Activities at the coast

The coastlines of England and Wales range from long sandy beaches to steep cliffs and rocky inlets. This variation offers visitors a wide range of activities to try.

Walking

England and Wales have 932 miles of coastal national trails as well as many other coastal footpaths.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act is providing more coastal access in England and Wales with a Government commitment to an all England coastal path. The Welsh Assembly Government has already promised to develop an all Wales coastal path.

• Marine and Coastal Access Act

Swimming

There are nearly 500 designated bathing waters in England and Wales and eight inland lakes. We monitor and maintain some bathing waters during the bathing season (May to September), sampling water quality every week. Find out how clean the bathing water is near you:

• Bathing water quality - find out how clean the water is near you

See the Wild Swimming website for places to swim near you:

• Wild Swimming

Surfing

Surfing has been growing in popularity ever since its wide spread introducion to the UK in the 1960's. There are some fantastic places to surf in England and Wales and the UK in general. See the British Surfing Association for more information:

• British Surfing Association

Sea Angling

England and Wales have fantastically diverse and varied coastlines offering numerous opportunities for all types of sea angling. For general sea angling information visit the sea fishing website:

• Sea Fishing

For more information on what's on offer in Wales see the Fishing Wales website:

• Fishing Wales

Sailing

Since the success of the British Olympic team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, sailing has seen renewed interest. For more information visit the Royal Yachting Association website:

• Royal Yachting Association (RYA)