Summer attractions

If you're heading to the coast this summer we have some great recommendations for family attractions to visit while you're there. If you're planning trip to Norfolk visit the seals at Blakeney Point or check out Michael Trainor's stunning seaside architecture along the Lincolnshire coastline.

Lynn Museum – home to Seahenge, King’s Lynn

The museum has had a major £1.2 million re-development, mainly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund & Norfolk County Council. A new entrance has been constructed and the 4,000 year old (Bronze Age) timber circle of Seahenge will be on display.  This find was discovered and excavated at nearby Holme-next-the-sea (nr Hunstanton) in 1999.

For further information telephone 01553 775001 or visit the website (www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/default.asp?document=200.31)

Bathing Beauties - Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

Michael Trainor, lead artist on the Lincolnshire coast has championed a project to create a series of dramatic new seaside architecture for a 10 mile stretch of Lincolnshire coastline, from Mablethorpe to Anderby Creek. The sea front at Mablethorpe is now home to a cluster of new, modern beach huts, after budding artists from all over the world entered the competition to design the most attractive beach huts in the summer of 2007.

Find out more about Bathing Beauties (www.bathingbeauties.org.uk)

The Spa Bridlington, East Yorkshire

After a £19.5 million redevelopment, The Spa Bridlington, East Yorkshire, has reopened its doors with a grand launch May 31 - June 7 previewing a jam-packed summer season. This much-loved historical landmark is a major concert venue for top bands and hosts the very best in drama, music, comedy, sports and more with stunning views over the sea, promenade and beach.

Find out more about The Spa Bridlington (www.thespabridlington.com)

Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary - East Yorkshire

Discover an array of tropical sharks, beautiful rays and colourful coral beneath the ocean surface. Come and meet Nemo and his friends as you enjoy the underwater adventure of our displays throughout the Centre. New for 2008 - Seal Rescue Centre.

Find out more about Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary (www.sealifeeurope.com/local/index.php?loc=scarborough)

Captain Cook memorial Museum - Whitby

The 17th century house where James Cook lodged as apprentice seaman to Whitby shipmaster Captain John Walker. Rich collection of exhibits about Yorkshire's most famous son. Includes period rooms in meticulously restored house, ship models, plans and manuscripts, artefacts from the voyages, and fine original paintings, drawings and prints. Stunning site on harbourside. 

For further information and for our special exhibition 2008 'Smoking Coasts and Ice-bound Seas, Cook's Voyage to the Arctic' (www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk)

Whitehaven Marine Adventures - Cumbria

Whitehaven Marine Adventures provide daily guided pleasure cruises and adventure trips around the impressive coastline from dawn to dusk, plus special sunset cruises.

Find out more about Whitehaven Marine Adventures (www.whitehavenmarineadventures.co.uk)

Hunstanton Wash Monster - Norfolk

Nicknamed “Wiley, the Wash Monster” this incredible machine is an ex military vehicle manufactured in 1967 for use as a landing craft by American forces in Vietnam. This 60 seater amphibious craft now transports tourists from the sandy beach at Hunstanton straight into the sea on any one of four coastal tours. The craft cruises at 8 knots in the water and 13 knots on land.

Find out more about Hunstanton Wash Monster (www.ukactivity.com/east-of-england/hunstanton-wash-monster.htm)

Seal Trips from Blakeney - Norfolk

One of the most popular activities on this stretch of coast.

Find out more about Seal trips from Blackeney (www.beansboattrips.co.uk/)

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Classic summer family fun including over 20 rides...

Find out more about Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach (www.pleasure-beach.co.uk/)

Coastal Voyager - Southwold, Suffolk

High speed sea and river trips…Coastal Voyager has the flexibilty to fulfill a variety of roles. From short, high speed, fun trips around Sole Bay when the powerful engines can give an exhilerating ride to remember, to longer full day trips perhaps as far as Scroby Sands to see the seals or down past Orfordness and into the River Alde for a trip to Orford.

Find out more about Coastal Voyager (www.coastalvoyager.co.uk/)

Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve - Lincolnshire

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve is an area of over 1000 acres extending along the Lincolnshire coast, from the southern end of Skegness to the entrance of the Wash. The reserve is recognised both nationally and internationally as an area of outstanding wildlife.

Find out more about Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve (www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/gib/)