Me & my 5yr old - 1 night away/ Seaside ? Where to go ?

[Mum1369]

I want to take my 5year old away for a night in half term. It's a treat as my husband & 3yr old will stay at home. Was thinking anywhere that is within 2hrs ish train journey from London. Any ideas - was thinking seaside resort maybe - that could have a nice seafront with maybe some rides open at this time of year - Eastbourne / Worthing / Margate / ????

Personally I wouldn't do Margate or Eastbourne.

Been some years since I have done the Kentish beaches, but a quick drive past the sea front in Folkestone the other week for a flying visit reminded me nothing has changed.

Eastbourne is rather pebbly, and again a bit faded, we went for a weekend away with our children and I found it a disappointment.

One place that is rather pretty is Southwold, (no rides though) with all the lovely beach huts. If you look on trip advisor it might give you some ideas on getting their by train.

www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186270-i1629-k1703309-London_Southwold_by_public_transport_Easy_Possible-Suffolk_East_Anglia_England.html

You can also get to Weymouth, directly on the train from London. The beach from memory is very sandy, and is right next to the town centre for cafe treats and odd seaside take homes. Also from memory there were seaside rides too.

Another suggestion would be Poole with the sealife centre there.

hth

Weymouth beach IS sandy and next to town for fish and chips!. Lots going on in the summer (donkey rides etc) but not sure about Feb half term. Weymouth Sealife centre nearby (try to get one of the many deals ie kids go free as £££).But sure you would find enough to do for a couple of days.

I would add that Waterloo to Weymouth is a three hour journey though.

Bournemouth is good and nearer London.

don't know Bournmouth very well but would imagine better for Feb half term. The Lighthouse Arts Centre in Poole has lots on this half term, according to my new issue of Primary Times - maybe you could access this on-line?

Swanage

I live in worthing - there's not much going on at the sea front this time of year. Ice skating, but that's about it. However, there's stacks at Brighton, even for a 5 year old, and the promenade there is lovely.

Poole is also lovely.