Cornwall or other British beaches - kids' beach wear

[Esgaroth]

We usually go and stay with my parents in Somerset for part of the summer holidays. This year they're going to take us to Cornwall, near St. Ives, and it will be my kids' first proper British seaside holiday. In July so we are hoping for warm and sunny, but obviously we know that the British summer isn't always what you would hope.

I need to get them some new swimwear anyway but wondering about rash vests and beach shorts. Will it be potentially chilly with just a swimming costume or just swim shorts (I have a boy and a girl)? Also for the sun protection and, for my daughter, the practicality of having a 2-piece when it comes to getting changed and going to the loo etc.

What is the most practical thing for kids to wear on British beaches?

They are 8 and 6, if that makes any difference.

For DS swimming trunks and an optional short sleeved rash vest that he can wear to keep warm if slightly chilly or for the UV protection if it goes the other way and it’s a heatwave. For my DD I like tankinis for the ease of changing and for the loo, boden have lots of nice ones atm, and you could get a rash vest for anywhere in a matching colour to have that option too.

I live near Cornwall, my dc's (who are older
Than yours )use a rash vast and shorts but will also use a summer wet suite. I don't put them in just a swimming costume just cos of the sun and it's better they have as much protection as possible

If they're likely to be in the sea a lot I would go with wetsuits, either full length or shortie style & water shoes.

If more likely to be playing on the beach & just a bit of paddling then shorts & long sleeved rash vests. My DD often wore bikini bottoms or boys swim trunks with the rash vest when she was younger.

I live in Cornwall & this is what I see worn most often.

Enjoy your holiday!

It'll be more paddling and sandcastles than serious sea swimming or watersports - I wouldn't want them out of their depths anyway as they are not used to that and the sea isn't the best place to try it for the first time.

Thanks for the tips, I think I will get some rash vests and swim shorts for them!

Extra question if anyone has any opinions: are those towel ponchos good/useful or no better than just a towel?

I live in Cornwall and fully recommend the changing towel/ponchos - super useful when the sea fret rolls in and perfect to go home from the beach in. Getting changed out of wet stuff on sand is thankless. Much easier to hose off on the grass or in a shower than on the beach itself.

Shorty wetsuits are handy if it's a bit nippy - but go to a local supermarket when you get down here. You don't need to buy expensive ones if they won't be in the water for long periods.

St. Ives is lush - have a fab time 😀

Yes towelling robes are brilliant. We had some stripy ones from Jo Jo Maman Bebe that lasted from 2 (they went down to their ankles!) to 6 (they wore them as tops).

Brilliant, cheers!