Is there anywhere in the UK, that has a lovely sandy beach and is also a buzzy city.?

[JennyTals]

It has to be sandy beach only

edinburgh! Portobello is a gorgeous place

I've always thought Edinburgh such a perfect city.

I lived there for three years it’s a long way from the sea! Like a 30 min drive. Also a shithole.

Yes to that.

There are some really strange suggestions on here @JennyTals .

I would have said Portobello in Edinburgh too but the change in school systems might be too much, although moving from primary to secondary shouldn't be too bad compared to moving part way through secondary. House prices are eye watering though if you need to be near the beach. Whitley Bay / Tynemouth area is much more affortdable.

To live rather than visit changes my view a bit! Margate is a shithole. Depends how close to the beach you want to be - walking or a drive away?

Definitely agree with Bournemouth if looking for a relatively buzzy place to live with Miles of sandy beaches and stuff for children to do. Lots of job opportunities in the region. Plenty of good restaurants in the area.
Shopping used to be good a few years back although I've heard the centre has deteriorated a bit sadly, like many towns in the UK.
Still a nice place to live though, some parts more than others. Perhaps worth a visit to check it out and see what you think.
Downside, very pricey to rent or buy.

Scotland does 7 years at primary and 6 years at secondary school. The (slightly) higher taxes would get your children free bus travel (throughout Scotland) up to age 22 and no university tuition fees (if they go to university within Scotland). I wouldn't move a child midway through an exam year (but would also avoid doing that within the same country).

Margate! Yes a bit gritty but very up and coming, lots of art, bars, restaurants, music and a beautiful sandy beach with lots of other even more beautiful ones nearby.
Not a total shithole.

Edinburgh?

Argh - Margate is horrible! Not buzzy, and not a city. Very run down and unpleasant. It doesn’t remotely fit OP’s criteria! (The beach is lovely though)

“A bit gritty”? I’ve never walked past two totally separate unconscious alcoholic men on the high street of a UK town before.

Really?
Haven't been to Brighton then.
Do you live in Margate or just had a rough night out?!

Either you don't get out much, or you don't live in the UK.

Reigate has a beach?

That's why they sound like good options, because you've never been.

Really? I went to formby beach (granted it was around 10-15 years ago now) and it was one of the loveliest, cleanest beaches I’ve been to in the UK outside of Cornwall.

Worthing? Down the road from Brighton if not buzzy enough. I’m not an expert though…

I do, to both! Margate was a dump.

Broad daylight, middle of the afternoon in July. Tried to help one of the blokes and a woman told me “don’t worry, he’s always passed out there”.

I mean, I've lived in Liverpool and have never once come across anything that can be described as a beach there.

Top 10 Beaches in Liverpool

Crosby about 20-30 minutes drive from city centre - so like you I've not seen it on trips to Liverpool but close enough to be consider near it.

I have no idea what it would be like to live but Weymouth has a sandy beach, and a lot to do in summer, ranging from lovely restaurants with lobster to chip stalls and funfair rides on the beach.

Well, if I lived there and it wasn't already known about, I would keep it secret so locals aren't priced out the market by Airbnb or absent 2nd home owners.

Liverpool: Formby beach, Crosby beach, new brighton beach, thermostan beach, west Kirkby beach.

I'm from the area - Bournemouth used to be nice but not anymore. Southbourne you may describe as a nicer town and bit more going on.

It is but we don't need more people 🤣