A three-mile coastal stretch in Wales dotted with shipwrecks and popular with surfers has been crowned Britain's best beach, organisers said Tuesday.
Rhossili Bay, located on the western tip of the Gower peninsula in South Wales, attracted nearly half (47%) of the more than 7,700 votes cast in the Cadbury Flake 99 Great British Beach Awards, according to competition organiser and ice cream manufacturer Fredericks.
The sandy bay, described as "peaceful and idyllic" beat off competition from 24 other shortlisted beaches, including Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, which came second with 19% of the votes, followed by Blackpool and Margate, which each received 10% of the votes.
Because of its gently sloping beach, Rhossili Bay delivers long waves that attract surfers all year round.
And at low tide, the sandy stretch reveals shipwrecks such as the Helvetia, which ran aground in 1887.
The Bay is located on the Gower Peninsula, which was the first beauty spot in Britain to receive Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status back in 1956.
Source: AFP European Edition
