I would like to relocate to live by the sea, somewhere in the UK. I live in a big city but was brought up by the sea in a foreign country. I crave swimming in clean beautiful water, walks on the beach, sea air and everything associated (except for tacky beach tourism crap).
My criteria is ambitious but i'd like to think not impossible considering the UK is a huge island.
I am looking for a real beach experience, but for me Brighton for example just won't fit the bill at all! Or anywhere you mainly get muddy beach or water uninviting for swimming.
As much as I love Norfolk and some of the beaches there are pretty decent (say Holkham bay) it's not much for swimming. Even in summer water is always dark, and the strong tide stairs mud and sand, and much of stinky seaweed. Great for walks and all, but no good swim. I also like a ragged scene and secluded beaches, just to add to my complicated brief.
Other places which I have considered and discounted so far:
Cornwall - the obvious choice for both amazing beaches and good swimming in some places, but from what I gather everyone warned me it's a nightmare in summer, too far, no jobs and I will be looked down at as a property privileged thief.
Pembrokeshire - similar reasons to Cornwall, maybe not for 'stealing'l locals homes but apparently not good place to live at all. Holiday yes, but don’t stay forever.
So where else?? Devon? Dorset? ..Or do I need to move to the meds for this kind of life?