With the extended Easter break upon us, it’s important to consider a weekend break which involves minimum travel and maximum quality time. For this reason, a break within the UK or Ireland is the perfect solution and as two island nations, we’re not short of some incredible coastal destinations!
A trip to the British or Irish seaside is very different to a trip to one of our continental neighbours, especially when considering what to pack. Think bright, pastel shades to tie in with the definite retro vibe you’ll experience at any English Seaside town, comfortable footwear for stunning Irish coastal walks and well-considered layers for bracing island getaways in Scotland.
Margate
The well-known British seaside town of Margate has had its up and downs over the years, but its glistening reputation has been firmly re-established after years of development and renovation. It’s best known attraction, Dreamland, has now reopened and is a nod to simpler times with its old-school fairground rides and roller disco hall.
However, if getting a sugar rush from too much candyfloss grows tiresome, Margate offers some proper brain candy in the form of the Turner Contemporary Gallery. Opened with the support of Artist Tracey Emin in 2011, the gallery itself is located on the harbour and looks out over the bay of Margate.
Wandering round a town full of unique boutiques and independent galleries requires a sufficiently stylish, summer look. Opt for a retro inspired striped shirt and combine with one of our lightweight pastel jackets and a stone-washed jean to add some protection against that brisk sea breeze.
Holkham Beach
Located on the east coast of England, in the county of Norfolk, Holkham Beach is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of sand in the country. Making up part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve the coastline is made up from miles of golden sandy beaches, pine forest walks as well as very Instagram-able beach huts and stunning harbour views.
If you’re staying nearby we recommend heading over to Wells-Next-The-Sea beach which turns into Holkham Beach itself. Heading this way gives you fantastic views of the coastline with its iconic beach huts and sandy pine forest.
On a sunny April day, the beach itself can warm up nicely which calls for a selection of seasonal, summer polos within your weekend away luggage. Add a pair of pastel chino shorts and leather sneakers to complete your off-duty summer style.
Isle of Skye
Taking its place as one of Scotland’s biggest tourist destinations, second only to Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye is the perfect location for some back-to-nature sight-seeing. Whether you’re visiting the pastel buildings of Portree, road-tripping along the island’s rugged coastline, or even sailing over to the surrounding islands, Skye is never short of a spectacular view. Located on the North East side of the island, the Old Man of Storr is a stunning walk and viewpoint which is truly not to be missed.
During the day you’ll want to dig out your hiking boots and anorak, but the evenings offer a chance to up your style while trying the local beer in the cosy bars of Portree. You might still need a water resistant jacket, but you can pair this with a pastel checked shirt, dark jeans and navy leather sneakers for a more transitional summer look.
Portrush/Portstewart
The Causeway Coast is arguably Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction and at approximately 120 miles long, it’s definitely the biggest! The obvious choice for a coastal spot to visit along this route is, of course, the Giants Causeway, but a short drive away are the small seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart.
Apart from long stretches of golden sand and world class golf courses, the two towns have something else in common: food. The dining experiences offered in both towns are well known across Northern Ireland and either town is the perfect way to break your Lent at Easter! We recommend heading to the Harbour Bar in Portrush and trying anything from their woodfired grill or if you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, make the trip to Morelli’s in Portstewart and grab one of their famous Knickerbocker Glories!
As well as amazing food there are also some great bars in both towns and it’s very easy to make a night of it! Go for one of our seasonally coloured casual suit jacket and trouser combos and pair with a knitted cotton t-shirt to nail the smart-casual look.
Galway
The bustling coastal city of Galway sits on the west coast of Ireland and is the perfect weekend away destination. On a summer’s day the streets of the city fill with musicians and street performers, while the beaches attract groups of swimmers, unafraid of the Atlantic Ocean temperatures.
If you’re planning a visit over the summer months then the annual Galway Arts Festival is a must see. Held in the middle two weeks of July, it is Ireland’s largest arts festival and features visiting performers from all over the world, who fill venues and streets with song, theatre and laughter. Additionally you could check out the famous Galway Racing Festival which attracts people from all over Ireland and beyond. The summer festival starts on 29th July and boast seven days of racing, entertainment, fashion and hospitality.
Both these events call for an elevated sense of style and we have just the suggestion! Our pastel blue pinstripe casual suit can be built up into a 3-piece suit or dressed down by wearing the jacket with jeans or chinos. Personalise your outfit for whichever event you decide to attend. If you still need some race day style inspiration then check out our previous blog post!
If you decide to check out any of these seaside destinations over the Easter break or take our advice on what to pack then be sure to tag us @RemusUomo on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook!
