Where do I want to go?

[Tacocatgoatcheesepizza]

I would like to book a few days away in the Easter holidays, for me and ds14/ds11.

I am looking for a town/city with plenty to do but also near a beach. We live in the midlands and ideally no more than about 3 hours drive away.

We nearly always go abroad so I am not that experienced with UK holidays! We did enjoy a haven holiday a couple of years ago so open to holiday parks/caravans although I suspect a hotel or cottage would be preferred by some!

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

You could spend a lovely couple of days in Whitby , there’s loads to do for older kids, there’s the abbey and museum to visit up the 199 steps with a brewery that serves pizza a little further on , a vampire museum and some steam train rides , there’s a beautiful beach and loads of coastal walks . There’s some lovely houses to rent and loads of fish and chips also amusement arcades, boat trips around the coast and crab fishing .
we really enjoy our time there .

I’d say Brighton. The beach is a bit weird but it’s there, and there’s lots to do.

Or Bournemouth. Better beach, a bit less culture for those ages, more outdoor activities. My impression is always that it’s a bit spread out. But nice when I’ve been.

Tbh Llandudno is a lovely place to be if the weather is at all nice. More to see in Conwy nearby.

As soon as I saw this I thought of Whitby, and someone else has already beaten me to it!

Newcastle isn’t too far and you can get the metro to Tynemouth in around 30 mins (or drive in about 20). You can easily travel to places along the Northumberland coast e.g., Bamburgh, Alnwick, Alnmouth, Seahouses, or take a trip to Holy Island (Lindisfarne). Durham city is fairly close to visit the castle and cathedral for a day. I could go on…….. there’s a lot up here!

Edinburgh

Actually, ignore me, too far

Whitby with a day trip on the train to York, or vice versa

It's further than they want to go but agree that it's a great city break and would tick all their boxes. And you don't need a car in Edinburgh so they could fly or take the train to avoid a longer drive.

What about Cardiff? No beach in the actual city but quite a few nearby, and loads to do in and around Cardiff.

I like Whitby a lot but I've always done it as a day trip. The beach is great but it does tend to be heaving at Easter.

Conwy is lovely, and there’s lots of options for all weathers in North Wales.

Norwich. Great city with plenty to see and do. Great access to the north Norfolk beaches and Norfolk Broads.

Liverpool has loads to see and do.
The local beaches are all very different
Crosby ( statues on beach)
New Brighton, nice beach great view of the city
Southport a victorian Sea Side resort, massive desolate beach

North Wales is fab and well worth a look, try Llandudno / Conwy area plenty top see and do

Aber Falls is a fantastic walk just outside llandudno
If the two beaches are busy in Llandudno then a short drive away is Conwy Morfa Beach
https://www.visitconwy.org.uk/things-to-do/conwy-morfa-beach-p293451

Conwy