Can you remember why the sea is salty? How does the moon affect the tide? Where were Britain's most notorious places for smugglers? And what was the mystery of St Michael's Mount?

There are almost as many stories about the sea as there are pebbles on the beach.Beside the Seasideis a book for anyone who has been captivated by the crash of waves on sand, thrilled by the exploits of pirates or delighted in an ice cream at the end of the pier.

Answering such questions as what to look for in rock pools, which are the best knots and how to avoid being cursed by a mermaid,Beside the Seasideis bursting with facts, fables, history and mystery about Britain's seaside and coast.