Why are brits obsessed with the beach?

[stenkl]

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

I don’t know if it’s all British people, and I extremely doubt if it would be, but from my POV, where I live is two hours from the nearest coast, so the seaside and all that goes with it, has become a bit of an obsession- hence my username! I do like a nice City as well though, plus lakes and mountains.

It's not my no.1 priority for a holiday and I only go to the coast for a day out a couple of days a year. However, I can see why people like it. I wouldn't say Brits are obsessed with the beach. People in hot countries usually go to the beach more often.

Which countries don't like beaches?

Personally, I prefer a nice forest or mountain. I live in a town wi eh a pebble beach and that’s okay, especially this time of year, when it’s not packed and you can enjoy a lonely dog walk, but it’s not my favourite thing. Sandy beaches when it’s hot? No thanks!

I've lived in France and Italy and I can assure you that Italian holiday makers in particular spend most of their day on the beach - only pausing to wander off for lunch. Then it's straight back to the beach. Have you ever lived in Europe OP?

I hate the beach and the sea. Much prefer being pool side.

Simple
Free
Soul nourishing
Sea air

We aren’t. My dc2 hates a sandy beach in particular. I don’t like the beach in this country in warm weather. During the winter I like a stroll along the seafront and a cold water dip/short swim. Could sit happily for many hours just listening to the waves lapping back and forth. So relaxing, especially when there’s hardly anyone around.
Summer time I avoid the beach like the plague.
But we are a relatively small island surrounded by absolutely stunning beaches and it’s quite a normal thing to enjoy being out in nature and enjoying the beach.

Why do you think it's just a British thing. The sea is so good for your soul. The sound, the smell, the monotonous waves.
If you are sad a beach walk sorts you out, if you need a think-the beach. If it's a lovely day it's good or if it's cold and windy.
There is no time that isn't beach time
I don't swim cos the North sea is baltic!

I swim in the sea several mornings a week before work. I'm meeting friends at the beach at 6.30 am tomorrow. My mental (and physical) health is so improved by sea swimming.

DH thinks I'm mad, especially when it gets to January/ February and it's really cold. But I love it.

How can you not see that lots of people love being out in nature. Swimming in the sea is so good for your mind.

Have you never been to any other countries?

I’m British and not a lover of beaches. I prefer to lay round the pool on holiday - its sand that I’m not a fan of

@TwistedWonder I'm not a fan of sand either. I swim from a shingle beach, so much easier!

Yes, it’s a good question to ask as it is a uniquely British trait that sets us apart from all other nations. If you look carefully behind the ears of genuinely British people, that is of direct descent from Boudicca, we in fact have small gills that mean we are best oxygenated through swimming in seawater. Furthermore our bad teeth are perfectly designed for eating seaweed. Finally, our bones are made of sand so we have to eat a lot of of it.

This is real gem of a post. @curious79 A pearl in an oyster shell!

'Cause we're a nation of seafarers, innit? Drawn to the deep and briny sea, we are.

We’ve just come back from Menorca. The sea was warm, clear and clam. It was an absolute joy to be in, even if we weren’t swimming, instead just watching the fish swim around our legs. It was so relaxing sitting on the beach listening to the waves and smelling the sea, too.

In contrast the pool was freezing, and it was always crowded and noisy.

Because this is the British seaside. It's glorious.

Isn't it just @SeaAndStars

Because you can't be more than 70 miles from the coast of the UK.
I only like certain coasts. My nearest, Weston-super-Mare, is awful. The tides go out for miles and when the tide is in it's full of estuary silt. However the beaches in the Highlands are beautiful, with a backdrop of the mountains.

Are you the same person who was asking other bizarre questions about “Brits”in the last couple of weeks?
It certainly sounds like it.

Here's the coast at Weston super Mare. One person's awful is another person's beautiful.

I must admit to preferring a pool with a view of the sea! I like a walk on the beach and a paddle but prefer lying by a pool where sand doesn’t get everywhere. Maybe the exception is if it’s pretty quiet, and you can sip a cocktail in a hammock….

I like being by the sea but not necessarily beaches, my DCs never liked them very much either. I like the sound of waves breaking on a quiet beach, shallow coves where you can swim but hate it when there's no shade, wind blowing sand everywhere, crowds of people, music etc. I tend to prefer pebbly rockpool type beaches. We never go abroad for beach / pool holidays.

On my UK hols at the moment. Just walked the dog along a bit of the SW coast path. Back in our holiday cottage having tea, toast and butter looking at the gorgeous beach/sea from window. Bit gutted I forgot my wetsuit. Who doesn't like a sea swim?!