TRENDY BEACHES

9 Holkham, Norfolk Wide open seascapes with sands that seem to stretch on for ever. Weekender breakers enjoy the restaurants in Holkham village and Wells-next-the-Sea. For places to stay there is the Victoria Hotel in Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk), the Crown in Wells (www.thecrownhotelwells.co.uk), the Globe Inn at Wells (www.globeatwells.co.uk), and the cosy Arch House B&B (www.archhouse.co.uk). Details: www.visitnorth norfolk.com; Sand 4 out of 5

10 Whitstable, Kent The pebbly beach at Whitstable is great for strolls along the shore. There are plenty of places to try the famous local oysters, with Wheelers Oyster Bar, The Crab and Winkle and Pearson’s Arms standing out. Details: www.seewhitstable.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

11 Littlehampton, East Sussex Design-lovers have been tempted here to check out two new cafés that have captured the attention of architectural magazines: the East Beach and West Beach cafés, both of which offer excellent seafood menus. The beach is sandy, shingly and pretty. Details: www.sussexbythesea.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness Recommended

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12 Brighton, East Sussex If hip hotels are an indication of how cool a place is, Brighton wins hands down. From Hotel Pelirocco with its themed rooms (Betty’s Boudoir, Sputnik, www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk) to the small, chic Blanch House (www.blanchhouse.co.uk) and Square (www.squarebrighton.com), there is a hugh choice. Details: www.visitbrighton.com. Sand 0 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

13 Penzance, Cornwall Long Rock Beach has decent sand and is good for families as the waters are shallow. Penzance is becoming best known for its buzzy feel, with great pubs, cafés, stylish surf- fashion boutiques, and antique shops — all on its charming higgledy-piggledy lanes. Of the pubs, the Admiral Benbow and the Turks Head stand out. Details: www.penzance.co.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

14 Salcombe, South Devon There’s a lovely, secluded stretch of sand just to the south of Salcombe, near the ruins of Fort Charles. Beyond is South Sands and Splat Cove, with yet more fine white sands. There are plenty of seafood restaurants. The village (population about 1,900) is tiny, with multicoloured houses dotted on a small hill. Details: www.salcombe information.co.uk. Sand 3 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

15 Bournemouth, Dorset For lively nightlife, Bournemouth is giving Brighton a run for its money. There’s a big local student population, which adds to the buzz. There’s a sand beach with views of the Isle of Wight. Details: www.bournemouth.com. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

16 St Ives, Cornwall With its own branch of the Tate and with the Barbara Hepworth Museum, St Ives attracts an arty crowd. There are lots of laid-back cafés and galleries — as well as a decent beach with shallow waters and gold-tinged sand. The old Slope Inn pub (www.sloop-inn.co.uk) is recommended. Details: www.stivescornwall.co.uk. Sand 4 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

TRADITIONAL BEACHES

17 Blackpool, Lancashire From Big Dipper rollercoaster rides to Ice Blast: the Ride, there are plenty of thrills to be had at Blackpool — as well as as all the Kiss-me-Quick hats, candy floss, raunchy postcards, lively pubs, sticks of rock, stripy deckchairs, donkey rides, bargain B&Bs and penny-drop games you could possibly want. For a let-it-all-out traditional British seaside break, Blackpool is probably still the one to beat. Decent sand beach, as well. Details: www.visitblackpool.com. Sand 3 out of 5

18 Southend-on-Sea, Essex John Betjeman once said: “The Pier is Southend, Southend is the Pier.” Even though the pier, built in 1830, has suffered endless setbacks — fires and boats crashing into it — over the years, Betjeman’s saying still feels as if it holds true. The structure remains the longest pleasure pier in the world (at 1.341 miles), and you can either walk the distance or there’s a mini-train. The beaches are a mixture of pebbles and sand. Details: www.southend.gov.uk. Sand 2 out of 5; Cleanliness: Recommended

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