As much as we love Brighton, here are a handful of other fab staycation spots on the South Coast
Though we may dream of sunny white beaches in far off locations, is there anywhere that can beat the UK in the sunshine? We think not! Check out our guide to gorgeous coastal places to visit.
Image credit: Tom Leimetter via Flickr
Whitstable
The gorgeous Whistable in Kent offers pebble beaches, delicious food and lots of lovely shops and galleries. If you are in the mood for a seafood lunch or dinner, there are plenty of places serving famous Whitstable oysters or lobsters, such as The Sportsman, Wheelers Oyster Bar or The Lobster Shack. If you are in the mood for bargain hunting, Whitstable has a great selection of charity vintage or record shops to get stuck into!
Image credit: Paul F 36 via Flickr
Eastbourne
There is plenty to do in the town of Eastbourne. It wouldn’t be a traditional British seaside town without a visit to a Victorian pier: in Eastbourne you can take a stroll down the pier and grab some fish and chips. You can also check out the amazing Towner Gallery. Recently refurbished, the gallery hosts a range of modern and contemporary British art, as well as exhibitions, events and a lovely shop. For someone on the lookout for something a bit different, there is also the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, a family adventure park for the rail enthusiast!
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Margate
Margate is fast becoming a go-to destination for those in search of some summer fun. The gorgeous sandy Margate Beach offers you the chance to relax in the sunshine or take a dip in the sea. Just off the beach is the Turner Contemporary, an incredible building containing an excellent art gallery. The unusual Shell Grotto is a must-visit: discovered in 1835, this passageway has been decorated entirely with seashells, but it’s true origins and purpose remain unknown.
Image credit: Sarah via Flickr
The port town of Folkestone has lots to see and do on a sunny day. Head on over to the Folkestone Harbour Arm, the recently opened public pier, for some amazing views and a variety of tasty treats. Once you’ve taken that in, why not take a walk on the Zig Zag path and walk from the top of the cliff to the costal path on the bottom—or the other way around if you are feeling brave! Finally, make sure you visit one of the lovely beaches for a spot of relaxing in the sun.
Image credit: Peter Hind Photos via Flickr
Herne Bay
The lovely Herne Bay offers many delights. As well as a beach where you can swim and hang out, there is also Reculver Country Park and Towers, which has some lovely grasslands for relaxed walks. Your trip to Herne Bay wouldn’t be complete without a walk down their pier, offering stalls of locally made crafts and plenty of food options. Then, once you’ve exhausted those, you can visit the Herne Bay Clock Tower and learn a bit of local history.