4 nights Mid January - UK, Near the coast, near a pub!

[badgerade]

I'm looking for somewhere for my wife's 50th, which sadly for her is in the middle of January. (Not because she's getting older, just because it's a rubbish time for a birthday).

My list of stuff:

UK
Near the sea
Walking distance to a nice pub (could be a nice-ish pub)
Not a holiday camp

I'm currently looking at some of the fancy hut type things at Dungeness, which seem like they could be pretty interesting/fun weather wise in January and also tick all the boxes.

So a couple of questions.. Has anyone been to that area in Jan, and does anyone have any different/better suggestions? Thanks!

[greygoose]

To be honest it is a bit bleak even in summer down there, some of the houses are nice but there aren’t a fantastic range of pubs. Rye or Tenterden have a better selection.

[badgerade]

I think the bleakness and lack of other people appeals, but guess it could be a bit much. Issue is I can't really find anywhere else that matches what I want...

[jimmsy]

If you head directly north up to Whistable that might be nicer in January. The whole coast up there is nice for walking and has some good bits. If you're in Whistsable you'll have a good selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes within walking distance, as well as a lovely coastal path if you're into that.

Not sure on your budget/requirements though. If they're within budget the fishermans' huts are lovely, but I'm not sure how well insulated in winter!

[numtumfutunch]

Where are you?

Northumberland would be beautiful

Craster is obvious however theres lovely places to stay/rent a few miles up the coast

Great boozers too:
http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk/

https://thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk/

Cheers

[Lotobear]

...came to say the same:

Bamburgh?

[calum199-1]

Southwold suffolk coast

Lots of great pubs not to busy that time of year.

[LRDefender]

Take a look at the Isle of Purbeck and in particular Worth Matravers, Kingston & Lulworth Cove.

My personal favourite is W.M, a truly unspoilt part of the south coast with an iconic pub - The Square & Compass. You might struggle to eat out in W.M but there are plenty of options a short drive away. Walks aplenty, fascinating old buildings and The S&C…. The Lighthouse Cottages would be amazing to stay in during a winter storm. You can thank me later!

Kingston is a short distance away and slightly further back from the coast by a few kilometres, so possibly a little more sheltered from any winter storms.

Lulworth Cove is charming but a bit too touristy in summer for me, so it might seem a bit dead in winter but worth a try.

Have a look at Dorset Coastal Cottages (I think) & take a look at Kingston Country Courtyard.

[akirk]

I would be tempted to look at The Landmark Trust properties for some pretty special holiday options including a number of coastal ones

[towser44]

Another vote for Lulworth Cove. Usually we go in March for my birthday, very quiet week outside school hols. Can recommend the Castle Inn at Lulworth for food. They also do rooms there which look nice :-)

[a311]

numtumfutunch said:

Where are you?

Northumberland would be beautiful

Craster is obvious however theres lovely places to stay/rent a few miles up the coast

Great boozers too:
http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk/

https://thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk/

Cheers

We spent a very nice week in Beadnell in the summer. Small village everything is walkable lots of places to eat and drink nice coastal walks and with a car lots within a short driving distance inc Bamburgh, Alnwick etc.

NE can feel comparatively baltic I find in the winter to where I live in the Lakes but if its dry nice walks and days out followed by evenings by open fires with good food and drink.

This place was tip top:

https://www.beadnelltowers.co.uk/

[Jos Notstoppen]

How about a windmill?

https://ryewindmill.co.uk/

Not far from the sea, quite a few pubs

[J6542]

St Andrews or somewhere in the East Neuk of Fife

[Thundersports]

Brixham would be a good choice a couple of great B & B on the Quayside or the Berry Head hotel.

[-Cappo-]

Much as I like a Dungeness day trip, I'm not sure I'd want to spend 4 nights there, unless I was planning on going elsewhere during the day and to eat and drink. The Pilot is not all that as pubs go; they're a bit of a one trick pony with the fish & chips, but I've eaten there twice this year and it's definitely sub-par these days. The other pub, the Britannia, seems to tend towards the flat-roofed and "local" end of the spectrum.

Whitstable is a good shout, and if you wanted a special meal, The Sportsman at Seasalter would be within a taxi ride (but book now, you won't get in on spec, even in January). Failing that, if you avoid Ramsgate and the kiss-me-quick end of Margate, then much of the Isle of Thanet is actually turning into a nice place to spend some time.

[badgerade]

Lots to go on - thanks for the ideas everyone!

[Silvanus]

As well as the Dorset ideas there are some great spots in Devon. I've enjoyed winter stays near Dartmouth and Salcombe. North Devon can be great in Winter too, worth looking at Westwood Ho!, Ilfracombe and Lymington/Lynmouth. Just over the border in Somerset is Porlock, my personal favourite.

In Cornwall I can Recommend Fowey, Mevagissey and Polpero. Lostwithiel is just inland but a fantastic and often overlooked little town on the Fowey river just a short drive to some spectacular coastline.

Pembrokeshire is definitely worth a look, Tenby, St David's and Cardigan are great in Winter. Further up the bay you've got Aberystwyth, Aberdovey and Barmouth. Conwy up in north Wales is another great spot.

Edited by Silvanus on Friday 6th October 20:06

[Giantt]

badgerade said:

I'm looking for somewhere for my wife's 50th, which sadly for her is in the middle of January. (Not because she's getting older, just because it's a rubbish time for a birthday).

My list of stuff:

UK
Near the sea
Walking distance to a nice pub (could be a nice-ish pub)
Not a holiday camp

I'm currently looking at some of the fancy hut type things at Dungeness, which seem like they could be pretty interesting/fun weather wise in January and also tick all the boxes.

So a couple of questions.. Has anyone been to that area in Jan, and does anyone have any different/better suggestions? Thanks!

As you mentioned Dungeness,bit further round the coast, Rye,Mermaid Inn,or Jacques House opposite side of street, certainly fit for an occasion, decent pubs,The Bell,oldest in Rye,The Water works I'd a great small independent drinks venue, decent walks round by camber castle, Winchelsea side of the beach surprisingly

[MarkJS]

a311 said:

numtumfutunch said:

Where are you?

Northumberland would be beautiful

Craster is obvious however theres lovely places to stay/rent a few miles up the coast

Great boozers too:
http://www.shipinnnewton.co.uk/

https://thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk/

Cheers

We spent a very nice week in Beadnell in the summer. Small village everything is walkable lots of places to eat and drink nice coastal walks and with a car lots within a short driving distance inc Bamburgh, Alnwick etc.

NE can feel comparatively baltic I find in the winter to where I live in the Lakes but if its dry nice walks and days out followed by evenings by open fires with good food and drink.

This place was tip top:

https://www.beadnelltowers.co.uk/

I would avoid Craster. It’ll be pretty grim in January and there’s nothing actually in Craster apart from a car park & the Jolly Fisherman which is rubbish.

You’ll be better in Beadnell (Beadnell Towers as above is very good) or Bamburgh. Low Newton by the sea for a beach walk then a crab sandwich & drinks in the Ship just off the beach there is a nice thing to do if it isn’t raining.

[theplayingmantis]

Silvanus said:

As well as the Dorset ideas there are some great spots in Devon. I've enjoyed winter stays near Dartmouth and Salcombe. North Devon can be great in Winter too, worth looking at Westwood Ho!, Ilfracombe and Lymington/Lynmouth. Just over the border in Somerset is Porlock, my personal favourite.

In Cornwall I can Recommend Fowey, Mevagissey and Polpero. Fowey is just inland but a fantastic and often overlooked little town on the Fowey river just a short drive to some spectacular coastline.

Pembrokeshire is definitely worth a look, Tenby, St David's and Cardigan are great in Winter. Further up the bay you've got Aberystwyth, Aberdovey and Barmouth. Conwy up in north Wales is another great spot.

Fowey, inland and overlooked? are you sure?! i tend to find it quite tidal! and busy. and full of emmets.

this thread is silly, everyone suggesting everywhere.

OP needs to give idea of budget, distance prepared to travel, (thus current general location), type of accommodation wanted (other than not holiday camp), type of pubs wanted (proper foodie/gastro (if so budget), just decent food, just nice location atmosphere for drinks etc), etc etc