A traditional seaside holiday is something that still remains a popular way to spend time as a family in the summer and in the UK, there are plenty of beautiful beaches that are great for family holidays. With the fun of the seaside and the attractions that can be found nearby, a seaside break is something that is great if you have children and keeps everyone happy.
A UK holiday by the seaside of course has the beach, and with this there are so many activities for kids and indeed the whole family to enjoy making it a great place to spend quality time together. Swimming in the sea, building sandcastles, exploring rockpools and collecting pretty seashells and stones are just a few favourite activities to do at the seaside and of course these are all completely free, which makes it great for families that are on a tight budget.
Weymouth is a great example of a fantastic family seaside resort – the sandy beach slopes gently into the water and there are multiple activities for kids to enjoy too like funfair rides and of course ice creams!
Llandudno is another popular seaside resort – there are plenty of accommodation options, from family friendly campsites to places like this luxury hotel Llandudno https://stgeorgeswales.co.uk if you want a treat. Again, the beach is beautiful and you also have Snowdonia national park on your doorstep if you want to explore further inland and enjoy the dramatic and beautiful scenery of North Wales.
Seaside towns worth the trip
Britain’s seaside towns have improved a great deal in recent years and make a real alternative to a break abroad, even if the weather can never be guaranteed. Southend-on-Sea has the world’s longest pleasure pier, complete with its own railway, and a historic cliff lift running from the seafront to the high street. A Sea Life centre, planetarium, galleries and museums keep children busy on rainy days.

Margate has welcomed holidaymakers for centuries and has a Blue Flag beach. The Shell Grotto, a series of underground rooms and tunnels covered in seashells, is hard to resist, and the Viking Trail leads through a nature reserve and historic sites to the spot where Vikings are said to have first landed.
Weymouth also has a Blue Flag beach, along with pubs, ice cream parlours, Portland Bill Lighthouse and the Weymouth Tower with its panoramic views. It sits on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further west, Penzance in Cornwall has a mild climate that suits a day on the beach.
Family beaches and walks in Norfolk
Norfolk is a good example of what a UK seaside break can offer families. Cromer has a flat, sandy beach that is ideal for building sandcastles, and an ancient chalk bed that has been there for millions of years. Sheringham beach is another favourite, with rock pools for children to explore at low tide and cliffs and woodland for walkers.
Head inland and the Norfolk Broads offer fresh air and natural beauty. How Hill is a lovely place to walk, with wide views and a riverside path past moored boats.
For a display of wildflowers, visit Beccles Marsh, where many birds and insects thrive. It is said the marsh was given to the people of Beccles by Queen Elizabeth I, who was pleased with the town’s thriving wool industry.
Making the most of the coast
A seaside break offers far more than time on the sand. Fresh sea air and the chance to be close to nature are a big part of the appeal, and many coastal towns have good places to stay and eat, which makes it easy to plan a family trip around them.
On sunny days, the beach is the obvious place to spend time swimming, playing beach football or simply relaxing and enjoying the view. There is often plenty more to do along the coast as well, from fishing to cycling coastal paths.
For families with older children, the sea opens up a range of activities. Snorkelling, scuba diving and sailing are good ways to learn about the marine life in the area, while surfing, windsurfing and parasailing suit those after something more active. Taking day trips along the coast lets you see different places and keeps the holiday varied.