Why are brits obsessed with the beach?

[stenkl]

Why is it that Brits love the beach and swimming in the sea so much?

Indeed! There have been a few "why do Brits....?" threads of late.
Clearly it's a strange and wondrous culture for some 😂

Going by my last sea - adjacent trip, I would say that the Irish, Germans and Russians have a similar obsessive disorder.

Being near the sea has been proven to be massively good for wellbeing - even more so if you actually get in.

Our British beaches are arguably better for this than the warm calm beaches of the Med as some of the benefits come from cold, waves and unpredictability.

You think people love the beach because of the turds?

I love it because it’s healthy free fun and exercise myself.

Brit here. Grew up on the coast. The only obsession I have is walking along it fully clothes and with decent footwear in cool weather.

A hot day at the beach with aAnd welded on by sunscreen, aAnd in my tea, san up my nostrils and in unmentionable places? I’d rather have a root canal

Most of us dont live near the beach, theyre not all stunning like in other parts of the world and we tend to live in higher density housing with less view/access to big open spaces.

The combination of blue sea, white sand and warm sunshine is such a rare treat for us that we can barely contain ourselves when we get the opportunity. Yours truly, brits.

Being by the sea and being on a beach are different animals.

The first is fabulous, looking out at the waves from a nice cafe or restaurant terrace, sitting on a bench enjoying the view of the waves, etc. The second is my favourite hate. Jammed beaches, dogs and kids kicking up sand, playing ball, the noise, and nowhere near (except in the sea OMG) to have a pee. Lugging tons of equipment, towels, coolboxes, sun cream, umbrellas, etc. Sand in the food, far too hot mostly. That's just me but I am definitely not alone.

So I often wonder also, why people like beaches. Haven't heard a good reason yet.

As I get older, this is how I'm starting to feel. Think I prefer pebbly peaches as a result!

Because we live on an island surrounded by sea.

Do you think other nationalities don't love the beach?

Lots of people from lots of places like the beach. Hope that helps.

I live near a gorgeous shallow sandy beach and it does me good to go for a stroll on the strand in any weather. You should try it, might make a good alternative to posting weird hyperbolic generalisations.

Same reason we love breathing / walking / climbing etc I suppose.

Sandcastles we love building them !

The beach is amazing. Beautiful place to be.
And it isn’t just a British thing - I’ve lived and worked in many countries where locals have loved the beaches.

Hope the pebbles don't get stuck in your "peach" 😊

Why do you ask?

Beaches! My typo 🤦‍♀️

They aren't. That's why there is such a big thing about towels on subeds around the pool. Personally, I would rather go to the beach than be squashed around a murky pool full of splashing kids. Yes, we all like to get near water when it's hot, but we don't all want beach.

I’m not keen on beaches. I like swimming pools. I hate sand.

Are we all? I live close to the beach, haven’t been for about 30 years. Nobody who lives around here bothers either.

I don’t think they are, any more than other nationalities with coastline or lakes. I’m not British and I adore being by the coast. I lived in Leicestershire for a few years and felt very stranded.

I know... I was kidding with you.😉

I don't think it is a uniquely British thing. Lots of people all over the world enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea.

I love hearing and seeing the sea. It's very soothing, even if it is being rough. If I want to swim in it I need to be somewhere very warm and sandy, so not usually the UK. Parts of the Mediterranean will do though, and we are just back from the Greek islands.

Nothing beats the sight and sound of the sea. I love a nice pool too, but like to be near the sea.

Cause it’s lovely ☀️🌞🕶️⛱️🏖️🏝️🐟🐳