The rules state that people can now only travel with members of their household in groups of six, but with reports of overcrowding in the UK’s more familiar hotspots, holidaymakers concerned about social distancing that still want a beach break are looking elsewhere.
As more UK holiday makers search for an alternative to their usual half-term or autumn holiday, fears of flight cancellations and quarantine periods, coupled with regional UK lockdowns, have given rise to not only searching for a staycation, but also searching for a safecation.
Here are a few of the best UK destinations for a safe autumn break:
Jersey, Channel Islands
Known as the little island with the big spirit, Jersey is just nine miles long by five miles wide, that’s smaller than Greater London. Coming out top of the list for UK beach safecations; Jersey enjoys more September sun hours than anywhere else in the UK thanks to it being closer to the continent than it is to us. Being that bit removed from the mainland, the island also boasts the lowest covid cases of the safecations at just 3 per 100,000 people. An added bonus with Jersey is getting that ‘going abroad’ feeling as travellers go overseas to the island by ferry. From windswept coastlines to superb beaches, this sun-drenched island has it all for September sun-seekers. With the buzzing capital of St Helier at its heart, a laid-back atmosphere and excellent food, it’s easy to see how Jersey was crowned top of the safecation list.
Sun Hours: 14
Covid Cases per 100,000 people: 3
Beach Rating: 5/5
Culture: 5/5
Activities 5/5
Putsbourough Sands, North Devon
Home to the finest beaches in the South West, Putsborough Sands is the proud winner of Trip Advisor’s Best UK beaches in 2015 and 2016. Just behind Jersey for September sun hours, Putsborough offers visitors 12 hours per day and some of the safest beaches to surf the waves in Devon. Nearby, Croyde is a charming little village with quality local restaurants and a warm North Devon welcome in plentiful supply. Putsborough is set back from the tourist hustle and bustle which means it’s usually quieter than neighbouring beaches and it boasts just four cases per 100,000 people making it a safe bet for a September getaway.
Sun Hours: 12
Covid Cases per 100,000 people: 4
Beach Rating: 4.5/5
Culture: 4.5/5
Activities 5/5
Magilligan Point, Northern Ireland
An area of both historic and conservational significance, Magilligan Point is home to one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles, as well as a small fort built against the threat of Napoleon during the 19th Century. Magilligan Beach is one of the most studied coastal landforms in the region thanks to its constantly changing coastline, and the Point offers bird lovers some spectacular views of seabirds. Surprisingly sunnier than North Devon, Magilligan Point has 13 hours of September sun per day. A trip to Northern Island also has the added benefit of having that ‘abroad feeling’ too with a trip over the Irish Sea as part of the adventure.
Sun Hours: 13
Covid Cases per 100,000 people: 12
Beach Rating: 4.5/5
Culture: 4.5/5
Activities 4.5/5
Lunan Bay, Scotland
A hidden gem in more ways than one, Lunan Bay is the perfect beach location for romantic getaways. After a Scottish storm, the sands sometimes offer up glittering gemstones which make the bay even more magical. From Viking armies in the 10th century, to generations of holidaymakers today, the bay offers a secluded haven on the dramatic Angus coastline.
Adding to the dramatic landscape is the crumbling ruin of Red Castle which overlooks the bay and dates from the 12th century. The beach is a popular destination for surfers and horse riders, and traditional fishing is still practiced here with nets strung on poles dug into the sand to trap fish in the receding tide. The beach is also a wonderful place to go bird watching with several fantastic species to spot.
Sun Hours: 6
Covid Cases per 100,000 people: 13
Beach Rating: 4.5/5
Culture: 5/5
Activities 4.5/5
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Hidden in a quiet corner of Pembrokeshire are some of the best beaches in the UK, world-renowned climbing cliffs, surfing paradises and kayaker’s dreams. A kayaking trip out of Stackpole Quay offers paddlers cave exploration, fun in the surf and the discovery of idyllic dune-backed beaches. Surrounded by sea, the rolling countryside of Pembrokeshire offers superb fish suppers, fresh ice creams, and hearty meals aplenty. Blessed with 12 hours of sun a day during September, this eastern tip of Wales is also the perfect safe space with just 8 cases per 100,000 people.
Sun Hours: 12
Covid Cases per 100,000 people: 8
Beach Rating: 4.5/5
Culture: 5/5
Activities 4.5/5
