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.

Lulworth Cove

Season: spring

Lulworth Cove was bathed in morning sunlight. This is a stunning location, a geological timepiece, with rocks that span in age from sixty five million to a hundred and sixty five million years old. The five miles either side of here are sometimes described as jewels in the Jurassic coastline, well worth a visit at any time of year and connected by a cliff top path, which itself is part of the South West Coast Path. On this occasion the wet winter had taken its toll, with increased landslips all along the coast, so care was needed when planning a walk.

Ray’s affection for this stretch of coastline.

Looking across Lulworth Cove in the morning light.

Season: autumn

Lulworth Cove was formed about ten thousand years ago by the combined power of a river and the sea. The narrow Portland Stone entrance leads to softer Purbeck, Wealden, Greensand and Chalk ground behind, that is still being eroded. Lulworth Cove has a pebble beach and by virtue of its natural protection is very sheltered. The steps at the eastern end of the beach lead to Fossil Forest and Mupe Bay, with a stunning walk along the cliff top. The footpath is within the MoD Restricted Area and is only open at weekends and for the whole of August. There’s a café on the beach and toilet facilities are nearby. In summer you can take a boat from the beach to Durdle Door or Mupe Bay, affording a wonderful view of the spectacular coastline.

Looking back to the village from above one side of Lulworth Cove.

Happisburgh beach

Season: summer

Another ten metres of the coast had eroded recently at Happisburgh, with the truncated road shortening on each of my visits to this beautiful stretch of coastline. On this occasion bright sunshine on a rising tide was the order of the day. The lighthouse still stands guard, but one feels it is only a matter of time. Sand martins’ nests dot the soft cliffs. The beach itself is on a grand scale and is a perennially popular visitor attraction.

What the beach means to Jacquie and Eddy.

A bright day and a rising tide at Happisburgh beach.

Season: autumn

Pronounced “Hazebruh”, Happisburgh originated as “Haep’s Town” and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Unfortunately it is disappearing under erosion at a rate of knots, so enjoy the oldest working lighthouse on the Norfolk coast while it is still here. There’s a ramp down to the beach for easy access and great coastal walking along this stretch of Norfolk’s coastline.

Chris’ passion for the beach and all that it means to him.

With Peter, above the beach at Happisburgh.

The view from the vulnerable cliffs above the beach at Happisburgh.

Season: summer

Bright blue skies were the order of the day for this summer visit. The tide was halfway in, allowing good access to the beach via the ramp that’s part of the managed retreat against the erosion here. Models were filming a clothing shoot by the cliffs. The red and white hooped lighthouse was framed in picture book style by the azure, cloudless sky, sitting in a field of vivid, ripe oil seed rape, altogether a riot of colour.

What the beach means to Julie, on holiday in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

A view of Happisburgh beach in the summer, seen from the cliffs above.

Bridlington

Season: summer

Bridlington is the preferred escape for many people from Hull, in the same way that Scarborough appeals to visitors from the West Riding. There is a buzz about the place, with seafront amusements and ice cream parlours. The beaches are on either side of the harbour, with golden sands all the way. There’s a fine selection of shops in the adjacent town and at night Bridlington comes alive, with shows and entertainments for all tastes.

Summer visit photo gallery

What the beach means to Peter and Bridget.

Visitors enjoy Bridlington’s South Beach.

A high tide, the harbour and a glimpse of North Beach.