Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explores some of the best seaside towns in Britain for a family road trip.
The UK is blessed with some of the most beautiful seaside towns in the world, and a family road trip to explore them can be a fantastic adventure.
Nothing beats driving to the seaside on a summer's day to play in the sand and feast on fish and chips!
In this blog, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts explores some of the best seaside towns across the country for a road trip.
Factors to Consider
The UK is home to many seaside resorts that are perfect for those looking for a road trip. Most British seaside resorts feature wide promenades which are perfect for driving, but there are also many other factors to consider, such as:
- Accessibility – A trip to the seaside is meant to be relaxing, so one of the most important factors in choosing a seaside town is accessibility. The town should be easily reachable by road and well-connected to motorways.
- Family-friendly activity – Look for towns with beaches that are safe for swimming and have a range of activities such as surfing and paddle boarding. Additionally, towns with water parks and attractions are a plus.
- Accommodation – A great family road trip should end in nice accommodations like a hotel, motel, or villa. Look for towns that have a range of options at different price points.
- Safety – Finally, choosing a seaside resort with a low crime rate and welcoming local people is essential. Look for towns with well-lit streets, secure promenades and piers, and lifeguards.
Planning your road trip will help make it an enjoyable experience for all of your family and ensure that you choose a location where everyone will be happy. Also, planning the road trip will make for a stress-free journey to help get the holiday off to a good start.
Top Seaside Towns for a Family Road Trip
1. Brighton – Located on the south coast of England, Brighton is one of the country's most popular seaside destinations. Just 50 miles from London down the M23, Brighton is perfect for a weekend road trip with the family thanks to its iconic Brighton Pier, huge beach, and various amusement arcades.
2. Scarborough – Situated on the east coast of England in Yorkshire, Scarborough is a historic seaside town with a picturesque harbour and loads to do for the family. It's probably the trickiest to get to on this list, but why not stop off at York on the way to make it the perfect road trip?
3. St. Ives – If you're looking for a beach holiday jam-packed with activities, St. Ives in Cornwall is the location for you. On a hot summer day, you could mistake St. Ives Beach for somewhere in southern Spain! After meandering the back roads through Cornwall, you arrive at a surfer's paradise with clean beaches and blue seas.
4. Bournemouth - Located on the south coast of England, Bournemouth is a popular seaside resort town with a long, sandy beach and a range of family-friendly attractions, such as the Bournemouth Oceanarium and the Bournemouth Pier. There is also a vibrant nightlife for those with an older family.
5. Tenby – Head over to the west coast of Wales, and you'll find Tenby, a charming seaside town with a medieval walled town centre, stunning beaches, and various outdoor activities. The town overlooks the beach and harbour, making for a beautiful drive down the promenade on a summer's evening.
Other Considerations
When planning your family road trip, the location isn't the only thing you must consider. You'll need to ensure that the travel time isn't too excessive, it's affordable for the family, and the weather will be nice.
- Travel time – When planning your trip, factor in the amount of time it will take to drive to your destination. If you've got young children, a long journey might be too much, and you'll also need to consider where you'll stop off for food and drink along the way. Plan it out and discuss it with your family to find the best solution.
- Budget – Make sure you plan your budget before you leave to ensure you have enough money while on holiday. You'll need to consider factors such as petrol, food, drink, accommodation, and tickets to any tourist attractions.
- Weather – Finally, plan your holiday at a time of year when the weather is nice. This will make your holiday much more enjoyable when at your destination and ensure the road trip is enjoyable. Also, check the weather before you leave to ensure you have the right clothing packed.
Conclusion
There are some tremendous seaside towns in Britain to choose from for a family road trip. Whether you're looking for total beach fun in St. Ives or a busy weekend sightseeing in Brighton, your family certainly won't be bored.
Remember to plan your journey before you set off to ensure you don't get lost and pack appropriately for all weather conditions. You know what the weather can be like in the UK!
What do you make of our list? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produce a range of blogs focusing on road trips, such as How to Create the Perfect Road Trip Playlist and Valentine's Day Road Trip Ideas.
