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The Best UK Holiday Destinations near a Beach

Summer season is coming along quicker than expected and that means planning for sunny days, getting your tan on and cocktails by the bucket-load. Whether you’re after a seaside staycation or looking to have a city break with a beach day, here are the best UK holiday destinations near a beach for your great escape.

Bournemouth

Located on the south of England, Bournemouth is a resort town predominately known for its coastal scene, however, there are definitely more attractions than first meet the eye, if you don’t want to spend all your time relaxing on the sands.

Bournemouth has rich history as a place of literary inspiration ( no, not what we expected either). It’s a town bursting with all kind of activities for the history fans to those who love wildlife. A place for the culturally curious, Bournemouth also boasts a collection of museums, galleries, churches, religious centres and acres of parks, and gardens with buildings dating back to the Victorian era.  There’s also a sandy beach you can walk along, bathe on or view sunsets from, an oceanarium (with its own penguin enclosure!) and a vibrant evening scene for a bite to eat or bar crawl. It’s a destination that can please all walks of life, from couples to big groups and families.

Brighton and Hove

Renowned for a bustling pier and the long stretch of pebbly beaches, although signposted on the map as a traditional beach destination, there are many things to do to keep you busy on a trip to this city for the best staycation.

Brighton is a hub for excitement and entertainment, and will have something on that attraction list suited to every guest visiting the pebbly shores. Whether you’d like a 360 view of the city, looking to win every arcade game under the sun or dabbling in the endless shopping scene the Laines has to offer, there’s something fun to do wherever you look. Brighton isn’t just beach activities either, with an assortment of the best restaurants, museums to explore, parks, a nightlife experience that’ll leave you talking and the quieter area of Hove to roam around.

Canterbury

Home of Canterbury Cathedral and set in the heart of Kent, Canterbury is a unique city, packed with history and things to do. There’s everything from the quieter scenery of Westgate Gardens to exploring the cathedral, museums, churches and bobbing along on the river through the city. The city comes to life at night with entertainment of the Marlowe Theatre, bars lighting up and a sea of different restaurants to eat at.

Canterbury is located in Kent and only a short drive to the many beaches on the Isle of Thanet and Camber Sands as well. After a few days in the city, you can make your way down to the beaches for a day on the sand, eating all the ice cream and swimming in the sea, or surfing on the likes of Joss Bay beach.

Blackpool

Located on the Irish Sea coast of England, Blackpool is a seaside resort and known for the famous Blackpool Pleasure Beach and a hub for all things thrill seeking. There’s everything from the bustle of rides at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, experiencing the views from Blackpool Tower to enjoying the many laps of sands.

The resort also has an unforgettable water park, a Sealife Centre you have to visit and a promenade filled with lots of activities to keep you busy. Away from the seaside hub, there’s a stunning nature reserve to embrace the local views, galleries, churches and a nightlife scene to help make the best memories for your trip for years to come.

Edinburgh

Capital of Scotland, the city of Edinburgh isn’t your typical summer destination, however, that’s another reason to make it one for a weekend staycation. The hilly capital is home to gorgeous scenery located all over the city and that makes for a prime spot for all your 'grammable' photos. The city has everything from castles, Arthur's Seat, palaces to the Royal Mile and museums to explore plus the buzzing vibe of its pub scene, which is guaranteed to keep you entertained from day to night.

As a capital city, it’s not expected to be the first thought for a seaside break, however, around twenty minutes from the main city centre sits the gorgeous Portobello Beach. On sunnier days, it gives you the opportunity to grab your tan and an ice cream and when the cool air sifts through, sit with a blanket and watch the sun go down – with a beer in tow no doubt.

Hastings

Remember learning about the 1066 Hastings battle at school? This is what the historical town is known for and rightly so with its historical significance and the wide selection of activities on offer. Hastings is located on the south coast and has the Norman ruins of Hastings castle and many different museums to delve into and stock up on your maritime history.

The town is often bustling, with its beach, pier and various spots to relax, but there’s also a side away from the sands of Hastings. There are the underground tunnels to explore, many of parks to see the greener side of the town, galleries, cliffside walks and an aquarium; you’re really spoilt for choice.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

If you’re looking for a quieter and quainter destination then the Isle of Skye may be up your street. Connected to Scotland’s Northwest coast via a bridge, the island is famous for the medieval castles, rugged landscapes and fishing villages, making it the idyllic adventure location.

Spend your days roaming the open spaces of land, dining at restaurants with fresh produce or keeping tabs on all your UK history, the isle has a lot in store. For your seaside fans, you’re not far from the beach with an indented coastline and many types of beaches to explore from cliffs to waterfalls and simply, sands. The isle also features the gorgeous town Portree which makes for the perfect base point, and a spot for dining out and glass of wine after a day of exploring.

Poole

Dorset on the south coast of England is home to the seaside town of Poole, and a location that will make anyone’s heart soar. It’s famously known for the harbour and surrounding beaches, but that’s not all the town has to offer you.

Poole is a hub for gardens, museums, waterparks and all things entertainment, and is a prime spot for a day trip to Brownsea Island. Embark on a harbour boat cruise, take a trip down to the local farm or explore the main town centre, you’ll be amazed with the charm that radiates at every angle in Poole.

If you’re looking to book a staycation near a beach, don’t forget to buy your travel insurance for the trip.

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