Season: summer
Mill Bay is one element within the wider sailing and yachting community of Salcombe, a privately owned, sandy sanctuary across the estuary from the town, accessed via a gentle slope down from the pretty village of East Portlemouth, which sits behind the beach on the hillside. Dogs are allowed at all times and there are National Trust walks in the area to enjoy. Parking for sixty cars is nearby.
The beach through time for Steve and Eileen.
A fine day at Mill Bay.
Season: autumn
Located just north of Aldeburgh, Thorpeness is a fascinating seaside village, the brainchild of Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie. Featuring mock Tudor style buildings, the beach is mainly sandy. Behind the village are myriad footpaths, laid over heath and common land. It has associations with J M Barrie’s Peter Pan and an appropriately whimsical ambiance.
Amanda’s recollections of beach life through generations.
By the sea on Thorpeness beach.
Season: winter
It was a chilly, misty morning, but the air was still and the beach felt welcoming. Rod fishermen were working from the beach and there was plenty of room for a good stroll along the shingle. In the near distance to the south, the mist made gave neighbouring Aldeburgh the appearance of a faraway land, despite its being only a short walk away. The brightly coloured houses by the beach flickered in and out of view, as I strolled by the water.
Sam widens the lens to include the many beaches he has visited.
A misty start to the day on the beach at Thorpeness.
Season: spring
The harbour at Newquay resonates with history, originally featuring a medieval quay and latterly a lighthouse on the end of the harbour wall, incorporated in its whitewashed finish between 1907 and 1932. The present design of the Victorian harbour was created by Richard Lomax in 1833 and completed by JT Treffry, a mining entrepreneur. In his interview below, Newquay Harbour Master Graham Alecock-Smith explains an ongoing initiative to reconstitute the benches and viewing area that you can see at the end of the harbour in the photo here, supplied courtesy of Newquay Harbour.
Harbour Master Graham Alecock-Smith explains the plans for Newquay Harbour.
A view of the harbour and its beach from the quay.
Season: autumn
I first filmed the harbour at Newquay from above, opposite the Red Lion pub. You’re in the centre of town here, so facilities are all around you. I also remember the seagulls being the biggest I’ve ever seen in Cornwall. Newquay is a fine town to visit. This part of town is attractive, with the gigs, lifeboats, fishing boats and beach all at hand.
With fisherman Kev on the harbour wall, voicing his concerns about the quota system.
It was very tranquil down by the water in Newquay harbour.
A view of Newquay harbour from above, opposite the Red Lion pub.
Season: summer
The harbour looked fine at Newquay, with boats sheltering on a falling tide and a TV crew filming from the harbour entrance. This is a locals’ beach and there is quite an expanse of fine sand to play on, as well as the added value of the harbour’s bustle and the pleasure boats, plus the gig rowing club and the lifeboat station.
With Yvonne at the harbour in Newquay.
Looking across from the path on the far side of the harbour.
Season: winter
It was a cold, crisp morning for this winter return to Newquay harbour. Sets of clean waves rolled in and I filmed a surfer catching a wave. The harbour was busy, with boats being repaired and maintained. I also met two dog walking ladies on the beach next to the harbour.
With Heidi and Louise on the beach next to the harbour.
The Atlantic surf rolls in to Towan beach, viewed from the harbour wall.
