From breath-taking bays, vibrant vistas to quieter coves, the British coastline offers dozens of dazzling beaches for you to explore with the family!
Us Brits cherish those sunny days, so get ahead of the game, check out the 10-day forecast and discover our wonder coastlines with our expert picks! It is sure to bring back your charming child-like affinity with the seaside. In fact, why not begin the family fun today? Tempt your little pirates and mermaids with this beach bonanza treasure hunt, whilst you explore the top 10 UK beaches. Get your telescopes out to spot the first letter of each of the beach names below, to spell a saying that will really get you in the happy holiday mood! (Here’s a clue: It’s a lovely two-word Latin phrase that means there is no time like the present to grasp opportunity. It has become a well-known saying as well as an inspirational motto for many.)
C … is for Crantock
This is a secret gem to bestow in your bucket of treasures! Stroll along the Cornish sand and dip your toes in the bright blue waters with Crantock’s lush, grassy location that escapes the busier Newquay bays. In a short 10-minute drive you arrive at shimmering waves and stunning steep dunes that are called Rushy Green, like sapphires and emeralds before you. What a sparkling sight to see!
A … is for Aldeburgh
A also stands for an award called the AONB, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, that the amazing Aldeburgh seashore and surrounding areas offer you. If the wonderful wildlife alone doesn’t tempt you, perhaps the musical melting pot of a place that it is famous for will. Renowned composer Benjamin Britten is the music man, along with the English Opera Group, to thank for the exciting music festival every year! If you enjoy collecting pretty seashells along the shingle beach here with your little ones, you’ll find a jaw-dropping giant one 500 metres from the heart of the town. It’s a stunning and surreal scallop art piece by Maggi Hambling, in honour of Benjamin Britten himself. Soak up the sensational sights and sounds during the festival if you’re after a more vibrant party holiday vibe.
R … is for Rhossili Bay
Rhossili Bay in Gower, on the South coast of Wales is well worth a visit. In fact, it has graced the Top 10 Beaches in Wales list numerous times and even made the cut on some of the best beaches in Europe, as well as in the world! This coast, crowned the best by many, is calling you to make this your next family holiday destination, where you can build golden sandcastles with your kids that are fit for Kings and Queens!
P … is for Perranporth
Perranporth (or Perran Sands) in picturesque Cornwall is a popular place for surfers with its brimming seaside town, perfect if you’re after a lively family staycation full of sea sports. Caves and shallow rock pools, filled with small marine wildlife, will keep curious young minds that are ready for adventure occupied for hours. Be certain to check out the tide times before your trip. Take a dip in the water when the flags show the lifeguards of the RNLI are on duty, so you can swim happily with peace of mind, whichever beautiful beach you visit.
E … is for Embleton Bay
Whether you’re a golf-lover or merely a novice, Embleton Bay in Northumberland offers a very scenic place to play. Dunstanburgh Castle also gives you a beautiful backdrop to the beach, with an abundance of interesting heritage to explore.
D … is for Durdle Door
Don’t forget your camera if you decide Durdle Door is the beach that has your name written in the sand, as the looming limestone arch along the coastline really paints a picture for you! Let yourself get snap happy along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and capture the scenic natural wonders that surround you. The Jurassic Coast will especially delight any dinosaur-crazy kids you have with many fossil hunting tours to fascinate the whole family.
I … is for Isle of Wight
With so many stunning sandy beaches, attractions galore and a steam railway on offer, the incredible Isle of Wight will set you on the right tracks to a family trip of a lifetime. Keep your head in the clouds in this dreamy destination and even see a full-size T-Rex at the collection of animatronic dinosaurs, within Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK. The Ryde pier is also a sight to behold, as is the oldest and second longest in the UK, making it a fun family walk together with ice-creams in hand. Get ready to make some magical memories, as with such little light pollution in certain scenic areas, many claim to have been dazzled by the Milky Way in the mystical twinkle of night! Ventnor, which is on the South side of the island, is a particularly promising place for stargazing.
E … is for Eastbourne
Bask in Eastbourne beach’s glory on the Sunshine Coast, where you can simply escape the hustle and bustle of London in just an hour. Have fun following the sandy footsteps of James Bond on the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff, called Beachy Head. On a hot summer’s day you may well feel like you’re in balmy Gibraltar, just as the audience was led to believe watching the opening scene in The Living Daylights film. This is where the iconic secret agent springs out to the sea from a Land Rover via parachute!
Your kids will love the fact Eastbourne’s famous white cliffs, the Seven Sisters, feature in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, too… Beautiful Beachy Head is yet again featured, this time for the Quidditch World Cup. Eastbourne’s unforgettable scenery shows you the beauty of why it has been chosen countless times for scenes in so many Hollywood and British films to delight you. Play a starring role yourself on your own holiday here. Stargazing is a must here, too.
M … is for Margate Main Sands
This Kent coastline doesn’t disappoint with a sweeping sandy beach around 200 metres long, its own promenade and charming choice of ‘street food feel’ restaurants. For a whirlwind of amusements to cool you down, you can expect a few spine-chilling rides at Dreamland, the thrilling theme park for all ages.
Did your little mermaids and pirates crack the seaside code? Which breath-taking beach and sapphire blue waves will you be dipping your toes into? Stay Play UK are here to help you ‘seas’ the day, and make refreshing memories along the way… CARPE DIEM!
