Six of Britain’s best beaches: where to eat, drink and sleep

With just over a month of summer left, it’s time to pack those picnic blankets and head for the beach! With the pound at a record low, stats reveal that 55% of British adults will be holidaying in the UK this year and enjoying the beautiful selection of beaches we have right on our doorstep.

Starting in stunning north-east Scotland, we’ll make our way across the country right down to the breathtaking coastline of Cornwall, enjoying the sand between our toes at each stop. Along the way we’ll visit six local businesses where you can go for a bite to eat, have a refreshing drink or stay the night.

1. Aberdeen, north-east Scotland

Our journey begins in north-east Scotland at idyllic Aberdeen beach. Known for its golden sand, it’s the perfect place to go on a leisurely stroll, while watching the many surfers test their skills in the water. Afterwards, why take a drive down the impressive coast and have some dinner at The Old Brewhouse? Enjoy a warm, friendly welcome, with delicious food in an enchanting old building, steeped in history dating back to the 1600’s. To add an extension to their premises, the business accessed finance through Funding Circle in October 2016.

Aberdeen coastline, north-east Scotland

2. Bamburgh, Northumberland

After a delicious dinner in Aberdeen, we’re heading south to Northumberland, where we’ll find Bamburgh’s Castle Beach. As the name suggests, the beach boasts a remarkable castle that is known to have stood since the 6th century! With so much history to explore, why rush off? Instead, stay the night at The Granary Guest House, a boutique bed and breakfast located in the heart of Berwick-upon-Tweed. To help with working capital during the winter months, the guest house borrowed £26,000 in November 2014 from 375 investors.

Bamburgh’s Castle Beach, Northumberland

3. Borth, Dyfed

Following a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to hit the road to our next destination: Borth, Wales. Borth beach has a unique and ancient submerged forest, which is only visible at low tide, where stumps of oak, willow and hazel can be seen. While you’re in the area, we suggest camping for the night at Bargoed Farm, a family-run caravan park. The site is tranquil and secluded, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful settings. To purchase hot tubs and expand the site, the business borrowed through Funding Circle in June 2017.

Ancient prehistoric forest, Borth beach

4. Holkham Bay, Norfolk

Next stop, Holkham Bay in Norfolk, one of the most unspoilt and gorgeous stretches of sand in the country. It’s also one of the largest National Nature reserves in England, which is not surprising given its rich and natural beauty. Fancy a bit of lunch while still enjoying the coastal views? Then head on over to Platten’s Fish and Chips, only a 10 minute drive from the beach. Established in 1966, the family-run fish and chips shop serves delicious food, with an even better view of the harbour. To help buy extra kitchen equipment, the shop borrowed £100,000 in November 2016.

Holkam Bay, Norfolk

5. Babbacombe, Devon

After you’ve had your fill of fish and chips, let’s travel to our next destination in Torquay, Devon. Here you’ll find beautiful Babbacombe Beach. This coastline is a haven of striking views and calm, clean waters where you can unwind and soak up the atmosphere. After a day of outdoor fun, we recommend visiting Hunter’s Brewery, a local microbrewery that’s been crafting top quality ales in the heart of Devon’s countryside since 2008. The brewery was able to install a new fermentation room after accessing finance through Funding Circle in August 2016.

Babbacombe beach, Devon, photo by Nick Potts

6. Bossiney Cove, Cornwall

And finally, our journey ends in charming Cornwall at a lovely spot called Bossiney Cove – a truly hidden gem. Only accessible during low tide, this quiet and private beach is the perfect get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Located nearby is our favourite restaurant in Padstow, The Basement. The team provide their customers with quality, well cooked food, sourced from local producers and with a pleasent view of the harbour. To support the development of the outdoor patio space, the team borrowed £60,000 in February 2014 from 960 investors.

Bossiney Cove, Cornwall

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