UK seaside in October

[stickybear]

I'd like to book a few days away for October half term. My little boy is starting school in September and has had a rough year, so would like him to have a special few days. We had wondered about a trip to London or maybe going up to the Peaks, but he's very clear that he wants to go to the seaside we're in the south west but not coastal. Does anyone have any recommendations for seasidey places with nice sandy beaches and some decent wet weather options, not too far away? Or any holiday parks near the sea with indoor pools etc? There's so much choice I don't know where to start!

Weymouth ?

Though, IME, many (most?) new Reception children are shattered in the Autumn Term and I wouldn't build too much excitement into half term. I would just keep things very low key and relaxing. Both halves of the Autumn Term are always too very long.

I an certain one of the Haven type places would be good

We took our DD to the Isle of Wight after her first half term in Reception and had a fully child-centred self catering break: did exactly what she wanted every day, and boy did she need it! The chance to be a baby again, sleep in, play, go to the beach and other fun places. Lovely memories.
it's a great place for small kids as there's a lot to do - free, and paying attractions - in a very small area (not much driving). And also the excitement of getting there on a ferry.

Dawlish Warren is the best!

Thank you for the ideas! I'm fully expecting him to be absolutely shattered but thought it might do us all good to have a change of scenery for a few days. Weymouth is a good shout actually, not too far for us from here. Love the Isle of Wight suggestion too, he'd love the ferry! Can I ask whereabouts you stayed? I haven't been to the IoW for about 30 years so don't know it well!

Personally I prefer West Wight; quieter and more rural - but probably you'd want to be more in the centre-ish as many of the attractions are towards the eastern side of the island. I think Whitwell / Ventnor / Bonchurch is probably a good compromise. I don't know the big towns to the East.

Blackgang Chine is a wonderful day out for kids and I seem to recall a good adventure playground at Osborne House (East Cowes). There'll be a lot of nice Hallow'een-y / pumpkin patch type activities over October half term I would imagine.

This is a good webpage: www.isleofwightguru.co.uk/which-isle-of-wight-town-should-i-stay-in.html

Thank you, this is all so helpful