Rewind: We’ve always loved a day at the beach.
When we were kids mum would pack up the car (sometimes borrowed) and take us and all of our friends to the beach. Packing up the car included taking multiple picnic blankets, food and drink to feed to 5,000, swingball, beach balls, lilo, windbreaker, fold up tables and chairs, spare clothes…..seriously the list goes on! Sometimes we’d take all of the above with us if we went by train – each kid carrying a different piece as we went to Barry Island…or for a special treat down to the Gower (that was fun by train/bus). If in the car we would head to one of our favourite beaches such as Ogmore, Porthcawl, Pendine or even Tenby and set up camp for the day.
The thing that stands out most about these days out is that we didn’t spend a lot of money – perhaps a cheeky ice cream or bag of chips was factored in but this was our treat for the day and we were always well occupied and enjoyed our day out. We were treated to a bar of Caldey Island chocolate if we’d ventured to Tenby (that was the real reason for the trip!).
Ways to Cwtch at the beach
Don’t follow the crowds – nothing beats having a beach to yourself. We seek out beaches that don’t have big car parks and are known to everyone, but this is getting harder to come by. Now we like to go to the beach early morning or in the evening and a treat to take a day off when the kids are in school and enjoy a day at the beach. We’d recommend seeking out local beaches in your area and trying for yourself. Our favourite stretch is in the Vale of Glamorgan between Llantwit Major and Ogmore.
Picnics are still key – We still love to pick up the hamper and blankets and take this out for the day. We get so much enjoyment from picnicking at the beach, we don’t always have the energy to make homemade picnic goodies but a quick stop en-route still does the job. A favourite of ours if you’re looking for quick and cheap with a homemade feel is the Lidl bakery (we won’t tell anyone!)
Go for a swim – wild swimming has been gaining popularity through lockdown and we’ve been no exception. We’ve always loved a paddle but are fairweather sea swimmers. When the weather is good it feels so good to get into the sea for a swim. We’ve not been brave enough to go in Winter but are building up to it.
The dogs are family too – these days what makes a good beach is it being dog friendly. There are a few dogs in the family and they do not like missing out. They love the sea and rock pools and provided we don’t spend too long and take them food and drink they’re more than happy to come along. What’s great about the dog friendly beaches is that they’re usually the quieter ones.
A day at the beach really is a day we’ll spent, you can relax, have fun and spend quality time with family, friends or just by yourself (and your dog). Its the ultimate in appreciating whats on your door step and not spending a lot of money on a day out. With holidays just around the corner and more people enjoying a staycation we’re sure more will enjoy their local beach….you’ll find us on that empty beach we’re keeping secret.
Favourite beach
Rachel – South beach – via Penally or Portobello when in Edinburgh
Kat – Southerdown/Wick
Steph – Barry Island
Ways to Cwtch 