Blog & Local Stories

​One of the great surprises for many visitors is just how accessible the coast is from the capital of the UK. Here’s how you do it: make your way to a mainline railway station in London. Hop on a train and between one hour and 2 ½ hours later you’re delivered at the coast!

Castles are built in turbulent times or in anticipation of trouble and few places in England know more about both than the north-eastern county of Northumberland.

When most of us head for the coast we’re anticipating the spectacle of beach, clifftop walks and seascapes. John Wright, a professional forager, views the English coast rather differently: he sees a larder stocked with food waiting to be picked and enjoyed.

​Photographer Steve and ecologist Richard are business partners who spend their lives in the stunning landscapes of North Yorkshire, running wildlife watching and wildlife photography tours by foot and by boat.

Many nature writers are fond of saying that, were they prime minister for a day, they would pass a law ordering the nation to take the month of May as holiday. Some go further and say that you should spend all that time at the coast.

'When it came to opening a business and setting down roots, Britain’s Ocean City seemed like the idyllic setting, with a perfect mixture of modern city-country living.' Celebrated chefs and restaurateurs Chris and James Tanner on their adopted hometown.

Valentine Warner has a passion for fish and fishing that’s hard to match. ‘Born to fish, forced to work’ is his mantra, and whenever possible he fits fishing in alongside the profession he cherishes: cooking and all things related to food.

Brixham may be England's largest fishing port by value of the catch, but it retains its Devon charm. Brightly painted cottages overlook the historic harbour, it has a strong local community and life is at a relaxed pace. Take some time to sit back and watch the world go by.