A Day by the Beach
16th March 2017
Here are some of the UK’s best family friendly coastal destinations that are just a train ride away.
Ice creams, sandcastles and salty sea air, there’s nothing quite like being beside the seaside. A trip to the beach is the perfect family day out, even when it’s cold. If you fancy escaping the crowds that swarm the coastline in the hotter months, here are some of the UK’s best family friendly coastal destinations that are just a train ride away.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Packed with history, charm and award-winning fish and chips, it’s no wonder Whitby’s cobbled streets are home to one of the nation’s favourite seaside towns. Cafés, chip shops, amusements and quirky shops are steps away from the sandy beach. Famous for its connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Captain Cook, there’s plenty to explore from the Whalebone Arch to the steps of Whitby Abbey. If little legs are up to climbing the 199 steps, they’ll be able to look over the sights and sounds of the town below. Whitby has good railway links with direct connections from Middlesbrough through the picturesque Esk Valley.
Blackpool, Lancashire
Known for its family-friendly attractions and iconic landmarks, Blackpool welcomes millions of visitors year after year. Even if it’s a tad cold for a dip in the Irish Sea, the traditional seaside town offers plenty of other fun-filled activities for the whole family. Take it easy and stroll along with promenade with an ice cream or have a go at some old-fashioned amusements. Spend the day taking in the sights of Blackpool Tower, Madame Tussaud's figures or the Sea Life Blackpool, where you get 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train. Thrill seekers will love the rides and rollercoasters of Blackpool Pleasure Beach which re-opens on Saturday 11th February 2017. The seaside resort is served by its main station, Blackpool North, with direct links from Preston, Manchester, York and Huddersfield.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth’s coastline is a day out the kids will love with miles of golden sand, traditional seaside attractions and the spine-tingling rides of the Pleasure Beach. Away from the lively seafront and the town’s two piers you’ll find the breathtaking Norfolk countryside, perfect for a long walk. Getting here is easy with connections to East Anglia available from all over the country via Cambridge, Peterborough, Norwich and Ely.
Barmouth, Wales
West of the peaks of Snowdonia, lies Barmouth’s harbour and long sandy beaches. Get away for a day out in the sea air and soak up the atmosphere with a walk along the promenade. The small seaside town is ideal for families with amusement arcades, clean beaches and places to grab a coffee, ice cream or some candy floss. Operating for almost 200 years, Barmouth RNLI offers young and old alike the chance to get a closer look at the station and lifeboats free of charge. They also hold special events and open days throughout the year. The town’s train station is a few stops from Machynlleth, Pwllheli, Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
Margate, Kent
With regular high speed trains from London, Margate is within easy reach of the capital. Less than two hours from the hustle and bustle of London St. Pancras, London Victoria or Charing Cross, you’ll find a charming British seaside town that the whole family will love. Take a stroll along Margate’s sandy beach taking in the sights of traditional fish and chip shops and candyfloss stands. For amusements, side shows and rides pay a visit to 'The UK's original Pleasure Park' Dreamland which often hosts special events for children. Elsewhere, explore the underground passages of the Shell Grotto or head to the Margate Winter Gardens for live theatre shows.
Plan your journey to the coast today. It could be much cheaper than you think, head over to Railcards.co.uk to find out how much you can save with a Railcard.