‘I walked the UK coast for five years – this little-known beach felt like the Bahamas'
IF ONE person knows where you can find the best beaches in the UK, it's Quintin Lake.
For his new book
5
Quintin walked on and off for five years taking pictures of the UK coastline and found incredible beaches
Credit: Quintin Lake
5
Some of the beaches look like they belong in other countries - like Achmelvich Bay in Lochinver
Credit: Quintin Lake
Photographer Quintin travelled through Wales, up to Scotland and across England, finding beautiful coastal spots and he took 1,300 pictures.
Along the way, Quintin saw all sorts, including beaches that you wouldn't believe were in the UK - and one that looked like it was in the Caribbean, was actually in Scotland.
Quintin told Sun Travel: "
"The sea looks turquoise, which you'll see in the book. The water is a beautiful greeny blue - it doesn't look like it belongs in this country at all.
"When I went, it was a sunny day and there were maybe six people there so it was heaven. I couldn't believe it.
"All the northwestern and Sutherland beaches have white sand, and if you go off the beaten path you can easily find a hidden bay that you'll have all to yourself."
Quintin isn't the only one to recognise
It came in at number 45, and is the only UK beach to ever be placed in the top 50.
Most read in Beach holidays
Scotland doesn't just have beautiful beaches, it's also known for its very striking landscape.
"Faraid Head in Scotland is beautiful too, especially with the dramatic cliffs that come down to the sea."
UK beach named one of the top 100 in the world
5
Scottish beaches also have dramatic coastlines like on Faraid Head in Durness
Credit: Quintin Lake
5
The journey took a total of five years and Quintin wild camped along the way
Credit: Quintin Lake
He continued: "Then on the
"The top has blown off and you wouldn't even believe it's in Britain, the beach is so remote and eagles fly overhead - it's very dramatic."
Quintin added: "I mean in northwest Scotland, it's really easy to find a beach where there's no one there for days on end."
Applecross Beach in Scotland is a remote sandy stretch that visitors have sometimes referred to as being the 'edge of the world'.
The area is known for its wild and untamed landscape, with rugged mountains, lochs, and beaches.
A recommendation from Quintin for any holidaymakers who want to avoid beach crowds this summer is
The beach is on the Gower Peninsula and spans for 0.6 miles in low tide. In 2023,
Quintin added: "It's just beautiful, I mean, if you're from Wales, it's probably quite well-known but that beach was magical and it's huge.
Read more on the Irish Sun
"It would be great for families because it's not one of those places where everyone's on top of each other all the time."
Quintin's book, The Perimeter is out now and available to buy
5
Quintin has documented his journey in The Perimeter
Credit: Quintin Lake
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches
BORED of the concrete jungle views over London when the sun is out? Well, here are our favourite destinations for a day trip, and they are all less than two hours away from the capital. 8 Sun Travel reveal our best day trip destinations from London Credit: Kara Godfrey 8 All of these towns you can get to in an hour and a half, or less Credit: Alamy Folkestone, Kent I could hardly talk about amazing seaside towns without mentioning my hometown of Folkestone. From being named a trending place to live by New restaurants and bars are popping up, including the new Med restaurant Cavella on the popular Harbour Arms, as well as the upcoming small-plate restaurant Pomus after success in Margate. Two new playgrounds including the huge adventure park Lower Leas Coastal Park are being renovated, with the town's unique funicular set to reopen next year. Read More on UK Beaches It has its own If you need entertaining, there is The Board Room for shuffleboard and darts, or the Harbour Screen with live shows and films (and some nearby live music). My top tips? Head to Burrito Buoy for a frozen margarita, grab a delicious pizza over at Brewing Brothers, and end your night at The Old Buoy pub. You'll be well fed and watered, and make a few local mates along the way… - Brighton, East Sussex When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason. Most read in Beach holidays Only an hour on the train, the seaside city has often been associated with YouTubers over the years. Yet the destination is loved for many reasons. From the narrow alleys with quaint shops, great ice cream spots and the iconic i360 with breathtaking panoramic views - Brighton really does provide something for everyone. Top 5 Beaches in the UK 8 Kara can't get enough of Folkestone in Kent Credit: Kara Godfrey The history is there too, with the iconic pier still open today and full of classic arcade games and the old pier - of which remains only still stand. The beach itself has pretty pebbles, a long-stretching promenade and pretty townhouses. Sit next to the pier just as And if that wasn't enough to draw you there - Brighton is super dog friendly, so is a great day away from the city for your four-legged friend - Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter 8 Broadstairs is known for being a classic seaside resort Credit: Alamy Broadstairs, Kent You're spoilt for choice when it comes to a beach sunbathe in the historic Kent coastal gem, There's seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. Among the most popular is the main beach at Viking Bay, but Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds. It's as traditional a British seaside resort as they come with imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. Author Charles Dickens had a summer home at Broadstairs for more than 20 years in the middle of the 19th century and it had a significant influence on his writing, particularly the novel David Copperfield. The Dickens House Museum offers an illuminating insight into his life and works. But this is very much still a bustling, seaside resort with lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides. And it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And a must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932. The fabulous Art Deco interior is beaten only just by the stunning sundaes - Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 8 Lisa recommends popping into Morelli's ice-cream shop Credit: Alamy Rye, East Sussex The medieval town of Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on. It's the perfect place to spend a day out - taking an hour and six minutes on the train from If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town. Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas. Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop - Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) 8 Rye is one of the prettiest towns in the country and was home to the first Knoops Credit: Alamy Frinton-on-Sea, Essex I, like many others believe Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out and luxe sister of Clacton. Slightly further up the coast Frinton in Essex has a huge sweeping beach that is lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts - a mark of any beach day trip. The best part is that on the Greater Anglia route, you can get from London to Frinton in an hour and a half. The beach at Frinton is award-winning, having scooped up a Blue Flag award and Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Award in 2024. You can easily walk from from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze too, it's an easy walk along the promenade and you get to see the clock tower on the way over. All-in-all, it takes around 40 minutes to get there. 8 Frinton is lined with beach huts along the promenade Credit: Alamy After such a walk, you might need to quench your thirst after a day of building sand castles and paddling in the sea, there is a pub called the Lock & Barrel. Down Connaught Avenue surrounded by independent shops, art studios and boutiques is the first and only pub in Frinton. For anyone wanting an ice cream, you don't find them along the beach front because they're not allowed. But there is a retro ice cream parlour called Pop-pins down the road - Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter For more days out, And here, 8 Sun Travel reveal our favourite beach day trip destinations
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Departure Lounge: Five travel deals to book, including direct flights to Cancun
Direct flights to Cancun Exciting news for sunseekers as Aer Lingus this week announced the launch of direct flights from Dublin to Cancun in Mexico beginning January 2026. Fares are from €291 each way and booking is open at If however, you can't wait until next year for a Mexican holiday, TUI is offering a 14-night all-inclusive break with savings of up to 34% staying at The Grand Riviera Princess Hotel. The all-inclusive beachfront five-star in Riviera Maya has an impressive eight pools, nine restaurants, and 10 bars. Departing from Dublin, July 5, for 14 nights, €1,709pps including luggage and transfers. Deal of the week Newly launched in Ireland last autumn On the Beach has been running an extensive ad campaign to win over Irish holidaymakers. Current offers flying from Munster include a week on Spain's Costa Dorada from €428.24pp. The package includes seven nights B&B at the four-star Ponient Dorada Palace, departing June 6 from Cork. The hotel includes an adults-only rooftop area with jacuzzis and access to PortAventura theme park. Classical Spain Experience classical Spain on a seven-night guided tour of Seville, Córdoba, and Granada through Spain's historic heartlands. This escorted tour will reveal the cultural riches of Andalusia and Castile, from Granada's Moorish palaces to Toledo's medieval streets. With the Alhambra's intricate architecture, Seville's lively plazas and plenty of excellent food and wine, it sounds like a great itinerary. Classical Spain: Seville, Córdoba and Granada tour starts from €1,495 per person for seven days including flights transfers, and B&B in three-star superior and four-star hotels. Delights of Skye Renowned restaurant with rooms, The Three Chimneys on Skye, and Talisker, the island's oldest distillery, have announced plans to lead the rise of the gastro-distillery on the Scottish island. Skye is a breathtaking destination to visit (an easy 200-km trip from Glasgow) with its rugged scenery and excellent local produce. Visitors can expect a summer menu of freshly caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops, or locally cured meats and cheeses. For an immersive experience, stay at The House over By on the shores of Loch Dunvegan with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula, just 30 minutes' drive from Talisker. Cycle and stay East Cork's Castlemartyr Resort has launched a greenway offer this summer. The two-night Greenway Cycle and Stay package marries cycling or walking with all the trappings of the family-favourite five-star resort. Relax over two nights, with breakfast on both mornings and dinner in the leafy Canopy Restaurant on one night. During the day, get out and explore the newly completed 23km Midleton to Youghal Greenway. Best of all, you'll be provided with rental bikes and a special Castlemartyr Resort picnic to fuel you on your way. €790.20 based on two guests sharing a Deluxe Room for two.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
One of Europe's most beautiful train stations could soon get direct routes from the UK
ONE of Europe's most beautiful train stations could soon get direct routes from the UK. The Sun earlier revealed that there are new plans to 4 One of Europe's most beautiful train stations could soon get direct routes from the UK Credit: Getty 4 The imposing design of the Art Deco building was intended to showcase the dominance of then-Prime Minister Mussolini's fascist regime Credit: Getty 4 Milano Centrale train station hall is stunning at night Credit: Getty Currently, Brits can travel to five places by direct train with Eurostar - Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Previous routes new plans have suggested routes from the in Germany, Switzerland, France and However, could be the first Italian city with a direct train route from the UK, although is unlikely to start anytime before 2030. Currently trains take between 10-12 hours, with changes in Paris so this would be one of the longest routes on offer. Train Journeys It's main train station - Milano Centrale - was opened in the early 1930s, replacing an older and smaller station. The imposing design of the Art Deco building was intended to showcase the dominance of then-Prime Minister Mussolini's fascist regime. There are 24 tracks at Centrale, with a soaring glass and metal arched roof over the platforms. The lowest level of the station has shops, restaurants, and an entry to the Milan Metro. Most read in News Travel On the mezzanine and upper levels there are even more shops and restaurants. The station offers regular daily service to cities throughout The short Irish train journey perfect for summer day out with 'stunning views' The city is a major cultural centre, with museums and art galleries that include some of the most important collections in the world, such as major works by Leonardo da Vinci. Milan has also been recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals. Many of the most famous luxury fashion brands in the world have their headquarters in the city, including: Armani, Prada, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino. Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray So whether exploring Milan's scenic canals or visiting its famous Duomo cathedral, there is no shortage of things to do in the modern Fashion Capital of Milan. The other possible destinations Here are the other new destinations that Brit's could one day reach by train - including how likely they are to happen. The UK once had direct routes to While it was cancelled in 2020, it once ran up to four times a week, so it could be easy to restore. Another French route being suggested is London to This is also most likely with a plan suggesting a route from 2026. Cologne is another more likely destinations that could be joined to the UK by direct train, being the closest to Brussels. Currently, Eurostar trains take around two hours to Brussels, with Cologne another two hours from there. Another likely train route is A direct route from London to the Swiss city of But, currently taking around seven hours, the long journey time is likely to make the direct UK route less likely. Another Swiss city wanting a direct route is 4 Milano Centrale is the main railway station of Milan and was opened in the early 1930s Credit: Getty
