The best-rated UK seaside towns for families picked by our experts – including Britain's sunniest beach & stays from £26

The Irish Sun

4 hours ago

From man-made pools perfect in a heatwave to thrilling amusement parks that will cost you pennies, our writers reveal their hot favourites and hidden gems
BEACH GEMS The best-rated UK seaside towns for families picked by our experts – including Britain's sunniest beach & stays from £26
WHETHER the sun makes an appearance or not, trips to the Great British seaside are the stuff of the best childhood memories.
With temperatures set to rise again this week, here are some of the best beach towns for families - from award-winning destinations and busy theme park resorts, to parent-favourite quiet beach villages that feature nothing but sand and sea.
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Bamburgh was recently awarded the title of 'best seaside town in the UK'
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Bamburgh, Northumberland
Every family should consider a trip to the coastal spot of Bamburgh.
Which? has declared it to be the best seaside town in the UK this year, and it's the fifth time in a row that it has topped the list.
Bamburgh's beach got five out of five stars, it also received the highest score for the seafront, scenery, and peace and quiet.
The destination is known for having a huge castle on top of a hill overlooking the beach.
Kids might even think it looks more like something from a fairy tale than a real place in the UK.
The sprawling 1.2 mile beach offers itself up for a day of fun, building sandcastles and lots of room to run about.
For any families who want to actually go inside Bamburgh Castle, you can.
Tickets for children between 5-15 are from £9.40, the cost for adults is £18.75.
New for 2025 is the Bamburgh Walled Garden which has a huge adventure playground with castle towers, tunnels and slides.
The English seaside town with no arcades or rides but named the best in the UK
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The seaside town is highly rated for views and beach experience
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There's a sensory garden too and a cafe for the adults with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
You can get all sorts on the menu including scones and teacakes starting at £3.
Writing for the Sun, travel writer Ryan Gray said of the seaside town: "Its beaches stretch on for miles, with hardly even so much as a pebble breaking up the soft golden sand.
"While some of these long expanses of shoreline sit before giant castles that are still every bit as impressive now as they were when they were first constructed hundreds of years ago.
"And yet, it remains peaceful during the summer months, and the locals are keen to keep it that way, with overcrowded seaside spots like Devon, Cornwall and other south coast favourites absorbing the majority of Brits who decide to eschew trips abroad."
For affordability, stay just outside of Bamburgh in the neighbouring village of Adderstone at Purdy Lodge.
It still has availability in August with a stay from 28-29 August from £132 for a family of four.
Bude, Cornwall
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Bude is known for Blue Flag beaches, sand and rockpools
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Bude has a sea pool that's much safer for children to paddle in
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Cornwall is full of beautiful seaside towns, so it's hard to narrow down which ones are the best - but we've given it our best shot.
Bude has spectacular beaches and while you can sunbathe, kids can have fun exploring the rockpools instead.
Lots are Blue Flag award winners too, from Summerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach, and Widemouth Bay.
On Summerleaze Beach is the Bude Sea Pool which has been named one of the world's best natural swimming spots - and it's a great place to take the kids.
The tidal pool is carved into the rocks and offers a much safer swimming space than the open sea, especially for children.
It even has a shallow end for younger kids.
Parents quite often praise it on Tripadvisor. One wrote: "Best place for parents to watch their children swimming in sea-water - without entering the BIG waves."
If the beach isn't enough, other nearby entertainment includes the Milky Way Adventure Park and the The Big Sheep.
For a cheaper stay, why not try camping? The Sandparks Campsite which looks over Widemouth Bay still has space throughout August.
A non-electric grass pitch for a family of four is £46 for one night - and you get incredible sea views.
For a hotel stay, check out the Brendon Arms still has rooms for four people from £230 per night with availability on 20-21 August.
Blackpool
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A trip to Blackpool isn't complete without the Pleasure Beach
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Can you go wrong with a trip to Blackpool? We don't think so.
A trip to this seaside town is great for families with children who can't sit still, as there's plenty of entertainment - particularly on the front.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach was even named the number one destination to take kids to this summer - according to AttractionTickets.com, it's the top amusement stop in order entertain kids.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to 10 rollercoasters, five 'dark' (indoor) rides, five water rides and 12 Nickelodeon-themed rides.
The attraction also has a number of shows and events throughout the year, including late night riding and fireworks.
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There's plenty for families to do at the famous Blackpool
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Individual eTicket entry is from £35 - and make sure you book before you go as you save £15pp by booking online.
Entry to Nickelodeon Land costs £25 and a non rider eTicket is £20.
During select dates in August, families can stay even longer as the amusement park is open for a whopping 12 hours.
And there's a firework display included in the price too - the next one is on Saturday 23, 2025.
For even more thrills, check out the UK's Largest Indoor Water Park - Sandcastle Waterpark.
It's right on the front near the South Pier where entry starts at £15.95.
The Sun's Travel Writer Helen Wright said of the seaside town: "In my opinion, Blackpool in Lancashire is the perfect British beach destination.
"As well as golden sandy beaches, a wide variety of attractions and lots of seasonal events, Blackpool is known for its huge number of independently-owned Bed and Breakfasts.
"Here, guests will get a friendly welcome, a proper English brekkie and can be walking distance to the sights for an affordable price."
Between 28-29 August, a stay at the Wilgar Hotel for a B&B stay is from £45.
Bournemouth, Dorset
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Bournemouth has a lively pier and funfair area too
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Bournemouth is well-known for having golden sands and an enormous amusement arcade.
So there's no question really as to why it's a popular spot for families.
The traditional pier has attractions and has free entry.
On it you'll find attractions like zip wires, indoor climbing and highline course which start from £10.
The beach itself is great too - it's even the top-rated beach in the UK according to Tripadvisor.
One visitor who took her family this year wrote on Tripadvisor: "Beautiful sandy beach, probably the best in the UK! With the sunny weather we are having at the moment it is nicer than Spain!
"The kids had a swim and the water was not too cold. Altogether Bournemouth is a perfect family seaside escape destination, we plan to return this summer."
Another dubbed it a great place for a "family staycation".
The Sun's Assistant Editor, Rachel Shields said of her family trip to the town: "Bobbing on surfboards in the shallows off Branksome Beach, my son and I watched as a dolphin pootled past.
"It was pretty amazing — the stuff of exotic holidays rather than a weekend at the British seaside."
It's possible to camp near Bournemouth, but you've got to be out of the town.
Around 20 minutes drive away is Parley Court Camping with a non-electric grass tent pitch from £25 for two adults.
Children under four go free, children five and up are an extra £5.
For a more luxe stay, the Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel has availability for a family room from £119 for a family of four from 28-29 August.
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
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Frinton-on-Sea is perfect for a classic seaside getaway
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This seaside town in Essex is one with no frills.
You won't hear children screaming in delight at the funfair, because there isn't one.
And that's why people love to go. One wrote on Tripadvisor: "No fairground rides, no arcade machines, no loud music, no food or drink kiosks. It's just an incredible stretch of sea and sand."
At Frinton-on-Sea, families can enjoy the simple pleasure of being at the seaside.
There's plenty of sand to sit on, or build castles, and of course, the water is there for a paddle.
It shouldn't be too chilly either as Which? recently revealed Frinton-on-Sea to be the sunniest beach in the UK - and the sea temperature is an average of 18C.
The coastal town sees six hours of sunshine each day and it has very little rain with just 45mm in August.
It got a beach rating of four out of five, with average August high temperatures of 21C - the highest of any beach in the UK.
Adults can grab a drink at the town's first ever pub, Lock & Barrel while kids can enjoy small fish, fries and peas for £9.75.
Families can stay near Frinton-on-Sea at the Great Holland campsite from £35.
The Sun's Travel Writer Alice Penwill said: "I, like many others believe Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out and luxe sister of Clacton.
"Slightly further up the coast, Frinton in Essex has a huge sweeping beach that is lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts - a mark of any beach day trip - along with a great pub and retro ice cream parlour."
Stay at the Esplanade Hotel in the neighbouring seaside town of Clacton for £150 per night for a family room with a sea view
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
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Great Yarmouth's 'Golden Mile' has plenty of attractions
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If you turn up to a coastal town with an amusement park it's an automatic favourite with kids - which is why Great Yarmouth has made the cut.
From its 'golden mile' full of cafes, arcades and fish and chip shops, to the beachside theme park.
Check out Joyland, the children's theme park on the front which is free entry for all.
Visitors just have to pay to go on the rides which you can do through buying tokens which are £3 each.
Or get a £30 value bag for 12 tokens, or £60 bag for 25 tokens - all rides take one token per person.
Kids will love the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach too, and there's also piers and mini golf courses.
Last year, Sun Reader's had their say in recommending where to go in Great Yarmouth, from heading to Joyland to heading further afield to Breydon Water and the best place for a traditional pub lunch.
There's currently space for a family of course at St George Hotel in Great Yarmouth from £120.
Lowestoft, Suffolk
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Lowestoft is usually quieter than its beach neighbours
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Sun Writer Helen Wright can't recommend Lowestoft enough when it comes to a family break.
With a long stretching sandy beach, the seaside town in Suffolk is the perfect place for families to pitch up for the day.
When the sun is out and the beaches are packed with tourists, you'll probably have more luck finding somewhere to put your towel.
Lowestoft usually sees less visitors than its neighbours Great Yarmouth and Southwold.
It is a cheap and cheerful place too with all day parking from £4 at the Claremont Pier car park.
Helen also recommends a coffee shop on the beach called Sunrise at Zaks where you can grab a breakfast bap from £3.20.
Other attractions for families in Lowestoft include the Pleasurewood Hills theme park - if you pre-book, entry is from £19.50.
Or there's the East Anglia Transport Museum, where you can ride on vintage trams and vehicles - entry is £12 for adults and £7 for children.
For any families who want to stay a bit longer, you can get an affordable stop at The Hollies campsite which is a 17 minute drive from Lowestoft town.
Six people can pitch on an electric hardstanding and grass touring pitch from £26, with spaces still available this month.
Or for a non-electric grass tent, you can pitch up from £18.
Margate, Kent
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Margate has everything from beach fun to theme parks and great food
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Head of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire, fills us in on why Margate is the best place for families this summer.
"Margate is one of the Noughties brands of UK seaside towns that have risen, fallen and then risen again from the ashes.
"What makes that so great for a family holiday destination is two
things: it is all still contained in a relatively small area and
it hasn't got too big for its boots - a nightmare when you're trying
to entertain a family on a budget.
"Margate has a fantastic sunny beach, right in the centre of town, and
everything you'd want to do as a family can be reached in just a few
minutes from there on foot.
"Bit of culture? You've got the Turner Contemporary art gallery for
that, with free admission.
"Bit of nature? There's a fantastic coastal walk along some of Kent's
best beaches from Margate to Ramsgate, known as the 'beach roamer'."
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Dreamland is the popular theme park in Margate
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"Bit of thrilling fun? Dreamland is arguably the best seaside theme
park in England, thanks to its free entry system that allows you to
soak up the fun and just pay for what you want to ride.
"Bit of food? you won't go hungry here - Beach Buoys does excellent
fish and chips, Pilgrims does amazing NY-style giant pizza slices.
"Big Shot serves up very fancy cheese toasties with an excellent bloody mary on the side... there's something for everyone in this town.
"Place to rest your head? There are plenty of bouji new boutique hotels and guesthouses, but there are also a few holiday parks within easy distance of the town.
"This includes Birchington Vale Holiday Park, that features in The Sun's 9.50 Holidays promotion."
Sun Travel found a modern sea view apartment for two adults and two children from £184 per night between 28-29 August on Booking.com.
Mumbles, Swansea
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Mumbles has an impressive pier and is a hit with parents
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Don't just take our word for it when it comes to the best seaside town to take the kids...
Steph Powell, a parent blogger from South Wales, has hailed Mumbles as one of the best places for families.
Steph said: 'Mumbles is a great day out for all ages. It has a coastal path that is perfect for a stroll, scoot or cycle along the seafront.
"Let the little ones stop for a play in the playground, or sit and enjoy an ice cream at Verdi's, before heading down to the pier.'
She's got a favourite cafe too, Verdi's.
Here, the grown-ups can enjoy a pot of tea for £2.95, or get a coffee from £2.65.
They also serve up glasses of wine, beers and cider as well as pizzas and pasta dishes.
When the sun's shining make sure to grab an ice cream and choose from 18 flavours and the 12 toppings from shortbread crumble to roasted peanuts and of course, a chocolate flake.
Mumbles Head Beach isn't the best place to sunbathe, but there are plenty of rockpools where kids will find crabs and small fish.
In the town, families can hop on the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train where you can get great views of Swansea Bay.
Hop-on-hop-off family tickets (2 adults and 2 juniors) are £18.
A family of four can stay at a hotel in Mumbles at The Mumbles Carlton Hotel from £210 between 28-29 August.
For a cheaper stay, head around the bay into Swansea.
We found a room at the Holiday Inn Express Swansea East for a family of four on the same dates is £91.
Teignmouth, Devon
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Teignmouth has lots to offer if you're looking for a quieter beach trip
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Sun Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding hails from Devon, so she's got the inside scoop on the best seaside towns.
She said: "With the myriad of seaside towns in Devon, some can get forgotten about and I often find this is the case with Teignmouth.
"Perhaps trounced by the busy English Riviera towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham down the road, Teignmouth has a quieter, more community vibe.
"But there is still plenty to do, and it has a great train station in the town centre.
"Teignmouth beach itself sits right on the South West Coast Path and is long and sandy.
"Growing up, this beach provided many different days out - swimming, dog walking and the ideal lunch spot.
"Make sure to head to Devon Fish and Chips in the town, before heading to the beach. The chippy serves generous portions with a medium cod and chips costing around £10.
"The beach has a lot of space and often doesn't get crowded, and in the middle it is split by the Grand Pier, which was constructed in the 1860s.
"For families, there is also an adventure golf, a large play park and plenty of public toilets.
"In the town, you'll find lots of quaint cafes and independent shops - and make sure to grab a Devonshire Yarde Farm ice cream.
"But the biggest memory and standout for me, is definitely the long, flat promenade - not only making the beach super accessible but a great spot for rollerblading, bike riding and scooter-ing."
There are few hotels in Teignmouth, but plenty in Torquay. A family room at the Seascape Hotel is £90 per night between 28-29 August.
Or choose to stay at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm with your own tent.
A one night stay between 29-30 August is from £30 per night.