Building a sandcastle is a fun and easy activity for people of all ages. It is a great way to spend a day at the beach. Here we share some top tips for sandcastle building and take a look at 10 of the most epic sandcastles that have ever been built, including the biggest sandcastle in the world!
The 10 Best Ever Sandcastles
Some people take building sandcastles VERY seriously! Here are some of the most epic sandcastles that have been made.
1. The Biggest Sandcastle in the World; World's Tallest Sandcastle in Blokhus, Denmark
Built in 2021, this giant sandcastle stands at 21.16 meters (69 ft 5 in). This beauty was made by Skulpturparken Blokhus in the small seaside town of Blokhus in Denmark. The sandcastle features local elements such as beach houses, lighthouses and kite surfing.
Built by sand sculptor Wilfred Stijger and the local community to boost tourism in the town of Blokhus after many months of Coronavirus restrictions, it stood for 6 months, enduring chilly and windy conditions. As a symbolic feature, the sandcastle includes a model of the virus wearing a crown.
The base of the sandcastle measures over 30 meters, and more than 6,400 tonnes of sand were used to create it. This world’s tallest sandcastle surpassed the previous record of 16.68 meters (54 ft 9 in) set in 2007.
The record was previously held by a sandcastle built in Germany in 2019, see below!
2. Sand Sculpture Festival Sandcastle in Binz, Germany
Another world record contender from 2019, this massive sandcastle was created for the Sand Sculpture Festival in Binz on the island of Ruegen, Germany. It is 17.66 meters tall and made with about 11,000 tonnes of sand. The sheer scale of this creation is awe-inspiring.
3. Harry Potter Sandcastle in Changsha, China
This Harry Potter themed sandcastle was built by a sand sculpture artist during the Changsha International Sand Sculpture Art Festival held in China in 2011. The intricacy of the design highlights the artist's dedication and talent.
4. Winnie the Pooh Sandcastle in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Just look at the size of the people in the background compared with this Winnie the Pooh themed sandcastle! This intricately decorated structure stands as a testament to the skills of sand sculptors who can create towering works of art from tonnes of sand.
5. Illuminated Sandcastle
This illuminated sandcastle looks absolutely beautiful, especially when lit up at night. The use of lights adds an enchanting effect, making it appear as though it’s glowing from within.
6. Imperial Beach Sandcastle in San Diego
This highly detailed sandcastle was built during the Imperial Beach San Diego sandcastle competition. The artists used tonnes of sand to craft this masterpiece, showcasing the power and creativity of skilled sand sculptors.
7. Guinness World Record Holder in Miami, Florida
This sandcastle was the Guinness World Record holder of the title "tallest sandcastle" in 2015. It was built to celebrate the first Turkish Airlines flight from Miami to Istanbul, at Virginia Key Beach, Miami, Florida, USA. The sandcastle was over 45 ft tall and was built using more than 1800 tons of sand. This record-breaking sandcastle stood as a beacon of creativity and engineering.
8. Virginia Beach Sandcastle
This gravity-defying sandcastle was built at Virginia Beach by a sand artist in the ‘End of Summer Sandcastle’ competition.
Despite windy conditions, the sandcastle stood tall, representing the power of human creativity and perseverance.
9. Copacabana Beach Sandcastle, Rio de Janeiro
This epic sandcastle was built at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on April 9, 2010. The stunning design and scale of this sandcastle make it one of the most memorable creations ever.
10. Puri Beach Sandcastle in India
In 2017, legendary sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik and a team of 45 students built the world’s tallest sandcastle on Puri Beach in India’s eastern state of Odisha. Standing at 48.8 feet, this castle earned the Guinness World Records title for the world’s tallest sandcastle at that time. The structure included a peace dove and medallions showing the faces of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, symbolizing world peace.
How to Build a Sandcastle
Here are the steps on how to build a sandcastle:
Choose a Spot: Choose a spot on the beach that is free of rocks and debris.
Wet the Sand: Wet the sand and pack it down.
Shape the Sand: Use your hands to shape the sand.
Add Details: Add details to your castle, such as towers, turrets, and moats.
Smooth the Edges: Use wet sand to smooth out the edges of your castle.
Decorate: Decorate your castle with seashells, rocks, and seaweed.
Enjoy: Enjoy your sandcastle!
Tips for Building a Better Sandcastle
Here are a few tips for building a better sandcastle:
Use Wet Sand: Wet sand is easier to work with and will hold its shape better.
Pack the Sand Down: This will help to create a solid foundation for your castle.
Use Your Hands: Use your hands to shape the sand. This will allow you to create any shape you want.
Add Details: Add details to your castle. This will make your castle more interesting and unique.
Smooth the Edges: Use wet sand to smooth out the edges of your castle. This will make your castle look neat and tidy.
Decorate: Decorate your castle with seashells, rocks, and seaweed. This will add color and interest to your castle.
Building a sandcastle is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Why not have a go yourself when you next visit the beach!
Build Your Own Record Breaking Sandcastle
From Guinness World Record-breaking sandcastles to intricately decorated structures found in small seaside towns, the art of sandcastle building continues to inspire and amaze people around the world.
Whether you're a professional sand sculptor or just looking for a fun beach activity, the world of sandcastles offers endless possibilities for creativity and enjoyment.
By following the tips and techniques shared here, you too can aim to build your own record-breaking sandcastle. With tonnes of sand, a bit of patience, and a lot of imagination, who knows? Your creation might just become the next tallest sandcastle in the Guinness World Records!
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