As January settles in, a surprising number of Britons are reaching for their coats and heading to the coast. A recent National Trust survey revealed that a staggering 43 million people in the UK enjoy a bracing winter walk, drawn to frosty landscapes and invigorating sea air.
From Dinosaurs to Dreamy Bays: England's Coastal Gems
For those seeking dramatic scenery, Dorset's Jurassic Coast offers a timeless escape. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its fossil cliffs and sea-carved bays, is wonderfully quiet outside of summer. The sandy stretch at Weymouth, usually bustling, becomes a peaceful haven for a stroll, with its colourful Georgian seafront providing a picturesque backdrop. A short drive away, the wild Isle of Portland feels worlds apart from modern life, its rugged terrain a reminder of the dinosaurs that roamed there 185 million years ago.
Venturing to the Isle of Wight, the unique seaside town of Ventnor boasts a quirky charm and a famed microclimate that nurtures Mediterranean plants. The 25-minute coastal walk from Ventnor Beach to the hidden gem of Steephill Cove is particularly breathtaking in winter, offering constant sea views and access to clear rock pools.
Cornwall's Hidden Treasures and Northern Wonders
Cornwall, with its 400 miles of coastline, is a perennial favourite. In winter, spots like the crescent-shaped Tolcarne Beach near Newquay offer serene beauty without the crowds. For the more adventurous, Nanjizal Bay near Penzance has been hailed by some travellers as the 'best beach in the UK'. Its Seychelles-like white sand and crystal-clear waters transform under winter skies, often shrouded in magical mist. Reaching it requires a scenic walk and a descent down a steep staircase, ensuring it remains an untouched paradise.
The North of the UK holds its own spectacular secrets. In Anglesey, North Wales, Trearddur Bay was recently crowned the UK's best coastal hidden gem. Praised for its calm, clear waters, it's a popular spot for wild swimming year-round. Keen walkers can explore the nearby Anglesey Coastal Path, passing an Iron Age hillfort and the dramatic South Stack lighthouse.
Island Escapes: The Outer Hebrides and Sussex Sands
For a truly remote experience, West Beach on the island of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides is in a league of its own. Featured in Lonely Planet's list of the world's best beaches, its silver-white sand and aqua waves create a stunning, wind-swept landscape that feels both tropical and profoundly Scottish. Accessible from a car park near the village hall, it offers miles of unspoilt walking.
Closer to London, Camber Sands in East Sussex provides the perfect antidote to city life. Notably named one of Europe's least crowded beaches, its rare golden sand and dunes make it an idyllic winter walking destination. A two-hour train journey from the capital, followed by a short bus ride from Rye station, transports visitors to this serene stretch of coast.
Whether you're hunting for fossils on the Jurassic Coast, braving the elements on a Hebridean shore, or enjoying the quiet grandeur of a Welsh bay, the UK's coastline offers spectacular and crowd-free walking adventures throughout the winter of 2026.
