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
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.
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
A coastal break with a unique twist
Swap a standard double for a balancing barn or geometric house, both are worthy of spot on Grand Designs.
Location: Thorrington & Thorpeness, Suffolk
Soak up the sun on a royal beach
Osborne House in the Isle of Wight was Queen Victoria's holiday home for many years. Pay a visit to this pretty spot to get a glimpse into her family getaways and even see her private beach!
Location: East Cowes, Isle of Wight
Unwind and detox by the sea in grand five start luxury
Escape for a relaxing spa day at the UK’s only 5 star seaside hotel and revive the soul with beach-side yoga and devour wholesome vegetarian delights.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
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
Remind yourself of life’s simple pleasures on a budget break
Contrary to popular belief, you can visit Scilly on a budget. Sail over on the ferry and camp with your family – the beaches and views are free!
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and electric blue water
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Try Plymouth's Historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour
An essential first port of call, a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, and world-class attractions, all in a picturesque harbourside.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Explore Brighton and Hove’s wartime heritage
Commemorate the First World War with a cultural holiday in Brighton and Hove, roaming around the city’s lively cultural quarter.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Get active on the Isles of Scilly
Don't let Scilly's tranquility fool you – there is a huge range of outdoor activities to keep every member of the family occupied.
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Get your vintage chic on at Dreamland Margate
Indulge in an 'old fashioned yet oh so fashionable' break in the UK's trendiest seaside resort
Location: Margate, Kent
Enjoy a coastal escape at Whitsand Bay Fort
Stay in your very own lodge at this premier coastal holiday resort a few miles west of Ocean city Plymouth and east of Looe.
Location: Cornwall
Relax and reconnect on a romantic Cornish coastal break
It’s all about you and your time together at Headland Hotel and Spa, where you can connect with each other, the ocean and the wild Cornish coastline.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
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
Discover Aldeburgh's maritime past and cultural links
A favourite holiday destination since Victorian times, Aldeburgh on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast is also a magnet for musicians, artists and writers.
Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Explore the cobbled lanes of Clovelly
This ancient fishing village clings to the cliffs on the North Devon coast and tells a magical tale of living history.
Location: Clovelly, North Devon
Be seduced by ritzy Blackpool and its mighty Tower
Soar to dizzying heights at Blackpool Tower, whirl around on its famous dance floor and be dazzled by ‘the greatest free light show on earth’.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Witness Northumberland’s violent history at its coastal castles
The Northumberland coastline is strewn with castles and time-ravaged ruins, providing great insight into the county's turbulent past.
Location: Craster and Warkworth, Northumberland
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
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
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