UK's best beaches for... - UK Breaks - Inspiration

By Katie Silcox

Easter is a great opportunity to get the family together and head for a walk on the beach, but which UK beaches are good for what...?

Best for... 'Families' - Southend-On-Sea, Essex

Southend-On-Sea wins this one, perhaps for having the world's longest pleasure pier, all 1.33 miles of it!

Although destroyed by fire in the late 90's, the pier today houses a range of restaurants, shops and amusements.

If the long walk back to land seems a bit of a chore, fear not as there is a train in service to do just this.

Elsewhere in Southend there is a Sealife centre and the Adventure Island theme park to keep the family entertained.

Of course, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants when you feel like just taking in the view.

→ Next Page: The hippest beach in the South

Best for... 'Things to Do' - Brighton Beach, East Sussex

Think Brighton and think 1920's glamour - as of course it was the place to be for all the fashionista's of this time.

Fast forward 80 years and Brighton is just as trendy, just as hip.

When you're not lazing around on the beach why not head to the Lanes shops to pick up a bit of Brighton's unique style, be it jewellery or clothing.

Or join the masses enjoying the lively amusements on the pier; visit the Royal Pavillion for a touch of India, China and more; eat and drink in one of the many tasty restaurants dotted around the city; or for an overnight stay head to the energetic nightclubs that overlook the sea.

→ Next Page: The best place for sunshine

Best for... 'Sunshine' - Shanklin, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is well known for its good weather and has one of the best sunshine records in the South of England.

Ventnor, on the south-east coast of the island, is one of the sunniest spots of all peaking at 8 hours of sunshine a day in the summer months.

The beach is famous for its sand and safety (Inshore Rescue and coastguards are on call) and for its water quality, for which it has won awards.

Perhaps because to the amount of sunshine it receives, Ventnor beach is very popular with locals and visitors alike.

Make sure you slap on the sun cream.

→ Next Page: Pet lovers

Best for... 'Dogs' - Rhossili Bay, South Wales

Rhossili Bay, located in Gower (Swansea) has a wide stretch of golden sands on which your pet pup is allowed to run around until his or her heart is content.

Swansea Bay tourist information describe Rhossili Bay as a rural area which is pet-friendly year round.

Other beaches in the area also lay claim to being dog friendly, visit the Swansea Bay Tourist information website for more information plus contact details.

→ Next Page: Fish 'n' Chips!

Best for... 'Fish ‘n' Chips' - Whitby, North Yorkshire

Last year's vote for the best fish ‘n' chips in the UK is in, and The Magpie Café in Whitby comes out tops.

In 2007, Coast magazine surveyed more than 10,000 readers asking where to find the best in this traditional British seaside favourite.

The queues outside the Magpie Café say it all.

So now you know the secret, be sure to get in line early...

→ Next Page: Hunting for crab

Best for... 'Crabbing' - Cromer Beach, Norfolk

The Cromer crab is famous throughout England, and a trip to this beach certainly won't disappoint.

Although I can't promise that you'll find the best available crabs to eat - you will, without doubt, have fun searching through the shallow rock pools for the little crustaceans.

Cromer beach is an old favourite of mine, a place I used to visit with friends for a fun filled day of crabbing.

Oh yeah, and don't forget the ice cream.

→ Next Page: A touch of the past

Best for... 'History' - Portsmouth and Southsea

Visit Portsmouth and discover some of the world's most famous ships at Portsmouth's historic dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose.

Children will be entertained at Action Station, located within the dockyard this interactive educational centre, contains physical challenges and simulators to provide play and determination tests.

Or head to the UK's highest publicly accessible building, the Spinnakar Tower for amazing views over Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight plus the Solent - and if you look hard enough you'll spot the popular Southsea beach with the D-Day Museum highlighting the area's role in British history.

→ Next Page: Sandy constructions

Best for... 'Sandcastles' - Teignmouth Beach, Devon

Teignmouth beach is famous for its long stretches of sandy beach - the perfect location for building sandcastles!

Whether it's a bucket and spade you've got, or a whole host of helpers to create a sand car/mermaid/ship, the sands at Teignmouth are ideal.

Take the kids down to play, or visit simply to watch others at work in the various sandcastle competitions that take place.

A great day out for families with children, or for those who want to play as big kids for the day.

→ Next Page: More Ideas for a Day Out

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