Whether we’re getting on a plane and travelling across the world or jumping in the car and driving a few hours to a different part of our own beautiful country, some of the best holiday memories are made on sandy beaches, eating Mr Whippy ice cream cones, and overlooking beachside sunsets.
To help bring all your 2021 staycations to life, here are 10 of our favourite seaside and beach locations in the UK.
Top Spot: Southend-on-Sea
Ranked at the top of our list is Southend-on-Sea. Located less than an hour outside of Central London and offering visitors a chance to dip their toes in the sand and the water, enjoy arcade games on the promenade, and indulge in ice-cream and fish and chips along the pier. Southend-on-Sea is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world (a little known fact which puts the Essex city on the map) and boasts some of Essex’s finest eateries and most vibrant attractions.
For families, Adventure Island located right on the edge of the water is one of the main attractions, while the centre itself offers endless restaurants, bars, shops and cinemas. For older groups, Southend-on-Sea also boasts various casino’s and arcades, and with a close proximity to the old worldly charm of Leigh-on-Sea just along the seafront, there are few who won’t be charmed by this beachside destination in Essex.
The Runners-Up
The rest of our top 10 list takes us on a tour of the UK, from the very depths of Cornwall right up to the highs of North Yorkshire and beyond to Scotland.
1. Falmouth, Cornwall – home to gorgeous sandy beaches, quaint village pubs, tea rooms, and a lot of history.
2.Rothesay, Isle of Bute – Moving right up to Scotland, the beauty of this destination is its seclusion and isolate charm.
3.Herne Bay, Kent – this one boasts similar vibes to Southend-on-Sea, with its close proximity to London, bustling pier and colourful beachside huts.
4. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire – another location with a pier, although this one is untarnished with tourist memorabilia. A true (and relatively unknown) surfer’s paradise.
5. Appledore, Devon – a beautiful spot which still looks and feels just like it did decades ago. Reminisce and lose yourself in memories at this idyllic destination.
6. Barmouth, Gwynedd – the beach and the water are separated by a ton of sand dunes which make this a fun location for children and adults alike. Mountains surround on the horizon giving this destination the feel of somewhere much more exotic.
7. Southport, Merseyside – another site a bit like Southend-on-Sea, Southport is fun, colourful, and full of life. The perfect place for families of all ages.
8. Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear – this is a spot beloved by surfers, surrounded by great pubs and surrounded by a lot of character – both on the beach and away from it.
Anywhere along the Jurassic Coast – this is the site of many a childhood holiday and is somewhere which belongs in any list of beaches in the UK. Located along the south coast, enjoy uninterrupted views of endless seas and oceans, catch a glimpse of the Isle of Wight, and enjoy the close proximity of inland adventures across the New Forest and Dorset.