The British coastline has so many beaches that are ideal for visiting with children. These are some of the best family-friendly beaches in the UK.
There are few things children enjoy more than being on the beach. Whether armed with a bucket and spade, exploring rock pools, or trying out water sports such as surfing and paddle boarding, there’s a beach to suit every family – and plenty that offer all of those things, and more, along the same stretch of sand.
With shops, cafés, places to stay and lots of activities nearby, these are some of Citizen Enfants’ favourite family-friendly beaches in the UK to visit this summer.
Woolacombe, North Devon
Regularly voted the UK’s best beach, Woolacombe is a two-mile-long stretch of golden sand. One of only 12 locations from around the globe (including Malibu in California and Manly in Sydney) to be selected as a World Surfing Reserve, the title recognises and celebrates the area’s outstanding surfing beaches, along with neighbouring Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton Sands. It’s the perfect spot for kids to learn to ride the waves, and surf schools such as The Woolacombe Surf Centre run group and one-to-one lessons; kids over five can join in. Lifeguards are on duty during peak times, and designated swimming areas are ideal for little ones. With the National Trust’s Baggy Point in the distance, plenty of rock pools to explore, and Porthole Café at the top of the dunes, Woolacombe is a picture-perfect beach. With beach huts for hire, easy parking on-site, toilets with changing facilities and plenty of restaurants and cafés, this beach makes it easy for families to visit, even those with tiny children.
Where to stay
The Watersmeet Hotel is just a short walk from all the action and has direct access to another smaller cove that’s perfect for little children who want to potter around collecting shells. With family rooms, a great children’s menu and a wonderful outdoor swimming pool overlooking the sea, it’s a great base to explore the town – and beyond.
Carbis Bay, Cornwall
In Cornwall, child-friendly beaches are dotted all over the coastline, so you’re spoilt for choice, but Carbis Bay stands out. Just a stone’s throw from picturesque St Ives, it’s surrounded by cliffs providing a natural shelter from the Atlantic swell and harsh winds; the result is clear, tranquil waters that are paradise for swimmers, especially for little children. With a lifeguard on duty at peak times and rentable paddle boards and kayaks (speak to the team at Ocean Sports), this is a great – and safe – place for fun in and on the water. The golden sand is ideal for sandcastle building – and you’ll find plenty of young families doing just that. Natural beauty aside, it’s easy to see why families flock here every summer: there’s on-site parking, toilet facilities, restaurants nearby, a first aid station, and the ramp down to the beach makes it easy to access with a buggy.
Where to stay
Carbis Bay Hotel, at one end of the Blue Flag cove is a five-star resort and an idyllic place for holidaying on the UK coast. It has family suites and cottages, a superb kids’ club and child-friendly dining options (such as the handy deli on the beach). The hotel owns and maintains the beach, and there’s no better hotel from which to discover this stunning corner of Cornwall.
Findhorn, Scotland
Just an hour from Inverness Airport, Findhorn is a quaint, historic town in the north east of Scotland, and is home to one of the most stunning beaches in the Highlands. Stretching from the narrow outlet of Findhorn Bay, this long uninterrupted stretch of fine white sand is ideal for days under the sun with buckets and spades at the ready. Older kids can take part in sailing lessons with Findhorn Watersports run by RYA trained instructors – or hire kayaks and paddleboards from Moray Kayaking. Walk The Moray Coast Trail to discover cliffs, caves and coves – as well as to learn more about local history; look for the line of large concrete tank traps from World War II. Known as a top bird-spotting location, you may also catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins or seals: North 58 Sea Adventures are the team you need to know for the best chance of this. The BakeHouse Café and The Crown and Anchor are ideal for lunch with kids, and you’ll find plenty of parking and facilities nearby.
Where to stay
Boath House in Nairn is a short drive away, and a great place to stay as a family. Simple yet chic, this elegant Georgian manor has become one of Scotland’s most sought after hotels thanks to a delicious, locally-sourced menu, Aesop toiletries, and a stunning 400-year-old walled garden. Families will love The Lodge which has four bedrooms, a secluded decking area with a fire pit, plus a barbecue and outdoor dining area.
Holkham, Norfolk
Holkham National Nature Reserve and beach on the beautiful Norfolk coastline is surrounded by great activities for families. First, there’s the beach itself, which goes on for miles (and miles) and is dotted with windswept dunes, grazing marshes, a maze of creaks and a salt marsh. It’s also home to a wide range of wildlife. A short walk from the beach brings you to the glorious Holkham Hall, a 400-year-old estate with plenty of child-friendly activities including a high ropes course; woodland play area; and a beautiful walled garden. On 31 July 2024, they’ll host an outdoor theatre production of Edith Nesbitt’s classic children’s novel Five Children and It, and for four action-packed days in August, join Bear Grylls for his Gone Wild Festival with more than 100 outdoor activities to choose from, including archery, abseiling, survival skills, axe and spear throwing, tree climbing, raft building and wild swimming.
Where to stay
The eight charming self-catering lodges in the grounds of the Holkham Estate come with stunning views across 25,000-acres of historic parkland. The View is probably the best option for families: its four ensuite bedrooms sleep up to eight, plus it’s all on one level, has an enclosed garden and also welcomes dogs. Completely renovated in 2023, it’s comfortable and stylish and just two miles from the beach so you’ll enjoy pretty walks or cycle rides to the dunes right from its doorstep.
Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
The Pembrokeshire coast has an impressive 186-miles of coastline peppered with stunning beaches (10 of which are Blue Flag). Saundersfoot Beach is one of the prettiest and incredibly popular in the summer months. It’s a wide, flat, and sandy beach that’s extra special for children at low tide, when they can enjoy fishing in the rock pools or crabbing by the harbour. The water is crystal clear and has lifeguards on duty at peak times to keep an eye on bathers. Take a break from the sand to pop into the cafés and shops in the nearby village (where you can stock up on beach toys), or take a wander around the old harbour. You’ll find ample parking and plenty of toilets nearby. Older kids will love the water sports and activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and coasteering sessions: book with Outer Reef who offer qualified instructors as well as multi-activity summer camps for kids aged eight and upwards. Little ones might like to join the fun at the Pirates & Mermaids Experience, where they’ll enjoy stories and crafts centred around the local maritime history.
Where to stay
Grove Hotel in Narbeth is a short drive away. This five-star country house is very welcoming of families who can opt to stay in one of the quaint but well-appointed cottages while still making use of the hotel’s facilities. Or book the Daniel & Elizabeth rooms in the main house; they can link to an adjoining twin room, providing a Family Suite on a private floor. Baby kits are provided on request, equipping you with a travel cot, sheets, a baby bath, a changing mat and a nappy bin.
Camber Sands, East Sussex
Close enough to London for a day trip, Camber Sands is – unlike most beaches along the Sussex coast – covered in fine, golden sand rather than pebbles, and is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex. With seven miles of beach to choose from, you’ll likely even find a (relatively) quiet spot during the height of summer. The water quality and shallow shoreline make it a great beach for children to swim, and a lifeguard is on duty during summer. While you may just want to relax with an ice cream, there are plenty of activities to try too; this is an excellent kitesurfing and windsurfing beach and local clubs give youngsters the chance to try them out. Book lessons for children aged six and over with the well-respected Rye Water Sports who offer daily tuition and weekly courses. For a great lunch book a table at The Owl Pub and Grill, a child-friendly pub that’s just across the road from the beach, to watch the waves as you eat. There’s lots of parking in the area, and a great beachside café too.
Where to stay
Camber Holiday Cottages have a selection of chic rentals, some of which allow you to step straight on to the beach from their front door. Many sleep up to 10 and are kitted out for kids, with cots, high chairs, and the like. The team will also advise of babysitting services, nearby restaurants, and other family-friendly activities. The Blue House is the one to book if you want to eat al fresco, with the sand between your toes.
Knoll Beach, Studland Dorset
The rugged Jurassic Coast in Dorset is a designated World Heritage Site and has plenty of outstanding coastline to discover; Knoll Beach in Studland is one of the most sought after locations for a day by the sea. Four miles long, sandy and shallow for a long way out, it’s a must-visit for families with children of all ages. Owned and managed by The National Trust, you’re sure to find a great café open all year round, a shop, toilets and lots of parking. For water sports, make a beeline to Studland Water Sports who hire out stand-up paddle boards, pedalos, kayaks, windsurfers and sailing dinghies. Or, for something a bit faster, speak to them about their fleet of powerboats. This sheltered, pretty spot has views of Old Harry Rocks, a towering sea stack, and cliffs topped by chalk downland – walk along them on the South West Coast Path.
Where to stay
Dorset is home to Moonfleet Manor, one of the Luxury Family Hotels’ collection. This five-star property ticks all the boxes for a relaxing holiday with children: huge suites, a kids’ club, tons of activities and excellent service have secured it a place among the top family hotels in the UK.
Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Watergate Bay has all the components of a great British beach. Two miles of beautiful golden sand: check. Stunning cliffs and scenery: check. Rolling waves and clear water: check. It’s not hard to see why it has become a top holiday destination. Just three miles from Newquay on the North Cornwall coast, it’s privately owned by the famous hotel of the same name that overlooks its shores, and meticulously maintained with excellent facilities including toilets, parking and changing areas. Surfing is very popular here and there are some first-class schools offering lessons. Speak to the instructors at the West Country Surf School who teach all levels, from complete beginners upwards. The vibe is very much that of a laid back surfers’ paradise and you’ll find some very cool restaurants and cafés to soak up the atmosphere. Check out the child-friendly Beach Hut for amazing views and equally good grub.
Where to stay
The extensive Watergate Bay Hotel is now a large resort that has everything from family suites to self-catering cottages. All are super stylish and well equipped for families with cots, highchairs and baby monitors. There’s a fantastic kids’ zone offering child care and activities for those aged six months to 12 years, swimming lessons, surf lessons and children’s menus in the restaurants. Stay in one of the family Beach Lofts that have panoramic views of the waves and a separate bunk room for kids.
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