The UK offers a wide range of family-friendly beaches that are perfect for spending a day by the sea. Whether you’re looking for shallow waters for young children to splash in, soft golden sands for building sandcastles, or coastal towns rich in history and activities, these beaches offer something for every family. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly beaches across the UK, ensuring a memorable day for all ages.
1. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex – A Family Favourite
West Wittering Beach in West Sussex is known for its stunning scenery and gentle, shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families. With its wide sandy expanse, the beach offers plenty of space for picnics, beach games, and building sandcastles. The calm waters make it perfect for children to swim and wade, providing a safe environment for a day at the beach.
The beach is well-equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a café offering hot food and drinks. West Wittering is also known for being well-maintained and peaceful, ensuring families can enjoy a relaxing day without large crowds. This beach is a fantastic destination for families with young children and those looking to enjoy a traditional beach day.
2. Blackpool Sands, Devon – A Blue Flag Beach for All Ages
Located in Devon, Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag beach offering soft sand, clear waters, and a welcoming environment for families. The calm and shallow waters make it an excellent choice for families with young children who want to paddle safely. The beach is perfect for various activities, including sandcastle building, playing beach games, or enjoying a picnic on the grassy areas that overlook the beach.
Families will also appreciate the on-site café that serves a variety of meals, including fresh seafood, ensuring no one goes hungry. With its well-maintained facilities and safe waters, Blackpool Sands is a great beach for families looking for a relaxed and fun day at the coast.
3. Llandudno Beach, North Wales – A Seaside Haven for Families
Llandudno Beach in North Wales offers a blend of traditional seaside charm and modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for a family day out. The beach is spacious and clean, with shallow waters perfect for swimming and paddling. Families can also enjoy the beach’s picturesque views, with surrounding mountains and the beautiful bay creating an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea.
Llandudno’s bustling promenade offers a variety of cafés, shops, and entertainment options. Children will love the old-fashioned donkey rides on the beach and the amusement pier, where they can enjoy traditional rides and arcades. For families seeking a blend of beach activities and coastal exploration, Llandudno is the perfect destination.
4. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire – A Classic British Seaside Experience
Whitby Beach in North Yorkshire offers the quintessential British seaside experience, making it a must-visit for families. The beach features soft sand and shallow waters, ideal for young children to enjoy without worry. Families can spend the day building sandcastles, playing games, and soaking up the sun.
Whitby is also famous for its scenic charm, with the nearby Whitby Lighthouse adding an element of history to your visit. Families can stroll along the beach, take in the stunning views, and enjoy a portion of the town’s famous fish and chips. With its classic British seaside appeal, Whitby Beach provides a wonderful, relaxing atmosphere for all ages.
5. West Sands, St Andrews – A Great Spot for Family Activities
West Sands in St Andrews, Scotland, is a wide and spacious beach that offers plenty of opportunities for family fun. The calm waters are perfect for children to paddle in or swim, while the expansive sand stretches provide plenty of space for games like kite flying, beach volleyball, or football. The beach is ideal for families who want to enjoy an active day outdoors.
For those with older children or teens, West Sands offers the chance to try watersports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. The scenic surroundings also provide opportunities for long walks and picnics. West Sands is just a short walk from the historic town of St Andrews, where families can explore attractions like the St Andrews Botanic Garden and the famous St Andrews Castle.
6. Perranporth Beach, Cornwall – Ideal for Active Families
Perranporth Beach in Cornwall is perfect for families who enjoy an active beach day. With three miles of golden sand, it offers ample space for building sandcastles, playing beach sports, or flying kites. The shallow waters are ideal for younger children to paddle, while the larger waves further out make it perfect for bodyboarding and surfing for older kids or adventurous parents.
The beach is home to a café that serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks, making it easy for families to refuel after a busy day on the beach. The vast expanse of sand ensures there’s plenty of room for everyone, making Perranporth an excellent choice for families of all sizes looking for outdoor fun.
Family-Friendly Beaches in the UK
Whether you’re looking for peaceful days by the sea, fun family activities, or the chance to try out new watersports, the UK offers an array of family-friendly beaches. From the sandy shores of West Wittering Beach to the classic charm of Whitby Beach, these beaches provide the perfect setting for families to create lasting memories by the sea. Pack your sunscreen, grab your beach toys, and get ready to enjoy a fantastic day at one of the UK’s best family-friendly beaches! If you enjoyed this article, you might like this other one on Beaches for Water Sports in the UK.
