Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside…strolling along the prom, prom, prom, sinking into a deckchair on golden sands, wandering along pleasure piers enjoying a 99 ice cream, taking boat trips around the harbour, listening to music at a bandstand... Luckily, Britain boasts a plethora of coastal resorts, featuring all the essential ingredients that make a great British beach break fantastic fun. We’ve picked five of the best – all of which are yours to enjoy on a Glenton seaside escape…
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is the sunniest place in Britain! Under its blue skies, the resort features a Victorian seafront and is home to the manicured Carpet Gardens, award-winning beaches, a traditional 1930s bandstand and a historic Old Town. Walk along the promenade or hop aboard Dotto, the seafront mini train. Treat yourself to afternoon tea in refined splendour at the pleasure pier. Head to Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Adventure Park for a locomotive trip through the picturesque grounds, a stroll around the lake, or a game of crazy golf. Wander around the Sovereign Marina with its four linked harbours, stunning seascapes and Waterfront development with cafes and gift shops. View modern art at Towner Art Gallery or watch period-style cinema footage of Eastbourne’s past at the characterful Grade II listed Heritage Centre.
Bournemouth
With seven miles of beautiful coastline, Bournemouth is up there with the very best when it comes to the perfect beach break. Pitch your deckchair on golden sands, enjoy traditional seaside fun at the pleasure piers or hop aboard the little land train to see the sights. Relax in Alum Chine Tropical Gardens with its exotic flowers, shaded trails, and coastal views. Visit Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, housed in a Grade I listed building that is one of the most fascinating historic mansions in Britain. Catch the local bus to the Aviation Museum where you can climb into a cockpit as you view historic aircraft. When the sun sets, Bournemouth bustles with nightlife such as comedy club, theatres and casinos. It really is so much more than simply a seaside resort.
Isle of Wight
Known as ‘England in miniature’, the enchanting Isle of Wight lies off the south coast of mainland Britain and attracts 2.6 million visitors each year with its golden sands flanked by vintage beach huts, gorgeous gardens, wildlife habitats, thatch-roofed villages, and visitor attractions. The island’s landmark Needles feature a row of three stacks of chalk that rise thirty metres from the sea. Catch the chairlift to gently glide from Alum Bay Cliff down to the beach as you view this world famous attraction or get even closer with a boat ride. Perhaps head to the island’s steam railway to step back to a bygone era on a nostalgic carriage. Visit Godshill, regarded as the prettiest place on the isle, or Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s sumptuous seaside palace. Dinosaur remains can be found in Compton Bay, the local museum exhibits relics from the Ice Age, and centuries of history can be uncovered at Carisbrooke Castle. Chill out amid unique plants at Shanklin Chine or hop aboard the cliff lift to reach the enchanting Old Village.
Torquay
Torquay is the quintessential seaside resort, hugging the coastline in Devon, on the English Channel. It has a sandy beach, palm trees, bustling harbour, international marina, and continental style cafes. As part of the English Riviera, this elegant town has been accredited by UNESCO as a Global Geopark in recognition of its outstanding natural beauty and geology with rocks dating back millions of years. Enjoy a boat trip around the stunning coastline or follow in the footsteps of Stone Age Man at Kents Cavern, a spectacular cave labyrinth that was home to ancient humans. Perhaps visit Torre Abbey, a twelfth century monastery with art galleries and an Agatha Christie inspired Potent Plants Garden featuring flora mentioned in the local writer’s novels. Other attractions linked to the ‘Queen of Crime’ include a museum and the Princess Pier boardwalk where Agatha Christie roller-skated in her youth.
Llandudno
Llandudno is a Victorian seaside gem with a history that goes back to the Bronze Age. The resort promises all the fun of a traditional beach break with its sweep of sandy beach, pleasure pier packed with amusement arcades, and an esplanade where the longest running Punch & Judy shows in Britain are hosted. Head to Victoria Station for the must do Great Orme Tramway experience – the only remaining cable hauled tramway operating in Britain that takes over 200,000 visitors a year up to the summit of Great Orme. Alternatively, ascend the 679 feet in a cable car. Walk through tunnels that were mined out over 3500 years ago at the town’s Great Orme Mines. Discover the sights and sounds of how life was for civilians during World War II at the Home Front Experience, browse exhibits revealing Llandudno’s history at the local museum or view art at Mostyn Gallery. Stroll around Happy Valley Gardens where points of interest include a druid stone circle, a bust of Queen Victoria and a camera obscura which dates back to 1860.