London - California? Hawaii? No – this huge crowd of surfers is gathering in the waters off North Devon.
This was the scene at Woolacombe, a spot proving more popular than ever with day-trippers and holidaymakers on the first weekend of August.
Photographer Guy Harrop, who took the pictures at midday, said: “The beach was busier than I’ve seen it in years.
“The sea has been particularly warm this year, so the difference between being in and out of the water isn’t as stark as it usually is.
“This makes surfing or swimming a much more attractive option, wetsuit or no wetsuit.”
Woolacombe is a popular location for experienced surfers and beginners alike, with a strong lifeguard presence and plenty of surfing schools and instructors taking advantage of the sport’s ever increasing popularity.
It was reported that more and more of us are choosing to take our holidays in Britain rather than go abroad.
Nearly three-quarters of us are taking a “staycation” this year, up from 33 percent in 2010, and 65 percent last year, according to a survey by Travelodge.
Travel industry analyst GFK said last week that summer bookings for overseas holidays were down seven percent in June, the third monthly fall in a row.
The holiday rentals service HomeAway, which has about 20 000 UK properties on its books, said inquiries for stays in Britain had risen by 32 percent compared with last year, with the West Country the most popular area. - Daily Mail