10 Coastal Hotspots for Families
Who needs the Med when you’ve got some of the world’s finest beaches right here on UK soil for your next family break? There’s a little slice of coastal paradise closer than you think.
1. Brighton
With its kiss-me-quick heritage and bohemian vibes, there’s no place like Brighton. A great choice for a family break, leave the car at home for this adventure and hop on the train instead. The pebble beach, vibey restaurants and historic lanes packed with boutiques are all within easy walking distance.
Our must-sees…
- Lose hours (and buckets of two penny pieces) at Brighton Palace Pier’s arcades and rides. Then treat the little ones to warm doughnuts and bags of chips (watch out for the pesky seagulls) – it would be rude not to.
- Amble through the historic North Laines for some retail therapy. Then reward the kids with an obligatory bubble tea from the streetside cafes.
2. Cornwall
No round-up of the UK’s best coastal places for a family break would be complete without Cornwall. With one road in and one road out, the early bird catches the worm here. Or leave the car at home and fly into Newquay Airport instead.
Our must-sees…
- Hit the waves along Fistral Beach’s golden sands with surfing lessons. Then refuel with Rick Stein’s lip-smacking fish and chips takeaway afterwards.
- Grab yourselves an obligatory ice cream and watch the fishing boats coming in and out of the bay in charming Padstow. This is as quintessentially Cornish as it gets – but prepare for the inevitable crowds.
3. Devon
Cornwall’s wilder coastal cousin, Devon always deserves a mention. With its glorious sandy beaches and some blockbuster attractions (starting with The Eden Project), Devon is a family break winner.
Our must-sees…
- Explore the two miles of golden shores of Exmouth Beach. Known for its family-friendly amenities and safe waters for swimming, it’s a Blue Flag Beach for good reason. While away the morning rock pooling at low tide, or take things up a notch with kite surfing, paddle boarding, and beach volleyball.
- Change up beach days with a visit to Sidmouth’s Donkey Sanctuary. With hundreds of resident donkeys to meet, this is one for any Doctor Dolittle’s in the making.
4. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
The extraordinary landscapes of the Jurassic Coast are a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Featuring the iconic Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and the charming town of Lyme Regis, this is one corker of a family seaside break.
Our must-sees…
- Pack up your bucket and spades for family days along Hive Beach. When thoughts turn to food, there’s a seafront café for the freshest seafood imaginable and a cheeky glass of something bubbly.
- No family holiday to Dorset would be complete without a visit to Durdle Door just along the cliff path from Lulworth. Or in the summer, hop on a short boat trip to this coastal hotspot.
5. Isle of Skye
Perched off the northwest coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye offers wild natural beauty of tap. Think dramatic landscapes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages – and that’s just for starters.
Our must-sees…
- Take things inland to The Fairy Pools. Hidden away at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains, a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls are interlinked by meandering footpaths. It’s as magical as it sounds.
- Voyage to the white shores of Coral Beach in Claigan. Don’t be fooled by its name. Coral Beach isn’t made of coral but instead crushed white coral-like seaweed and shells. While these shores are a little more rugged compared to some of the other beaches on this list, the panoramic views of the Isle of Harris and the surrounding mountains make it the perfect spot for a family picnic.
6. Isle of Wight
Officially the UK’s sunniest place, and with sandy beaches and scenic coastal walks by the dozen for a family break, it’s no surprise this is the UK’s favourite island.
Our must-sees…
- Feel the soft golden sands between your toes at Sandown Beach. Its shallow waters are perfect for paddling, and the pier and dinosaur museum will come in handy if the weather doesn’t buck up.
- Grab a dose of culture with a trip to Osborne House. Once Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat, its vast gardens and historical surroundings are prime for a family picnic and afternoon of lawn games.
7. Norfolk
With miles of powdery sands and wide blue skies, Norfolk is the ultimate coastal retreat for a family holiday. It’s steeped in rich history, too. So, if it’s good enough for the former Royals of Sandringham, it’s good enough for us.
Our must-sees…
- Climb aboard the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway. This charming railway running between Wells-next-the-Sea and the Abbey village of Walsingham is cheap as chips to ride and handy if you’d rather avoid parking right in the centre of Wells.
- Head to the wilder shores of Holmes Dunes. Popular for families, there’s a visitor centre and café and the option to pre-book your parking is always a bonus. The dunes and long grasses go on for miles – perfect for dune rolling and hide-and-seek!
8. Northumberland
Land of pristine beaches, imposing castles such as Bamburgh Castle, and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne – there’s something for all the family in Northumberland.
Our must-sees:
- Grab a dose of British seaside nostalgia in pretty Seahouses. As expected, there’s fish and chips, sandcastle making, and rock pooling aplenty.
- Hop on a boat trip to Farne Islands – said to be one of Attenborough’s favourite places to see nature at its best. Home to grey seal colonies and puffins aplenty, the cuteness factor is guaranteed.
9. Pembrokeshire
While thousands of families make their annual pilgrimage down to Cornwall, those in the know head to Pembrokeshire instead for their family break. With the same picture-perfect sandy shores, but fewer crowds, Pembrokeshire has all the makings of a fantastic family holiday.
Our must-sees…
- Spend lazy mornings sandcastle-making and kite flying along Tenby’s north or south beaches. With great local amenities and upmarket restaurants within the town’s ancient walls for when tummies start to rumble, this is one of Pembrokeshire’s most beloved coastal spots.
- Rather explore off the beaten track? Head for National Trust’s Bafundle Bay. With a half a mile walk along the cliffs and a steep descent, this isn’t the most toddler-friendly. But those sweeping coastal vistas are worth the hike.
10. Yorkshire
Last but by no means least is Yorkshire – home to quaint towns fringed by dramatic cliff faces, charming proms and a big helping of family seaside nostalgia.
Our must-sees…
- Take your pick from four sandy bays in the seaside resort of Scarborough. Our vote goes to family-friendly North Bay, with its chalet-lined promenade and Sea Life Scarborough within walking distance.
- Tackle the 199 steps of the mighty Abbey in Whitby – said to have inspired Dram Stoker’s, Dracula. Set high on the hill, there’s no better spot to get your bearings on this enchanting harbour town.
Ready for your next family break adventure? Head over to our next blog for more inspiration here.