Exploring England's Coast: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure on Every Shoreline

Buckets and spades make for simple fun, but if you’re seeking greater thrills, the coast is laced with new attractions 

Few coasts are more family friendly than Essex’s.  With seven miles of beaches and the world’s longest pier and candy-floss galore, Southend-on-Sea tops the bill.  But when the sun vanishes, head to Sealife Adventure which offers 40 displays of sea life from around the world or to Adventure Inside with 6 soft play areas for under 10’s. 

Maldon’s Splash Park is a magnet for kids of all ages right through summer, but anyone interested in espionage, medals and swords will enjoy the Combined Military Services Museum or Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome. 

Still on the east coast, Visit Thanet has made exploration simple with its family-friendly Coastal Explorer Pack, brimming with adventure resources. Get active with surfing or spot seals on a boat trip, go arty at a Turner Contemporary family workshop, explore the Shell Grotto or the extraordinary Margate Caves. 

Indulge in the ice-cream parlours, squeal on the vintage rides at Dreamland or get your skates on at the Roller Disco, complete with sparkling glitter ball, Thanet is the perfect destination for good, retro family seaside fun. 

Escaping to an island by boat is an adventure in itself, so kids travelling to the Isle of Wight get double the fun! The Isle is packed with family-focused attractions and better still, many are open year-round. 

Let the kids lose themselves at Blackgang Chine theme park, Extinction! is its latest thrill-seeking ride for 2023.  Get up-close to tigers and more at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, plunge right in at the Aqua Park, speed around at Wight Karting or meet the meerkats and wallabies at Tapnell Farm Park. 

In Selsey, Mulberry Marine Experiences are passionate about marine ecology, take a Marine Walk or Snorkeling Experience to get up-close to life under the sea. 

There’s international medieval jousting at Arundel Castle, 25-30 July including knights’ horses thundering down the tilt rail and lances shattering opponents’ shields! 

Check out free events, thrill-seeking adventures or immersive experiences and make this a summer to remember

Head to Gosport to enjoy a fun round of mini golf with the kids at Solent Springs, you’ll find it overlooking the sea at Stokes Bay. 

For more high-speed fun, enjoy the thrill of Go-Karting at the indoor Team Sporting Karting track at the Fareham Reach Industrial Park. Minimum age is eight, they have karts for adult and kids, all helmets and race suits are supplied. 

On the East Yorkshire coast, Mr Moos just outside Skipsea has to be a top choice for summer ice creams, choose from 30 flavours! Hire a deck-chair and spread out on Bridlington’s beach or stroll along the front at either Hornsea or Withernsea. 

Let the kids play with giant games at Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens or roam with the animals at Bridlington Animal Park. 

Across on the Lancashire coast, families have been flocking to Blackpool since the 1700s, enjoying sticks of rock and building sandcastles around its three piers.  

Crammed with attractions, take your pick from the iconic Blackpool Tower, Tower Eye, Sealife or Madame Tussauds. Newest addition from Merlin is the interactive multi-sensory Peter Rabbit Explore and Play which opened in May 2023. 

In Cleveleys, you can download a new Wyre AR Trails app to discover The Cleveleys Mythic Coast Trail, discover five digital arts experiences based on sculptures and stories from The Sea Swallow storybook. 

Heading to the south west? If you haven’t visited Plymouth recently, plan a trip. It’s buzzing with family appeal including the National Marine Aquarium, the UK’s largest where you can actually snorkel with stingrays and sharks or visit The Mayflower Museum while the Tinside Lido is perfect for outdoor swimming. 

The city’s newest museum and art gallery is The Box, packed with natural history specimens including a full-size woolly mammoth.  

Stroll the beaches, parks and gardens which host scores of events including Pirates Weekend, British Firework Championships and West End Carnival. 

Whether it’s a budget-friendly break or a seaside treat, there’s never been a wider choice for families in every corner of the coast.  

Check out free events on the Year of the Coast calendar, grab a deck chair and watch the sand castles go up!