My Favourite Summer Memory and the Perfect Staycation
So many moments spring to mind when I’m asked about my favourite summer memory. From prancing around the garden in my swimming costume, jumping in and out of the paddling pool when I was younger, to more recent BBQ’s and picnics with family friends. But what standouts the most to me is the joy of every family holiday I’ve spent in the UK with my family. I’ve not been abroad in years, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
As a family, our favourite spot to visit in the summer is Wales; visiting smaller seaside towns, discovering luscious coffee shops, quirky shops and delicious restaurants, all with spectacular views. Don’t get me wrong, the nearly five hour car journey isn’t my favourite thing, but it is absolutely worth it for the glorious week we get to spend together in Wales - rain or shine, we’ve had the best of times sitting on the beach in the pouring rain with an ice cream in hand!
People often wish to venture abroad, to explore new cultures and try new foods, for the scorching hot weather and spectacular views, but seem to forget what might be right on their doorstep in the UK. Over the last 18 months, whilst we’ve been locked down at home people have begun to realise the joy that’s available right outside.
For me, the beach is my happy place. The sand between my toes, whilst a little bit irritating when it gets everywhere, and the waves washing up on the shore makes my heart happy. Now whilst I live nowhere near a beach, I don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the seaside with my family. Every year my family and I escape for a week to a seaside town, usually in Wales but we’ve also explored areas of Devon, Cornwall and Norfolk, and it’s always one of my favourite moments of the year. So many moments stand out to me when I think about good times at the beach. From eating classic fish and chips on the beach in the sunshine, to ice creams in the rain, and beach games of frisbee and boules, to the freezing cold water of the sea!
Some of my favourite things to do at the beach, and that you might like to try to, include:
Classic, but eat fish and chips by the sea. There’s nothing quite like eating salty chips out of paper, watching the waves crash against the sand, and protecting your food from seagulls!
Another classic but have an ice cream! Ice creams are good in any weather, so don’t let a little damp weather hold you back.
Grab a towel and a book and relax. One of the only times I really bury my nose in a book is on the beach sometimes. There’s something about sitting back on the sand and listening to the glorious sounds of the beach whilst reading and letting your mind switch off.
Alternatively, the beach is also one of my favourite napping spots! Without fail, I will fall asleep on the beach every single year. I find it so relaxing that my brain is just able to switch right off and chill, close your eyes and just enjoy the sounds of the beach with the sun on your face - although don’t forget the sunscreen because sunburn is no fun!
My MOST favourite thing ever is probably sunset walks along beaches and coastal paths. The sun setting over the sea in the distance, creating all kinds of colours - oranges and pinks and purples and reds - across the sky, and walking and watching is just the best. Nothing quite like breathing in the sea air and watching the beach so quiet as night falls.
So if you can’t make it abroad this year, give the UK a chance. A magical spot could be right around the corner.
Written by Millie Smith.
Millie is an English Literature undergraduate at the University of Reading. Having discovered her passion for journalism during her first year by writing for her university paper, The Spark, Millie has been looking for opportunities to expand her portfolio ever since. In July 2020 Millie launched ‘The Collective Magazine’ as Founder and Editor in Chief, which is an online publication run by students for young people and students to expand their portfolio and gain experience in the journalism industry. Millie enjoys writing on lifestyle and health topics, having now written a few times about her experience with a chronic illness.
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