The quintessential family-friendly beach break is a staple of British leisure, a blissful retreat where the days are long, the sands are warm, and the memories are waiting to be made. Whether it's building sandcastles on the Cornish coast, dipping toes into the Mediterranean, or exploring the rugged beauty of the Welsh shoreline, beach holidays are a canvas for family fun.
Family-friendly beach breaks offer a treasure trove of moments, from the first step on the sand to the last ice cream of the day, under the soft glow of a setting sun. They're the holidays that children recall with fondness into adulthood and that parents treasure as a time of togetherness. With a little planning and a spirit of adventure, they promise a dose of sunshine and happiness, come rain or shine.
Tips for a Stress-Free Family Beach Break
Book Early: Especially for popular destinations, booking early can ensure you get the best choice of family-friendly accommodation.
Safety First: Choose beaches with lifeguard services and familiarise yourself with local safety information, such as tide times and swimming zones.
Pack Essentials: Sun protection, swimwear, and a first aid kit are musts, alongside games and buckets and spades for the kids.
Meal Planning: Self-catering can give you flexibility with young children. Otherwise, research family-friendly dining options with local flavours.
Travel Light:
Renting equipment like sun loungers or beach umbrellas at the destination can save car space and hassle.
Beach breaks invite families to unwind together against the soundtrack of lapping waves. They offer a balance of relaxation for parents and unbridled excitement for children, with a natural playground that sparks the imagination and allows for a simple yet fulfilling escape from daily life.
In the UK:
Cornwall – With beaches like Porthmeor and Porthcurno, Cornwall is famed for its stunning coastlines, family-friendly resorts, and surf schools that welcome all ages.
Devon – From the sandy stretches of Woolacombe to the pebble ridges of Westward Ho!, Devon offers diverse beach experiences along with charming seaside towns.
Isle of Wight – A short ferry ride opens up to golden sands, gentle seas, and attractions like Blackgang Chine, the oldest amusement park in the UK.
Dorset – Home to the Jurassic Coast, Dorset provides not only beautiful beaches but also a chance to hunt for prehistoric fossils.
North Wales – The Welsh coast boasts majestic beaches like Llandudno and Harlech, with castles and steam railways adding to the family adventure.
Abroad:
Costa del Sol, Spain – Renowned for its sunny climate and child-friendly amenities, this Spanish coast is dotted with playgrounds, waterparks, and family resorts.
The Algarve, Portugal – Offering stunning cliff-backed coves and wide sandy bays, the Algarve has calm waters and a wealth of family-oriented activities and accommodations.
Brittany, France – Brittany's beaches are an easy drive from the UK and come with a side of French culture, crepes, and seaside towns.
Crete, Greece – The island's mix of history, culture, and inviting beaches make it an excellent choice for a family beach holiday with a taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Puglia, Italy – Known for its trulli houses, olive groves, and crystal-clear seas, Puglia's coastline offers sandy stretches and family-run agriturismos nearby for a rustic retreat.
November 2024 to March 2025
from £249.00 per person
Watersports
Engage in family fun with surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking lessons suitable for all ages.
Beach Games
Volleyball, frisbee, and beach cricket can provide hours of entertainment and healthy competition.
Rockpooling
Explore the UK's rocky beaches to discover the marine life in natural pools – an educational and fun experience.
Nature Trails
Many beach locations are close to trails where families can hike and enjoy coastal views.
Seaside Entertainment
Enjoy traditional British seaside fun with piers, arcades, and donkey rides, ensuring there's never a dull moment.
Submit your email and have access to all the latest offers and news, sit back and we will get all the latest offers to your inbox.
Thirsk Travel acts as an agent in respect of all bookings made on our website or by telephone. For all bookings, your contract will be with the applicable Service Provider of your chosen Travel Service (who may be the principal or the agent of the principal) and loveholidays acts only as an agent on their behalf, except where we state to the contrary in the terms and conditions.
Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/.
We want you to be safe whilst on holiday. For the latest foreign travel advice visit
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Staff Login
All Rights Reserved | Thirsk Travel
Thirsk Travel Centre, 13 Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1HQ