Relax and Play at St Bees Beach
There are some places that are just made for the Summer holidays. They’re the kind of places that make for fantastic memories – the smell of fish, chips and vinegar from a food stall, the unmistakable smell of the ocean, sea foam and sand. St Bees Beach is like that – laid back, modest and intriguing – and the small village of St Bees lies just south of Whitehaven.
The village is also south of St Bees Head which is on the western part of Cumbria. The history of the village goes back 1,000s of years and it has been a sought after holiday destination for well over a century now.
Take your pick from a variety of affordable holiday accommodation options in St Bees to fit all holiday budgets. Discover the beach, the largest sea-bird colony in north-west England, the cluster of shops and pubs – all guaranteed to ensure happy holidays.
St Bees Beach – Natural Splendour
St Bees Village is well known for being the start of the Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk. The clifftop path goes north from St Bees, taking you to Fleswick Bay. To the north of the village are the tall sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head – an important seabird reserve.
This coastal site, under the care of the RSPB, is home to thousands of seabirds such as black guillemots, puffins, cormorants, kittiwakes, herring gulls and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure to have your binoculars with you as St Bees Head, a Heritage Coast, has some viewing points which provide great views of the bird colony. This Isle of Man can also be seen on clear day.
There is also a lighthouse on the North Head. If you’re looking for a fascinating circular walk along the coast and around the sandstone headland near St Bees, there is plenty to see and enjoy on this walk, including plenty of birds.
The Beach – Blissful, Uncrowded Relaxation
The village boasts about its big sandy beach with promenade and visitor facilities. They do warn though, that if noise, crowds and a fairground atmosphere is what you’re after, this beach won’t rock your boat. It’s a peaceful beach where you can always find your spot in the sun.
The beach is long and wide and gently sloping – ideal for flying a kite, building a sandcastle, paddling in tidal pools, walking your dog, having a picnic, soaking up the sun or walking along the promenade. The beach is always open. There’s a car park with toilet facilities, a small cafe in the car park as well as plenty of parking.
The idea is to make your first port of call the ice cream van for a delicious soft serve as beach and ice cream go hand in hand. If you like, you can enjoy it at the picnic area on the grass next to the car park or head straight onto the beach.
More than Just Sand and Pebbles
St Bees Beach is a shingle beach but there are sandy areas too according to the tides. The beach is family friendly and what’s more, the beach has received an award simply for being so clean. Parents will particularly be pleased about this knowing their children are paddling in water that won’t make them sick.
Kids never seem to get tired of paddling, but there comes a time when you see them shivering, and then its time for some action to warm them up. There is a playground that will interest the young ones and they can zip wire, scale the climbing web or take part in the agility assault course.
Affordable, Boredom-Free Entertainment
There is plenty to ensure that St Bees Beach is a sought after holiday destination – also because of its close proximity to the Western Lake District. An important thing to remember when making great holiday memories is to have fun, to get away from the crowds and be glad your children are being entertained by such a favourite, carefree, affordable beach destination. Read about some of the other activities you can do here and here.
