England’s coasts trim the country with gorgeous ocean views and sparkling sandy beaches. Take a traditional family seaside holiday or coastal break to Woolacombe in North Devon or St Ives in Cornwall, and let the kids build a sandcastle and lick ice cream as you relax in the sun. Wander coastline trails and stay in retro beach huts on a seaside break. Enjoy a festival weekend on the Isle of Wight, go fossil hunting on the beaches of Dorset or take a sailing course along Suffolk’s coastline. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, fill your stomach with locally caught fish dishes prepared in regional styles. There’s the old English favourite; fish and chips, which can always be found on a coastal holiday. With piers like Brighton and Bournemouth offering rides and amusements, your seaside fun can last well into the evening too.
Coastal and seaside breaks
Coastal and seaside breaks
England’s coasts trim the country with gorgeous ocean views and sparkling sandy beaches. Take a traditional family seaside holiday or coastal break to Woolacombe in North Devon or St Ives in Cornwall, and let the kids build a sandcastle and lick ice cream as you relax in the sun. Wander coastline trails and stay in retro beach huts on a seaside break. Enjoy a festival weekend on the Isle of Wight, go fossil hunting on the beaches of Dorset or take a sailing course along Suffolk’s coastline. Once you’ve had your fill of fun, fill your stomach with locally caught fish dishes prepared in regional styles. There’s the old English favourite; fish and chips, which can always be found on a coastal holiday. With piers like Brighton and Bournemouth offering rides and amusements, your seaside fun can last well into the evening too.
These five beaches really are in England!
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Whisk yourself away to a warmer, sunnier climate without leaving the country at one of these stunning English beaches.
On yer bike and explore Brighton and Hove’s great outdoors
MAMILs (‘middle-aged men in lycra’) and all other cyclists will enjoy exploring Brighton & Hove on an active holiday along the south east coast.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Peel away the layers of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Trace a history that goes back millions of years as you meander Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.
Location: Dorset
Vintage escapes on the Isle of Wight
Spend the weekend in a traditional 1960's bungalow, vintage caravan or other relic.
Location: Isle of Wight, Hampshire
Explore the bustling harbour at Maryport
Watch brightly-coloured trawlers unload the days’ catch, enjoy a bracing walk or coastal cycle, sample locally caught fish or go to a festival.
Location: Maryport, Cumbria
Discover the seaside charm of South Shields
The picturesque coastal resort of South Shields is full of quintessentially English seaside experiences, gorgeous sea views and good food.
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
Sharks, seals and summer fun in Great Yarmouth
From terrifying monsters of the deep to sandcastles and donkey rides, Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile has it all.
Location: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Discover why artists and chefs alike love Hastings’ fishing fleet
Explore East Sussex’s maritime heritage on Hastings Stade, home to fishermen for over 1000 years, inspiration to J. M. W. Turner and Rick Stein.
Location: Hastings, East Sussex
Discover spectacular Lundy Island
A rare experience is to be found on the beautiful and wild Lundy Island just 12 miles off the North Devon Coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Lundy, Devon
Art Deco chic and coastal fun
Discover Morecambe Bay’s stunning sunsets and natural landscapes, and unearth your adventurous side with a range of exhilarating outdoor activities.
Location: Morecambe Bay, Lancashire
Take a bargain break with all the trimmings at Totland
On the west coast of the Isle of Wight, YHA Totland has the beach, heaps of countryside walks and great local attractions on its doorstep.
Location: Totland, Isle of Wight
Enjoy jazz, art and sunsets in St Ives
Some say it’s the painterly light that makes St Ives so special. For others it’s the great swathes of golden sand.
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Enjoy an eco-friendly stay in green and pleasant Dorset
Come and enjoy Dorset’s incredible scenic beauty and rich wildlife this spring on a sustainable seaside holiday.
Location: Dorset
Enjoy shopping and culture on a city break by the sea
Whether you’re looking for top notch restaurants or bohemian independent shopping, Brighton offers urban glamour by the bucket load.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Take a seaside break 50s style
Discover this iconic English seaside resort that people have been holidaying at since 1871 when the barrel organs on the pier first whirred into action.
Location: Clacton on Sea, Essex
Discover the quirky side of Robin Hood’s Bay
Enjoy a traditional seaside break with a twist at this old smuggling and fishing village on the North York Moors National Park coast.
Location: Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby
Romantic weekend breaks in Robin Hood’s Bay
How lovely darling, you’ve booked us a romantic summer break by the sea. Hang on, what do you mean, it’s a pigsty?
Location: Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
Enjoy a budget break on the Suffolk coast
Low on cost, rich in outdoor fun – Suffolk has plenty to offer holidaymakers on a cheap weekend break.
Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk
Stay and sail along Suffolk’s Heritage Coast on a sailing course
Enjoy the gentle pace of Suffolk’s rivers and coast, then bed down in a boutique hotel at night, with Viking Mariners’ stay and sail packages.
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Mix heritage with designer chic by the sea in Portsmouth
Treat yourself to a waterfront break where you can delve into history while still enjoying a spot of designer retail therapy.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Treat yourself to a stay at boutique bolthole The Cary Arms
Enjoy chic seaside life at ‘the Inn on the beach’ and a warm welcome at boutique hotel The Cary Arms in Babbacombe.
Location: Babbacombe, Devon
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