Fitness
8 best beach yoga classes in the UK
Looking for the best spot for your downward dog? Look no further…
There are few things more relaxing than practicing yoga on the beach. You can hear the waves crashing on the shore as you hold warrior one pose and feel the sun warming your shoulders while lying in savasana.
The great news is that you don’t have to take a trip to the Caribbean to practice yoga on the beach. There are yoga classes held right here on the British coastline during the summer months. Wet weather is obviously an issue here in the British Isles, so make sure you check with the yoga teacher before you turn up.
1. Newquay, Cornwall
Who with? Synergy Yoga & Therapy
Where? The Esplanade, South Fistral
Ever wanted to practice vinyasa flow with a view of the beach? Aimee from Synergy Yoga holds classes every Saturday morning during the summer on the grassy bank at South Fistral in Newquay, just above the beach. This is a great class to kick-start your weekend. Head down to The Jam Jar cafe afterwards for a breakfast smoothie and bagel.
2. Boscombe, Bournemouth
Who with? Holistic Body Training
Where? Boscombe Pier near Bournemouth
Practice hatha yoga to the sound of the waves and birds near Boscombe Pier. Frank Markham teaches these yoga classes on the beach during the summer. Last July, they even spotted dolphins from their mats. Frank recommends these classes for everyone, especially runners, as they are a great way to stretch out tight muscles. Sessions run every Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, as well as Friday mornings.
3. St Ouen’s Bay, Jersey
Who with? Jennifer Moore Health
Where? St Ouen’s Bay
Jennifer teaches pop-up beach yoga classes across the island of Jersey on weekends throughout the summer, depending on the wind, tide and (of course) the weather. She will announce where the class will be 24 to 48 hours before. Luckily, Jersey is a small place, so it won’t be too far away. You can sign up for email notifications about her beach yoga classes on her website.
4. Brighton, East Sussex
Who with? Melanie Melvin
Where? Yellowave Clubhouse on Brighton Beach
If you love the ocean but dislike the feeling of sand between your toes, then you need to check out the Yellowave Clubhouse in Brighton. Yoga instructor Mel has been teaching for over 20 years. She now runs a class on Sundays during term time at the Yellowave Clubhouse overlooking the beach. This class is indoors, so even when it is raining, you can still come along.
5. Swansea Beach, Wales
Swansea Beach, Wales
© Womankind Yoga Wales
Who with? Womankind Yoga Wales
Where? Under the Observatory Tower on Swansea Beach
There’s something special about practicing yoga with a big group of people. Womankind Yoga Wales run beach yoga classes on Tuesday evenings from May to August with up to 150 people turning up. SUP yoga classes will also start this autumn, so keep your eyes peeled. The classes work on a donation only basis to make them “truly accessible to the wider community”, says founder Helen Wilson.
6. King Edward’s Bay, Tynemouth
Who with? Liz Yoga
Where? King Edward’s Bay near Tynemouth
If you live up in the north-east of England, Liz Yoga runs beach yoga sessions on King Edward’s Bay most weekends. They start at around 9am from May to August and are free. You just need to keep an eye on her Facebook Page for confirmation each week. It’s only 45 minutes long, but a beautiful way to start your day looking over the water. Remember to bring your own mat or towel.
7. Paignton, Devon
Feeling the vibe
© Holistic Yoga Sangha
Who with? Holistic Yoga Sangha
Where? In Preston, Paignton
If you live in South Devon, head down to the Holistic Yoga Sangha beach yoga class in Paignton. Virginia holds classes here overlooking Torbay on Tuesday evenings, right up until mid-October, depending on the weather. Make sure that you wear warm layers for when it gets chilly. Each class ends with a post-session snack with your fellow yogis, so bring along food and a drink to share afterwards.
8. Carlyon Bay, Cornwall
Carlyon Bay, Cornwall
© Matthew Kane
Who with? Lovely Yoga Cornwall
Where? Carlyon Beach near St Austell
Carlyon Beach is a favourite with local Cornish residents. Lovely Yoga Cornwall run beach yoga classes on Mondays and Sundays until the end of the August. It’s only £5 per class focusing on energising standing sequences, including pair work and team balances. If it’s not too cold, there will be time for meditation too.
Nina Zietman is a British freelance adventure travel journalist and photographer. When she’s not tapping away on her computer, she can be found snowboarding in the Alps, surfing her longboard in Cornwall or blogging about eco-friendly travel at She Who Adventures. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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