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20+ Family Beach Trip Ideas In The UK For Memorable Experiences
Let’s spend quality time together with these family beach trips in the UK.
With over 7,700 miles of coastline and over 190 Blue Flag beaches, the UK boasts stunning beaches of unique landscapes and activities you and the little ones can enjoy together.
From the historical beaches of Scotland and Northern Ireland to beaches near London with lively beats, there's a destination for everyone.
In our family beach vacation guide, you'll find not only breathtaking locations but also what you can do to level up your holidays with kids.
Top 22 Family Beach Trip UK Spots
A family beach trip in the UK leaves room for plenty of adventures. The first step to kick-start them is with these 21 lovely locations!
1. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is a staple for beach family getaway. Photo by pjmimages - stock.adobe.com
There’s no other town in Cornwall that delivers summer UK family beach holidays better than St Ives, known for its vibrant art scenes and golden surf beaches. There are lots of narrow streets with quaint shops, cafés, galleries, and pubs to explore, and most of them are right by the beaches!
You can build sandcastles at Porthminster Beach - the second largest beach of the place, explore the Tate St Ives gallery, and enjoy seal-spotting boat trips. If possible, try to catch a train from St Ives to Lelant and have a stroll along the coastal path, it’s scenery and just 15 minutes away.
2. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
Endless sandcastle-building and swimming opportunities. Photo by asiastock - stock.adobe.com
Bournemouth features 7 miles of sandy beaches with stunning clay cliffs and plenty of room for watersports. It’s about a 2-hour train ride from London and the iconic Old Harry Rocks, which is perfect for a family day trip.
You can rent kid-friendly kayaks to explore the calm waters, visit the Oceanarium and/or Jurassic Play Garden, and explore the Bournemouth Pier. Families with older kids can enjoy zip-lining and jet-skiing.
And when you are up for food and drinks, be sure to come to Chez Fred at Westbourne. Their fish and chips are the best in town.
3. Oddicombe Beach, Torquay
The red limestone and clift, the highlight of the beach. Photo by Ian Woolcock - stock.adobe.com
Located on the English Riviera, this Blue Flag shingle beach is a secluded spot for a family beach trip in the UK. The red limestone formations create a unique backdrop. It’s a great location to destress with your family truly.
The steep footpath to the beach can be a fun challenge for the older kids; the smaller ones may enjoy access via the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
4. Brighton Beach, East Sussex
A mix of beach fun and city life in Brighton Beach. Photo by william87 on Adobe Stock.
Your little ones might not be able to build sandcastles on the pebbly Brighton Beach, but there are endless family-friendly activities. They are the charms that make Brighton Beach an iconic family beach trip UK spot, despite the lack of sand!
Kid-friendly paddle boarding is a popular activity. You can also enjoy rides and arcade games on Brighton Pier and explore local shops in The Lanes. The beach itself is ideal for stone-throwing and making a big splash (which we find oddly euphoric, maybe it’s from the kids in us).
5. Rhossili Bay, Swansea
The beach is dog-friendly, a great news for those who want to bring their furry friends. Photo by Aly - stock.adobe.com
Named one of the best beaches in the world by Lonely Planet in 2024, we just cannot overlook Rhossili on our list of the best family beach trips in the UK. It's well worth it for a weekend getaway with your family.
This three-mile stretch offers sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, rich wildlife, and historical landmarks dating back to the Neolithic age. The path is pretty long and windy (depending on the weather), but the stroll and scenery along the shore are unreal. Remember to visit Worm’s Head for a seal-spotting chance.
6. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
It’s the perfect setting for lasting family memories at Bamburgh Beach. Photo by photoseller92 - stock.adobe.com
Bamburgh Beach provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city streets for the whole family. There is the majestic view of Bamburgh Castle, along with the distant cliffs and lovely dunes. The sandy shores are also pet-friendly. After going for a swim and visiting Bamburgh Castle, you can explore the Farne Islands or take a coastal walk to Seahouses. If you find the sandy dunes too uneven and hard to walk on, head along to the left of the castle and follow a path there for an easier time.
7. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Such a lovely view, isn’t it? Photo by Jack Cousin - stock.adobe.com
Whitby Beach is divided into two smaller beaches—West Cliff and Tate Hill. West Cliff is a popular spot for families with lots of fun activities and travel amenities, while Tate Hill has a more old-timey atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation. Beyond the beaches, don't miss exploring the historic Whitby Abbey ruins, which inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and offer peaceful grounds for a stroll with a coastal view. Take the opportunity to hunt for fossils along the rugged coastline. Lastly, don’t forget to include the picturesque Robin Hood's Bay in your beach holiday itinerary.
8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
The beautiful waterfront of Tenby is dotted with pastel buildings. Photo by whitcomberd - stock.adobe.com
With more than three smaller family-friendly beaches, an amazing collection of mediaeval historical sites, and scenic paths to explore, Tenby is the perfect UK family beach spot for a long getaway.
For a vibrant local beat, head to Tenby Harbour Beach. For relaxation under the sun, there is Castle Beach. The North and South Beaches of Tenby are spacious and filled with activities like sailing, seal sighting, and waterskiing.
9. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh
The bus line 26 is the most common way to reach this beach. Photo by RowanArtCreation - stock.adobe.com
Portobello is slowly transforming itself into a lively holiday spot with plenty of lovely cafes, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities. It’s not too touristy but not quite sleepy either, which is amazing for a day trip for young families.
The sandy beach of Portobello is just a few miles from Edinburgh city centre. You can explore functioning Turkish baths, enjoy an ice cream on the promenade, or go kayaking.
10. Saltburn Beach, North Yorkshire
Saltburn combines traditional seaside charm with stunning coastal views. Photo by drhfoto - stock.adobe.com
A family beach trip experience with kids might not need much — clean beaches, calm waters, scenic sunrise strolls, and charming Victorian heritage. If that’s what you’re looking for, add Saltburn-by-the-sea to the list now. You can ride the cliff tramway, visit the last pier in Yorkshire, have a side trip in Runswick Bay, and hike in North York Moors National Park.
11. Scarborough Beach, North Yorkshire
Book a stay at the Grand Hotel if you want the best view in Scarborough. Photo by RamblingTog - stock.adobe.com
It’s another North Yorkshire’s gem for families. Scarborough Beach is split into two beaches - North and South Bays, each with their unique atmosphere. South Bay is upbeat, while North Bay is more quiet.
Both are blessed with clean and unspoilt beaches. Don’t miss the Oriental-themed gardens in Peasholm Park, which is just a few minutes away.
12. Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland
The golden sands is popular with families. Photo by Evaldas - stock.adobe.com
Two miles of golden sand backed by dunes County Londonderry, Northern Ireland make for a fantastic family beach trip experience in the UK. Cared for by the National Trust, it has clean surfable beaches and dunes that offer stunning trails.
Portstewart Strand is also close to other stunning attractions, such as the Causeway Coast and the Giant's Causeway. Since it’s not a car-free beach, Portstewart Strand is better for families with older children. And note that there is also a £8 car packing fee.
13. Swanage Beach, Dorset
Golden sands meet pastel blue waters in Swanage. Photo by Matthew - stock.adobe.com
It’s truly an authentic English seaside holiday town, with nestled golden beaches and delightful promenade for a whole family to enjoy. Swanage has a rich history and is not far from attractions such as the Swanage Railway, which offers steam train rides through the beautiful countryside. Nearby are the Jurassic Coast and Old Harry Rocks. Swanage alone might not be what you pick for a multi-day family beach trip, but it’s a must-visit as a side trip/day trip for a longer trip if you’re in Dorset.
14. Lulworth Cove, Dorset
To call Durdle Door stunning is an understatement. Photo by Peppygraphics - stock.adobe.com
We can never have enough of Dorset's beautiful coastline for stunning family beach trip in the UK. This unique horseshoe-shaped cove with crystal-clear waters is a big part of the experience. It’s perfect for exploring geological wonders and snorkelling with the little ones. You can also go kayaking and visit the nearby Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most picturesque landmarks.
15. Whitstable Beach, Kent
A great place to wander aimlessly and enjoy some oysters by the beach. Photo by Rusana - stock.adobe.com
It’s not as entertainment-focused as Brighton, but it's not as quaint as Oddicombe or Swanage, either. Whitstable’s charm is its balanced mix of the two types of experiences.
You can stroll along the pebbly shore, and the children can enjoy boat trips to see the seals. Its culinary scene is also what draws many to Whitstable, with plenty of lovely fresh oyster eateries. Our recommendation for enjoying some coffee and small bites would be Alleyway Espresso, a lovely café with a lovely, local vibe (it is also 'dogs welcome').
16. Tynemouth Longsands, Northumberland
Saint George church adds a historic touch to the beauty of Tynemouth. Photo by Olga on Adobe Stock.
Located on the northeastern coast of England, this sandy biodiverse beach is perfect for an active beach day with the kids. Popular activities include kayaking, bodyboarding, and surfing. The area is also steeped in history, with the nearby Tynemouth Priory and Castle. For extra family fun, visit the Blue Reef Aquarium or Tynemouth Station's indoor market on weekends for unique finds and tasty food stalls.
17. Filey Beach, North Yorkshire
There is a car park on the clift over the beach. Photo by gb27photo - stock.adobe.com
If you’ve already got Scarborough on your UK family beach trip itinerary, why not also add Filey Beach? It’s right nearby and has a similar traditional English seaside town’s atmosphere. Some might say the town feels “dated”, but we believe it’s part of the charm. It’s amazing for family trips that focus mainly on idle activities like birdwatching and sunbathing. Wheelchairs and scooters can access the beach via Coble Landing, a cobbled slipway.
18. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Enjoy a little piece of heaven in the Isle of Skye. Photo by tibor13 on Adobe Stock.
While not necessarily a typical location for family beach trip in the UK, Skye’s beaches are some of the best in the region. You can combine beach fun with exciting hikes through some of Europe’s most majestic landscapes. Spend the weekend between Coral Beach, Staffin Bay, and Camas Daraich Beach. Famous landmarks like the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing are all within accessible distance with a car.
19. Danes Dyke, Bridlington
Maybe you can find a hag stone here. Photo by Bernd Brueggemann - stock.adobe.com
The access to Danes Dyke is something straight out of The Hobbit! The aconite-lined path will lead you to a beautiful secluded pebble beach. When the tide is low, it’s the perfect time for marine life spotting and rock pool exploration.
You can tour the area with the little ones on horseback, dip your toes in the cool water, walk the kid-friendly woodland trail, and have ice cream at the local shop. Remember to wear sturdy shoes as you have to walk through a woodland to get to this rocky beach.
20. Formby Beach, Merseyside
Formby coastline carries a raw beauty. Photo by MartiniDry - stock.adobe.com
Formby Beach is just 13 miles north of Liverpool. This long stretch of sandy shores, ancient dunes, and beautiful pine woodlands offer both adventures and relaxation. The nearby National Trust Formby is home to one of the few remaining red squirrel populations in the UK. You can spend the day with the kids dune climbing, seashell hunting, and watching wildlife in the reserve. The only downside is the lack of food stalls or amenities, so you have to bring your own foods and drinks and entertainment.
21. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
The definition of an unspoiled and secluded beach. Photo by Nicola - stock.adobe.com
It’s hard not to gatekeep such a stunning beach! This secluded, crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and golden sands, and its crystal clear water can rival those in the Caribbean.
The soft, clean sand makes it ideal for a family picnic or playing beach games. When the weather’s nice, take the little ones out on a hike through the forest.
Barafundle Bay is accessed by a short hike from the nearest car park at Stackpole Quay, so be prepared for a bit of a walk.
22. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
Expect up to a one-hour wait for beach access during peak summer times. Photo by david hughes - stock.adobe.com
West Wittering is another classic destination for a family beach holiday in the UK. The waters near the shore are shallow enough for the young ones to splash around safely.
The beach is also a popular spot for BBQ picnics and camping. The Chichester Harbour Area offers scenic walks and opportunities for birdwatching.
If you just plan to relax by the beach, visit during the Blue Flag Bathing season (May to September) to avoid the crowd since most beach sports are allowed outside of this period.
Create Lasting Memories on the UK’s Beautiful Beaches
Enjoying the sun and the sand with the little ones stress-free is the goal for an ultimate family beach trip in the UK experience. Well, you might have picked the right beach, but having the right gear is also a part of the success!
This is when a versatile, made-for-the-beach backpack comes into play. It can keep your hands free and your belongings organised, so your family can focus on the fun.
Embrace the elements with confidence on your family trip with CabinZero.
Check out the CabinZero’s ADV Dry Waterproof Backpack. Designed with adventures in mind, it has high water-resistant coating as well as plenty of compartments and a durable build, perfect for carrying everything you need for a day at the beach.
With the ADV Dry Waterproof, you can begin your first step to endless hassle-free adventures with your family.
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Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh
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