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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask - does anyone know anywhere for a common/old-fashioned seaside day out?

132 replies

whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:15

I live in SW London. The obvious answer is Brighton. But Mum is feeling miserable and I think a day (or night or 2 in a B&B) would cheer her up. I am thinking deck chairs, fish n chips, bingo, amusement arcades. Just old fashioned non-fancy stuff and I will take her and Dad and the kids.

I really can't think of anywhere my side of the M4. Not too far, 3 hours tops.

OP posts:
BimboNo5 · 15/06/2011 20:39

Just a tacky pier type fair

Original poster
whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:40

Looking for more "seaside" than a "beach" as, let's face it! This is England. Just a bit of fresh air for Granny.

OP posts:
EggyAllenPoe · 15/06/2011 20:41

Hastings is a bit...well..dingy. we were there on sunday. although it was chucking it down (and i recommend the 1066 cafe for cake and Chai Latte)

Rye was lovely, and i recomend the cake shops. all of them. Park in the Budgens and have a wander round cupcake & bunting laden emporia.

Worthing is nicer than Hastings (damning with faint praise), though offer less in the way of amusements and i recomend Parklife for cake. Also does decent chips and in fact choice of eateries...

Brighton is great but not what you seem to be after. There is also cake in Brighton - the Tick-Tock cafe in Meeting House lane is great for it.

Aerobreaking · 15/06/2011 20:42

There are some rides at Hastings. £2 each though so not cheap but there is a couple of rollercoasters (not massive ones), dodgems, swan pedal boats, 3 types of crazy golf, about 6 or more arcades. There is also the railway up to the top of the cliff that I loved as a kid. Great to fly kites up there. There is also lifeboats, smugglers museum.
The old town is stunning, picturesque, lots of places to eat.

I bloody love Hastings! Grin

Granted, the town with the shopping centre isn't the prettiest but it's a lovely old-fashioned seaside resort. Pebble beach (not sand) though.

Original poster
whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:43

Kewcumber - been to West Wittering - beautiful beach but I can't remember any rides, bingo etc.

All my neighbours go to Selsy every Summer, and retire there.

It must be populated with South Londoners! They all love it.

OP posts:
Aerobreaking · 15/06/2011 20:44

Eggy - you take that back. Dingy my arse! Grin

(It is maybe a little dingy in places but it is charmy dingy.)

Original poster
whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:46

Not looking for mahoosive rides - just something that my 11 and 20 year old "kids" can go on together. Maybe a bit of dodgems or those umbrella type rides that go sideways over the sea and terrify you a bit (thinking of Scarborough!)

OP posts:
Original poster
whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:46

Number 1 - no stag parties vomming in the streets.

OP posts:
LadyClariceCannockMonty · 15/06/2011 20:48

I'd vote for Bexhill too. Nice and old-fashioned but the gorgeous De la Warr pavilion if you fancy a bit of architecture/cultcha.

Get tea/ice creams/cupcakes from the little shack on the beach, very near the pavilion (sorry, don't remember its name). They sell everything you want to eat and drink. They're brilliant.

Eddieshead · 15/06/2011 20:48

Southwold for me too. Proper old fashioned seaside with beachhuts, a lighthouse and a pier. Like stepping back into the 50's. That said, its undeniably classy, so if you want a bit more 'normal' try Felixstowe.

hpsaucy · 15/06/2011 20:51

What about good old Southend??

Bearcrumble · 15/06/2011 20:52

DO WHAT I SAID. It will be excellent. WHITSTABLE.

Pumpernickel10 · 15/06/2011 20:53

I live in Dawlish that's nice so it Teignmouth and Torquay :)
Might be a bit far for you though

Original poster
whatever17 · 15/06/2011 20:55

I will give all your suggestion to Mum. She is a right misery and I know she loves "jaunts" not too far from home. I will probably have to book a cottage. However, we are not going on holiday this year so, why not! Yay!

OP posts:
FionaJT · 15/06/2011 20:55

No-one's mentioned Weston-super-Mare - we've got a nice new pier!

Pandemoniaa · 15/06/2011 20:55

I'm with Aerobreaking. Take it back, Eggy or I shall be forced to throw down my gauntlet. Something we do quite often in Hastings.

myalias · 15/06/2011 20:56

Southwold and Aldeburgh both lovely old fashioned seaside towns.

EggyAllenPoe · 15/06/2011 21:00

Never explain. Never apologise. Smile

leddeeburdee · 15/06/2011 21:08

Swanage would get my vote.

emsies · 15/06/2011 21:20

If you go to Bournemouth and you're in a car - don't actually go to bournemouth - go further east to boscombe area or furhter left towards poole. There are some beautiful beaches that aren't so crowded (I love Alum Chine, small play area, nice restaurant...)

We live in Dorset and love it. I'd be tempted too by swanage :)

treas · 15/06/2011 21:24

Swanage definitely - I also love Highcliffe on Sea

Grockle · 15/06/2011 21:30

Another vote for Bournemouth/ Swanage

LeQueen · 15/06/2011 21:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

emsies · 15/06/2011 21:33

Thinking about it - I love Hengistbury Head. You can park and walk down to a gorgeous bit of beach next to Christchurch, lovely cafes both ends, a little land train....

Best bet!

bibbitybobbityhat · 15/06/2011 21:33

You want Walton On The Naze.

Or Broadstairs.