England's most family-friendly seaside spots revealed as heatwave hits country
With the UK set to hit 30 degrees this weekend, the British seaside is calling.
But where are the country's best-rated coastal spots?
A new study has revealed the UK's most family-friendly beaches by looking at the average sea temperature, water quality, the availability of lifeguards, parking prices and watersport facilities.
Sennen Cove, a picturesque beach in Cornwall, tops the list of family-friendly spots. Average sea temperatures can reach as high as 14 degrees and the beach has RNLI lifeguards between April and November, while parking costs just £6 for eight hours.
Its water quality is classified as 'excellent' and it's a popular surfing spot in summer. The sandy beach stretches for almost a mile.
Next on the list for a family-friendly seaside holiday is Bude in Cornwall. One of the area's best-rated beaches is Summerleaze which is wide and sandy. Summerleaze has RNLI lifeguards between May and September.
Exmouth in Devon is the third-best rated seaside spot for families. Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, the area's water quality is classified as 'excellent'.
Exmouth Beach stretches for two miles and there are lots of rock pools for children to explore.
Broadstairs in Kent lands just outside the top three for a family-friendly beach holiday. The area's water quality is rated as 'excellent' and tourists can head to Botany Bay to admire impressive chalk stacks.
Car parking at Broadstairs costs only £6.50 for eight hours.
Shanklin Beach in the Isle of Wight takes fifth place on the ranking. The beach offers easy access to restaurants and cafes and it has life guards on duty during the summer season.
Bournemouth Beach in Dorset, Cromer in Norfolk, Littlehampton in West Sussex, Brighton Beach in East Sussex and Lyme Regis in Dorset are also named among the 10 most family-friendly beaches in the UK.
Millets, who commissioned the study, used data from the ONS to find the UK's most popular beaches.
Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets, says: 'England is brimming with gorgeous beaches, from the pebbled Brighton Beach to the sandy shore of Sennen Cove.
'While a family beach trip is a great way to get children off screens and keep the whole family entertained, preparation is key.
'Make sure you pack all the essentials tailored to your family's needs. If you have younger children or those less confident in the water, packing some armbands can provide some peace of mind, but always keep a close eye when they are near or on the water.
'Suncream is essential for all the family, while caps and sunglasses offer an extra layer of protection from the sun's rays.
'Consider taking a windbreak of beach shelter as a protective barrier against wind for a more comfortable beach experience.'
Looking for a break outside the UK instead?
Two exciting cities in Eastern Europe have become easier to visit this summer with new packages on offer from TUI.
Europe's biggest tour operator has expanded its city breaks offering to include Riga, in Latvia, and the capital of Poland, Warsaw.
The firm said that the new holidays are for 'travellers seeking destinations rich in culinary experiences, scenic beauty, and cultural attractions'.
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