Enjoy a fun day out by the sea with the kids!
With the Summer Holidays fast approaching, if like me you haven’t booked a trip abroad, then you’ll be looking for fun activities and venues to entertain the kids (and stop you going crazy!).
What better way to while away the balmy summer days than a great British day by the sea. For years people have jumped on trains, grabbed a coach, hitched a lift or even flew to one of the many fantastic UK holiday destinations. As it is now known, a Staycation, is the hottest new holiday buzz word. Put simply, it’s holidaying at home. Who needs all that taking your socks and shoes off palava at the airport, missed flights, lost luggage and dodgy hotels? How about the luxury of your own car, no need for a passport, and using your own currency? OK, so it’s not all a bed of roses and yes, you might end up in a dodgy b and b if you plan on staying a night or two and if it’s hot then you can still get sunburnt but at least you’re only a few hours away from home and everyone speaks the same language (well mostly!).
Here’s my round up of some of UK’s best beaches and places to visit. Don’t forget your sun lotion, a good book and the kids!
Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset
I’ve decided that rather than save the best till last, Sandbanks, down in Poole, Dorset has to take the number one spot. This is a blue flag beach, which is a European scoring system for some of the cleanest and well maintained beaches in Europe. It’s absolutely stunning, with crystal clear waters and golden, powdery sand. My kids love it down here and spend most of their time running in and out of the sea. Also known as the 4th most expensive place to live in the world, (or the British Monte Carlo) naturally, the beach is a hotspot for families and singletons alike. The glory is that it never gets hugely overcrowded so everyone can enjoy their day. The sea is a shallow bay so you can walk out into the sea quite safely for up to 200yds. (Although you should never leave your kids unattended at any beach.) The view is very scenic with the Isle of Wight not too far off and Brownsea Island a short ferry boat ride away. There is also a glorious harbour with some amazing yachts to gasp at and the architecture of some of the properties are outstanding with true art deco style finishing. There isn’t too much in the way of entertainment or places to eat on the beach, it being a little more discerning than the more common resorts. However you can still get some scampi and chips all served very neatly in long brown paper cones darling! South West Trains service the area, from London and you can also drive their in under 3 hours, just head for Bournemouth and keep going. Go to http://www.sandbankspoole.com/ for more information.
Bournemouth
Talking of Bournemouth, if you don’t fancy Sandbanks and want something with a little more activities then Bournemouth is your best bet. It has the traditional fun fair rides, slot machines, candy floss and fish and chips so you’ll never be short of something to do should you get bored of the beach. The beach can get a little overcrowded but is still relatively clean and good for kids. There are loads of watersports to take in and some beautiful gardens to explore. Bournemouth also boasts Europe’s first artificial Surf Reef in Boscombe where surfers from around the globe are coming to try it out. The reef is 220m offshore and just east of Boscombe Pier. The reef is made up of 55 giant sandbags and is the size of a football pitch. And if that’s not enough, you can even hire a beach hut! Go to http://www.bournemouth.co.uk/ for more information.
Cornwall
Rather than attempt to describe only a small part of what is one of the best UK holiday destinations ever, and really do it no justice, here’s what the Cornish tourist board say, “In the last decade Cornwall has emerged as one of the world’s iconic destinations. From the dramatic coastline of the north to the sheltered bays in the south, from ancient moorland to soft river estuaries, surfers, walkers, sailing buffs, gastronauts and visitors simply seeking a break from a hectic world have discovered a fascinating, vibrant culture, first class accommodation, food to die for and a naturally thrilling adventure playground.” One of the most dramatic places to visit in recent years is The Eden Project, near St.Austell, Cornwall. This is huge Biomes – the biggest glasshouses in the world – nestling in a vast, former china clay excavation whose landscapes range from the neat hummocks of lavender fields and the profusion of ‘wild Cornwall’ to reconstructions of the Steppes, the Prairies and Chile on the steep upper slopes. Go to http://www.visitcornwall.com/ and http://www.edenproject.com/ for more information.
Eastbourne, Newhaven
Situated in the South East of England and not too far from London, is this popular and very traditional seaside town. Situated at the foot of the South Downs in East Sussex, Eastbourne, is a great family destination, whether it’s for a day out or week long stay. Well known for it’s aristocratic origins (the Duke of Devonshire laid out plans for the town in 1834) it has some excellent architecture to show for it. There are some excellent beaches at the town and also in nearby Pevensey Bay. And even better, all are well serviced by some decent beachside cafes, shops and toilets. If you do fancy popping over to France then Newhaven, the nearby ferry port has three ferries running daily each way to Dieppe. Go to http://www.visiteastbourne.com/ for more information.
Bognor Regis
Claiming to be “The Sunniest place in Britain” Bognor Regis is another traditional English seaside town. It’s royal accolade, ‘Regis’ latin for ‘of the King’ was received in 1929 when George V popped down for a few days! Originally a quiet fishing village, Bognor was ‘discovered’ by Sir Richard Hotham in the 1780s, who thought that it would be an excellent place for a Spa and so the resort was born! There are plenty of attractions, a long sandy beach and places to keep the kids entertained not least Butlins Holiday Camp. Unknown to some, you can buy a day pass in to Butlins from 10am daily and get full use of their great facilities including the fantastic swimming baths, slides and more. Better still, it’s right by the beach so when you’ve had enough you can go and enjoy the sunshine! Go to http://www.bognor-regis.org/ for more information.
For information on all of the UK’s seaside and coastal resorts go to http://www.ukcoastguide.co.uk/
And wherever you go, have a safe journey and enjoy the trip!
