Weekend away ideas

[Greatbigtub]

Last minute weekend away ideas needed please mumsnetters.
Max 2.5 hours train from London ideally. Need shops, cafes and entertainment for a 6 year old. Just me and the 6 year old so need somewhere very convenient. Personally I like the beach or somewhere scenic.

Littlehampton has blue flag beach, amusement park (harbour park), swimming pool (the wave), crazy golf and boat trips to Arundel and Arundel castle which although ££ is worth a visit.

York? No beach but the weather might be iffy anyway. Lots to do. Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Norwich all have plenty you can do with a 6 y/o.
If the weather is nice I'd swerve Brighton or Bournemouth as they get absolutely manic and agree Littlehampton or Worthing are good alternatives.

Margate.
My dd loved Dreamland, which somehow managed to not feel at all tacky despite it being an amusement park on the seafront. She actually loved it so much we went two days in a row, which was perfectly doable since there’s no entrance fee and you only pay when you actually want to go on something (you can buy a day-pass wristband or load up a pay-as-you-go card).
If it rains, you can go to WonderWorks, the shell grotto (another big hit with dd) or Margate caves, all of which are easily accessible from the town centre.

I love Margate!! Lovely beach, tidal pool, nice restaurants, dreamland. Also love the shell grotto. Nice neighbouring towns to visit. Arcades of course!

Bath?

Quick from London Paddington, can visit the Roman Baths and there's also an excellent crazy golf course in Victoria park (in the city centre).

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm hoping to book a hotel for one or two nights mainly because a day trip is pretty exhausting. Any further suggestions would be great.

We stayed at No. 42 which is fantastic for kids https://www.guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-42-margate/rooms/kids-margate/

I love Margate too and premier in is right next to the seafront!

Whitstable and Broadstairs aren’t far and also worth a visit. The seafront is beautiful and shell grotto is worth a visit.

Isle of Wight is also amazing and so much to do with children. I love Shanklin as a base but sandown also has an amazing beach.

New Forest and Hampshire? Lymington, Hurst Castle by the coast are both beautiful and the new forest itself is fantastic.

Camber sands/Rye.

Best of both worlds. The beach is massive and lovely, Rye is a gorgeous town with great places to eat etc