So grab your bucket and spade and get planning some summer fun\u2026<\/p>\n
Weymouth<\/p>\n
Located on Dorset\u2019s 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\u2019s still a great place for a swim. There\u2019s plenty of traditional seaside fun here in the summer, from Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides. At the bustling harbour you\u2019ll find shops, waterside restaurants and, of course, delicious fish and chips which you can tuck into while enjoying the sea view. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re 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<\/a> (great for both military history and incredible views), SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park<\/a> (get a third off<\/a> entry with National Rail\u2019s Day\u2019s Out Guide<\/a>) and a newly opened fossil trail<\/a> that celebrates the area\u2019s Jurassic history.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Weymouth, a few minutes walk from the beach<\/p>\n Hastings<\/p>\n Famous for its history (namely, a certain battle of 1066), funicular railways and its status as one of Britain\u2019s oldest fishing towns, Hastings is another seaside town that has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The past rubs shoulders with the present here \u2013 in the winding, narrow streets of the Old Town you\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n A stone\u2019s throw from the rows of historic \u2013 and Grade II* listed \u2013 fisherman net huts that overlook the shingle beach is the award winning Hastings Contemporary<\/a>. You can get 2FOR1<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Hastings, about a 10 minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Falmouth<\/p>\n Located on Cornwall\u2019s south coast, Falmouth is famous for its arts scene and creative vibe, as well as its maritime history, so you\u2019ll find plenty of substance alongside its stunning shores. Choose from three beaches \u2013 Gyllyngvase, Falmouth\u2019s 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\u2019ll 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. <\/p>\n Culture-wise, besides the award winning Falmouth Art Gallery you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Falmouth, a 10 minute walk to Gyllyngvase beach<\/p>\n Scarborough<\/p>\n This Yorkshire seaside town has got it all \u2013 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. <\/p>\n When you\u2019re done with the buckets and spades, you can hop on the Britain\u2019s 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\u2019s also a waterpark, SEALIFE Centre<\/a> (where you can get a third off<\/a> entry with National Rail) and a huge collection of vintage fairground rides, cars and steam trains at The Scarborough Fair Collection.\u00a0 The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is also a unique venue where you can catch top music acts from pop to indie, dance and rock.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Scarborough, about a 15 minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Berwick-upon-Tweed<\/p>\n Northumberland is home to some of Britain\u2019s most dramatic coastline, and Berwick-upon-Tweed \u2013 the most northerly station (and town) in England \u2014 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\u2019s sandy beach. There are three other beaches within walking distance of the town, including Fisherman\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n Back on dry land, be sure to walk the town\u2019s 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\u2019ll cross the iconic Royal Border Bridge \u2013 a Grade I listed viaduct designed by Robert Stephenson. You can also admire the bridge from the Berwick Estuary Walk.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Berwick Upon Tweed, about a 20 minute walk from beach<\/p>\n Portobello<\/p>\n 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). <\/p>\n Portobello\u2019s promenade, with its many cafes and bars, is ideal for people watching \u2013 the Beach House Cafe is perfect for a spot of brunch and Gelato at Oscar\u2019s is a must. The promenade also hosts events throughout the year, including Edinburgh\u2019s annual Big Beach Busk and Art Walk Porty Festival. Meanwhile on the high street you\u2019ll find an array of independent and vintage shops to explore.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Brunstane, about a 20 minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Margate<\/p>\n Two hundred years ago, the painter J.M.W Turner said Margate has \u201cthe loveliest skies in Europe.\u201d Those stunning sunsets are still there today \u2013 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<\/a>, with its vintage rides and roller disco (it\u2019s also a music venue, attracting lots of big name acts). There\u2019s 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 S\u00e8te<\/a>, Angela\u2019s<\/a> and Sargasso<\/a>. Plus don\u2019t miss Walpole Bay Tidal Pool for a dip. If you need to warm up afterwards there\u2019s a sauna<\/a> opposite.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Margate, a few minutes walk to the beach<\/p>\n Cromer<\/p>\n This classic seaside resort on Norfolk\u2019s north coast is famous for its wide sweeping sands, Victorian pier and crabs! Crabbing is a traditional activity here \u2013 in August the town hosts the World Pier Crabbing Competition. If you don\u2019t fancy trying your luck you can leave it to the professionals and tuck in at one of the town\u2019s many great seafood restaurants, such as No1 Cromer and Rocky Bottoms. Catch the summer show at the iconic Pavilion Theatre \u2013 one of only five end of pier theatres in Britain. Cromer is also a great spot for surfing, and there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Cromer, approx five minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Llandudno<\/p>\n This classic Welsh seaside town is just as charming today as it\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n There are three beaches to choose from \u2013 Llandudno Beach or North Shore runs alongside Llandudno promenade, and is perfect for families. On the east side of the promenade, there\u2019s 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 \u2018dinky doughnuts\u2019 or visit the unique Shell Shop for souvenirs. <\/p>\n For a quieter option, head to West Shore, a sandy beach perfect for paddling and kite flying. Nearby you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Llandudno, about a 10 minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Bournemouth<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n 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 \u2013 while on Boscombe beach you can try out beach volleyball. Or, take in some of the town\u2019s culture, such as the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum<\/a>, located in a historic clifftop house.<\/p>\n Nearest station: Bournemouth, about a 20 minute walk to the beach<\/p>\n Enjoy great value British adventures by train<\/strong><\/p>\n From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there\u2019s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there\u2019s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.<\/strong><\/p>\n With Railcard, whether you\u2019re 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 \u00a335 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With 9 different Railcards available, find the one for you at <\/strong>railcard.co.uk<\/strong><\/a>. What\u2019s more, you can enjoy 2FOR1 and other offers with National Rail\u2019s <\/strong>Days Out Guide<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When the sun is shining, there\u2019s nothing better than a day spent at the seaside, and Britain has…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":290006,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5018,3,4],"tags":[748,393,4884,1144,712,16,15,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-290005","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-britain","8":"category-uk","9":"category-united-kingdom","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-england","12":"tag-great-britain","13":"tag-northern-ireland","14":"tag-scotland","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom","17":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114912716824672453","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290005","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=290005"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290005\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/290006"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=290005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=290005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=290005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"History,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/RJ16B6.jpg\")
History, culture and beautiful beaches: Falmouth has it all (Alamy)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2CEN7EG.jpg\")
The most northerly town in England is home to a stunning coastline and beaches (Alamy)<\/p>\n![\"Margate](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/C32M73.jpg\")
Margate is home to artists and galleries including the renowned Turner Contemporary Gallery (Alamy)<\/p>\n![\"Llandudno](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CR84AT.jpg\")
Llandudno is the perfect seaside getaway (Alamy)<\/p>\n