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

[whatever17]

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.

Go straight past the M3 to the A3 and then go south for an hour. Portsmouth is Ok - bit shingly but has lots of hovercrafts navy ships, yachts to watch but catch the Cat to Ryde for all the sand fish and chips and quaintness you could wish for. Even better portsmouth has Gunwarf which has excellent outlet shops selling unreal bargins (it is still Pompei)

Swanage

Broadstairs! Ticks all the boxes - but it is a bit hilly if there are any mobility problems.

I love Hastings. We go several times a year. Or the Isle of Wight. If you are in SW London you could get a train from Waterloo to Portsmouth which connects up with a fast cat ferry. In August we're having a few days in Hastings in Old Town week and then a week on the Isle of Wight.

Broadstairs near Margate fab.

Weymouth! Not sure about geog compared to London but tis very nice.

Frinton on sea