Forget Barbados or Bondi! British beach revealed as best to visit in winter by Lonely Planet

A relaxing day in winter does not have to be limited to the armchair in front of the fireplace.

Even in freezing temperatures, a British beach has been voted the best in the world from December to February, eliminating the need to fly around the world and back for a beach day to enjoy during those months.

The British coastal gem fought off stiff competition Lonely planet writer Christina Webb’s top spot, with spectacular offerings in Iceland, New Zealand and South Korea all in the mix.

None of them can match Charmouth Beach, on England’s famous Jurassic Coast, where you’ll see breathtaking views in every direction, combined with the chance to unleash your inner archaeologist and go fossil hunting in a place just as productive as most when it comes to prehistoric finds.

And the Dorset coast offers something for everyone, with the rocky stretch complimented by a sandy expanse right next door – on the other side of the River Char where it flows into the English Channel.

Both stony and sandy expanses make it applicable to all, with the former making it a hotspot for fossil hunting

Charmouth is located on England’s famous Jurassic Coast – hence the concentration of prehistoric finds

Wherever you are, you will always see majestic rock walls towering above you, giving the beach a sense of isolation and privacy if you visit on a calm day – all the more likely in winter.

Charmouth Beach’s closest competitor for the number one spot was Reynisfjara Beach near Vik, Iceland.

This is another coastline that differs from the white sandy beaches you might enjoy in the summer.

Black rocks underfoot give the area a unique atmosphere as you look out on gigantic rock formations that legend says are the result of trolls being caught in daylight.

If you’re still looking for a sandy beach in winter but don’t want to stray too far from Britain, Plage de la Conche des Baleines – located on Ile de Ré, just off the west coast of France, is a wonderful option.

Pictured: Rock formations in the distance from Reynisfjara beach in Iceland

Lonely Planet’s recommended spots also include Kvalvika Beach in Norway’s Lofoten Islands (above)

This is a wonderful option all year round, but the absence of the crowds of tourists in summer could make the temperature drop worth it as you can still enjoy both the coast and the island’s breathtaking towns with their terracotta architecture that is archetypal for the region.

Another relatively nearby option for Brits is on Ireland’s south coast, in the form of Inchydoney Beach, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from a vast expanse of sand.

The list also included more distant options: Hot Water Beach in New Zealand, Cannon Beach in the US, Cox Bay Beach in Canada and Haeundae Beach in South Korea.

A top nine was completed by Kvalvika Beach on Norway’s Lofoten Islands.