Weekend by the sea

[Gocatgo]

Apparently DH has decided to be a better gift buyer this Christmas and birthday. He wants to take me away for the weekend in February.

Does anyone have any recommendations of places with long sandy beaches for winter walks and good hotel? Ideally within 2 hours of north London.

I know Norfolk would fit the bill but I would love to know if anyone has any hidden gems for both location and hotel. Both are equally important.

That looks lovely!

february will be freezing and there may be snow

@Kezzie200

So, that will be to "just" get to the border near Plymouth. Cornwall is quite long so you'll be looking at about 2 extra hours to get to Penzance.

Yes, a sleeper isn't strictly necessary, but it runs even slower, and is very popular (up to London for businesspeople, and down to Penzance for holidays).

I think it leaves London about 10 and arrives about 5 (but you don't have to get off quite that early). Back when I used it, if you started in London you could use the GWR first class lounge from about 9 at night, whilst waiting to board.

It's all very "Famous Five" but I love it! (Although only been P to L, not the other way)

This sounds so lovely!

Come on down to Bournemouth, then visit Studland. You can stay in The Pig On The Beach which is an amazing hotel.

Should add its 1hr50min Waterloo - Bournemouth. Obvs extra travel time either side

St. Andrews in Fife.

I love staying in the huge self-catering apartments in the Grand Hotel in Folkestone - but they wouldn't suit everyone. They are incredibly cheap for what you get, and it's a fabulous building ... but they're a bit run-down and tatty, which is why they're cheap.

Dymchurch just along the coast has a fabulous big beach.

@Letsallscreamatthesistene

Come on down to Bournemouth, then visit Studland. You can stay in The Pig On The Beach which is an amazing hotel.

I second that!

Sandbanks/Hengistbury Head is beautiful with lots of cute hotels nearby!

@CryHavoc

Holkham, north Norfolk. The best beach in the world, spectacular in the winter. Stay at The Victoria for open fires and gorgeous food.

Yes, Holkam.

Me and DH recently had a lovely weekend break at Botany Bay hotel. Lovely coastal walk along to Broadstairs (can also walk to Margate but not as nice there)

Second vote for Swansea
Some amazing beaches & walks

We have stayed at the Gallivant a few previous posters have mentioned and it was wonderful. The restaurant had incredible food and they served complimentary afternoon tea and cakes for guests which was fun.

We have also stayed at the Victoria at Holkham, also lovely and our room there was fantastic. Plus you get free port and brandy in the drawing room which is always a bonus!

Holkham is the most beautiful beach. It’s never been packed when I went. Amazing walks.

Don't we live in an amazing country?

Deal is great, despite the lack of a sandy beach. And there are better places to stay than the Clarendon (eg The Rose).

Oh wow! These are so great. Thank you.

Camber sands looks amazing. Was scared off by a pontins visit there many many moons ago but beach and hotel look amazing.

I love Norfolk and Suffolk, so hotel suggestions there are so helpful.

Love the sleeper idea but DH wouldn’t. But oh that beach!

@Kezzie200 you are so right. What an amazing country we live in.

Sheringham, Norfolk. Burlington Bertie's hotel supposed to be good.

I think Norfolk is over-rated, sorry. We were there in the summer. Wells next to the Sea beach is about a mile out of town. I didn’t really rate any of the beaches really - Old Hunstanton beach had an odd vibe with all those stilted beach huts. I don’t get the attraction at all.