10 of the UK’s best beaches for families

Whitby Beach is a very special place to Yorkshire Tots. There’s a lovely strangeness to this little East Coast gem that is hard to describe; is it the Dracula connection? The rich, seafaring history? The best  fish and chips on the planet? Who knows, but Whitby’s mixture of history and traditional seaside charm make it a place that we’re happy to revisit at least a couple of times a year.  

Filey beach is a perfect family beach.  There is the usual long sandy stretch for ball games and picnics, but it also has Filey Brigg – a long narrow rock peninsula that stretches out to the sea like a natural pier.  It’s great for the kids to clamber over and explore and it’s perfect for rock-pooling!

Morecambe may not be the obvious choice for a beach holiday. But if you are on your way back south from the Lake District and fancy a cool down, it’s a good option. For a start you won’t find the beach crowded and the view of the Lakeland peaks and Morecambe Bay is unrivalled. After making a sandcastle you can take a selfie with Eric Morecambe, do the bird sculpture trail and check out one of the cafes. Or if you have money in your pocket, go for a coffee or cocktail in the restored Midland Hotel’s Rotunda Bar and watch others stroll along the prom, prom, prom. If you want to take the kids, check out this post of things to do in Morecambe with kids, including the annual Catch the Wind kite festival on the beach. 

Shell Bay in Dorset is owned by the National Trust, part of the coastal nature reserve – and just a short ferry hop across the channel from the Millionaire’s Row that is Sandbanks. The huge expanse of flat pale sand beach runs down to shallow water, and when they’re not swimming it is wide and flat enough for family cricket & volleyball, and designated barbecue rocks encourage cookouts while protecting the surrounding reserve. We always follow the shoreline around to the right – a 10 minute stroll brings us to a brilliant tall sand dune bowl, heaven for running down or playing hiding games around. The low dunes stretching out behind the beach are fun for exploring, playing in and also invaluable for sheltering from a chilly breeze! Even in the height of summer you can lose the crowds and find a quiet space to set up – and it’s perfect for warm evenings spent playing and swimming as the sun sets.

Watergate Bay in Cornwall is one of Cornwall’s best beaches (in Mrs Shilts opinion) there’s a huge wide open beach with rock pools to explore great for family days out and letting the kids run free. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink at The Beach Hut where they make the most epic hot chocolates. 

Katy from Otis and Us adores the white sandy beaches on St Martins, Isles of Scilly. Crystal clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand that glistened in the sunshine, and the most incredible sunsets. They often had that incredible beach outside the beautiful Karma St Martin’s all to themselves. Heaven! 

Saundersfoot

Saundersfoot for wide, flat and a Blue Flag Beach is a favourite for Ickle Pickle.  Perfect for families with Parasol and deckchair hire. Ice cream, drinks and food sellers. Easy, flat walk through the old mining tunnels to Coppet Hall beach, and Wiseman’s Bridge.  Head for the quieter Back beach and Glen Beach behind the harbour for some great rock pools.

Rhossili Beach

Swansea Bay is home to some stunning beaches. Rhossili Beach, the pinnacle of them (according to Laura from Adventures of a Mum) , sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why visitors flock from around the UK and beyond to enjoy it. Take a walk down the steep, winding cliff top down to beautiful Rhossili beach, wonder along the sweeping soft sand and you may even spot some seals or dolphins playing in the sea! The car park is free to National Trust members and a small charge without. Head left from the car park and you will reach Worm’s Head, with stunning views across the golden sand and the chance to walk across to the islands if the tide is right. Perfect for families, water sports and dog walkers alike, it’s no wonder Rhossili Bay has been voted Wales’ best beach.

Anderby Creek

Suzy from Our Bucket List Lives loves Anderby Creek in Lincolnshire. The tide is always out on the Lincolnshire coast so you are always guaranteed a lovely and safe stretch of sandy beach. It’s a beautiful and quiet beach as it doesn’t have all the trappings of a tourist beach. We love sitting in between the dunes with a picnic, collecting shells in our buckets and exploring the installations along the beach.