B

ritons rule the waves, or so the song goes. And there are no shortage of spots in which to test this idea. While Cornwall and Devon get the lion’s share of crystal-clear, surfable waves, there is consistent, fantastic waves on the North East coast too, meaning Scarborough Surf School is open year round.

The rest of England’s awesome coastline is home to more brilliant attractions. Try kitesurfing at Hunstanton beach in Norfolk, a huge, beautiful expanse of sea and sand with its own kitesurf school , virtually constant wind from the North Sea, and waves to play in.
 

For those qualified, a dive to the Naval frigate HMS Scylla , which was sunk in Whitsand Bay , near Plymouth offers great visibility and featureful exploring. A meandering, moonlit swim down the Thames is something the Outdoor Swimming Society regularly indulge in. Start at Wallingford and the gentle current will take you past not one, but two bridges built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Other inland water attractions include the Nottingham-based National Water Sports Centre  where the Trent has been redirected to serve the action needs of canoeists, rafters and white water lovers all year round.

And don't visit the rugged coastline of North Cornwall without trying some coasteering: scrambling around on the rocks and jumping into the bracing sea - a fine tradition stretching back to the pre-wetsuited Victorians. God bless 'em.