Central Beach, Mablethorpe

One of north Lincolnshire´s prettiest beaches, Central Beach is a family-friendly affair with excellent access, numeous cafes and an old-fashioned promenade featuring a funfair, crazy golf and paddle boating. The beach itself is wide and flat, separated from the town by a strip of sand dunes. The town´s Friday market is a lively affair and great for buying local produce and souvenirs. The new water play area in Queens Park is a must for kids while the Seal Sanctuary and Nature Centre is wonderful, providing a refuge for seals, but also badgers, owls, kestrels and even mice. The sanctuary also includes a huge aviary.

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Shanklin Beach, at the southern tip of Sandown Bay, is renowned for its glistening sands, shallow swimming and activities like trampolines, adventure zones and crazy golf along the Esplanade. Watersports fans can go sailing, hire motorboats or enjoy canoeing and water-skiing. A Cliff Lift offers access to and from the beach - the views from above are stunning. Nearby, catch a show at Shanklin Theatre or wander the Old Village´s thatched cottages and atmospheric tea rooms. Don´t miss Shanklin Chine, a deep gorge carved out by a stream, always picturesque, but especially when its waterfalls are lit-up by night.