Beach holidays
As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, no matter what the thermometer says, most of us will head to one of our lovely English beaches. Whether it’s for bracing walks in winter, for heat-hazed holidays in the midst of summer, or for getting out in those precious fleeting moments of warmth in spring and autumn, the beaches in England are a magnet. Couples and families, dog walkers and solitary thinkers all find space by the sea. The sound of the surf soothes the soul, and days lazing on those sandy beaches in England make everything seem alright again.
Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Bask in the traditional charm of Shanklin Seafront
Shanklin Seafront is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular seaside resorts, with loads to keep the kids quiet and plenty of places for adults to take it easy.
Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight
Explore The Grand Pier of Weston-super-Mare
Relive happy childhood memories of eating ice creams, skimming stones and skipping along piers in Weston-super-Mare.
Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Leap into the surf at some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches
Surfing is every bit as much fun as it looks and the true Cornish experience is not complete without riding the waves at one of Cornwall’s golden beaches, with well-trained instructors.
Location: Across Cornwall
July events: Whitstable Oyster Festival
One of the biggest events in Kent’s calendar, the annual oyster festival in trendy Whitstable is far more than a foodie’s fiesta.
Location: Whitstable, Kent
Go in search of Sherlock, smugglers and Legless Rambler
Discover the hidden secrets of East Dean at this pretty village, set in the South Downs National Park, just outside of Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Soar above England’s highest chalk sea cliff
Work up the courage for a unique, exhilarating way to take in the iconic scenery of East Sussex’s famous Beachy Head, near Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Enjoy old-fashioned fun on the beach in Skegness
Pick up your bucket and spade and take to the sand on a family holiday at one of Lincolnshire's favourite seaside resorts.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
Discover sharks, seals and summer fun in Great Yarmouth
From mysterious creatures of the deep to sandcastles and donkey rides, Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile has it all.
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Go all One Direction in North Somerset
Visit Clevedon Pier where boy band One Direction filmed their ‘You and I’ video and cruise on the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset
Enjoy a contemporary beach stay at the Watergate Bay Hotel
The Watergate Bay Hotel irresistibly combines dramatic coastline, adrenaline-fuelled sports, gorgeous accommodation and brilliant places to dine.
Location: Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Have a traditional Victorian seaside experience
Head to the delightful seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea for a fun trip up a sea-cliff lift and dine on fish and chips with a view.
Location: Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Get Your Blood pumping in Newquay
With iconic surfing beaches, this town a favourite holiday destination for fun in the sun, and anything else the weather might throw at you.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall