AIBU to ask for UK beach essentials and hacks?

[OverheardBreakup]

We are planning a UK holiday to Dorset in the Summer with 2 young kids (4 and 6).

Every year we go somewhere in the UK and get to the beach and realise we've forgotten something, not thought of something or sitting next to a very well organised family!

So I'm asking what are your UK beach 'essentials' or hacks for lasting all day there with young children. I'm aware of talc on sand and usually remember to pack that but I'm thinking specifically equipment that you have found invaluable or things that have just made the day easier.

I'm not a great beach lover at the best of times but my DH and kids (both boys) absolutely love it so I endure it (and do love seeing them all enjoying themselves!)

Hoping to be organised this summer!

Agreed. It would be illegal if it were up to me. Completely selfish.

Ha selfish listening to quiet music. But kids screaming and people talking and beach bars in the background absolutely fine.

Get a grip. Beaches aren’t silent and it’s hardly DNB at the highest volume.

A nice warm fleece is an absolute essential. Ocean breezes mean it can still get bloody cold on English beaches even on the warmest of days.

Just make sure everyone keeps their mouths closed and their heads above the water... no splashing.

Ooh i love swimming under the water

I dont normally go to beaches with beach bars in the uk, but kids, chatter and waves - lovely. Just not tinny digital noise.

I don’t know how because we are the most disorganised people but we have really got our outings game down! And we are now that family where you can sense the envy of the other people!

Our beach kit:
Pop up tent! (That you actually know how to unpop)
screwable into ground sand brolley
turkish towels I think they are called? The quick dry ones
Big flask with ice
picnic food in disposable packaging
spade and bucket

Trying to find the brolley because it’s honestly the best thing!

I can’t find it… but it’s similar to this.. but ours also has a pop up square of fabric at the top of the anchor and that means it can’t even wobble about in super winds.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ammsun-Umbrella-Portable-Coating-Protection/dp/B01N64J6XO/

I think ours might have been a random Costco buy.

Totally agree with this. We don’t live near the beach but visit often because FIL does and we aim to get there later in the day when it’s quietened down. Also prefer going in the winter / early spring when fewer people are around.

@Flamingojune The only way you’d hear it, is if you sat in my lap. And then that’s essentially your problem.

@Flamingojuneyou light enjoy it but everyone else does

No music along with those bloody noisy things people play catch with, argh.

You don't need tons unless you're parking super close by. Maybe pick a beach with toilets and a kiosk like Branksombe Chime.

I take a soft sarong, you can dry yourself with it, make a sun shade, sleep under it, sit on it, snuggle damp children in it.

More drinks than you think you'll need and a sun shade.
Parasols are dangerous, they can pick up quite a speed if they blow away.

Sand toys, a fleece, a picnic blanket with a waterproof backing, snacks, wet wipes, tissues and sun hats. We take body board too.

We loved Avon Beach in Christchurch when dc were little, lovely beach cafe and shop, toilets and not too far to walk from the car park. Some of the beach is pebbles but the sea doesn’t go too far out so not too far for them to go to paddle.

Sandbanks is also lovely and sandy but it gets very very busy and so on a sunny day you either need to go early in the morning or late afternoon to get somewhere to park.

we also used to enjoy getting the chain ferry over to swanage, which is a lovely town and beach, lots of nice shops and cafes and plenty of parking.

we also went to Weymouth a few times which has a lovely long sandy beach and the dc loved sea world and Sandworld.

we also like the play areas and water play on boscome chines, and bosombe beach was best for the waves and body boarding.

I’m a bit shocked by the suggestion of talc, due to the ongoing legal action.

Obviously, no music!

Umbrella, raincoat, fleece, and hot chocolate.

I live in Dorset. Depending on where in Dorset you're staying I can offer some tips of places to visit etc.

Decent bucket and spade!

Wetsuits! I have a child that gets cold easily on the beach. He will wear a shorty wetsuit if the weather isn’t roasting otherwise he gets miserable. Also plenty of spare clothes agin re the point of being cold - once he is wet he gets cold

Yes ive never used talc for that. Just water and towel

Some wonderful suggestions thank you!

I especially love diggers and toys that they can play in the sand with.

To be clear, my boys are total beach babes so we will be there all day with the masses until it gets chilly! And I will probably pack everything but the kitchen sink!

Any suggestions for those trolleys that are good for going over sand? And beach umbrellas (thanks for the one posted above)

Sorry, I’m of an age where any white body powder is ‘talc’

This is what we use.

My eldest hates the feel of wet sand on his feet so we use this to get it off quickly and works well

https://www.boots.com/soltan-kids-beach-powder-100g-10337219

I assume they mean baby powder.

First think I would do personally is download the safer seas and rivers app from surfers against sewage and check the beach is safe for bathing.

As a local to the beach most importantly please please bring a bin bag or carrier bag and take your rubbish home or to a big council bin! Too many leaving it on the sand. 😔

Other than that beach shoes in case of weaver fish or sharp shells or rocks. Something to sit on picnic blanket or camping chair. Suncream and hats for all and swim suits. Beach toys and a book for yourself.

Rash vests in a bright colour. Completely avoid the risk of sunburn on the shoulders and back. Plus easy to spot.
large beach mat that lets sand through
Use a container or bag as a mini foot bath before going onto the mat.
organising pouches in the main bag for sunscreen.
Freeze a bottle of water to chill the rest.