Stretch out summer: 10 last-minute UK beach breaks

11.09.2023 - 10:05 / theguardian.com

Scotland’s most visited isle teems with visitors in summer, but as September dawns the crowds – and the midges – dissipate. Hike up to the spectacular rock formations at the Old Man of Storr and head to Neist Point on a clear day, to make the most of the spectacular sunset. For a truly tranquil stay, base yourself in the crofting township of Edinbane in the north, where Ploughman’s Cottage, which sleeps six, has lovely views over Loch Greshornish, and the Edinbane Inn (edinbaneinn.co.uk) offers local mussels, Skye black pudding and Scottish beef, with an excellent selection of whiskies.
From £1,095, ihcottages.com

The ideal place to indulge in classic beachy pleasures – strolls on the prom, snoozing in a deckchair, fish and chips at sunset – Southwold has a delightfully old-school feel, particularly once the summer crowds have gone. Potter between the shops and tearooms en route to Pier Beach, or head to Denes Beach for sand dunes and marshland that offers great bird-watching and lots of watersport options. Drop in for fresh fish platters at the Sail Loft (sailloftsouthwold.uk), set right by the beach and stay at Southwold Surf, a chic one-bed apartment, situated on the High Street.
From £767 per week, suffolk-secrets.co.uk

Immerse yourself in Cornish scenery and traditions with a stay at Sennen, a small seaside village on the county’s southwesterly tip, within easy reach of Land’s End and the pretty coastal villages of Porthcurno and Mousehole. Dip into the circular Capstan Gallery, hike the South West Coast Path on to Mayon Cliff and book tickets for the Minack Theatre, cut dramatically into the side of the cliffs. Stay at Sea Scape, a spectacular ecohome sleeping six, with a state of the art kitchen, outdoor hot tub and three spacious bedrooms.
From £1,989, sykescottages.co.uk

The Isle of Purbeck is at its most beautiful in early autumn, when the golden-hued beaches of Studland and Swanage are released from the summer holiday crowds, and the whole peninsula settles back into its reassuringly slow pace. Mix beach walks with visits to Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island, or hop on the ferry across to Poole for lunch at Rockfish (therockfish.co.uk), set right on the quay, serving fish caught fresh each day. Stay at the Arc, a cute, character cottage in Swanage; it sleeps four, but is an ideal bolthole for two.
From £847, originalcottages.co.uk

Pack surfboards and SUPs for a water-based week, staying at Tan y Bryn – a sleekly refurbished 1930s house, just yards from the beach with wonderful views out to sea. The charming city of St David’s is a short drive away, famous for its medieval Bishop’s Palace and 6th-century cathedral. Book a table at St David’s Gin & Kitchen (stdavidsdistillery.wales), run by a