10 Best UK Coastal Towns for a Family Summer Getaway

Published 11 Jul, 2025

At Tom & Teddy, we believe the best family memories are made at the beach, toes in the sand and ice creams in hand. And you don’t need to hop on a plane to find turquoise waters, golden sands and salty adventures… some of the best family-friendly beaches are right here in the UK.

When the weather forecast is looking good, sometimes a last-minute seaside escape is just what you need. Whether you’re planning rock-pooling expeditions, fish and chips on the pier, or a full day on the sand, here are 10 of the best UK coastal towns for your next family summer getaway.

Aberdaron, North Wales

Photo taken from National Trust.

Best for: Families looking for a quiet, scenic beach escape with room to roam.

This hidden gem on the Llŷn Peninsula offers a wide sandy beach framed by cliffs and rolling countryside. It’s a place to truly switch off, paddle in clear shallows, and enjoy a slower pace of family time.

Whitstable, Kent

Photo taken from Great British Bucket List.

Best for: Fish and chips on the beach and relaxed sandy walks.

A seaside town with buckets of charm, Whitstable is famous for its colourful beach huts and freshly shucked oysters. The pebble beach is great for skimming stones, and there’s a lovely coastal walk towards Tankerton Slopes where the views are spectacular.

St Ives, Cornwall

Best for: Families who want a beach break with a side of surf and art galleries.
 
With its cobbled streets, art galleries, and a selection of beautiful beaches, St Ives is a Cornish gem. Head to Porthminster Beach for soft sands and calm waters perfect for paddling or take a family surf lesson at Porthmeor. Grab a pasty, watch the boats bobbing in the harbour, and let the kids hunt for crabs in the rock pools.

“St Ives is a beautiful town with sandy beaches, winding lanes, and a number of small art galleries, giving it a distinctly creative and coastal charm. It’s a brilliant spot for surf lessons, with gentle waves that are ideal for beginners. The town has a lively food scene with plenty of restaurants to choose from, Ardor was a standout for me, with its beautifully prepared dishes served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. St Ives is also home to the Tate, a striking seaside gallery showcasing modern and contemporary art. That said, the exhibitions can be a bit hit or miss, so it’s worth checking what’s on before planning a visit. Like many well-known Cornish towns, it gets incredibly busy during the summer months, so it’s wise to plan well ahead if you’re visiting at peak times.”

– Michelle (Founder), Tom & Teddy

Bridport, & West Bay, Dorset

Photo taken from West Dorset Holidays.

Best for: Families who love a lively market town with easy access to beaches and coastal walks.
 
Bridport is a vibrant Dorset market town just a couple of miles from the coast, making it a great base for family seaside adventures. You can spend mornings exploring the bustling markets and local bakeries before heading to West Bay’s dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches for the afternoon. With fossil-hunting opportunities along the Jurassic Coast and plenty of cafés for a post-beach treat, Bridport offers a classic seaside escape with a dose of Dorset charm.

“We had a weekend in Bridport last summer, and one of the best bits was grabbing fish and chips at the Hive Café after a morning walk along the cliffs. Book the terrace for the best sea views!”

– Jenna, Tom & Teddy

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Photo taken from Skye Cottages.

Best for: History-loving families keen to explore castles while enjoying the beach.


With its vast, windswept sands and the striking silhouette of Bamburgh Castle rising above the dunes, this Northumberland gem feels like stepping into a storybook. The beach is perfect for kite-flying and family games, while little explorers will love clambering through the dunes or dipping their toes in the chilly North Sea. In summer, the castle comes alive with family-friendly events, from dragon hunts to outdoor cinema nights.

Portstewart,, Northern Ireland

Photo taken from Expedia.

Best for: Active families who want beach days with a lively seaside town feel.

Portstewart’s long stretch of golden sand (Portstewart Strand) is perfect for family beach games, but it’s the friendly town that makes it extra special. Stroll along the Victorian promenade for ice cream, pop into local cafés, or explore the small shops dotted along the seafront. When you’re ready for the water, the strand’s shallow waves are ideal for paddling or trying out bodyboarding before heading back into town for a fish supper as the sun sets.

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Photo taken from Beside The Sea.

Best for: Long sandy stretches perfect for kite flying and sandcastle competitions.

Camber Sands offers one of the UK’s best sandy beaches, with miles of dunes and wide, flat sands that are ideal for a full day outdoors. When the tide is out, there’s plenty of shallow water for paddling, and the consistent breeze makes it a top spot for kite flying. After a day on the sand, nearby Rye is perfect for fish and chips or a quick wander through its cobbled streets.

Woolacombe, Devon

Best for: A classic family beach break with miles of sand and surf-friendly waves.


A three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, Woolacombe is ideal for active families who love surfing, bodyboarding, and beach games. The RNLI-patrolled beach ensures safe swimming areas, and nearby cafes make snack breaks easy.

“Woolacombe has a truly magnificent, wide-open beach that’s perfect for morning strolls, with great surf for the adventurous, plenty of shops for picking up beach essentials, a dog-friendly section, a fantastic campsite with views over the bay, and the elegant, long-established Woolacombe Bay Hotel. Just around the headland, you’ll also find a brilliant Sri Lankan curry shack right on the sand at Barricane Beach.” - Michelle, Tom & Teddy

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Photo taken from More Yorkshire.

Best for: Rock pooling and fossil hunting with a side of coastal village charm.


If you’re looking for a North Yorkshire beach day with fewer crowds than Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay is a perfect pick. The village itself is a maze of cobbled streets and tiny alleyways leading down to the shore, where you’ll find a mix of sand, rock pools, and fossils to hunt at low tide. Kids will love exploring the rock pools, and the gentle waves make it a good spot for paddling. After your beach adventure, grab fish and chips or ice cream at one of the cosy local cafés before the uphill stroll back through this postcard-perfect village.

Broadstairs, Kent

Photo taken from Choose Where.

Best for: Traditional seaside fun without the big crowds.

Home to seven sandy bays, Broadstairs has a charming vintage feel, with a bandstand, family-run ice cream parlours and a lovely promenade. Viking Bay is the star attraction, with safe swimming areas and a tidal pool for little explorers.

Ready to Plan Your Next Beach Adventure?

The UK is packed with coastal gems perfect for family summer getaways. From sandy shores in Cornwall to the rugged beauty of Northumberland, you don’t need to travel far to find your next beach escape.

Wherever you’re heading this summer, pack your Tom & Teddy swimwear and get ready to make memories at the water’s edge… And don’t forget to share your adventures with us by tagging @tomandteddy.