The
brilliant beaches of Britain are perfect for chilled out family holidays full
of lovely seaside views and traditional attractions. Whether you're looking for
a quaint coastal town with a peaceful vibe or you're heading for a fun resort
packed with high-energy ways to keep the kids entertained, the UK has just the
seaside treat for you. Check out some of the best beaches for family fun and
start planning your next trip.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Just
an hour out of London, this fabulous seven-mile stretch of beach is a wonderful
place to step back in time and enjoy an old-fashioned seaside holiday you won't
want to leave behind.
Southend-on-Sea
is home to the world's largest pleasure pier, which not only has it's own mini
railway line but also boasts a fabulous arts venue, Cultural Centre. You'll
also be able to enjoy the bright lights and thrilling rides of the pier head
funfair and for an amazing view, be sure to have a go on the Victorian cliff
lift that will take you from the promenade to Prittlewell Square in style.
Misley Bay, North Berwick
This
charming Scottish beach is ideal if you're looking for a holiday spot in a
quiet, unassuming area that's blessed with lovely natural views. North Berwick
is a pretty town with plenty of Victorian villas, ice cream parlours and fish
n’ chip shops to enjoy.
It's
a great place to visit if there are any keen golfers in the family, thanks to the
three fantastic local golf courses. If you're looking for a stretch of sand
perfect for family fun, spend some blissful afternoons on Misley Bay, where
you'll find lots of fascinating rock pools as well as a boat pond built into
the rocks, which has been designed to give children a safe way to paddle and
sail in the sea.
A family-friendly experience from start to
finish, Central Beach in Great Yarmouth is a top place to take the little ones.
The beach is adjacent
to Marine Parade, stretches between Britannia and Wellington Piers and is a
glorious combination of soft sand and blue skies.
Hire
some deck chairs and enjoy a family picnic or take a boat trip out to Scroby
Sands for a chance to see some of the local seals. Central Beach also has lots
of activities for children and a generous share of cafes and ice cream parlours
to satisfy all appetites. You'll also find plenty of family-friendly hotels to
choose from in the area, including the Comfort Hotel
Great Yarmouth.
Ainsdale
Beach, Southport
Ainsdale Beach is well known for its clear
swimming waters and fun sand dunes, making it a great place to explore with children.
The beach has Blue Flag status and also boasts lots of fun activities for the
whole family, including kite surfing and parakarting. It's also got a reputation as
a premier beach for extreme kiting, but amateurs are welcome to have a shot
too.
Next
to the beach, you'll also find the Ainsdale Discovery Centre and Ainsdale and
Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve. In the summer, you'll be able to learn
about local wildlife and natural trails or take part in a family activity as
well as hire bikes to help you discover the sights for yourself.