Features

United Kingdom - Find your Secret Place

by Judith Randall

Every now and then I have to take myself off somewhere familiar that gives me freedom and views, away from the madding crowd and all that.

Some years ago I found a little place to stay on the coast of Somerset in the small village of Brean, a place called the Old Rectory in Church Road just across from the beach.

There are bedrooms within the main house but we always stay (dog included) in one of their purpose built rooms within the grounds. The joy of this sort of accommodation is that you can wander in and out with your dog in tow and not have to chat to anyone! Yes, I know I’m anti-social but it’s my recharge space and I don’t want to talk!

The little road outside the Old Rectory takes you to Burnham on Sea one way and Weston Super Mare the other. It’s quite busy and further down there are the usual rows of cream holiday homes in rows like sardines in a tin, but avert your eyes! Usually I avoid walking this way and crossing over the road I find a sandy path to the famous Brean Sands.

Yes I KNOW sometimes the tide is so far out all the water is in Cardiff but I love it! The expanse of beach is good for the soul and the fresh breeze blows the stress clean out your head – honest!

Here's your plan, stay at the Old Rectory Hotel, tell them I sent you, they will take really good care of you, with a lovely cosy clean room, VERY friendly service and a yummy choice of breakfasts in the morning, served in their spacious conservatory.

If you’re a hiker or a biker they are happy to pack you a lunch, bikes are safe in their car park and the whole staff are real human being and very friendly.

Old Rectory Hotel - www.oldrectorybrean.co.uk