Coastal and seaside breaks
England’s coasts trim the country with gorgeous ocean views and sparkling sandy beaches. Take a traditional family seaside holiday or coastal break to Woolacombe in North Devon or St Ives in Cornwall, and let the kids build a sandcastle and lick ice cream as you relax in the sun. Wander coastline trails and stay in retro beach huts on a seaside break. Enjoy a festival weekend on the Isle of Wight, go fossil hunting on the beaches of Dorset or take a sailing course along Suffolk’s coastline.
Once you’ve had your fill of fun, fill your stomach with locally caught fish dishes prepared in regional styles. There’s the old English favourite; fish and chips, which can always be found on a coastal holiday. With piers like Brighton and Bournemouth offering rides and amusements, your seaside fun can last well into the evening too.
11 of the best seafood restaurants
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Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Discover spectacular Lundy Island
A rare experience is to be found on the beautiful and wild Lundy Island just 12 miles off the North Devon Coast in the Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Lundy, Devon
Go rugged and budget in Cornwall
Newly renovated, situated on the rugged cornish coast and cheap as chips.
Location: Boscastle, Cornwall
Peel away the layers of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Trace a history that goes back millions of years as you meander Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.
Location: Dorset
Enjoy jazz, art and sunsets in St Ives
Some say it’s the painterly light that makes St Ives so special. For others it’s the great swathes of golden sand.
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Enjoy a coastal escape at Whitsand Bay Fort
Stay in your very own lodge at this premier coastal holiday resort a few miles west of Ocean city Plymouth and east of Looe.
Location: Cornwall
Enjoy an eco-friendly stay in green and pleasant Dorset
Come and enjoy Dorset’s incredible scenic beauty and rich wildlife this spring on a sustainable seaside holiday.
Location: Dorset
Try Plymouth's Historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour
An essential first port of call, a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, and world-class attractions, all in a picturesque harbourside.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Relax and reconnect on a romantic Cornish coastal break
It’s all about you and your time together at Headland Hotel and Spa, where you can connect with each other, the ocean and the wild Cornish coastline.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
Get active on the Isles of Scilly
Don't let Scilly's tranquility fool you – there is a huge range of outdoor activities to keep every member of the family occupied.
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Remind yourself of life’s simple pleasures on a budget break
Contrary to popular belief, you can visit Scilly on a budget. Sail over on the ferry and camp with your family – the beaches and views are free!
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Explore the cobbled lanes of Clovelly
This ancient fishing village clings to the cliffs on the North Devon coast and tells a magical tale of living history.
Location: Clovelly, North Devon