Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

West Bay

Season: autumn

West Bay is the beach for the historic town of Bridport. Protected by its piers, the beach and harbour are fringed by old cottages and a Customs House. The town was once well known for rope making. Local art galleries showcase the natural beauty in this part of the Jurassic Coast and fossils are abundant hereabouts, often collected below the awesome East Cliff.

Dave’s perspective on a changing coastline.

The beach and East Cliff at West Bay.

Season: spring

The beach was bathed in morning sunshine for this seasonal visit. There was a steep shingle shelf down to the water’s edge and the shingle turned relentlessly under the push and pull of the tide. East Cliff and its fossils dominate the beach, towering above the sand. The soft sandstone yields its ancient historical bounty all year round, well worth a visit.

Jo’s enjoyment of this beach and village, now showcased in a TV drama.

By the water on the shingle beach at West Bay.

Aldeburgh beach

Season: summer

A mild, breezy day greeted me at Aldeburgh for this summer visit. The weekend had enticed a throng of visitors to the pretty village streets and to the independent shops, all a stone’s throw from the shingle beach and its fresh fish vendors. A game of boules was in full flow, as families played by the water’s edge and couples enjoyed the promenade. When summer arrives, Aldeburgh is a fine place to enjoy it.

Anna’s international perspective on the beach.

A celebration of Aldeburgh’s rich cultural heritage by the beach. Here’s a commissioned film about Benjamin Britten and his affinity to Aldeburgh, more widely a reflection on the perennial relationship between man and place – Benjamin Britten Centenary Film.

Season: winter

The beach at Aldeburgh is a wonderful place to find yourself on a misty, still winter morning. The sea’s music on the shingle is the only sound, just before the town wakes up and the early boats return with their catch. The pebbles have been endlessly turned upon and between each other, becoming smooth to the touch and harmoniously coloured. On mornings like these, it’s hard to pick out the horizon, as the massive sky folds into the sea. The mist seems to amplify each small sound, yet the intimacy remains.

What the beach here has meant and always will mean to Susan.

Dean’s work place.

A misty morning on the beach at Aldeburgh.

Season: autumn

Sitting on the East Suffolk coast, Aldeburgh is an attractive and well known seaside town, counting Benjamin Britten and Maggi Hambling among its luminaries. As well as its strong, ongoing musical and artistic associations, there’s a strong fishing tradition. There are miles of unspoilt shingle coast within easy walking distance of the town.

The beach is Duncan’s livelihood.

By the sea in the late afternoon at Aldeburgh.

St Mawes beach

Season: summer

Bright sunshine, blue skies and turquoise water greeted me for this summer visit to beautiful St Mawes. As the tide fell away, affluent visitors trickled out of the well-appointed hotels, second homes and holiday lets, promenading down to the local shops and attractions in the harbour, perhaps to take the ferry over to Falmouth or to just enjoy the seasonal atmosphere. St Mawes is at its best in the summer, a chic and up-market way to enjoy being beside the seaside.

Lucy and Leo, by St Mawes Castle in the sunshine.

A fine vista at St Mawes on a summer morning.

Season: summer

Although it was cloudy with showers, St Mawes was full of visitors, disembarking from the Falmouth ferry or drifting out of the town’s hotels. Water sports were in full swing, helped by St Mawes’ access to excellent sailing and kayaking waters. The aroma of fresh pasties from the shop by the harbour wall and fresh coffee and baguettes from the cafes made this a very welcoming place to visit.

The release that the beach offers to Tim.

A gloomy, atmospheric start to the day in St Mawes.

Season: spring

It was a mild, blustery afternoon at St Mawes. The town was busy, catering for ferry passengers from Falmouth and those staying in St Mawes itself. On a falling tide, the rocks made ideal rock pools to explore, for anemones and crabs, or simply to wonder at the colours in the clear water.

With Stephen on the beach at St Mawes.

Season: winter

My winter return at dawn to St Mawes showcased the village in all its early morning glory, a counterpoint to my first night time manonabeach® the previous autumn. The setting was stunning and I heard from Sue what the beach means to her on Tavern beach below Hotel Tresanton.

Dawn breaks at St Mawes in Cornwall.

On Tavern beach in St Mawes.

Season: autumn

This up-market village sits near the southern tip of the Roseland Peninsula and was the venue for my first night time manonabeach®. I spoke to the manager of Hotel Tresanton and was struck by the lively atmosphere in the town mid-week. St Mawes has plenty of parking, excellent shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs, as well as a post office and newsagent. The daytime views across Carrick Roads or up the Percuil River are second to none and the town feels very welcoming. There is a distinct sense of escape from humdrum life here. St Mawes has the up-market detachment I was aware of in Fowey and, to a certain extent, St Ives.

My chat with Frederika in the courtyard of Hotel Tresanton.

Season: winter

Starting at St Mawes Castle, with St Anthony Head lighthouse blinking to my right, I made my way down the winding, narrow lane towards the harbour at high tide. A slim strand of beach was still visible in front of Hotel Tresanton and weekending visitors were beginning to mill about. St Mawes attracts well-heeled visitors in the summer and early January is a fine, more reflective time to enjoy its charms.

Beach testimonies from Sammy, Laura, Becky, Gill, Natalie and Beth, of The Roseland Gig Rowing Club.

St Mawes on a winter morning, as seen from the castle.