Summer at the seaside

Family walking along the beach at Southend-on-Sea

One of the best things about living on an island is never being too far from the coast. Wherever you live in England, a day trip or long weekend is only a few hours away. In this section we recommend some interesting places to stay, events taking place this summer, as well as quality family attractions to visit - and if it's simply the sun, sea and sand you're after, a comprehensive guide to England's beaches.

A place in the sun

Seaham Hall, Co Durham

From cool boutique hotels and renovated Victorian townhouses to award-winning family hotels, wherever you head to on the English coast this summer there are some superb places to stay.

Find a place to stay

Family attractions at the coast

Seal watching at Blakeney Point, Nofolk

If you're heading to the coast this summer we have some great recommendations for family attractions to visit while you're there.

Find out more about summer attractions

Seaside restaurants - from cafes to fine dining

Restaurants at the seaside

Relax in a beach-side cafe with an ice cold beer and watch the sun go down over the bay, sample fresh oysters at an oyster counter, or choose from a mouth-watering seafood menu, complimented by spectacular sea views.

Recommendations for seaside restaurants and cafes

Culture and events at the coast

Skegness Kite and X-Fest, Lincolnshire

Inbetween collecting shells and exploring rock pools this summer, check out some of the superb seaside events taking place around England - from music festivals and air shows to kite displays and sandcastle competitions!

Culture at the coast

England's beaches

Coastline, Fisherman's Cove

From the picturesque World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast through to traditional Victorian resort towns, England's coastline offers something for every taste. Lazy days in the sun, vibrant beach parties, fun packed family holidays... just follow the link below and find the perfect beach for you!

More about England's beaches...

Your top beach destinations

Weymouth Beach

Find out which seaside destinations our users have been reading about recently. Discover local attractions as well as sunshine and sand.

View the top beach destinations now

Heritage coasts

Heritage coasts

A number of England's coastlines offer spectacular walking and cycling with some really awe-inspiring sea views!

Explore England's coastline

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