Don’t worry, beach happy!

When the children are bored of the paddling pool and the sprinkler at home, and you need a little glimmer of inspiration to carry on through the summer holidays, we’ve got you covered. We’ve  searched far and wide for the best locations for the perfect day at the seaside, filled with ice creams, sandcastles and smiles. We can’t promise the weather will play ball, but we can assure you that these British beaches are close to our family of properties which are full of sunshine.

Aldeburgh

An all time favourite of ours, the beach at Aldeburgh is a hidden gem on the Suffolk coast. Just a five minute stroll from our newest property, Penty on the Hoo, Aldeburgh is perfect for a family day out. With a pebbled shoreline and ideal swimming conditions, the seaside at Aldeburgh is also steeped in history. With iconic features such as the Aldeburgh Scallop and the South Lookout to visit, the landscape is ideal for those who like to recline under a parasol, or those who prefer to explore the coastline. Be sure to bring your walking shoes and you can hike all the way along to the nearby village of Thorpeness and gaze up at the iconic ‘House in the Clouds’ that overlooks the golf course and coastline of Thorpeness.

Deal

Just a stone’s throw from The Boatman’s Reading Rooms, Deal is a seaside haven on the Kent coast. Without the typical seaside amusement parks you could expect from neighbouring Margate, Deal’s coastline is a peaceful and serene location, ideal for watching the waves roll in as you sit with an ice cream from the local van. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along  the pier or a hike over to the White Cliffs of Dover. With an annual New Year’s Day swim, along with many visitors in the summer, the coastline is perfect for a summer’s dip or braving it in the winter months. Bordered by local restaurants and shops the length of the shoreline, there are plenty of options for a bite to eat, or bring along your own picnic and watch the world go by. Looking for a Mr. Whippy or a sauce filled sundae? The Deal Beach Parlour has been serving ice cream for over 60 years and is the perfect nostalgic visit for those with a sweet tooth.

Southwold Pier Beach

Lined with a rainbow of beach huts, Southwold Pier Beach offers a beautifully traditional seaside experience on the Suffolk coast. With accreditations of the Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award in 2023, Southwold has always been incredibly popular with visitors. A mixture of sand and shingle, the shore offers the best of both worlds. It has an iconic pier filled with shops and restaurants, as well as having the option of jet-skiing, windsurfing and of course, wild swimming. There’s an amusement arcade for the younger members of the family, along with fishing and crabbing for all the family. Be sure to pop into Harris and James for some homemade gelato, we recommend the cherry ripple!

The Cotswolds Water Park

You may have thought you’d never see it, but yes, there is a beach in the landlocked area of the Cotswolds! Designed within an area of 42 square miles and 180 lakes, The Cotswolds Water Park is definitely a unique experience. The sandy landscapes kiss the shoreline of each lake and there are plenty of activities to choose from. Fancy a bite? The Ohana Coffee Hut at Lake 86 is the perfect spot for refreshments, we recommend the sweet crepes! With swan pedalos, electric boats, and stand up paddle boards, there is an activity for every age, and even a mini children’s lagoon to let  even the smallest toes get sandy. Your four-legged friends are also welcome, however dogs are not allowed to swim in the lakes, so if you bring them on the pedalo, make sure they don’t go overboard!

Secret suggestion

Don’t forget, there is also a private and secluded beach a short 5 minute stroll from our New Forest property, The Coding Hut, experiencing the best of both worlds between the sea and the national park.