Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från Coast

When I was lucky enough to move to the north Devon coast many moons ago, I can remember some days just diverting the car on my way home from work and heading for a spot adjacent to the shore in the lovely coastal village of Instow, parking up and just staring at the sea, telling myself how lucky I was. The coast has that kind of allure, doesn’t it? Those of us who have been fortunate to live by the sea know instinctively what a special feeling it brings. And I do think if you have once lived by the coast and then moved away again then there is always a kind of yearning to get back. That has always been the case when I have found myself living too…

FIND OF THE MONTH It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s winter and our pets are cuddling up for warmth. The design team at Sofa.com thought they deserved a perch of their own and the Bluebell pet bed in Maldives Easy Cotton resulted. That it’s a luxury goes without saying, but it has an appealing, practical edge too, plus it matches the company’s human scale sofas. (£380, sofa.com) Compiled each month by Caroline Wheater CATCH OF THE DAY 1 THIS JUG Explore the new range of Falcon enamelware, which is porcelain fused onto heavy-gauge steel for durability and smoothness – we like the useful three-pint jug in aqua blue. (£37, falconenamelware.com) 2 THIS RUM Create some delicious cocktails with premium spirits from the Isle of Wight Distillery. Alongside Mermaid gin and vodka…

Every Shipping Forecast region has its quirks, opportunities and dangers. Some face west towards the vast Atlantic Ocean where you won’t find land for thousands of miles, while others - like Dover – overlook a narrow strait towards France where you can see buildings on a clear day. Some regions have soft, smooth shorelines while others are hard and rugged, with sharp rocks slicing through the waves. Then there’s the underwater landscape, known as bathymetry, which has a profound effect on how the wind and water swish and swirl around the region. The combination of these elements means that each region is unique; some are windy, others and wavy, some have strong currents and others have big tides. When I was studying architecture at Newcastle University, we were in the…

Frampton Marsh, Lincolnshire A circular walk perfect for wildlife lovers, exploring Frampton Marsh, a RSPB nature reserve and one of the largest expanses of salt marsh in the world, and along the coast with views out over The Wash.  tinyurl.com/mp3ppraw St Aldhelm’s Head, Dorset Starting from the beautiful village of Worth Matravers, some spectacular coastal walking takes you to St Aldhelm’s Head where you can visit the coastguard station and the historic little Norman chapel.  tinyurl.com/2akwsaj5 Crimdon Dene, County Durham Exploring Crimdon Dene beach, one of the finest in County Durham, and the former Hart to Haswell railway, this short walk takes you along Durham’s coastline as well as delving into an inland nature reserve.  tinyurl.com/td526yp9…

I’m about to commit golfing heresy now, but links courses can be rather underwhelming from an aesthetic point of view. There’s no questioning the challenge of seaside golf. The undulating fairways, deep lying bunkers and fast running greens are a test, plus throw in a maritime storm and you have the potential to wreck any score. But what I’m talking about is the visual appeal - can you depart the 18th and recall in your mind’s eye a really striking vista, one you can capture on camera and marvel at in the years to follow? I’ve played the likes of Royal Liverpool, last year’s Open venue, plus Royal Porthcawl but can barely remember anything about them. Admittedly these were on autumn days of low grey cloud and chilly winds and…

It is more than 20 years since US Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, delivered what became his most famous speech: “We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know.” Mention Scotland’s coast and many will know…bits! The Firths of Forth and Clyde. Skye. The Tay Bridge. Sea Lochs. West Sands beach in St Andrews used in the opening sequence of the movie Chariots of Fire. But Scotland’s coast extends to more than 7,000 miles. When you think the land border with England is less than 100 miles, there are a lot of, well, unknowns! I suspect there are some square feet of Scotland’s highlands that have not been stepped on in, well, perhaps ever, so vast is the countryside.…

TUNNELS BEACHES, ILFRACOMBE, DEVON This uniquely designed venue is accessed via a hand-carved tunnel through the cliff and has its own private beach. Beautiful scenery with spectacular sunsets will certainly make for some great wedding snaps. CHATEAU RHIANFA, ANGLESEY, NORTH WALES Weddings don’t come much more fairytale than this. The magnificent architecture of this Grade ll-listed hotel on the banks of the Menai Strait is a real breathtaker. BAMBURGH CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND Sweeping sea views with the grandeur of a beautiful stately home are a magical combination. You can go all out and make an entrance into the castle’s King’s Hall or keep it simple with the venue’s ‘just the two of us’ packages. THE GALLIVANT HOTEL, EAST SUSSEX Recently recognised with a Gold Award for Wedding Venue of the Year…

Centred on its harbour, Bridlington is a popular seaside resort. It is located on the Holderness coast which stretches from Flamborough Head in the north, about six miles from Bridlington, to Spurn Point in the south. The area of Bridlington has been occupied since before the time of the Romans and is mentioned in The Domesday Book. William the Conqueror gave the manor of Bridlington to Gilbert de Gaunt. Gilbert’s son Walter inherited the land and built a priory around which the settlement of Bridlington grew. Nearby was another settlement, the Quay, which was a fishing port. From the early 19th century, Bridlington was gaining popularity as a resort for bathing in the sea. Its first hotel opened in 1805. The railway station started operating in 1846, making Bridlington much…

In 2020, whilst the sun shone in the warmest spring in decades, a pandemic engulfed the world, forcing the entire population indoors and creating a seismic change in attitude to lifestyle, work practices and the sustainability of the world’s natural eco systems. It was a disturbing and frightening time in unchartered waters. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes a new era evolved: localities created renewed communities - neighbours spoke to each other and the workplace was never to be the same again. Lifestyle, family and recognition that - in Britain at least - that what lies on our doorstep should be explored. Climate change is increasing temperatures across the world and many favoured European holiday destinations are proving a tad too hot for the British. Staycations: a word evolved…

‘Watchet offers a warm welcome from the entire community, an eclectic mix of people who have deep history with the town’ Watchet is a lively and dynamic harbour town, on the west Somerset coast with views of the Bristol Channel. You will find Dunster and Minehead to the west, Williton and Washford to the south and The Quantock Hills to the east. The locals say it is the people who make this town. As you arrive in to Watchet you are greeted by the Heritage Railway, where the steam train meanders its way through the Somerset countryside bellowing with white smoke. The puffing sound is unmistakable in summer between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, and it’s quite a breathtaking scene. The quirky buildings tell stories of an incredible maritime and locomotive…

‘It’s a town of some 5,000 people, yet has an impressive cache of 372 listed buildings. When you add its acres of sandy beaches, plethora of eating houses and friendly, buzzy vibe it’s no wonder it’s a hugely desirable place to live’ Tenby is one of the prettiest seaside towns in Wales with its gaily painted Georgian townhouses overlooking the harbour, its medieval walls and atmospheric ruined castle. It’s a town of some 5,000 people, yet has an impressive cache of 372 listed buildings. When you add to that its acres of sandy beaches, plethora of eating houses, and friendly, buzzy vibe it’s no wonder it’s a hugely desirable place to live. Tenby’s Welsh name is Dinbych-y-pysgod, literally fortlet of the fish. The town’s history stretches back through the ages.…

Dorset House B&B 01297 442055 info@dorsethouselyme.com This award-winning B&B is run by Jason and Lyn Martin, located in the town centre, and a short walk to The Cobb. Dorset House is more than a B&B, it is an experience with local food and drink, warm hospitality, and the assurance of a relaxing stay. The bedrooms in this Georgian property are exquisite, with sea views in many, you can rest well knowing you have a four-course breakfast in the morning. With an ethos of sustainability, the environment is very important to them, as are local suppliers and products for an authentic stay. You will not be short of ideas for things to do, and places to eat and drink during your visit, all passionately supplied by the owners, who will provide…

SAM COOPER When he’s not checking out some of the UK coast’s best hotel offerings, Sam spends his time travelling the world reporting on Formula 1 for a number of outlets. Unfortunately, he hasn’t found a way of mixing the two just yet… GRANT DAVIES Grant has written for several publications and greatly enjoys exploring our coasts. When not writing, he is studying astronomy and delving into history. This month, he looks at why one of his favourite resorts is so full of interesting activities for family staycations. VICTORIA ROGERS Victoria has over 15 years’ experience working in the UK travel and tourism industry. When she isn’t working in public relations at a leading national holiday letting agency, she’s busy farming on the south Devon coast with her husband and…

Before moving to Fowey on the Cornwall coast in 2015, Mandi and Andy Dellow had a hectic corporate life in London. “I was five months pregnant with our daughter Merryn, and we decided to move to Fowey for a quieter life – Andy’s Mum’s family came from there – and we talked about wanting to buy a local business,” remembers Mandi, who is Australian. Initially, she had her hands full looking after Merryn, but in 2017 she got a job at the Fowey River Gallery on Fore Street. That job quickly turned into being the manager of the gallery and when the owners decided to sell up in 2020, they gave her first refusal to buy the business. The gallery is housed in Waterloo House, a historic building that dates…

The Gone Wild festival – a success at Powderham Castle near Exeter for three years – heads for the Norfolk coast and a new venue at the Holkham Estate. Co-founded by Bear Grylls (pictured) and former Royal Marine Officer Oli Mason, the festivals will provide adventure, rewilding and live music, delivering incredible experiences with over 100 activities included in the ticket price. These range from archery, abseiling, survival skills, tree climbing, break dance workshops, foraging walks, shelter construction, raft building, rock climbing, wild swimming and SUP experiences Music at Gone Wild Norfolk will come from Example, Sam Ryder, Reef, Scouting for Girls, and McFly. “It’s always been our ambition to open a second UK site and I’m so excited to announce that Holkham Park will become our east of England home,”…

Near to the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club Corfe Castle is close by as are the beaches of the Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve. Poole and Bournemouth can be reached via the Sandbanks Ferry. You can see the birthplace of Scouting, Brownsea Island from the golf course. It can be reached by ferry. Near to St Enodoc Golf Club The 12th century St Enodoc church - last resting place of Sir John Betjeman - is worth seeking out but be wary of passing golf balls as it is situated among the fairways. Nearby beaches at Rock, Daymer and Polzeath offer excellent surfing and coastline walks. Near to Sidmouth Golf Club This regency town is in the heart of the East Devon Area Of Natural Beauty where you can…

When a place is called Seatown, you can’t help but arrive with certain seaside expectations. Seatown in Dorset certainly delivers coastal charm, although its name is misleading because it’s not a town but a hamlet of honey coloured houses. Leaving the main road that runs through the village of Chideock, it’s less than a mile down a country lane to Seatown’s shingle shore. By the beach are two unexpected delights: a fantastic pub serving food and award-winning local real ales, and a timber sauna hut on wheels. I’m here to try them both. Three friends are joining me for a communal sauna experience with a difference; the Seaside Sauna Haus is nothing like the saunas I’ve been to before at spa complexes or municipal swimming pools. For starters, it looks…

SUBSCRIBE FROM £19.97 TODAY SAVE £26 Psychologies Psychologies is the biggest mental and emotional wellbeing magazine in the UK. Our aim is to make each day better by providing you with inspiration and advice from experts in the field, to lower stress and anxiety, and boost happiness. SAVE £29 Coast Explore our wonderful shoreline with Coast - the only magazine that exclusively covers the coastline of the British Isles. Discover secret beaches and hidden coves, the best sea view restaurants and find some staycation inspiration! SAVE £26 Top Santé Top Santé is the leading health magazine for women over 40; packed with realistic, life-enhancing tips on everything from health and fitness to food and beauty. Read up on expert advice and support every month! SAVE £26 Women’s Fitness Women’s Fitness…

SLIPPER STYLE Keep your feet cosy this winter with Hawaiian inspired footwear brand OluKai’s collection of slippers, luxuriously wrapped in shearling and boasting a contoured footbed to ensure the ultimate comfort. They’re the perfect gift or treat for yourself, and every pair of OluKai shoes gives back, with a portion of all proceeds directly supporting the Ama OluKai Foundation which honours the brand’s roots and the communities who preserve the cultural heritage of Hawaii. olukai.co.uk/collections/womens-slippers SPRITZ BY THE SEA For a refreshing change to a boozy drink, try Pentire Coastal Spritz which features coastal botanicals, carefully blended with blood orange, sea rosemary and oakwood to create the perfect balance of natural bitter flavours and refreshing coastal tones. It’s the latest launch from Pentire, a company creating plant-based spirits by distilling…

1 HIGHER CLOVELLY, DEVON GUIDE PRICE: £2,000,000 This is a unique Grand Designs-style water tower conversion, boasting spectacular 360-degree panoramic countryside and coastal views, offering luxurious, high-quality accommodation in a private and secluded setting. This stunning detached property is situated in an elevated position enjoying panoramic 360-degree views over the surrounding countryside, and also extending to Dartmoor, as well as across Bideford Bay towards Saunton Sands and out to sea. Located within easy reach of the spectacular north Devon coastline, the closest beach is at Bucks Mills with other nearby beaches at Westward Ho! and Bude, with Saunton, Croyde and Putsborough, as well as the award-winning Woolacombe beach a little further afield. The picturesque historic fishing village of Clovelly is located just two miles away, whilst the village of Hartland is…

‘One of the most appealing aspects of moving here is the opportunity to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. It offers a quiet escape from fast-paced cities, shorter commutes, a slower rhythm, and a breath of fresh air’ If you’re seeking a change of pace and a slice of idyllic island life, then the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination, offering a myriad of reasons to entice individuals and families to make it their home. From stunning natural landscapes and a strong sense of community to a thriving arts scene and a more relaxed lifestyle, it’s the ideal choice for those considering a change of pace. The island is one of the UK’s seven UNESCO-designated biosphere reserves and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty with miles of picturesque coastline,…

‘Neighbouring Blackpool might boast the hustle and bustle of the lights and the thrill of the Pleasure Beach, but Lytham is more serene and refined, with an amazing community and beautiful views of the Fylde coast and sea’ Lytham was perfectly described by The Guardian as the yin to Blackpool’s yang. It might just be two miles around the coast from the sparkly lights of Blackpool but the personalities of the two seaside destinations couldn’t be more different. Lytham is a pretty town nestled along a picturesque stretch of coastline where the estuary of the Ribble River opens onto the sea. It features neat lawns, a boating lake, and a long beach that sits neatly next to the town’s iconic windmill landmark and the impressive Royal Lytham & St Annes…

EAST QUAY PODS 01984 263103 eastquaywatchet.co.uk/visit/accommodation-at-east-quay Located on East Quay, the five pods have been designed to offer the best views of Watchet Harbour. Managed by Onion Collective, this central location allows you to immerse yourself in the harbour lifestyle. Pods come with free wi-fi, mini kitchen, shower or bathroom and a smart TV. Prices start at £110 per night. 48 SWAIN STREET 07814 550254 48swainstreet.co.uk In the heart of the town you will find 48 Swain Street, a four-bed luxury holiday home sleeping up to eight, offering a cosy place to relax in style. Every bedroom is ensuite with a slipper bath and walk-in shower. You will find everything you need for a family stay with a well-equipped kitchen, books and board games, a smart TV and a PlayStation…

Nautilus is a striking hillside home designed by the architect who created Channel 4’s Grand Designs Lifeboat House in Tenby. The building is shaped so that it complements the curve of the hillside and is perched on a series of steel buttresses so that it appears to float above the landscape. Panoramic glass windows give stunning views of Tenby, Caldey Island and the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast from every room. Nautilus is tucked away up a quiet private road, but the delights of Tenby are just a stroll away. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path – part of the UK’s only coastal national park – is just ten minutes away, and is perfect for a major hike or a leisurely stroll and a pub lunch. This gorgeous property is available from independent, family-run…

15% OFF CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Gill, a brand born on British waters in 1975 with a strong sailing heritage, now produces a range of clothing and accessories that offer outstanding protection from the elements. Using innovative technology, such as the XPEL® fabric finish, the brand develops all of its products to meet the most stringent testing while demonstrating unique waterproof capabilities. https://bit.ly/3uppMWh 15% OFF EVERYTHING ONLINE St. Eval has been sustainably crafting high-quality candles and home fragrances for nearly 30 years, with people and the planet at their heart. B Corp certified and based in North Cornwall, St. Eval’s unique nature-inspired fragrances imbue their beautiful surroundings of coast and countryside, such as the evocative scent of Sea Salt which transports you to your favourite coastal escape. www.st-eval.com 10% OFF STAYS…

You’ve heard there’s an amazing dining establishment in north Devon which has been gaining admirers by the plateful. You’ve been told it’s in a place called Woolsery, so you set off in that general direction and the sat-nav seems to confirm you are in the vicinity. Then you see the road sign directing you to…Woolfardisworthy. It’s the Morecambe and Wise sketch of north Devon place names…all the right letters, but not necessarily in the right order. But fear not, intrepid reader, for Woolfardisworthy and Woolsery are one and the same, the former just being the way it was traditionally named. And forgive my story-telling anyway because these days the road sign indicates the two ‘Ws’ are the same place. And, in any event, given the fact this village just a…

This is Betty, our wire-haired dachshund, enjoying her third birthday in Cornwall. The beautiful Porthkidney beach has so much space for her to chase her ball! Janine Wye, Norfolk. I would love to introduce you to (from left to right) Daisy, Thura and Willow. Three of the best friends you’ll ever meet, all from very different backgrounds and they love nothing more than to run free together along The Warren in Folkestone, Kent. Alexis Rufus and Alison Riley (daughter and mother), Folkestone, Kent. This is Ivy, my ten-year-old Bearded Collie who lives on a beach in Argyll and here she is on holiday on the Island of Mull, shaking it all about after a swim. Diana Stewart, Colintraive, The Kyles of Bute, Argyll. This is Harvey, our chocolate cockerpoo, enjoying…

Coast is the only national magazine which covers the entire coastline of the British lsles Discover where to go an what to do by the coast for FREE! Sign up for the FREE weekly Coast e-newsletter and download our 100-page ‘Staycations by the Sea’ guide! DOWNLOAD FOR FREE Get your VITAMIN SEA every week WEEKLY UPDATES INCLUDE: STAYCATIONS Location guides for life-enriching getaways THINGS TO DO A range of coastal events and activities you should check out FOOD & DRINK Reviewing coastal cuisines, sustainable restaurants and the best places to eat and drink PROPERTY Monthly selections of coastal properties for sale BEACHES We take you on coastal walks along the beaches of the British Isles COMMUNITY The people in our community who have built fulfilling lives by the sea PLUS! Competitions…

Guarantee yourself a whole year’s worth of Vitamin Sea with a subscription to Coast, the only monthly magazine which shares your love of our stunning shores. Or a subscription is also perfect as a gift for someone special in your life. By joining the coast community, you’ll get to enjoy all the beauty that our coastline has to offer including the best staycations, the dream homes, moving guides, the walks, and places to eat. Every month we truly help you to make the most of the coast. Look out too for our special monthly guides on coastal activities, plus a special focus each issue on ten fabulous things to do by the sea every month. And it really couldn’t be easier to sign up for a whole year’s subscription –…

By the time this magazine hits the news-stands or flops majestically onto your doormat, we’ll be slap-bang in the middle of a Cornish winter here in Bude, when our lives are governed by the increasingly erratic and bad tempered Atlantic. It’s not for everyone. Many stay to keep our community alive, while some, who can’t find work outside of the tourist season, fly like wild geese to sunnier climes. Others simply shut up shop after the October half term and head home. With little shelter, those who remain have no choice but to take the full force of everything the weather can throw at us. It’s a busy time for people like the Widemouth Task Force, who patrol the edges of the ocean for litter, lost fishing gear and stricken…

There are 16 long-distance walking routes in the family of national trails that criss-cross the country. Each one features amazing scenery and wildlife and a variety of shorter routes that cater for every coastal adventurer. Accessible walks on well-maintained paths are available for those with limited mobility and young families. There’s also a new England Coast Path in development, which will become the longest coast path in the world. For linear walks, it’s recommended you park at one end and take a bus, train, or taxi ride to the start so you can walk back to your car or accommodation. Each national trail features the acorn symbol on signposts, making it easy to follow. For the most part, while following the coastal paths, just keep the sea on one side…

No other type of building conjures up the inter-war years quite like the lido. During the 1920s and ’30s, Britain had an almost insatiable appetite for these stylish outdoor pools, fuelled by a growing awareness of the health benefits of swimming and sunshine. Lidos gave coastal communities a sociable place to swim that was safer than bathing in the open sea. The word lido derives from the Latin litus for ‘shore’ and originates from a resort in Italy, but the nationwide health movement which led to lidos being built all around the UK coast was also influenced by Germany’s Volksparks, which were dedicated to healthy outdoor pursuits. In the post-war years, costly maintenance and falling visitor numbers saw many lidos go to wrack and ruin but in recent years there’s…

It’s all about the view from the moment you step through the charming front door of this luxury Cornish holiday home. Opposite you, a run of windows looks straight out over the picturesque harbour of Mousehole, surely one of Cornwall’s prettiest ports. In contrast to its characterful exterior, the interior is the epitome of contemporary, pared-back chic, although a number of feature stone walls nod to the property’s past. An airy, open-plan living and kitchen space covers the first floor, furnished comfortably in relaxing tones of neutral and teal. There’s even a pair of binoculars to zoom in on ‘that’ view. Another thoughtful touch is the welcome pack from the nearby deli. Tides Reach is an upside-down house; a narrow staircase leads to two stylish double rooms, both with ensuites…

HAROLD HOUSE A beautifully restored gentleman’s townhouse in the heart of old Cowes dating from the late 1700s. Within a stone’s throw of restaurants, bars, and independent shops it’s a perfect weekend bolthole, or take advantage of wine-tasting, private chef, and local spa services for a real treat. Weekends from £970. luxurycottages.com PINKMEAD ESTATE Bag yourself an estate for the weekend and immerse yourself in local wildlife, walks, and a luxurious residence to relax in. A 24 acre dog friendly estate located in the heart of the Island with unparalleled riverfront views, every detail has been taken care of from hi-tech interiors to outdoor fire pit experiences From £3250 per week. pinkmeadestate.co.uk…

Why not head to Lytham for a weekend - or even a week - all in the name of research? Get to know the local cafes, find the perfect bench for a picnic with a view of the water and stroll the streets in search of finding your ideal new neighbourhood. The Grand Hotel, a seaside spa resort offering luxury and fine dining, could offer you somewhere to stay and spend time while you dive under the skin of Lytham and what the surrounding area has to offer. Or for a day trip, why not treat yourself to hiring one of the St Anne’s Beach Huts? This award-winning tourist attraction offers 36 brightly coloured chalets that are an ideal base for visitors to St Anne’s Beach. Huts are available to…

WORTH OVER £60! When you subscribe to Your essential companion to the new gardening year. • Pay only £2.85 per issue • Get two packs of seeds WORTH OVER £4 with every copy • Receive 25 packs of seeds worth over £60 FREE with your subscription** Easy ways to subscribe 1. Go to shop.kelsey.co.uk/AG24X 2. Call us 01959 543747* quote AG24X 3. Use this QR code to go directly to our website *Lines open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Calls charged at your standard network rate. Scan me Terms & Conditions: UK direct debit offer only. *Saving is based on the basic annual rate of £162.50 which includes the cover price of £3.50 plus Kelsey Media standard P&P price for single issue for one full year (26 issues). You will pay £74.10 for…

The magical and historical town of Lyme Regis is nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast, hugged by the magnificent cliffs, rich in fossils. The oldest fossils found here are 195 million years old. To arrive in Lyme Regis into Dorset from the north one passes through Uplyme, which is a pretty village in east Devon; despite the two being in different counties, they are only a short walk apart and very much connected with their community and schools. Descending into Lyme Regis, the Georgian architecture, independent shops and ancient Cobb harbour glow against the sublime sea water and golden sand. For beach lovers, you will find a mix of sand and shingle along the coastline with cafes, restaurants, and pubs dotted along the sea front. Lyme Regis is set on…

St Andrews, the home of golf… St Andrews, home to the oldest university in Scotland. For more than six centuries, the links that intertwine golf and academia have shone a light on this beautiful town on Scotland’s east coast. It is more than 20 years since ‘Wills and Kate’ were at university together, yet their alma mater (st-andrews.ac.uk/) and its home town have benefited hugely from royal association – especially on an international stage. Approaching half of the university’s students and staff come from outside the UK. The royal couple’s time in St Andrews was described by some as a fairytale. If that is so, then the resulting two decades of media spotlight have been magical fairy dust for both the university and the town. St Andrews has always been…

Mawgan Porth is one of those iconic Cornish beaches which is a dramatic, delightful experience whatever the weather. Yes, a scorching summer’s day on those sands is one to remember, but so too is a bracing, swirling winter’s morning, watching the waves break and a few strong-willed surfers ride the briny. The drama of the cove and the relative ease of access to the beach, make this pretty much one of my favourite Cornish spots. And yet I had never stayed there. It has always been the case over the years that we were ‘just visiting’ and so, come the end of the day, it was time to pack up and leave. Not on my latest visit though. Oh no…this time I was ‘in residence’ and boy, what a residence.…

As the youngest chef to have received a Michelin Star, not once but twice, Robert Thompson’s love affair with the Isle of Wight began in 2007 and has continued to be reflected in his food. A source of inspiration for his creations, the coastline of the island is a sea forager’s heaven and Robert takes full advantage of what’s on offer. Whether it’s sea buckthorn, sea herbs, or samphire, the local natural larder is one to be enjoyed. Robert explains: “I love the calming influence of the sea; from a high-pressure kitchen to the beautiful scenery across the island, it helps keep my mind focused and calm. Gathering rock samphire down on the rocky coastline in Ventnor was, and still is, a favourite. Match that with a little spinning for…