Great British beach activities: 10 best sea swims

For perfect contemplation

Lindisfarne, Northumberland

Our most sacred of islands, Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, provides the ideal place for a saintly swim. St Aidan built his wooden monastery here in the seventh century, and the tidal island became the centre of Christian learning in England. If you fancy some solace, head to Coves Haven, a wonderful sandy beach set beneath caves. You can stay on Holy Island or at nearby Bamburgh (www.lindisfarne.org.uk).