Best UK seaside town

[pfills]

What would you say was the best British seaside town for a summer holiday?

I grew up in Swanage, lived there until I was in my thirties and it's lovely but I don't think it's the greatest if you want to do stuff with kids (besides the beach) because it's quite isolated, you can't drive past Swanage, you have to actively want to go there to get to it and so traffic in and out in the summer is horrific.

I love Cornwall and really enjoyed Shanklin which strongly reminded me of Swanage but felt like there was more to do

Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris or Sands of Morar for truly the best beaches in the UK. Failing that you can't beat Northumberland- but shhhhhhh we don't want everyone going there!

Teignmouth

Bridlington ❤️

Also holy island but I don't think that's quite what you are looking for

Scarborough ❤️

Omg no no no and bloody no just came back after a three day break

If you want an ice cream coffee or a sugar filled drink then go
If you want a restaurant or a cold beer you will not get one on the seafront.

Dreadful place

Depends on the sort of holiday you are after. Two places I have enjoyed that are totally different are Tor Cross on Slapton Sands and Paignton. Tor Cross is tiny, you can go to the beach or cross the road to the Ley but no amusements for children but fish and chips at the pub is a feast. Paignton typical bucket and spade seaside town with a fantastic zoo that my kids loved when they were little and the park on the front just behind the beach is brilliant and there's an operair cafe right next to it so if the children aren't too little you can relax with a coffee while they play. There's also the steam railway so you can go for a ride and then cross the river to Dartmouth.

I know lots are saying Tenby but I've always preferred it's little neighbour Saundersfoot.

Margate. It has everything. Soft everlasting sand huge beach. Tidal swimming pool. Old town Dreamland. And more

What's going on at Margate beach at the moment? Facebook community page has a lot of comments.

I'm Blackpool born and bred - we have LOADS to offer! If you want entertaining, come here! There's the Tower, Pleasure Beach and zoo. And things like Dungeons and Sea Life Centre. The piers and Comedy Carpet. Stanley Park is lovely. There are cheesy pubs and more classy bars like the Beach House. The beaches are nice now. Everyone is friendly and welcoming.

Another vote for Walton on the Naze, great for a day trip if you’re on the Essex side of London, lovely sandy beach and beautiful coloured beach huts - have to check the tide times though! Pier is good value for kids too. If it’s a bit tacky for your liking Frinton on Sea next door is quiet and charming. Agree that the water is so lovely for swimming on the Essex coast too!

Reading this thread...aren't we lucky in Britain and Ireland? You could close your eyes and stick a pin in anywhere and nearest bit of coast would likely be lovely, and even if it wasn't you'd only have to go a few miles along to get to a nice bit. The thread could run to 100 pages and most of the suggestions would have decent claims.

Hastings, Broadstairs and Holywell Bay, Cornwall.

St Davids

There are so many places I will have to narrow it down to the ones that just made me happiest.

Weymouth
Scarborough
Aberystwyth
Newquay
Paignton
Broadstairs

West Wittering
Sandbanks
Southbourne
Studland Bay
Durdle Door
Holkam
Formby
Llynn Penninsula

Lyme Regis is over rated now. far too crowded and nothing to do if it rains

The North Devon coast is lovely - Barnstaple to Ilfracombe, you have sandy beaches at Instow, Braunton, Saunton, Croyde, Putsborough & Woolacombe. Lots to do locally - Exmoor Zoo, Combe Martin Dinosaur & Wildlife Park, The Big Sheep, The Milky Way, Watermouth Castle, etc.
Woolacombe is probably the closest to a classic seaside town. But you would definitely need a car to get around.

Southwold. Pricey though.

@DrFoxtrot totally agree re Blackpool and the Fylde coast . 12 miles of golden sands. If it’s too wild in Blackpool you can stay in St Anne’s or Lytham and travel in for the attractions. It is also near enough to take a day trip to the South Lakes. We have plenty of indoor attractions if the weather is bad

Woolacombe 💯

@sandgrown your name definitely gives away your origins 😍.

Wells-Next-the-Sea.

St Davids isn’t a seaside town.

Hastings - loads of festivals during the year, fresh fish, rides for the kids, dramatic caves, beautiful cliff scenery, load of good places to eat, Funicular railways and the Old Town. Plus I live there!

Hugh town on the Isles of Scilly - all beaches pristine white sand and so quaint - plus my mum comes from there!

Do like Margate too - Dreamland is fab.