A calm stretch of clifftop where the land gently falls away to wide skies and a working lighthouse. It feels steady and open rather than showy, with long views across the Bristol Channel and space to pause without feeling rushed. If the tide is right, the rock formations down on the shore are genuinely special.

Good to know: Exposed clifftop, strong winds possible, and the rocks below can be slippery — take your time.

A wide open seafront where the river meets the sea, with broad views and a steady, unshowy feel. It’s less about wandering and more about standing still — watching water, weather and light change without feeling crowded or rushed.

Good to know: Uneven rocks can be slippery when wet, and the tides here have real pull.

A low-key seaside town with a wide, flat seafront and an unhurried feel. Less about standout sights and more about being easy to live from — gentle walks, space to breathe, and practical amenities close by.

Good to know: Very exposed in strong wind; tides transform the seafront feel.

A long limestone headland pushing out into the Bristol Channel, with wide open views and a strong sense of space. It feels exposed and elemental rather than cosy — quietly impressive on clear, calm days when the light is good.

Good to know: Some uphill effort for the best views; avoid very windy conditions if confidence is low.

Rottingdean was the original aim, but parking proved impractical for a 6m van — Saltdean became the workable alternative. The beach and cliffs are pleasant, but the true standout is the Art Deco Lido, which gives the place its character.

Good to know: Exposed to wind; the coast here can feel wild in rough weather (which is half the point).

A broad sweep of sand with a strong sense of space and scale, backed by gentle hills and open skies. The beach feels expansive and calming rather than busy, with room to spread out and slow down. On our visit, the shoreline was dotted with an extraordinary number of starfish — a quiet bit of wonder.

Good to know: Tides shift quickly; low tide gives the widest, easiest walking.

A much-loved coastal spot with a comforting, familiar feel. The beach curves gently with clear views across the Firth of Forth, backed by woodland and a small harbour nearby. It’s somewhere that feels welcoming rather than showy — a place Angela always looks forward to visiting when in the area.

Good to know: Busy in school holidays and sunny weekends — weekdays and shoulder season are noticeably calmer.

A strangely quiet and slightly surreal stretch of shingle coast that feels removed from everyday life. The landscape is sparse and elemental, with a lone Martello tower and an atmosphere shaped as much by myth and wartime stories as by the physical place itself.

Good to know: Uneven shingle, very exposed, no facilities, and limited mobile signal.

A vast, otherworldly expanse of shingle where the landscape feels stripped back and slightly surreal. The nuclear power station sits oddly alongside fishermen’s huts, artists’ studios and wide open skies. It’s not conventionally pretty — but it’s absorbing and memorable, and it rewards standing still and looking.

Good to know: Uneven shingle underfoot, little shelter, and wind can be relentless.