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Original poster

To want to live by the sea

144 replies

Petunia879 · 20/05/2023 09:46

Do other people get this feeling? did you mange to move near the sea and it is what you imagined of or do you regret it.

I did not grow up near the sea; in fact I didn't go to the coast much as it was far.

I moved to London nearly 20 years ago and it has been good in many aspects but I love the sea and we travel as often as we can; it really is my happy place, every day I wake up with this feeling of wanting to move near the sea, somewhere sunnier than England though.

I yearn for natural scenery and open spaces and sun. I feel so ready for a change and want to discover and explore somewhere new. I have been feeling like that for the last few years, but the feeling of wanting to travel more and moving near the sea have gone more intense in the last year; maybe because now I am working full time for a more demanding role, but I do prefer it than the previous part time role where I was bored to tears; or perhaps it is getting older, more tired and wanting a different life style. I feel like I want to go away every weekend and not getting stuck in a big city.

I will go back to bed and keep dreaming for the moment.

OP posts:
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7
RitaFires · 20/05/2023 22:16

I've lived by the sea for a few years now. I live in a town but I have sea views and the closest beach is just 2 minutes walk away.

When I was looking for a seaside house I focused on areas where there were amenities in walking distance, there are supermarkets and a cinema really nearby.

I absolutely love it here. It can get very busy in the Summer but I tend to go on my beach walks early to avoid the crowds.

EachFallenRobin · 20/05/2023 22:24

@Thesunwillcomeoutverysoon I have so much sympathy for you. I'm a year round outdoor swimmer so when I moved here couple of years ago I joined the local sea swimmers group. What a mistake! I don't like using this word about women, but they truly are hysterical. Whooping and squealing as they go in, holding hands and singing loudly, taking endless photos in the water. Always going on about how they are such brave mermaids. It's bloody ridiculous.

Obviously I stopped going and eventually found a couple of people I fit in with to swim with, and in the summer when the lifeguards are on I can go by myself. Have you spoken to your antisocial 'swimmers'? Though tbh you'd probably be on a hiding to nothing, the lot I briefly met were obsessed with it being so amazing for their own mental health that they probably won't consider yours. It's crap.

ChrisPNoodles · 20/05/2023 22:30

Surely the real joy of swimming in the sea is the peace and relaxation. Well it is for me anyway.

Hoistupthemainsail · 20/05/2023 22:33

I live in Sydney and love it. I'm only 20 mins from a beautiful beach and 10 mins from a harbour swimming spot. If I drive 30 mins I can be at any one of the amazing beaches here - surf or harbour. It's good for the soul.

Bassetlover · 20/05/2023 22:36

I spent my teenage years in a seaside town then moved to London for 20+ years for work. I moved back to the coast in 2015 and don't regret it. The Winters can be brutal and most UK seaside towns are economically deprived but the benefits definitely outweigh to negatives. It's glorious in the Summer, there are always events on and the proximity of the sea and the countryside is unbeatable. I'd recommend it.

memoirsofatrespasser · 20/05/2023 22:39

Moved to the coast a couple of years ago. We are a ten min walk from the beach and, even though I don't go every day, I love that it's there. I love hearing the seagulls, or the foghorn on dark chilly nights. I love that it never looks the same twice. I love the smell and the sound, the way the sky and the air just feel clearer and brighter the closer you get to the sea.

Seaside towns do have their downsides though - they can be a bit bleak in the winter and crowded in the summer (although this does depend on where you are). Where I live has quite a divide between the 'incomers' and the locals who've lived here for generations. Even though we're only just over an hour from London, my ds probably won't ever live at home after uni as there are very few jobs here for him - I wish I'd thought about that side of things a bit more before moving.

But overall I have no regrets and on a warm day with the sun glittering off the waves it's hard not to feel incredibly lucky to live here.

The groups of seaswimmers are irritating though, I agree! There's a proper clique of them in my town and it's a shame. I just swim on my own.

Nat6999 · 20/05/2023 22:41

My dream is to move to Filey, I'm a Pisces & there is something so calming of being by the sea.

17CherryTreeLane · 20/05/2023 23:09

I'd love to live by the sea, it's my absolute dream. I currently live in a house looking onto a tidal river. Not quite the same but it'll do for now!

Coronationstation · 20/05/2023 23:15

Oh absolutely! I’m about a mile from the coast (in a straight but not particularly nice line) and about 6 miles from a proper beach. I don’t particularly like being on the beach, and I have no desire to go in the sea, but I love being by the water and the light and views etc. I’d love to be closer and within walking distance of the beach and I’ve realised that I’d struggle to live further inland again.

LizzieSiddal · 20/05/2023 23:21

I love the sea and go on mini breaks about four times a year to the coast. Ive always thought I’d like to retire there but last winter did two weekends by the sea and the wind and cold has put me right off living there full time. It was Baltic!! Grin

I’ll continue to go on breaks but will avoid the winter months.

Bonitalazenia · 20/05/2023 23:25

This is the view from my balcony and honestly it never gets boring!

To want to live by the sea
caringcarer · 21/05/2023 00:58

I'd absolutely love to live by the sea. DH grew up in a seaside town and said he and his mates spent most of the summer holidays on the beach. Maybe when we retire.

echt · 21/05/2023 02:10

When we emigrated to Australia, top of the list was living near the sea. And we did.

CeriB82 · 21/05/2023 06:52

Im lucky to live 4 miles from the coast but im also in the hills. I live 1000ft above sea level. I see the coastline from my garden. 180 degree view but there is no longing to be there. I prefer the mountains, much quieter.

CeriB82 · 21/05/2023 06:54

LizzieSiddal · 20/05/2023 23:21

I love the sea and go on mini breaks about four times a year to the coast. Ive always thought I’d like to retire there but last winter did two weekends by the sea and the wind and cold has put me right off living there full time. It was Baltic!! Grin

I’ll continue to go on breaks but will avoid the winter months.

That is the time i go to the beach! When the visitors have left. Nothing better than a bracing beach walk.

WaltzingWaters · 21/05/2023 06:58

I live in Cornwall (moved here 4 years ago) and love it. 15 min drive to the sea. I love being at the beach, and now I love taking my DS to the beach. Also love the fresh air. I love a trip to London but straight away can tell the difference in air quality!

yutu · 21/05/2023 07:05

I always dreamed of living by the sea as a kid and as an adult I lived 14 years in two cities in NZ where there are numerous amazing beaches nearby. It was nice but after a few years, we became to used to those beautiful beaches and stopped appreciating.

I wouldnt care about beaches in the UK because its meh! so cold and windy, sure it can look pretty on a rare sunny day, but how many days of a year? most of the time when we went it was just miserable, specially compared with my extensive beach experience in NZ.

ThinWomansBrain · 21/05/2023 08:12

I grew up by the coast - part of me would love to live by the sea again - not the town I grew up in. but i've lived in London for 40 years now, and would miss the cultural offering here. And HATE the commute.

Ninjama1 · 21/05/2023 08:19

Bonitalazenia · 20/05/2023 23:25

This is the view from my balcony and honestly it never gets boring!

Southampton?

Bonitalazenia · 21/05/2023 08:37

@Ninjama1 Dover

gogohmm · 21/05/2023 08:39

The sea is at the end of my road, some days you can smell it, its lovely. Ours is more estuary admittedly but means we are close to the city and convenient for travel too being practical

IHateLegDay · 21/05/2023 09:50

I live by the sea but rarely go to the beach. I'm not a sand person at all 😂 I walk along the prom a lot though as I just love it. I can see the sea from my road and it makes me so happy. I've lived here for 11 years now and the feeling hasn't worn off at all.

IHateLegDay · 21/05/2023 09:54

gogohmm · 21/05/2023 08:39

The sea is at the end of my road, some days you can smell it, its lovely. Ours is more estuary admittedly but means we are close to the city and convenient for travel too being practical

You might be local to me. Do you live in or near NB?

AbreathofFrenchair · 21/05/2023 09:58

Petunia879 · 20/05/2023 09:46

Do other people get this feeling? did you mange to move near the sea and it is what you imagined of or do you regret it.

I did not grow up near the sea; in fact I didn't go to the coast much as it was far.

I moved to London nearly 20 years ago and it has been good in many aspects but I love the sea and we travel as often as we can; it really is my happy place, every day I wake up with this feeling of wanting to move near the sea, somewhere sunnier than England though.

I yearn for natural scenery and open spaces and sun. I feel so ready for a change and want to discover and explore somewhere new. I have been feeling like that for the last few years, but the feeling of wanting to travel more and moving near the sea have gone more intense in the last year; maybe because now I am working full time for a more demanding role, but I do prefer it than the previous part time role where I was bored to tears; or perhaps it is getting older, more tired and wanting a different life style. I feel like I want to go away every weekend and not getting stuck in a big city.

I will go back to bed and keep dreaming for the moment.

Did it for 10 years and moved back.

Tourists ruin it. Cant get on the beaches during the summer and hot days as everyone drives to the beaches. Obviously quieter in the winter but generally, the whole seaside town is dismal and shut down.

You still have to carry on normal life and travelling to and from work is awful during peak holidays times. A 15 minute bus journey used to take me between 60 and 70 minutes.

This was in South Devon.

I'm definitely a more considerate holiday maker if we go away in the UK compared to what feels like everyone else. The beaches were always left filthy after holiday makers bury their rubbish/broken glass etc or leave it lying around and kid themselves they are keeping locals in jobs as they can clean it up after they've gone.

For reference, we could see the sea from our front room and could walk to the beach in exactly 8 minutes. Don't get me wrong, an evening stroll along the beach was nice but permanent residences tended to go off to hidden coves and beaches that tourist had yet to ruin

Chanelsunnies · 21/05/2023 10:21

I adore small, rural seaside villages (and live in a rural village about 10 mins from the said seaside villages) but seaside towns are just urgh. The vast majority (I appreciate there’ll be some exceptions) are run down and deprived and always feel so….grey.

A picturesque seaside village though lifts my soul. We enjoy going for sunset walks along the beach all year round, it’s secluded, not busy and is just a huge expanse of gorgeous, white sand. Bliss.

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