British seaside! Thoughts please

[pincushion5]

I'm researching somewhere on the south coast for a mini seaside break for my family (2 young children). I'm tossing up Bognor Regis, Weymouth and Bournemouth. We're in London and would need somewhere within 2 hours by train.

In the past we have enjoyed Southend - nice beach, interesting town, fairgrounds. Which from my list might we like? Anything else I've missed? (Not Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Margate, Deal, Brighton, as already been.)

Thank you!

An hour is not near

@FiveGoMadInDorset it can take over an hour to get from one end of Oxford Street to the other in London but thousands of tourists do that everyday.

OP is not driving which means that she has to catch a train from Weybiza to Wareham and then catch the one bus an hour to Swanalulu and then back again, And with a fair wind I can get my children to their school in Swanage in 25 minutes and I can get to the outskirts of Weymouth in 20 and you pass my door practically

@FiveGoMadInDorset apologies I missed the bit about not driving.
Yes unfortunately without a car it isn't as do-able. Still... loads of stuff to do in Weymouth - which does have connections to other places by train like Poole or Bournemouth.
@pincushion5 Poole isn't an exciting place to stay but you can get day trips from there to Brownsea Island which is absolutely lovely so you could do that as a day trip if you are based in Weymouth.

I was coming on to say this 👆

DH tells me Weymouth is too far 😢

I've been to Whitstable and have only good memories but it was 15 years ago I think! I remember a day trip to Herne Bay too. Does Whitstable have enough to amuse two under-5s for 2-3 days?

The thing with Whitstable is, it's shingle beaches. My children do love a sandy beach...

Alum chine beach just up from Bournemouth Beach is lovely.

Weymouth is nice. Swanage is smaller. Lovely countryside all round Swanage

Skegness

So, I know Whitstable well (as a tourist). Firstly crabbing- it is the best in Whitstable. Then there is the play park at the Castle. Great for little ones. Then you can just wander the high street and harbour. But.....do check the tide times for when you are going as the sea goes out a long way and it's muddy then.

There is a great bus service to Herne Bay - pier, amusement arcades, tide doesn't go out so far.

From Whitstable you can get the train direct to Margate - Station is next to the beach....obviously you have been there before so know the town a bit already.

Faversham has an outdoor pool which is fun - bit gets very busy.

Canterbury is easily accessible by bus from Whitstable too and great for a wander/sightsee. Lots going on over the summer.

Camber Sands is a stunning beach. Soft sand dunes, multi coloured striped sea shells, small clear streams of sea water running through the vast sandy shore.

Isle of wight !

Another vote for Weymouth. We did a break there at Easter. The train journey is quite long, but it was definitely worth it. It is little run down in parts, but not seedy, if you know what I mean. Loads of stuff for the kids to do, some very good restaurants and the harbour area is nice. Everything walkable, too.

I like Bournemouth beach so perhaps worth considering. You could walk to Poole.
But Portsmouth/Southsea have lots of naval history and other attractions and good trains from Waterloo that stop at the harbour as well as in town . There is also a designer shopping outlet.

Littlehampton is nice too, it has a beach that has some sand at low tide, boating lake, miniature train, a funfair etc.

Bognor only if staying at Butlins otherwise not much to do outside it for children.

Hastings- loads do for the kids. Rides, aquarium, shipwreck museum, caves, crazy golf, beach, amusements etc. lots of lovely walks in the country park or grade 2 listed Alexandra park. Stunning sea views. Beautiful quaint Old Town with lots of Medieval buildings, a castle, funicular railways x 2 and loads of lovely independent shops to wander around. Tons of good places to eat and drink.

I live in Hastings if you can't already guess that!

Oh and good train links to London - direct to London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo, Victoria and one change away from Stratford International and the high speed.

Broadstairs is the best!

Bournemouth for wide and looong sandy beach (c.3 miles of it I believe) probably the best reachable relatively easily from London. The only beach I wasn't scared to swim on because it's gently shelving.

Bournemouth for wide and looong sandy beach (c.3 miles of it I believe)

I think it's 7 miles of golden sands from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks.

Whereabouts in Bournemouth or Whitstable is good to stay in?

I've only ever stayed with family but this hotel is in a great location and has been there years
They do family rooms too. Also links on their web site to the self catering options (though these are right on the front and quite cramped in....Great if you want to be in the thick of it....less good if you like privacy and quiet)
www.hotelcontinental.co.uk/

The premier inn is a very long walk out of town. (and up a big hill)

If you are Airbnb then anywhere in the area near the high street is good.

Tankerton way you might get more space and possibly a garden for the same money as something right in town.

I looove Swanage we go there every year, its one of my fave places. U can get tge steam train to Corfe, visit Durdle Door, the beaches are gorgeous. There's a young children's 'theme park' called Santa Fe that is great for younger children and its got a park right next to it.

Eastbourne also quite a good shout although pebbly. Treasure Island is nice for young children as is Princes Park. There is a roadrunner train thing that young children tend to enjoy

In Bournemouth we stayed in Best Western and also in a b&b, both west of the centre and close to the beach. Also in Poole but that wasn't for the beach.

Alum chine area is nice but to be honest anywhere along the beach there is nice. Friends have just bought a flat in Boscombe so they must have liked it.

Margate is cool and happening with interesting places nearby. I never enjoyed Weymouth. I would not go back there.