- The Lord Mayor, Ioan Richard and Jenny Bostock from Fredericks, who sponsored the poll.
Port Eynon Bay on the Gower Peninsula has just been voted Britain’s best beach in an award ceremony to celebrate Britain’s fantastic coastline.
It is the second year running that a Welsh beach has scooped the Cadbury Flake 99 Great British Beach Award, after Rhossili Bay took top honours in 2010.
The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Ioan Richard accepted the award on the winning beach, which won more than 40 per cent of the 8,000 votes cast by members of the public choosing their favourite sandy spots.
Port Eynon was one of eight beaches shortlisted for the award, nominated for its fun family feel and breathtaking landscapes.
From Olympics hot-spot Weymouth to big blockbuster movie location Holkham, each beach had their individual charms but Port Eynon Bay came out on top with its idyllic scenery, rolling hills and bustling beach shops in the small Port Eynon village –a hidden gem located in the remote south western corner of the Gower Peninsula which is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
The beaches were nominated by panellists, including Nigel Thompson, Travel Editor for the Daily Mirror, and Frank Barrett, Travel Editor of the Mail on Sunday as well as tourist boards from around the UK.
Sharing details about our favourite beaches is a regular passtime at Havealovelytime, so we were interested to see the shortlist for the awards.
Here’s a bit about all the beaches, if you fancy trying them out this summer.
Port Eynon Bay, Gower Peninsula
Named one of 15 Best Family Beaches in Britain in 2010 and awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award for bathing water quality, Port Eynon is remembered as a breathtaking place by those who visit. Its large sandy bay sheltered by gently sloping hillsides, is one of Gower’s largest bays with views of historical relics including the old salt house and the lifeboat station which is the setting for famous local tales. The clear, blue, rocky water provides small warm pools that are perfect for children. Tourism is an important part of life to those from Port Eynon and the village houses the largest collection of seaside shops on the peninsula.
Broadstairs, Kent
Home to quaint squares of fishermen’s cottages, the arched walkway beside Bleak House, (once the summer home of Charles Dickens), and the promenade with its glorious flower beds.
Weymouth, Dorset
The beach hosts major events such as London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events and is the place to enjoy three miles of sand and promenade making it a classic UK destination.
Holkham, Norfolk
This beautiful white sandy beach is backed by pine woodlands and has featured in film blockbusters including ‘Shakespeare in Love’.
Southport, Lancashire
Located on a 22 mile stretch of beautiful coastline, Southport Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing family day out and is home to the country’s oldest and second longest pier.
Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
A place of mystical folklore and magical attractions like the Falling Foss Waterfall. The village by the bay has many good local restaurants and teashops.
Plockton, The Highlands
Situated in the sheltered area of Loch Carron, this beach is rather unusually home to a number of palm trees. The area is known especially for its walks around Duncraig Castle.
Whiterocks, Portrush
The beach attracts water sports enthusiasts as well as regular surfers and there are many shops and services nearby that can organise the hire of such equipment.
What do you think of the results? Do you know these places – what do you love about them? Please let us know.
Related posts:
-ani.png)
