are children’s amusements, arcades, restaurants and kiosks – selling the likes of ice-cream and fish and chips.
Planning to visit with family? Ramsgate was declared a Blue Flag Beach in 2015, meaning it has met certain environmental, safety and water quality standards.
What’s more, dogs aren’t allowed on the sands between 1st May and 30th September, meaning you can take your four-legged furry friend for a stroll over the festive season.
Now, the Essex town actually has not one, but nine, beaches to choose from on its seven miles of coastline.
These include Bell Wharf Beach, Chalkwell Beach, City Beach, Jubilee Beach, Shoebury Common, Shoebury East Beach, Thorpe Bay Beach, Three Shells Beach and Lagoon, and Westcliff Beach.
Which is just as well since the area – which has four Blue Flag beaches among its roster – receives an average of 194.65 hours of sunshine per month.
Although the balmiest temperatures can be enjoyed in August at 18°C, at this time of year the mercury logs around 5°C.
The average annual water temperature is 12.2°C, lowering to 8.3°C during winter for those who come prepared for a cool swim.
Before you assume that you’ll be scrunching your toes into sand, some of Southend-on-Sea‘s beaches are actually filled with pebbles.
There are also some that are smaller and more secluded than others with just a scattering of beach huts, while others are wide open and more busy.
One of the most popular is Westcliff Beach, which is near the renowned Rossi ice-cream destination.
If the weather is good, the Archway Cafes are great for al fresco dining, and the nearby Cliffs Pavillion offers up entertainment all year round.
However, it does mean there’s something for everyone at Southend-on-Sea, and is the reason why millions of tourists visit every year.
It is unsurprising that a Devon beach is one of the most pleasant in the UK to visit, given the county’s southern positioning.
Woolacombe sits on a three-mile the stretch of sand on the North Devon coast between Croyde and Ilfracombe.
The average monthly sunshine levels are around 190.24 hours, with July being the hottest month to pay a visit at 16°C.
While it reaches 4°C at this time of year, the likley bright conditions mean you should still take your sunglasses with you in winter.
As for the water temperature? It may be on pleasant enough on land, but the 11.38°C for those taking a dip means it’s not for the fainthearted.
Unusually for a British beach, it is actually private – owned by family company Parkin Estates since 1948, who ensure that is impeccably maintained for visitors.
Hate to sit still? it offers a number of activities – including kayaking, kite surfing, sailing, surfing and wind surfing.
However, even if you simply want to go for a festive hike alongside the coast, then you’ll be in for a treat, given it is located in a North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding natural Beauty.
While you can still feel immersed in nature, at one end of the beach lies the village of Woolacombe – where there are numerous B&Bs, cafés and shops.
Close to here, you will find car parking space for 2,000 vehicles so you can travel to visit from further afield.
This spot, on the south coast of Cornwall, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Cornwall.
It features rugged granite cliffs and white sands, which are made up from fragments of ground-up shells.
This is also believed to enhance the crystal-clear turquoise waters that make it look as though you’ve jetted off on a plane somewhere.
What’s more, it is the ideal place to visit during winter – not least because of the 190.64 hours of sunshine per month.
In the summer, the temperature reaches 15°C, while in the winter it gets to 5°C on average.
Those who are experienced cold water swimmers might want to take a dip on the sea, where temperatures are 12.7°C at this time.
Further still, the sandy stretch is looked after by the National Trust, who report that it is great for spotting birds and dolphins.
However, one of the best things about visiting Porthcurno Beach at this time of year is its close proximity to other must-visit places for a full day out.
It is located next to the small village of Porthcurno, which is itself home to the stunning open-air Minack Theatre on the cliff-edge.
Continue just a few miles along the coast and you’ll reach Land’s End, which marks mainland Britain’s most south-westerly point.
