4 Of The Best UK Seaside Towns For A Refreshing Spring Break

The first welcome signs of spring are with us, as the days gradually lengthen and there is a hint of mildness in the air. This can bring with it a feeling of restlessness and a desire to see the world anew—and what better way to start than with a refreshing trip to the seaside. 

The UK’s southern coastal towns are often most enjoyable at this time of year, when the biting winter winds have receded, but the bustling tourist crowds have yet to descend. Here are some of the best seaside towns that are easily accessible from London and surrounding areas. For a stress-free and comfortable journey, consider minibus hire for your group. 

Weston-Super-Mare

This town on the south west coast of England is a classic family seaside destination, so if you have little ones this is the place for you. It’s got  lovely huge sandy beaches with donkey rides and a Grand Pier packed with arcade games, dodgems, go-karts and laser challenges. The bay is safe for swimming, and there’s a dedicated zone for wind and kite surfers. 

Weston-Super-Mare also has beautiful surroundings with the Mendip Hills close by and scenic walks and mountain bike trails in all directions, with views over the Bristol Channel to Wales. While not exactly undiscovered, it’s much less crowded than the neighbouring honeypot regions of Devon and Cornwall.

If the weather doesn’t lend itself to outdoor activities, there’s the  Helicopter Museum, a range of eclectic independent shops, and theatres and live music venues. There are also a range of hotels and food and drink venues to choose from. On the 8 March, there will be a St Patrick’s  Day Slime Workshop at the Weston Museum, which the kids are sure to love. 

Tenby, south Wales 

If you want to travel a little further afield, then Tenby in south Wales is one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the UK. The historic Pembrokeshire town is overlooked by the remains of a castle on a hill and surrounded by medieval walls, and colourful pastel painted houses line the harbour. 

The town is surrounded by clean sandy beaches that are ideal for small children, and rock pooling at Castle Beach is a favourite activity. When the tide is low, you can walk to St Catherine’s Island for panoramic views of the coastline. You can also take a boat ride out to Caldey Island, which is a haven for sea birds and other wildlife. 

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs through the town, and you can walk along the clifftops (and all the way up to north Wales if you wish). There is a first class golf course and wildlife parks close by, and the town itself is packed with charming shops, restaurants, self-catering apartments, hotels and B&Bs. 

Margate, Kent

Margate on the north coast of Kent has undergone a revival in recent years, with a good mixture of contemporary and traditional seaside attractions. There is a sheltered sandy beach, and the Dreamland attraction which is packed with classic seaside amusements. The Old Town has a distinctive café culture with chic places to eat and drink.

There are plenty of cool vintage shops alongside all the regular seaside town features such as fish and chip shops and ice cream stalls. The Margate Museum tells the story of the town as it grew from a fishing and farming village to a fashionable Victorian seaside destination. The Winter Gardens are packed with shows and concerts all year round. 

The great painter JMW Turner has deep connections with the town, and this is honoured in the new Turner Contemporary Gallery. The surrounding area offers miles of low chalk clifftop walks with secluded bays to explore on foot or cycle. 

Torquay, Devon

Torquay is a town often referred to as the jewel in the crown on the ‘English Riviera’; a sheltered stretch of coastline that is famed for mild temperatures and gentle breezes. Therefore spring is the perfect time to visit as the weather is usually pleasant and the tourist season has not fully geared up. 

If you are looking for a low-key relaxed break with all the facilities such as excellent restaurants, a lively cultural scene, clifftop walks and wide sandy beaches, this is the place for you.