According to studies, simply breathing it in stimulates the body and brain to manufacture the chemicals necessary to maintain equilibrium, well-being, and health.
It’s a fact: breathing in sea air is healthy. To assist you and your family benefit from this free, healing remedy over the summer break, outdoor shop TOG24 has listed the top 10 family-friendly coastal hikes in England.
While it is common knowledge that spending time near the ocean is healthy, TOG24 has partnered with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Rachel Taylor, who has provided the reason why it is so with an eye-opening statistic.
The ions in sea air improve people’s brains perform electrically by 47%* and build new neural pathways, which, to put it simply, makes thinking clearer.
The seaside is a place for everyone and is especially beneficial for teenagers who are having self-esteem issues, according to Dr. Rachel Taylor. “When you connect with the environment and look around, you realize there is something bigger than you. Having moments of amazement and wonder boosts wellbeing and stimulates creativity. The cobwebs and the sulks are both blown away by the sea breeze.
The good news is that this procedure can begin after just one day at sea.
TOG24, a proudly Yorkshire-based company that creates outdoor gear for the entire family, is commemorating its 65th birthday this year. The King Charles III England Coastal Path is being supported by the third-generation family brand to mark this occasion. When the path is finished the following year, it will be 2,700 miles long, making it the UK’s longest controlled coastal path and encircling all of England.
“Anyone who spends time in England will find the English coastline to be breathtaking and wonderfully inspiring. Fortunately, no one lives more than 84 miles from the sea in England, so it truly is at our doorsteps, according to Mark Ward, Managing Director of TOG24.
The greatest family-friendly coastal walks along the new King Charles III England Coast Path have been identified by TOG24 and the walking and wellbeing app “GoJauntly.” Visit www.tog24.com to download the walks.
The walks chosen are “Seascape to Old Town” in Ilfracombe, “Ferrybridge to Castle Cove” in West Yorkshire, and “Chapel St Leonards to Chapel Point” in Lincolnshire. These walks have been rightfully chosen for their stunning beauty and places of interest for children of all ages along the route.
You can see how beneficial all walks can be, whether you’re up near the Scottish borders or down in the depths of Cornwall, thanks to Dr. Rachel’s additional great neuroscience findings.
1. Chapel Point to Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire
Before arriving at its spectacular destination at the North Sea Observatory, this easy coastal walk passes by a number of kid-friendly attractions, sandy beaches, and breathtaking vistas.
“Walking the route together as a family will disconnect the kids from their screens and reconnect them with the family,” claims Dr. Taylor. “The in-group hormone, oxytocin, is increased by outdoor exercise. You don’t create oxytocin if you feel excluded or like you don’t fit in. Oxytocin will be released and everyone will have a sense of belonging during this family walk by the water.
By way of The Pullover’s attractions, move in the direction of the coastline. You should be aware that there is a brief but steep slope, but once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking, all-encompassing views of the coastline.
The wheelchair-accessible promenade offers a route where both children and adults can enjoy a classic Punch and Judy presentation. Alternatively, continue along the shore until you see the observatory starting to come into view.
On Chapel Point, the North Sea Observatory is accessible by a ramp and stairs and is open all year. You can get some food inside at the Seascape Cafe or satisfy your cultural cravings in the observatory’s art museum.
2. From Wolla Bank Beach in Lincolnshire to Anderby Creek
This two mile round trek from Anderby Creek to Wolla Bank Beach includes winding dunes, bird watching, and even a Cloud Bar.
Head up the (difficult) route to the shore after purchasing your picnic necessities at the Anderby Beach Cafe. The Cloud Bar, the first specialized cloud observation platform in the world, lies to your left. Here, guests can try their hand at cloud spotting utilizing the five rotating cloud mirrors.
Dr. Rachel now exhorts everyone to look upward. “When you glance up at the sky, your eyes send a wake-up signal to your brain. You’ll feel energized right away.
Then, continue along the King Charles III England Coast Path until you reach the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, where eight Wildlife Trust nature reserves provide kids the opportunity to see a variety of animals.
The Round & Round House, an excellent pit stop with amazing views over the North Sea, is the next notable structure. Avid birdwatchers also enjoy it, so bring your binoculars and take a look at what flies past.
Take a stroll among the cascading sand dunes as you depart the beach and stop for a rest on one of the wooden picnic benches. The route neatly loops back to the Round & Round House and beaches after taking a detour through a grassy road that runs alongside Anderby Marsh.
3. Castle Cove Cruise Ferrybridge, Dorset
This ancient coastal railway track is home to magnificent gardens, breathtaking scenery, and even a castle. Besides the approach to the beach, there aren’t many steps.
The tarmac route of the Rodwell Trail goes along the shore and offers breathtaking views of the Island of Portland across Small Mouth Bay. If the weather permits, the sandy beach is wonderful for swimming and frequently draws waves of paddle boarders.
Your body’s natural 24-hour cycle, known as your circadian rhythm, can be grounded and earthed at the beach. According to Dr. Rachel, touching the sand between your toes and beneath your feet helps connect the 7,000 nerve endings in your feet to the soil and has been scientifically shown to alleviate inflammation in the brain and body.
For views of the Victorian Portland Harbour, keep going. A bit further on, you might even catch a glimpse of the UNESCO-listed undulating cliffs.
Continue on for views of the Victorian Portland Harbour; if the weather is fine, continue on for views of the Jurassic Coast’s undulating cliffs.
To get to Sandsfoot Gardens, a tropical sanctuary, head away from the shore past Castle Cove Sailing Club. The castle’s ruins may be found here for history fans to explore, and although though the building is currently closed due to coastal erosion, there are numerous information boards strewn about that help tell its tale.
4. Visit Dorset’s Weymouth Beach and Nothe Gardens
You can be sure to walk the necessary 7,500 steps in this area. Contrary to common opinion, 7,500 daily steps is the magic number that provides the highest amount of health benefits, including a decrease in all causes of mortality. Go for 7,500 and enjoy the benefits of this stroll because Dr. Rachel is a neurologist who believes that less is more, especially in a day when we jam so much into each day.
This is yet another ideal afternoon excursion for the whole family, with both customary beach attractions and the magnificent old town to explore.
The seaside Queen Jubilee Clock, built in 1888 to honor Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, is the first checkpoint, starting at the Weymouth train station. It is listed on the Grade II National Register of Historic Places.
You may find several places to stop and get an ice cream while strolling down the promenade, as well as amusements, carnival attractions, and even Weymouth’s Sandworld, which is home to a number of spectacular sand sculptures.
At some point, you’ll get to Alexandra Gardens, which has more attractions, and St. Alban Street, a charming, winding street lined with independent shops and cafes.
After a while of exploring, Nothe Gardens’ coastline path offers a great view of the entire town, and a nature trail urges kids to find the eight creatures and insects concealed near the playground.
North Devon’s Trundle High at Torrs & Tunnel Low.
Unquestionably one of North Devon’s best cliff hikes, this road meanders through Victorian streets before arriving at the famed tidal pools.
There are several breathtaking views of the Arganite Bay and the Bristol Channel along the King Charles III England Coast Path. The summit, reached after winding through the cliff’s trails, has a toposcope created by the Arts College and provides an amazing 360-degree view.
The route turns toward the imposing Grade II-listed Bath House as you make your way back down. The entrance to the underground beach tunnels, which were first cut out by Welsh miners in the 1820s, lies right next to this. These caverns are now accessible to the public for a nominal entrance fee.
When the tide is low, you may still enjoy the pool at the former ladies’ beach, which is the perfect place to unwind after your journey.
Simply submerging oneself in the chilly bathing pool water can strengthen your cardiovascular system and enhance your brain’s capacity for concentration and memory. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that exposure to cold water can help with tension, anxiety, and sadness. Dr. Rachel dares you to convert the duration of your immersion in the water into a game. To reap the full benefits, wrap up warmly thereafter.