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.
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
Discover the Witterings on a coastal break
Enjoy multi-coloured sailing boats, fudge shops and cosy pubs on a visit to The Witterings.
Location: Witterings, West Sussex
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
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
Find fabulous free fun by the sea in Portsmouth
If you're looking for a great break that won’t break the bank this summer then Portsmouth is the place to be.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
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
Soak up the sights along Kent’s award-winning sandy beaches
Come and enjoy the laid-back vibe, breathtaking sandy beaches and classic seaside heritage of three of England’s best-loved seaside resorts.
Location: Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent
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
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
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
Building sandcastles and rock-pooling at Seaburn beach
Experience the natural beauty, dramatic sky and bracing sea air, and indulge in fish and chips and ice-creams from the cafes along the seafront.
Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Pay homage to the written word in South Shields
Step inside The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, a state-of-the-art venue in South Shields.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
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
Go glamping in a gypsy cabin this summer
Experience a summer holiday with a difference this year by staying in a quirky Gypsy Cabin style pod just 15 minutes away from Whitby.
Location: Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
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
Enjoy a day out at Bridlington
Bridlington for fantastic beaches, award winning promenades, attractions, ice cream and fish and chips. Come and see why generations return yearly.
Location: Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
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
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
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 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
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