Find the best places for parents and kids of all ages to build sandcastles, look for sealife, surf and do extreme sports.
Southwest England
Devon - Blackpool Sands, Woolacombe, Bigbury-on-Sea
Cornwall - St Ives, Widemouth Sands, Polzeath
Also, check out beaches in other parts of England
Southwest England has the most recommended beaches compared to any other region in the Good Beach Guide 2003. Cornwall is famous for its storm beaches. The South Atlantic swell and prevailing south westerly winds combine to create a surfer's paradise, ideal for families with older children. Devon is the perfect, young family destination. It is less developed and not as commercialised as the big, south coast resorts and families can enjoy a day out on the beach for not much more than £5. The prices quoted here are correct for summer 2003 and are for the high season.
Blackpool Sands (www.blackpoolsands.co.uk) is a brilliant beach for families, owned and managed since the 1950s by the Newman family. The affordable £5 admission charge for a vehicle and up to four people gives access to a host of facilities. The crescent of coarse sand, two thirds of a mile long, lies between steep, green pine wooded cliffs and the turquoise sea. This is a Blue Flag beach so it meets high standards for water quality and facilities. (The Blue Flag is a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary and safety facilities and is awarded to beaches and marinas across Europe and South Africa.) 'We work very hard keeping the beach clean for families,' says Sir Geofrey Newman.
For perfect castle building, there is a giant sand pit with specially imported fine sand. Swimming is good immediately off the beach with a few steep shelves for non-swimmers to watch out for. The cove is protected by headland on either side and is free from dangerous currents. An area for swimmers is roped off and there is a tethered raft for diving off. The beach is patrolled by two Australian Gold Coast lifeguards from May to October and information on sea temperatures and tips on enjoying your visit are posted daily. Sea temperatures had already reached a temperate 17 degree C by July 2003. No dogs allowed on the beach or in vehicles. Kayaks, loungers and wind beaks for hire. There is a cafe on the beach run by specialist beach operator Venus Cafes. On sunny, peak season weekends, arrive before 11am since admission closes once the car park is full. Wheel chair access.
Don't miss: The freshwater stream that enters the sea at Blackpool Sands and forms natural pools on its way across the beach. They are ideal for paddling and messing about with buckets and toy boats. As Vicky, aged 6, who visits every year with her family, says, 'That's the baby's pool,' she says, indicating her small pool of water, 'and that's mummy and daddy' s pool,' pointing to the sea.
Further information: www.blackpoolsands.co.uk
The three miles of mostly fine, golden sand dominates the village of Woolacombe. The Blue Flag beach is set between the grassy headlands of Baggy and Morte Points, with access from two car parks directly behind (£4 per day). It is privately operated with lifeguards and 4x4 vehicles patrolling between 10am and 6pm, most often looking for lost children who have set out at low tide 'looking for the sea'. When the tide is out, it leaves hundreds of metres of sand, great for playing cricket but if your child wants to run down to the water's edge, you'd best go with her. Good facilities for all ages. Playground for younger children, surfing for older ones.
Don't miss: A ferry trip to Lundy Island, which leaves from nearby Ilfracombe. Through the summer the Landmark Trust runs wildlife activities including snorkeling in the marine conservation waters and cliff walks to bird colonies and around the headlands where seals linger.
Further information: Visit Britain
This spot boasts large expanses of fine sand, perfect for building sandcastles. A Blue Flag beach, it has excellent water quality, good facilities and well-maintained beaches. Access is easy from an adjacent car park (£4.50 per day). The beach is best at low tide when you can walk seaward across a sand spit to Burgh Island or west from Bigbury Bay into the next door cove to Challaborough, a horseshoe-shaped, sheltered cove with fine sand.
Don't miss: The walks and at high tide, a ride on the sea tractor out to Burgh Island
Further information: Visit Britain
- St Ives
- Widemouth Sands, Bude
- Polzeath, Camel Estuary
Get ready for a civilised day at Porthminster beach. An exceptionally mild local climate makes this a good place to visit for all year round and it has excellent beachside shopping. It has earned a Blue Flag award so expect all the usual facilities and safe water Good sand for building, and at low tide there's plenty of space to run about. Park in the train station car park close by (£3 per day) - or better arrive by train. To eat, try the Porthminster Beach Cafe for delicious sea food on the beach or the cafe at the Tate Gallery, St Ives for magnificent sea views.
Don't miss: A detour to The Croust House near St Keverne (www.roskilly.co.uk), a working Jersey herd farm where the famous Roskilly's ice cream is made. Children can watch cows being milked and the ice cream being made. Cream teas, ice cream and cakes are served in the cafe from 10am.
Further information: Visit Britain
This mainly sandy beach has some rocks, caves and rock pools that fill up at low tide with seaweed and creatures. A popular surfers' beach, it is big enough to accommodate both surfers and swimmers in designated areas. Easy access down a slope from the car park (£3.50 per day). Facilities are less extensive than at Blue Flag beaches but include essentials like a loo and a cafe. Take your own shade since this is a wide open beach. There are also lots of extreme sports at the fully licensed Outdoor Adventure (www.outdooradventure.co.uk).
Don't miss: Adjacent Summerleaze Beach, which has one of Britain's most exhilarating sea water lidos. The pool, built into the base of a cliff, disappears under the waves at high tide. Children love waiting for the sea to com ein over the walls. There is no charge to use the pool.
This is a Blue Flag beach, with good facilities and popular with all ages. It is the main surfing beach in the area and has a designated area for swimmers. Within a few minutes drive are a host of dramatic beaches. The area around Hayle Bay and the estuary is great for snorkeling. Trevone Bay is a good beach to snorkel from and the beach is the starting point for one of the 10 best rated Cornish walks across the cliffs to Stepper Point, where there is wonderful bird life and during the summer months a good chance of spotting dolphins, porpoises and some times Leatherback turtles offshore. Rock is popular for sailing and nearby Daymar Beach is probably the most picturesque and welcomes dogs.
Don't miss: The Heritage Coast Service at Polzeath's Marine Wildlife Visitor Centre runs Seashore Searches in the rock pools left at low tide.
Further information: Visit Britain
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