
At holidaycottages.co.uk, we know that our country’s immense coastline boasts some of the world’s most spectacular seaside landscapes that are loved by locals and tourists in equal measure. But we also know that, while this coastline should rightly be celebrated, it also needs to be protected.
Beach cleans are a great way to help save our coastal environment, and they're a great day out too – giving you plenty of fresh air and a good feeling too as you do something positive for the planet. Both the Marine Conservation Society (who we are proudly partnered with) and Surfers Against Sewage run regular beach clean events throughout the year but you don't need much more than a bucket and a pair of gloves to get involved, so there's nothing stopping you from doing an impromptu clean any time of the year!

There are many great reasons to take part in a beach clean – not least to help clean up our coastal environment. Whether you’re visiting as a family or are simply looking for some coastal solitude, here are our top 7 reasons for taking part in a beach clean.
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1. Help save the planet
We can’t deny that the number one reason for most people taking part in a beach clean is to help our natural environment. Plastic of any size can damage our marine life – from creatures getting caught in bigger plastic waste to sea life ingesting microplastics, which then end up back in our food chain. By cleaning up our beaches and removing plastic from our shores, we can easily do our little bit to help the planet.
2. Get some exercise
Instead of fitting in a quick run or a HIIT session on holiday, why not do a beach clean instead? Walking or running on sand uses around twice as much energy as on a stable surface so you can get a more intense workout in less time. Plus, bending down to pick up plastic mimics the action of performing a squat, and carrying a big bucket of plastic waste is a great for workout for your arms!

3. It’s a fun – and free – family day out
Beach cleans really are for all ages and they don’t cost a penny either, making them a brilliant choice for a free, feel-good family activity in the great outdoors. Most kids love being at the beach anyway, and giving them a plastic ‘treasure hunt’ to complete will keep them occupied for ages. Incorporate your litter pick into a full day at the beach sharing fish and chips, building sandcastles and paddling in the waves.

4. Educate the kids
Not only is a beach clean a fun day out, but it can be educational too. Little ones can count up plastic pieces, improving their maths skills, and start to learn about our role in the wider environment. Older kids can understand the geological processes that cause microplastics to wash up on our shores in the first place – like currents, tides and drifts. And you’re never too young to start taking an interest in community and environmental issues!

5. Boost your mental health
Beach cleans can do way more for your health than just the physical benefits. Even being by the beach is good for you; studies have shown that being by the sea or near marine environments boosts happiness. Plus, the effects of volunteering on your well-being are well documented – a study by the NCVO found that 77% of volunteers say giving up their time for a good cause has improved their mental health. Not only can you benefit the environment, but you can help yourself too!
6. Engage with the area
It may be rare when you’re on holiday to feel like you really got to know the area – you’re there for a week or so, and then it’s back home again. But taking part in a beach clean allows you to really engage with the place in which you’re staying. You can have a real impact on the area’s environment and coast, plus you can meet some of the local community too, making a holiday home feel more like a home from home.

7. Enjoy a day on the beach
If you’re planning a day on the beach anyway, why not tie it in with a beach clean? You can take a little while tidying up the shoreline and, when you’re done, roll out the beach towels, get up the deckchairs and unpack the buckets and spades on the same stretch of sand you’ve helped spruce up. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or playing beach games, with that satisfied feeling that only comes from doing a good deed.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly break to the seaside, a romantic getaway for two close to the coast, or are planning lots of beach walks with your four-legged best friend, we have the coastal cottage to suit you. Make the most of our country’s spectacular coastline by staying in a holiday cottage by the sea. Take a look at our complete coastal collection and start planning your next seaside break.
Find your nearest beach clean