Oh we do like to be beside the seaside — but the seaside doesn’t always like us. We’re blessed with some magnificent beaches in the UK and there are always plenty of places we can visit abroad too. The thing is that it’s not always the best weather or a suitable temperature for visiting the beach. That means they can be rather empty when it gets windy, cold or wet. But there’s no need to abandon the beach just because the weather isn’t perfect. There are fun activities you can enjoy at any time of year, no matter if it’s bright and sunny or grey and cold.
Take a Stroll
A walk along the beach is almost always something you can do, at any time of year. You just have to be careful of the tides, as well as any rough waves. If it’s looking a bit too choppy, it could be best to leave it for another day. But if the sea is relatively calm, you can enjoy a stroll along the beach even when it’s raining. There’s something wonderfully dramatic about the wind whipping about you as you walk along the sand (or shingles/pebbles). The fresh sea air is sure to do you some good too.
Go for a Dip
Even in the summer, you sometimes have to be pretty brave to get into the sea. It can make for a pretty pleasant way to cool off when it’s really hot, although it’s still important to stay safe. When the weather is less than ideal, only the really brave (and those who know what they’re doing) would go for a swim. However, there are times when it might be too cold for a proper dip but the water is calm enough that you can still go for a little paddle. Getting your feet wet is invigorating, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes.
Build Sandcastles
If you’re lucky enough to visit a sandy beach, rather than one with pebbles or shingles, building sandcastles has to be one of the best family activities. It doesn’t need to be the height of summer to do this, although you probably don’t want to do it in the middle of winter, either. A few buckets and spades are all you need to start forming your own creations. And you’re not limited to castles. You can sculpt whatever you feel like making and in warmer weather you’ll be able to spend time perfecting what you choose to create.
Skim Stones
Skimming stones is a skill that takes practice. It might look easy at first, but it can soon become clear that there’s a knack to it. Fortunately, it doesn’t require you to get in the sea and it’s perfect for when you’re wrapped up against the cold. It’s something you can do while you’re taking a walk along the beach. Take advantage of the tide being out (just make sure you know when it’s coming back in) and spend some time perfecting your technique. Even just spending time finding some nice stones to skim across the water can be fun and relaxing.
Sail a Boat
Did you know you don’t need to get into the water to sail a boat? That’s definitely a fun option, but it’s not one everyone wants to explore. Instead, you can sail a boat without ever having to get into the water. With an RC sailboat, you get to be in control of a powerful little boat without having to actually be in it. These powerful boats are fun to sail and can even be raced. If you find that you like it, you might be interested in the many competitions where you can race your boat in different places around the world.
Sample the Local Food
In many places, the best thing about going to the beach is discovering what you can eat and drink. Some seaside towns might be more culinary hotspots than others, but even the most basic beaches tend to have typical seaside offerings. Whether you’re there for the ice cream and fish and chips, or you’re looking for a gourmet seafood restaurant or a bar with a view, you can often find some wonderful offerings. Some places might not be open during the colder months, but you can find some that are open all year too. It may depend on what other attractions the town has and if visitors arrive outside of summer.
Go Rock Pooling and Fossil Hunting
Rock pools can provide endless opportunities for entertainment and fascination. Whether you’re at the beach with your kids or there isn’t a child in sight, there’s so much to explore within these mini worlds. You can discover different plants and animals, from crabs to various types of seaweed. Another great thing to go looking for around rock formations and along the beach is fossils. Some beaches are better for this than others but, if you’re lucky, you can find some fascinating fossils that show you little pieces of history. You can learn what to look for and how to identify different types of fossils.
Fly a Kite
When the wind picks up, it’s a great opportunity for windsurfers and kitesurfers. But if you don’t fancy being on the water, you could just have fun on (semi) dry land. Taking a kite to the beach might seem a little old-fashioned but it can be so enjoyable to play with if you can get the hang of it. It sometimes takes a while to work out what you should be doing to keep it in the air, but it’s worth it once you can actually get it airborne. Don’t worry if you don’t already have a kite. You can usually pick one up from a nearby shop. It’s a popular activity, so you’re likely to find somewhere that sells them.
It doesn’t need to be hot and sunny to enjoy the beach. If you can’t swim or sunbathe, there are plenty of other activities you can try.
