Coastline
The sea breeze swishing through your hair, the sensation of wet sand between your toes and the smell of vinegary chips lingering at your nostrils: everyone has vivid memories of their childhood seaside holidays. Relish that nostalgic feeling again but this time add a modern twist. Bumble about on creaky Victorian piers crowned with roller coasters, have a chinwag with a local artist in their seaside studio or lace up your hiking boots for a cliff-top stroll in search of puffins and gannets. Hungry? The freshest seafood and gourmet restaurants await, as do hand-warming portions of fish ‘n’ chips. Start planning your coastal holidays.
See global superstars at the Isle of Wight Festival
See some of the biggest names in the business from the past, present and future at this legendary music festival in June.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
August events: SO Festival
Lincolnshire’s coastal district of East Lindsey is transformed into an international arts venue during this annual summer festival.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
June events: Step back in time at Broadstairs Dickens Festival
The usually quiet coastal town Broadstairs comes to life to celebrate the life of Dickens at this week-long, eclectic festival.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
August events: Broadstairs Folk Week
Join in the fun – play the spoons, sing along with the many bands, shake a clog or head along to the Hobby Horse Club.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
July events: Sunderland International Airshow
Pack a picnic, head to the beach and lie back for dazzling aerial acrobatics, classic aircraft, live music, fireworks and traditional seaside fun.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
July events: Scarborough Cricket Festival
The annual festival is one of the most historic sporting events in the world and has played host to some great cricketers over the years.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
July events: Portsmouth International Kite Festival
Take a kite to Southsea Common and get involved in one of the world's biggest and best kite festivals.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Watch Indie A-listers at the End of the Road Festival
The intimate surroundings of the End of the Road Festival give you the chance to get up close and personal with the bands and their music.
Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset
August events: Eat, drink and be merry at the Newlyn Fish Festival
Celebrate the Cornish fishing community’s hard work and delicious produce at the Newlyn Fish Festival.
Location: Newlyn, Cornwall
July events: Penzance Literary Festival
A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.
Location: Penzance, 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
September events: Bournemouth Air Festival
The world's biggest airshow brings together the thrill of gravity-defying plane displays and an abundance of family entertainment on the ground - all for free!
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Stunning sea views and fine wines at a hip Dorset clifftop hotel
Enjoy a romantic summer break to the luxurious Seaside Boarding House in Dorset.
Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
July Events: South Tyneside Festival
This fabulous summer festival brings three months of free entertainment to the vibrant seaside resort of South Shields.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
All the fun of the fair with Dorset’s summer festivals
Dorset entertains the whole family all summer long hosting an array of amazing events and festivals that are unique, nostalgic or just plain fun!
Location: Dorset
June events: Lytham Festival
Enjoy a new week-long summer festival in June and July that promises music, comedy and literature in the Lancashire seaside resorts of Lytham and St Annes.
Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
August events: Ooh and aah at the British Firework Championships
This summer, enjoy the British Firework Championships whilst surrounded by wonderful panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
August events: Grab your partner and ceilidh on down to Sidmouth Folk Week
The Regency town of Sidmouth on Devon’s Jurassic Coast celebrates a week of folk music, dance and song every August.
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
Bring the kids to family-friendly Victorious Festival
Enjoy a Victorious trip to Portsmouth at this scenic and buzzing music festival.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
July events: Seafest
Celebrate Scarborough’s seafood heritage by filling your hamper with some of the best food from local suppliers and heading for the beach.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire