The Best British Seaside Holiday Destinations

When it comes to the summer, it can seem as though everyone is suddenly jetting off to foreign lands. But actually, it’s during the next few months when the weather is at its best, that the UK is most enjoyable as a holiday destination. You don’t have to spend money on long-haul flights to find your sunny paradise. Instead, make a trip with the family, or some friends, to our very own coastline.

Here are a few of the top UK seaside destinations to consider:

For an escape

Wales sometimes gets overlooked as a coastal destination, but there are some really beautiful beaches and cliffs along the Welsh coast. Head to Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, which has been voted the top place to have a picnic in the whole of the UK, for an amazing beach and a real escape feel. Stay in our Pembroke Dock hotel to be a short drive from the bay, as well as Pembroke Castle and the popular seaside town of Tenby.

Tenby near Pembroke Dock, Wales

Tenby’s dock with high tide. Photo teamtone

For the social life

You can’t talk about Britain’s top seaside destinations without somebody mentioning Blackpool. The classic seaside town is full of Mr Whippy’s, fish ‘n’ chips, donkey rides and deck chairs. If you’re looking for all the social life that comes with a British beach, you can’t do better than here. Stay in one of our Blackpool hotels to get a great night’s sleep after a fun day out.

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For the activities

You really can’t top the beaches on the North Coast of Cornwall, and Watergate Bay is probably the best of them. This vast stretch of sand is more beautiful and less crowded than nearby Fistral Beach. But what really makes it special is the Extreme Academy that operates here. The surf school teaches a whole lot more than conventional surfing with kitesurfing, traction kiting, wave skiing and the latest craze, hand-planing. You can guarantee even the most energetic of kids will be ready for bed after a day at this beach. Stay in our Newquay Seafront hotel to enjoy all the activities.

A surfer enters the water in Newquay, Cornwall

For the natural beauty

Generally, we think of going south to the beach. But a trip up to Scotland will teach you otherwise, as some of the coastline around there is simply staggering. West Sands in St Andrews is a beautiful quiet beach and offers you great views of the famous golf course and town. Don’t forget to pack your running kit to jog along the sand like the Chariots of Fire boys, as this is the beach where the opening scene was shot. Book into our Dundee Central hotel to be just around the corner from plenty of deserted coastline.

Sunset over a pier in Scotland

For the beach

There are few beaches that feel as British as Studland Bay in Dorset. With 4 miles of golden sand, and a whole world of nature in the heathland behind it, this chunk of coastline is the perfect place to take kids with a love of exploring. Sandcastle building is a must, but so is sand dune running. Also, if you want to indulge your inner explorer, why not investigate the surrounding nature reserve with a butterfly net and a magnifying glass, where all six types of British reptile can be found. Stay in one of our Bournemouth hotels to be within reach of plenty of old-fashioned sandy fun.

bournemouth pier and beach

If you are planning a seaside holiday have a look at our selection of the best UK beaches.

Stay at one of our Travelodge hotels with locations right by the beach- perfect for your beach getaway.