When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than a day spent at the seaside, and Britain has so many wonderful beaches to explore. Whether you want to get active with some watersports, check out the amusements on the pier, soak up some art by the sea or simply feel the sand between your toes, there’s a shore for you. Better still, many of Britain’s best beaches can be reached easily by train, meaning you can sit back and relax before you even arrive.
With a Railcard (there are nine to choose from including the Two Together and Family & Friends Railcard) users can save up to a third off most rail travel around Britain, it pays for itself in no time. With such great discounts as well as great offers like 2FOR1 and a third off selected attractions when you travel by train with National Rail’s Days Out Guide – you can squeeze in even more enjoyment for less this summer. Find the one that’s right for you at railcard.co.uk.
So grab your bucket and spade and get planning some summer fun…
Weymouth
Located on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, Weymouth was the original English seaside destination and is still thriving today. King George III loved to bathe in the sea here, and the gorgeous Blue Flag beach means it’s still a great place for a swim. There’s plenty of traditional seaside fun here in the summer, from Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides. At the bustling harbour you’ll find shops, waterside restaurants and, of course, delicious fish and chips which you can tuck into while enjoying the sea view.
If you’re feeling energetic you can walk some of the South West Coast Path or explore the two RSPB nature reserves in the town. Other attractions include Nothe Fort (great for both military history and incredible views), SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park (get a third off entry with National Rail’s Day’s Out Guide) and a newly opened fossil trail that celebrates the area’s Jurassic history.
Nearest station: Weymouth, a few minutes walk from the beach
Hastings
Famous for its history (namely, a certain battle of 1066), funicular railways and its status as one of Britain’s oldest fishing towns, Hastings is another seaside town that has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The past rubs shoulders with the present here – in the winding, narrow streets of the Old Town you’ll find Tudor buildings alongside trendy gastro pubs and quirky independent shops. The 19th century Hastings Pier was mostly destroyed by fire in 2010, but a major restoration project reimagined it for the 21st century, reestablishing its status as an iconic local landmark.
A stone’s throw from the rows of historic – and Grade II* listed – fisherman net huts that overlook the shingle beach is the award winning Hastings Contemporary. You can get 2FOR1 entry to the gallery when you travel by rail. Art lovers should also walk along the seafront to neighbouring St Leonards-on-Sea, home to a slew of galleries and antiques shops.
Nearest station: Hastings, about a 10 minute walk to the beach
Falmouth
History, culture and beautiful beaches: Falmouth has it all (Alamy)
Located on Cornwall’s south coast, Falmouth is famous for its arts scene and creative vibe, as well as its maritime history, so you’ll find plenty of substance alongside its stunning shores. Choose from three beaches – Gyllyngvase, Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach, is a golden arc of sand that boasts gorgeous views of the South Cornwall coast and up to the must-visit Pendennis Castle. Swanpool is a sandy cove to the west of Falmouth, with an excellent watersport centre where you can go dinghy sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. Behind the beach you’ll find Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, which plays host to over 100 species of bird including grebe and tufted ducks, siskins, kingfishers and swans. Finally, Maenporth Beach is a gently sloping beach with shallow water which is great for children, paddlers, and kayakers.
Culture-wise, besides the award winning Falmouth Art Gallery you’ll find loads of smaller galleries, along with artisan shops and cafes and craft breweries in the narrow winding streets. While at the National Maritime museum you can discover rare objects, fascinating stories, and sea-themed exhibitions, while little ones can have fun in the Skull Island Play Zone.
Nearest station: Falmouth, a 10 minute walk to Gyllyngvase beach
Scarborough
This Yorkshire seaside town has got it all – sandy beaches, a bustling harbour, classic amusements, iconic landmarks and attractions for every age. There are four beaches to explore, from family favourites South Bay and North Bay to the quieter sweeping sands of Cayton Bay and the remote Cornelian Bay, which is perfect for adventurers.
When you’re done with the buckets and spades, you can hop on the Britain’s biggest miniature railway, climb the steps to Scarborough Castle (the views are well worth it) or explore the boating lake, waterfalls and woodland of Peasholm Park. There’s also a waterpark, SEALIFE Centre (where you can get a third off entry with National Rail) and a huge collection of vintage fairground rides, cars and steam trains at The Scarborough Fair Collection. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is also a unique venue where you can catch top music acts from pop to indie, dance and rock.
Nearest station: Scarborough, about a 15 minute walk to the beach
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The most northerly town in England is home to a stunning coastline and beaches (Alamy)
Northumberland is home to some of Britain’s most dramatic coastline, and Berwick-upon-Tweed – the most northerly station (and town) in England — is a great place from which to explore it. Berwick sits at the mouth of the River Tweed, with a pier and lighthouse separating it from the town’s sandy beach. There are three other beaches within walking distance of the town, including Fisherman’s Haven, a lovely cove backed by grass-topped cliffs. In summer you can take a boat trip out to sea to spot dolphins, seals and seabirds.
Back on dry land, be sure to walk the town’s Elizabethan walls. The artist L S Lowry visited Berwick-upon-Tweed often, and The Lowry Trail takes in sites that inspired his paintings and drawings. Arrive by train from the south and you’ll cross the iconic Royal Border Bridge – a Grade I listed viaduct designed by Robert Stephenson. You can also admire the bridge from the Berwick Estuary Walk.
Nearest station: Berwick Upon Tweed, about a 20 minute walk from beach
Portobello
Just a ten minute train ride from central Edinburgh, and then a pleasant twenty minute walk from Brunstane Station, the suburb of Portobello is a world away from the hubbub of the city. The main attraction is a glorious, award-winning two-mile stretch of sand, where you can get active with sailing or kayaking, or simply sit back and soak up the sun (weather permitting).
Portobello’s promenade, with its many cafes and bars, is ideal for people watching – the Beach House Cafe is perfect for a spot of brunch and Gelato at Oscar’s is a must. The promenade also hosts events throughout the year, including Edinburgh’s annual Big Beach Busk and Art Walk Porty Festival. Meanwhile on the high street you’ll find an array of independent and vintage shops to explore.
Nearest station: Brunstane, about a 20 minute walk to the beach
Margate
Margate is home to artists and galleries including the renowned Turner Contemporary Gallery (Alamy)
Two hundred years ago, the painter J.M.W Turner said Margate has “the loveliest skies in Europe.” Those stunning sunsets are still there today – as is a whole wave of artists and creatives who have given this Kentish coastal spot a new lease of life. TheTurner Contemporary Gallery, which sits on the seafront, helped spur the revival of Margate as a destination seaside town. As did the reopening of amusement park Dreamland, with its vintage rides and roller disco (it’s also a music venue, attracting lots of big name acts). There’s loads more to explore, from quirky attractions like The Shell Grotto and Margate Caves to independent galleries and an exciting food scene with buzzy restaurants like Sète, Angela’s and Sargasso. Plus don’t miss Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for a dip. If you need to warm up afterwards there’s a sauna opposite.
Nearest station: Margate, a few minutes walk to the beach
Cromer
This classic seaside resort on Norfolk’s north coast is famous for its wide sweeping sands, Victorian pier and crabs! Crabbing is a traditional activity here – in August the town hosts the World Pier Crabbing Competition. If you don’t fancy trying your luck you can leave it to the professionals and tuck in at one of the town’s many great seafood restaurants, such as No1 Cromer and Rocky Bottoms. Catch the summer show at the iconic Pavilion Theatre – one of only five end of pier theatres in Britain. Cromer is also a great spot for surfing, and there’s a surf school on the seafront if you want to take a lesson. Or hire a bike and hit the scenic Norfolk Coast Cycleway to enjoy even more of this special corner of the country.
Nearest station: Cromer, approx five minute walk to the beach
Llandudno
Llandudno is the perfect seaside getaway (Alamy)
This classic Welsh seaside town is just as charming today as it’s ever been. From the famous curved promenade and grade II listed pier (one of the longest in Britain) to the stunning limestone headland of Great Orme that towers over the town (ride the cable car up and enjoy the views), Llandudno is picture perfect.
There are three beaches to choose from – Llandudno Beach or North Shore runs alongside Llandudno promenade, and is perfect for families. On the east side of the promenade, there’s a play area, paddling pool and you can also enjoy live music and shows. Take a stroll along the 19th century Llandudno pier which stretches an impressive 1,234ft into the tranquil waters of the Irish sea. Here you can wander around fun-filled arcades, grab an ice-cream or some freshly made ‘dinky doughnuts’ or visit the unique Shell Shop for souvenirs.
For a quieter option, head to West Shore, a sandy beach perfect for paddling and kite flying. Nearby you’ll find The West Shore Miniature Railway where young and old alike can enjoy a ride behind both steam and electric locomotives. Finally, Angel Bay is situated along the coastline between Rhos-on-Sea and Llandudno. A popular walking destination due to its spectacular views of North Wales, you can also spot seals down on the rocks.
Nearest station: Llandudno, about a 10 minute walk to the beach
Bournemouth
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice in Bournemouth, which boasts seven miles of glorious sand. The area is also said to have its own microclimate, with warmer seas than elsewhere in the country. The train station is equidistant from two piers, Bournemouth and Boscombe, and the 1.5 mile walk between them makes for a very pleasant stroll, stopping for an ice cream along the way, of course.
Thrill seekers should try PierZip, a 250 metre zip wire that takes you from a tower at the end of Bournemouth pier, over the sea and down onto the beach. There are plenty of watersports on offer, including kayaking, sailing, surfing and even scuba diving – while on Boscombe beach you can try out beach volleyball. Or, take in some of the town’s culture, such as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, located in a historic clifftop house.
Nearest station: Bournemouth, about a 20 minute walk to the beach
Enjoy great value British adventures by train
From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there’s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there’s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.
With Railcard, whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, on a couples weekend or off on holiday with the family, you can save on all sorts of train journeys around Great Britain. Railcard helps you save a third off rail travel and for just £35 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With 9 different Railcards available, find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, you can enjoy 2FOR1 and other offers with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train. So make this your year to get out, experience and explore everything on your doorstep and enjoy truly great value getaways.