You can fish anywhere you please along our coastline without a licence. You can also collect shellfish and light a fire unless there is a sign specifically saying not to. The only restrictions are if there is a sign saying not to do any of the above. (nursery area, military training area etc.) These restrictions are few in my experience. I've had loads of fires and barbecues on the beach over the years, and collected thousands of shellfish, and dug rag, and lug worms
I'm happy to report that the discussions for a sea angling licence have been shelved for the time being so we can continue to fish (as we have done for thousands of years) for free. And quite right too.
Of course you need to observe the size limits for each species and if you're not going to eat it or use it for bait, put it back.
Here's a size limit chart
http://www.sea-fishing.org/nfsa-size-limits.html it covers most species that are commonly caught.