If you're planning to stick close to the UK shores this summer, there are plenty of family friendly UK beaches worth a weekend visit. Treat yourself to a day of swimming and sand castles without all the hassle of passports and planes. Here are a few beaches that we think are ideal for topping up the tan while also treating the whole family to a fun day out.
Blackpool Sands, Devon
Blackpool Sands in Devon is a beach well-renowned for its clean, clear water and well combed sandy shores. A clean beach does not necessarily make for a fun beach, but fortunately in this case there's plenty to do for the whole family. Once the kids grow tired of creating complex infrastructures in the sand, they can hit the waves via a wide range of fanciful sounding floating objects, such as boogie boards, kayaks or Surfskis.
Where: follow the A379 from Dartmouth. Located between Stoke Fleming and Strete.
Rock pool discovery
Moonwalk on the beach. This isn't an invitation for bad Michael Jackson impressions using inappropriate footwear. The ‘moonwalk' is a trip along the coast of La Rocque, Jersey - led by marine biologist Andrew Syvret. An educational experience for the family, the ‘moonwalk' offers an insight into the world of rock pools with the guidance of an expert, and is so called because of the vast lunar landscape revealed when the tide recedes on the beach.
Where: the beach runs alongside the A4 between La Rocque and Gorey Harbour on the south-east coast of Jersey.
Dolphin's in Wales
That's right, you can witness the magic of dolphins in the wild right here in the UK. Head down to New Quay near Cardigan in Wales where you're most likely to spot a dolphin, a grey seal or harbour porpoise. The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre runs regular boat trips throughout the summer. Trips cost from £16 for adults and £8 for children aged 12 years and under.
Where: from the A487, follow the A486 to New Quay.
Great beach for the kids...
A popular family choice is Southwold in Suffolk, carrying on the traditions of yester year's British beaches with a regular Punch and Judy show on the promenade. In this classic seaside town there is also a boating lake and a model yacht pond. Meanwhile parents can enjoy a walk along the wonderfully regenerated pier while the kids lose all their pocket money on the 2p pushers.
Where: from the main A12 road, follow the A1095 to Southwold.
Great ice-cream in Cumbria
If you live anywhere south of Birmingham then Cumbria is a very long way to go just for a two scoop cone with a flake, but you soon realise it's worth the trip when you try Twentyman's famous ice cream. Allonby's picturesque rural beach is the setting for the home made summer treat; the reputation of which spreads far beyond the Lake District. Pony rides are also on offer, subject to the tides.
Where: Allonby is four miles north of Maryport on the B5300 coastal road.
Learn to surf in Cornwall
The surfing conditions on the Polzeath beach in Cornwall are apparently ideal for learners, illustrated by the diverse mix of age and experience among the people who surf there. Lessons can be booked easily and equipment hired, plus there are surf shops aplenty.
Where: from the A39, take the B3314 at Wadebridge and follow the signs to Polzeath.