Coastal Retreats: An Insider's Guide to Hyphen's Favorite British Seaside Retreats
From the sandy shores of Crosby to the picturesque cliffs of Llandudno, the UK offers a myriad of halal-friendly dining options and family-friendly attractions along its coastline. Here's a guide to some of the best spots to explore.
Crosby, a top-rated beach in the UK according to Tripadvisor users, is home to Spitroast Crosby, a popular eatery offering high-quality, affordable food with vegetarian and gluten-free options. While the cuisine leans towards British and healthy-focused, Spitroast Crosby does not explicitly confirm halal certification, so it's best to inquire directly when visiting. The nearby The Bus Yard, recommended on TikTok for halal-friendly options, offers a varied menu but specific details about the menu or halal certification are not provided.
Llandudno, a north Wales resort overlooking the Irish Sea, is known for its Victorian terraces, the Great Orme Tramway, and the Great Orme Mines. For a traditional seaside dinner, The Orme Traditional Fish and Chips offers a halal menu. The town also caters to families, with activities such as Punch and Judy shows, traditional donkey rides, and the Alice in Wonderland Town Trail.
Whitby, a historic seaside town in north Yorkshire, is known for its cobbled streets, scenic harbor, and Victorian architecture. Whitby Beach holds a Blue Flag award for cleanliness, safety, and environmental care. While specific halal restaurants in Whitby were not identified, local halal-friendly eateries might include Middle Eastern, Indian, Pakistani, or Turkish restaurants typically found in town centers. It is recommended to contact them directly to confirm halal certification.
Whitby Abbey, associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula, is a notable attraction in the town.
Largs, a seaside town on the west coast of Scotland, offers a palm-lined promenade, ice cream parlors, and independent shops. Nardini's cafe, restaurant, and ice cream parlour is a popular stop. The town is accessible from Glasgow in an hour's drive and is home to the Largs Viking Festival, held at the end of August, which features historical re-enactments and displays of Norse heritage.
Nearby Largs, the Isle of Cumbrae can be reached by a 10-minute ferry ride and offers walks, cycling, and exploring the town of Millport.
Folkestone, a creative cultural hub in Kent, is just 55 minutes from London by train. Sunny Sands in Folkestone is a quiet spot with stunning beaches, perfect for winding down. The Old High Street hosts independent shops, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants. The Harbour Fish Bar at Folkestone offers a full halal menu.
Port Lympne Reserve near Folkestone offers a safari experience with a wide range of animals, including grey wolves, giraffes, and spectacled bears.
Manchester has a good selection of verified halal restaurants, such as Bruncho (Turkish brunch specialties) and Dakota Grill (steakhouse with halal options upon verification), which could be useful if traveling through or near Manchester.
For the most up-to-date and specific halal listings for any of these towns, a dedicated halal restaurant directory or travel guide can provide helpful information.
The Spitroast Crosby, despite not having explicit halal certification, offers a diverse menu with vegetarian and gluten-free options in Crosby, making it an interesting travel destination for those seeking halal-friendly dining. In Llandudno, families can enjoy traditional seaside dining at The Orme Traditional Fish and Chips, which offers a halal menu as part of their range of family-friendly attractions.
