There are many things Londoners are known to us, but it is definitely one of them that we are not far from our beloved city. As a Londoner born and raised, I think it's safe to say that we have a considerable reputation by lifting our noses to something over 45 minutes away from the River Thames.
There's already so much to do here, why are you leaving? Plus, if you like holidays, there are plenty of airports nearby and you'll be spraying for a calm holiday with golden sand and turquoise waters. Certainly, Londoners often guilty of guilty of the idea of replacing sandy Greek coasts with something like the rugged Cornish Bay. I was one of these Londoners a few years ago. On a trip to visit a family living in Cornwall, I was taken to a beach every year, which is often named one of the best in the world, and since then I have converted to a British country fan.
Just three miles from the cute town of Padstow, Harin Bay is a horseshoe-shaped beach where surfers from all over the world travel frequently and local families wander the weekends.
It is certainly rare to find a beach that feels like checking all the boxes for what the beach should have and I definitely didn't think I could have found this in the UK. However, I was lucky enough to visit some tropical beaches, and few people compete with the tranquility that feels like walking through Harlin Bay.
On a sunny morning visit last November, the blue sky looked like it was about to disappear into the sea, and for a long time I stood there, I began to wonder if the mornings might even live in London when they might look like this instead of a stuffed tube carriage. But of course, as a typical Londoner, I can't drive so I'll stay somewhere in a place where I have access to public transport for the foreseeable people.
Cornwall is never a hidden gem, and in recent years more and more tourists have brought a long list of issues to locals, but this beach can maintain a sense of calm from the crazy crowd.
But my favorite about this Cornish gem is not how beautiful it looks on a sunny day. It remains picturesque with each season. I've visited frequently during the winter and have stopped by several Christmas days and are as beautiful as ever.
In fact, it's certainly too cold for the dip, but the dunes provide some rest from the wind and rain. Pools of wet stones and rocks often look even more beautiful at winter heights.
As a Londoner, I have actually found myself enjoying a bit of peace and quiet from the city. Harin Bay offers something that is worth leaving a big smoke behind. Spain, Greece and Italy have many stunning beaches, but it's ideal to get a little closer to your home.
