Latest news with #AnnabelSymonds
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
White sandy beach in Scotland so 'stunning' it'll save you a plane trip to Australia
A UK beach has been likened to a beach in Australia, with its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, meaning you won't have to travel far to see something spectacular. Countless people fantasise about jetting off to Australia to witness its world-renowned coastline, but the flight costs to the opposite side of the globe are eye-watering. Fortunately, Britain boasts some magnificent shores that rival the golden Australian beaches, meaning you needn't venture overseas to discover somewhere spectacular. In fact you don't even have to leave Scotland. Annabel Symonds, a travel specialist and co-founder of Londoner in Sydney, has heaped praise upon Luskentyre Beach, located on Harris Island in the Outer Hebrides. She says it bears an uncanny resemblance to Queensland Beach in Whitsundays, Australia. She said: "That's right, Luskentyre Beach on Harris Island in Scotland reminds us of one of the best beaches in the world." Luskentyre Beach is renowned for its shimmering crystal-clear azure waters that lend the shoreline a tropical feel. It also delivers immaculate white sand that creates a stunning contrast against the sea, reports the Express. The sand is celebrated for its exceptionally fine, almost powder-like quality, which enhances the beach's splendour whilst providing remarkable comfort for visitors wanting to sunbathe, enjoy a picnic or unwind with a good book. Furthermore, the picturesque backdrop of Scotland's rugged emerald hills stretching into the distance transforms Luskentyre Beach into an ideal spot for photographers seeking to capture breathtaking shots. Numerous visitors dedicate time to trekking up Beinn Dhubh, a cluster of neighbouring peaks, to secure the ultimate photograph of those stunning sapphire waters. Annabel stated: "This Scottish beach has water so bright that you'll think you're sailing on the Whitsundays. "If you're lucky, you might even spot some seals and if you're very lucky, see deer wandering around on this beach too." Seals are frequently spotted sunning themselves on rocks near the shore at Luskentyre Beach, but visitors may also catch sight of dolphins, red deer or golden eagles, making it an ideal spot for wildlife watching. Luskentyre Beach has been recognised as one of Europe's "most stunning" beaches by Lonely Planet and was also crowned Beach of the Year in the Countryfile Magazine Awards. The beach is situated adjacent to the village of Luskentyre, a tranquil hamlet adorned with white stone brick cottages where locals occasionally offer horseback rides along the beach. There's also a beach hut shop selling drinks and ice cream, as well as gifts and artwork for those interested in local crafts. Plus, it's conveniently located near the Cake Shed cafe, which offers homemade cakes and scones. Luskentyre Beach is also close to the town of Tarbert, Harris's main ferry port, where there's an abundance of restaurants, cafes, shops and even the renowned Isle of Harris Distillery to discover. What sets Luskentyre Beach apart as a fantastic destination is its relative tranquillity compared to other popular beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights undisturbed.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a travel expert - one beautiful British beach belongs on Australia coastline'
Luskentyre Beach in Scotland is so beautiful it has been compared to the Whitsundays in Australia and has been named one of the most stunning beaches in Europe. A travel expert has revealed one special beach that will steal a place in British tourists' hearts - and they don't even have to leave the country. Countless Brits fantasise about jetting off to Australia to bask on its iconic beaches. But the hefty price tag for a flight down under can be daunting. Thankfully, there's no need to dig deep into your pockets for adventure on sandy beaches worthy of a place in Australia. Britain boasts its own stunning shores that rival the famed golden coasts of Australia, as Travel guru Annabel Symonds explains. Annabel, co-founder of Londoner in Sydney, has revealed that Scotland 's Luskentyre Beach on Harris Island bears an uncanny resemblance to Queensland Beach in Australia's Whitsundays. She exclaimed: "That's right, Luskentyre Beach on Harris Island in Scotland reminds us of one of the best beaches in the world." Renowned for its shimmering clear turquoise waters, Luskentyre Beach offers a tropical vibe that belies its Scottish location, complemented by pristine white sands that form a dramatic contrast with the sea, reports the Express. The beach's sand is celebrated for its soft, powdery quality, enhancing the beach's allure and providing the perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, or unwinding with a book. And let's not forget the picturesque Scottish hills in the background, offering a scenic vista that makes Luskentyre Beach an ideal destination for photographers looking to capture some truly spectacular shots. Adventurous visitors often trek up Beinn Dhubh, the nearby hills, to snag the ultimate photo of the stunning azure waters. Annabel remarked: "This Scottish beach has water so bright that you'll think you're sailing on the Whitsundays. If you're lucky, you might even spot some seals and if you're very lucky, see deer wandering around on this beach too." Seals are sometimes observed lounging on nearby rocks at Luskentyre Beach, whilst visitors may also encounter dolphins, red deer or golden eagles, making it an ideal spot for wildlife watching. The beach has earned recognition as one of Europe's "most stunning" coastal destinations by Lonely Planet and has also claimed the title of Beach of the Year in the Countryfile Magazine Awards. The stretch of sand sits adjacent to the village of Luskentyre, a tranquil hamlet peppered with white stone cottages. Residents occasionally provide horseback excursions along the shoreline. Visitors can browse the beachside hut shop offering refreshments and ice cream alongside local gifts and artwork showcasing regional craftsmanship. The nearby Cake Shed café serves freshly baked treats and scones. The beach benefits from its proximity to Tarbert, Harris's principal ferry terminal, where tourists can discover numerous eateries, cafés, shops and the renowned Isle of Harris Distillery. What sets Luskentyre Beach apart as an exceptional destination is its relative seclusion compared to other celebrated coastlines. This allows guests to savour the scenery undisturbed and, crucially, at a fraction of the cost of a trip abroad. If you're seeking an extraordinary destination, then Luskentyre Beach is certainly worth considering for a visit.
