England’s highest beach is a ‘paradise’ people don’t know exists – with amazing views at the top
THE top of a hill in a landlocked town is probably the last place you’d expect to find a beach.
However, that’s exactly where one can be found in Todmorden, in Yorkshire.
Todmorden Beach sits at around 1,100 feet above sea level, earning it the moniker the “UK’s tallest beach”.
It can be found by searching for Gaddings Dam, which is what has created the inland bay on top of the hill on the upland moors, where it was originally built as a mill pond back in 1833.
Since then it has become a much-valued swimming spot by locals, who fought to keep it open more than two decades ago.
The Gaddings Dam Preservation Company purchased the deeds to the pond for £1,500, on the proviso that it be maintained for local use.
For those who like to swim outside, it’s the perfect place to go with one of its regulars telling the Guardian it’s “a wild swimmer’s paradise”.
It’s not just enjoyed by people either, with cows also frequently spotted making the most of its sandy shore and cooling waters.
Getting to the beach requires a bit of a walk, but the best part about it is that it starts at a pub.
Parking is available opposite the Shepherd’s Rest Inn, making it a great place to warm up after splashing about.
From the pub, visitors need to climb a steep path at the top of which, the secluded beach reveals itself, with miles of countryside stretching out beyond it.
The dam hasn’t always been as popular, or as widely known, as it is now.
However, it’s now considered one of the best places for a free outside swim in the UK.
That’s according to Master Manchester, who wrote: “Gaddings Dam has been a well-kept secret for both locals and visitors alike for many years.
“The dam boasts breathtaking views, excellent hiking paths, a sandy beach perfect for lounging, and one of the top wild swimming areas in the county.
“It’s no surprise that Gaddings Dam is becoming increasingly popular.”
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
Swimmers have also raved about the beach on Tripadvisor, recommending it as a great family day out.
One person wrote: “The views at the top are gorgeous, and the water was clear and at a lovely temperature.”
Another said: “Perfectly formed with soft clean sand lovingly cared for and a delight to visit.”
A third added: “Gaddings Dam is a fab place to go for a walk, swim, and picnic.”
Meanwhile, this UK beach has been named one of the best in the world.
And this English beach is home to the country’s only desert.
