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.
Comb Sussex’s thriving coastline for fossils and marine life
A Marine Conservation Area, this unspoilt coastline at the foot of the South Downs National Park offers thriving marine life and fossils galore.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
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
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
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
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
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
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
Have a retro holiday at Butlins
At Butlins in Skegness you can have a good ol’ fashioned seaside holiday with a Blue Flag sandy beach on your doorstep.
Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire
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
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
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
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
Blow away the cobwebs along the Northumberland coast
Get your walking boots on, pack a picnic and enjoy fresh air, stunning views and beautiful wildlife along the Northumberland Coast Path.
Location: Creswell, Northumberland
Go rugged and budget in Cornwall
Newly renovated, situated on the rugged cornish coast and cheap as chips.
Location: Boscastle, Cornwall
Take a modern day pilgrimage to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Skim over the sands and causeway to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and prepare to enter a world where a wealth of history and stunning views await.
Location: Lindisfarne, Northumberland
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
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
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
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
Trip-trap along the Red Squirrel Trail
This family-friendly cycle and walking path encompasses an exciting trail of artwork, sculpture and trolls under bridges.
Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
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