England’s Best Seaside Towns for a Weekend Break

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Escaping to the seaside is a traditional British holiday. The bucket and spade, amusement arcades, enjoying a Mr Whippy while walking along the pier, and the smell of the sea air, forms my childhood memories of these short weekend trips away with my parents. Seaside resorts are the perfect place to go for family holidays, offering a quieter more relaxed pace than English cities.

In this guide, some of the best travel bloggers recommend what they think is the best seaside towns for a weekend break in England.

Worthing, West Sussex

Suggested by Ros Cuthbertson, at Frequent Traveller

With a travel time of 1 hour and 20 minutes from London’s Victoria Station, Worthing in West Sussex would have to be one of the top choices for a weekend break by the sea. If you want to get away from the rat race and recharge, you will find nothing more relaxing than watching the sun sparkle off the turquoise waters as you walk along Worthing’s timeless Art Deco pier. For music lovers, Worthing Pier’s South Pavilion hosts a wide range of live Jazz, Rock and Blues events throughout the year. At the entrance to the Pier is the Pavilion Theatre which stages a selection of stage plays, musical acts, and entertainment. The South Pavilion Café is the perfect place for an afternoon in the sun with a leisurely lunch and a glass of wine. Stroll through the town and visit one of the many restaurants and pubs scattered near the foreshore. Step back in time to the 1920s when going to the movies was an event with a visit to the Dome Cinema. While there, try a traditional cream tea at The Dome Vintage Tea Room. Commune with nature and head to the South Downs and walk the trail to the Cissbury Ring, an Iron Age hill fort. Marvel at the history, peaceful natural settings and views that make up this extraordinary region of England.

Disabled access information:

The beaches in Worthing are all shingle, making them unsuitable for those using wheelchairs or scooters. Worthing pier is wheelchair accessible. The Pavillion Theatre is wheelchair accessible, offers performances in British Sign Language and films with subtitles, they offer hearing assistance and allow registered assistance dogs access to all areas. The Dome Theatre has lift access available for screen 2, and step-free access for screens 1 and 3. Worthing council allows disabled parking badge users to park for free in their surface car parks when parked in dedicated disabled parking spots, with their badge shown correctly. Charges apply outside of dedicated parking spots and in multistory car parks. Free on-street parking is available for disabled badge holders in some cases. For more information on disabled parking visit the council site here.

There are accessible toilets with adult sized changing places available at the Brooklands, Western Road carpark (open 9 am to 5 pm in winter, and 9 am to 9 pm during summer) and on the Promenade opposite the Dome Cinema (open 9 am to 5 pm year round). To access these toilets you need to use a RADAR key, these can be bought online here.

Where to stay in Worthing

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Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton Pier

Suggested by Fiona Maclean at London-Unattached

Just an hour from London by train, Brighton is the quintessential Victorian seaside town. Popularised in the Georgian era by George IV, while he was still Prince Regent, he was responsible for building the fantastic Royal Pavilion, built to look like an Indian Temple. Brighton now has a wealth of Victorian buildings including the Palace Pier, still somewhere to visit for fish and chips and to enjoy the amusement arcades and fairground games. Despite the pebbly beach, Brighton is an exceptionally popular seaside destination. It’s packed with great seafood restaurants and trendy bars, the nightlife is excellent, partly thanks to the presence of a large student and gay population.

If you bore of the beach, there are a whole wealth of independent shops, from top end boutiques and specialist jewellers through to vintage and junk shops. For top end shopping try the Laines – while the Parallels offer a diverse set of artisan shops and workshops. A walk along the promenade will give you some idea of how popular Brighton was in times past, with a network of Georgian, Regency and Victorian streets and garden squares, where possible designed to ensure everyone had a sea view from their parlour. I love the quirky shabby chic of Brighton and recommend it as the ideal weekend break where you can take your pick from the luxurious boutique hotels on the seafront, in the Laines and Kemp Town or stay in Victorian style splendour at the Grand Hotel.

Disabled access information:

Brighton’s pier has wheelchair access, braille menu’s available in the restaurant, and a wheelchair accessible toilet. There is step-free access to the entrance from the nearest car park, via a ramp that has a handrail.
While Brighton’s beach is covered in pebbles, they do have two all-terrain beach wheelchairs available for hire from the seafront office. You will need to book this in advance and need to bring along ID and a £25 refundable deposit. For more information on hiring the off-terrain wheelchairs, visit the beach accessibility website here.

Brighton has two accessible toilets with changing facilities for adults. One of these toilets is located in the Madeira Colonnade on the Volks Railway, you will need to ring a bell and sign a disclaimer to access this toilet. The disclaimer can be downloaded here. The other changing places toilet is located s located at The Level, a park accessible from Lewes Road, Union Road and Ditchling Road. There are plenty of other accessible toilets throughout Brighton which do not have changing facilities, some of which may require a RADAR key. The location and facilities of these toilets are available in this PDF. 

Disabled parking is available throughout Brighton for blue badge holders. Charges apply in certain situations, always make sure to read the signs when entering any carpark to confirm whether the parking is free. For more information on where you can park visit the council website here.

Where to stay in Brighton

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Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Suggested by Anisa, Two Traveling Texans

Aldeburgh is a pretty little seaside town located along the Suffolk Coast about 20 miles south of Southwold.  It’s a popular destination because of its famous fish & chips shop, boutique shops, public art, beach, and historic pubs.  You may have also heard of the Aldeburgh Carnival which has been held each August for the last 170 years. Golfers will enjoy the challenge of the Aldeburgh Golf Club, which has one of the highest rated courses in England.

Be prepared for a line at both Aldeburgh Fish & Chips and the Golden Galleon.  The fish & chips are worth the wait! Next, check out some of the boutique shops along Aldeburgh High Street.  Then take a walk along the pebble beach to the infamous Scallop sculpture. Don’t be surprised to find kids on it, climbing is actually encouraged. If you are still hungry, you can have afternoon tea at the Brudenell Hotel later. There are also several traditional English pubs to choose from including the Mill Inn and Ye Olde Cross Keys.

Disabled access information:

Aldeburgh Golf Club allows registered guide dogs on site and says that they are disabled friendly, but it is recommended to contact them to confirm how they can accommodate access needs. The Aldeburgh Fish & Chips and The Golden Galleon do not have step-free access. Some of the shops along the high street may have wheelchair access or ramps available. Aldeburgh cinema has a hearing loop and wheelchair access. If you’d like to visit a traditional English pub, The Railway Inn on Leiston Rd has facilities for people with disabilities.

Disabled parking bays for blue badge holders are available in the following car parks: King Street, Oakley Square, Fort Green and Thorpe Road. Accessible toilets are available at 3 councils operated car parks; Fort Green, Moot Hall, West Lane. These toilets require a RADAR key. and are open 6.00am to 8.00pm between Easter and October, and 7.00am to 5.30pm between October and Easter. There are no adult changing facilities in any of these toilets. The nearest accessible toilet with an adult changing facility is located in Martello Park in Felixstowe.

Where to stay in Aldeburgh

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Herne Bay, Kent

Suggested by Alice Teacake at Teacake Travels

Nestled between Margate and Whitstable, Herne Bay is a seaside town of rustic charm! Having, for the most part, escaped the gentrification that swept its neighbours, its attraction is in its unassuming simplicity. A walk along the pier and a dip in the sea during the warmer months are both small pleasures I look forward to when visiting Herne Bay. For nature and history lovers the Reculver Walk will hit the spot for sure so bring your binoculars, look out to sea and you might just spot some dolphins and seals! I then recommend checking out the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Church and the Reculver Towers. You can still see remains of the Roman fort that the site started off as way back in the 3rd century!
 
For such a small town, Herne Bay has its fair share of decent cafes. Two of my favourite new additions are the Cosy Cat Cafe, where you can chill with a latte in one hand and feline friend in the other. And the Very Vintage cafe, oozing with vintage charm is a delight. Its sofa by the window is the perfect spot for a tasty snack while reading the Sunday paper or a good book. No visit to a British seaside town is complete without a trip to a fish and chip shop too eh? Luckily Herne Bay isn’t in short supply of places serving up battered goodness. Get it to go, wrapped up in paper with plenty of salt and vinegar, then head to the beach and tuck in. Just watch out for those pesky seagulls!

Disabled access information:Herne Bay’s town centre is fairly flat, without cobblestones making it suitable for those using a wheelchair. While the full Reculver Walk is not deemed wheelchair accessible, there is an easy access path that is suitable for wheelchairs along the coastal path between Minnis Bay to Reculer Country Park. This is a 3.75mile walk though so it won’t be suitable for everyone. For more information on this path, visit Explorekent’s site here. The Cost Cat Café has accessibility accommodations in place for those with limited mobility, although they do request that you contact them in advance so they can re-arrange tables to suit your needs. You can find their contact information here.

Herne Bay has a good selection of disabled toilets accessible with a RADAR key. These are located at Reculver Country Park, Herne Bay Cemetery, Kings Hall, Market Street, the Council Offices on William Street, at the Bandstand, Beltinge, William Street and the Wetherspoons pub, “The Saxon Shore” in Central Parade. Disabled parking is available for blue badge holders throughout Herne Bay in council-operated car parks. Some of these car parks allow blue badge holders to park for free, for up to 3 hours but make sure to check what the rules are when using any car park.

Where to stay in Herne Bay[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”51.373, 1.12857″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Newquay, Cornwall

Suggested by Julianna at The Discoveries Of

Newquay is one of my favourite seaside towns in England – not only does it boast some stellar beaches, but it’s also a cool and quirky town that’s an absolute joy to spend time in. Start by trying your hand at a true local passion – surfing. Consistent swells and warmer temperatures mean that it’s one of the best places in the UK to surf. There are plenty of surf schools to teach you the ropes and have you surfing like a pro (kind of) in no time. Newquay has a plethora of beaches to choose from – it would be a shame to visit and not spend some time exploring them. Fistral Beach is right in the centre of town, while the gorgeous Crantock Beach and Watergate Bay are a little further away. Of course, there’s more to do than spending time on the beach – local National Trust property Trerice is well worth spending some time in, or you can strap on your hiking boots and tackle the local section of the South West Coast Path.

Disabled access information:

Newquay has off-terrain wheelchairs available for hire on some of its beaches. One off-terrain wheelchair is available at Towan Beach, and two available at Fistral Beach. You need to reserve these wheelchairs in advance to ensure they’re available for your visit. These wheelchairs are free to hire but you need to leave either Photo ID or the wheelchair you’re temporary replacing as a form of security, which you get back when you return the wheelchair. More information on how to hire these chairs can be found here.

A disabled toilet is located around 100 meters from the Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre, there is a 20p charge for this toilet. Newquay does not operate on the RADAR scheme, and most public toilets do charge a fee. Non-self propelling wheelchairs can be tired from the Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre, for £7 a day or £35 a week with a £50 cash deposit. Information on how to hire these wheelchairs is available here.

Blue badge holders can only park for free at council-run car parks, in Cornwall if they have registered with the Cornwall Council beforehand, and their car is tax exempt or has been adapted for the driver. If you are a non-EU citizen and wish to use your blue badge to park, you can supply information to Cornwall Council to get permission to use your badge while on holiday in Cornwall. Information on how to do this can be found here. On-road disabled parking is available in for up to 2 hours as long as you are not causing an obstruction, in loading bays or private permit areas. You can find disabled parking bays located at Grovenor Avenue, Beachfield Avenue and Newquay Harbor.

Where to stay in Newquay

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Marazion, Cornwall

Suggested by Suzanne at Meandering Wild 

St Michael's Mount near Marazion in Cornwall

Marazion is small seaside town in the far southwest of Cornwall.  It is just a few miles from the larger town of Penzance but has much more character.  There are some small independent shops and little cafes plus pubs so finding food, somewhere to stay and browsing is easy.  The main road through the village runs parallel to the large sandy beach which is perfect for body boarding and paddling or just sitting in the sunshine and watching the world go by.  However, the biggest draw to Marazion is St Michaels Mount.  At low tide, you can walk across a stone causeway to the castle on the island and at high tide, a small ferry boat will take you across to the island.  The castle is restored with a small village by the harbour.  It is like stepping back in time as you explore the island. To get to the castle itself there are some steep steps, but there are seats all the way up so you can pause and admire the views.   Marazion is also a great base for exploring the tip of Cornwall.  It is just a short drive from Lands End as well as the rugged north Cornish coast with the remains of tin mines and secret beaches.

Disabled access information:

The best way to get to St Michael’s Mount is using the causeway although it is covered in cobbles so it can be difficult to navigate over.  The paths around St Michael’s Mount are rough, uneven and rocky, with no handrails available so it is not recommended to try to navigate over them when using a wheelchair or if you have limited mobility. It’s not currently possible to go access the summit when using a wheelchair. You can still visit the village and many of the shops and cafes have portable ramps available, and the garden’s lawn is accessible. However, there are cobblestones, steps and uneven pathways as you try to go towards the summit making it inaccessible. During high tide, it is possible for wheelchair users to take the boat, but there is step only access at both the mainland and harbour landing points. Guide dogs are allowed at St Michael’s Mount.

There is currently one motorised trampler available to hire in the village at St Michael’s mount, for more information go here. Disabled parking for blue badge holders is available at the slipway car park and at Follyfield. Accessible toilets are available at the harbour front and east side of the island. There is currently no changes places toilet available in Marazion, if you need to use adult changing facilities you’d need to travel to of these locations: Poppies, Belgravia Street, Penzance TR18 2BL or The Lescudjack Centre, Penmere Close, Penzance TR18 3PE. Marazion Beach has ramp access from western car park, but it is not recommended to go on a sandy beach with a normal wheelchair.

Where to stay in Marazion

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Bournemouth, Dorset

Suggested by Rebecca Rayner at Rayner En Route
Bournemouth beach huts

Bournemouth is the epitome of a seaside town. In the summer hoards of sunseekers head to the seven-mile stretch of sand that is Bournemouth beach. There’s more to do in Bournemouth than grabbing your bucket and spade and practising your sandcastle making skills. Enjoy the grade II listed town centre gardens that date back to the Victorian era for a game of crazy golf. For cocktails with a view, visit Aruba which is located on the famous Bournemouth Pier. One of my favourite things to do in Bournemouth is grabbing a takeaway fish and chips from Harry Ramsden’s and sit on the beach, watching the waves and making sure a seagull doesn’t nick my chips.

To see more of the area on your weekend break, there are a few excursions you can take. Visit Poole to marvel at the houses in Sandbanks, the worlds most expensive coastal real estate. Take a trip to Brownsea Island. The whole island is owned by the national trust and is a haven for red squirrels.

Disabled access information:Bournemouth’s seafront has a decent level of accessibility and is probably one of the best in the country for wheelchair access.  There is a wheelchair accessible land train that runs from Alum Chine to Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier. There are disabled friendly beach huts available for hire at Boscombe beach that give access to electric scooter charging points, disabled parking, wooden pathways down to the beach and a changing places facility. Beach-going wheelchairs are also available to hire from the Boscombe beach office. There are three fully accessible Clift lifts to allow you to get down from the cliff edge to the beach.

Disabled parking is available at the Undercliff Drive promenade car park, which gives access to Sea Road and Boscombe Pier. If you are exempt from road tax, you can contact the Bournemouth parking team to be exempt from paying parking charges.

Accessible toilets are available using a RADAR key. These are located at: Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Bournemouth West by the arcade, Bournemouth Pier entrance, Bournemouth east (by the beach office), by Prom at Boscombe Cafe, Boscombe Overstand, Portman Ravine, Fisherman’s Walk, Gordon’s Zig zag and Southbourne. A changing places toilet is also available, but you need to get the key from Boscome Beach Office. For more information on accessing any of the disabled huts, trains, toiles etc visit the Bournemouth council site here

Where to stay in Bournemouth

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Exmouth, Devon

Suggested by Bradley Williams at Dream Big, Travel Far

Exmouth Harbor

After going to university in Exeter for 4 years, it’s fair to say that I came to know Exmouth pretty well. It was a common post-exam beach destination when the sea was calm and the weather was nice. Even since graduating, I’ve returned to Exmouth a few times and consider it one of the nicest seaside towns anywhere in England. I have long been a fan of the West country, as growing up we spent many of our summer vacations caravanning down in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. I grew fond of Exmouth seeing as it’s not quite as hectic and busy as many other locations in the UK. But you’ll still find everything you need to have a great time there. This includes arcades, restaurants, bars, white sandy beaches and even mini golf! The area seems to have recently undergone heavy investment and there are new apartments and hotels in Exmouth and nearby areas. But my favourite thing to do in Exmouth remains to be taking long walks along the beach and the nearby cliffs, which offer spectacular views on a clear day.
 

Disabled access information:

Many of the arcades, restaurants and bars in Exmouth are accessible or have a ramp available to make them accessible. Although the beach is quite difficult to access if you have any mobility limitations, and the handrails disappear before you’re fully onto the beach. Queen’s Drive Space which is located on the seafront is accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, with a disabled accessible toilet available inside the Events Space, and at the Rowing Club.

Most of the disabled toilets in Exmouth do require a RADAR key., except for the toilets at Manor Gardens and Queens Drive (West End) which have been refurbished and no longer require them.

Blue badge holders can park for free in council-operated car parks in Exmouth. You can park for up to 3 hours on yellow lines free of charge, as long as you are not causing an obstruction, or if there is a single or double yellow bar marked on the edge of the pavement. For more information on parking, visit the Devon council site here.

Where to stay in Exmouth[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”50.61723, -3.40233″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Portsmouth, Hampshire

HMS Victory in Portsmouth

Suggested by Ryazan at Everything Zany

Portsmouth, a seaside town on the southern coast of England.  It has been one of the main ports of the UK and a centre of the great British maritime history. Portsmouth is definitely one of the best places to visit in the UK. Most especially if you love maritime history.  One of the popular attractions in Portsmouth is the old navy galleon ships that can be found in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. A few of the great maritime treasures can be found here like the HMS Victory and HMS Mary Rose.

HMS Victory is one of the prime warships of the Royal Navy since 1758. She was known for serving Lord Commander Nelson as his flagship on the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.  Inside the ship, you can find a memorial spot where Lord Nelson died during the battle. HMS Mary Rose is a Tudor naval warship that was built in 1510. She served the British Navy in defence with France, Scotland and Brittany. She sank in battle in 1545 and was raised again in the 1980s.  The restoration project took a few decades. Now the Mary Rose Museum is one of the most visited attractions in Portsmouth Historical Dockyard.

Disabled access information:Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has some level of accessibility however they advise that some areas of the dockyard might pose some difficulty, as it is still a working dockyard. The Trafalgar Sail is not currently at all accessible for wheelchair users and the accessibility to other ships varies and may be limited. Three disabled toilets are available at the dockyard, and Shopmobility offers wheelchair hire at the visitor’s entrance. Disabled parking is available on site. For more accessibility information or to book a wheelchair, Historic Dockyard website here.

Disabled parking for blue badge holders is available in Portsmouth at most of the public car parks, parking charges and time limits may apply. Disabled toilets in Portsmouth operate on the RADAR key scheme. A map showing where public disabled toilets can be found is available here.

Where to stay in Portsmouth[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”50.79899, -1.09125″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Swanage, Dorset

Suggested by Helen, Helen on her Holidays

One of my favourite places for a seaside break in England is Swanage. Whether you’re looking for windswept beaches, quaint villages or quirky attractions, there’s something for everyone in this little corner of England.
 
Swanage sits at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, which stretches almost 100 miles along the south coast of England, but there’s no need to travel too far from Swanage itself to find things to do. One must-do is taking a steam train to the impossibly-gorgeous village of Corfe Castle. Atmospheric, honey-coloured stone houses nestle around the market square, towered over by the romantic, ruined castle which gives the village its name. As well as being a beautiful place for long walks, Studland Beach, just north of Swanage, also has an interesting history. During World War II, the British army practised for the D-Day landings here, and you can still see army pillboxes and the huge concrete bunker where the King observed the exercises. A little further around the coast, you’ll find the natural stone pillars of Old Harry’s Rocks, and the ferry to Sandbanks, which has some of the UK’s most expensive houses.
 
If you’re fascinated by abandoned places, you have to visit Tyneham ghost village. Tyneham was once a small but thriving village but was requisitioned by the army in 1943. Today, curious visitors can walk around the ruined houses and post office, and hear stories from the people who used to live here in the restored schoolhouse.
 

Disabled access information:Most of the steam trains in Swanage are accessible using a ramp, and all stations they operate at, have step-free access. Most train stations do not have disabled toilets on site, but there are public disabled toilets nearby that you can use. Most of the disabled toilets in Swanage do operate on the RADAR key scheme. Studland Beach has designated disabled parking spots in all car parks, along with beach-friendly wheelchairs available to hire from the Visitor Centre. The Knoll Beach site at Studland has a wheelchair accessible toilet that operates on the RADAR key scheme. There is a cafe at the Knoll Beach site that has ramp access and a hearing loop. The shop at Knoll Beach is also accessible. Tyneham ghost village has access for wheelchair users, with disabled parking and accessible toilets available. Guide dogs are permitted but they request you be careful around livestock.

Where to stay in Swanage[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”50.609225, -1.962605″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Skegness, Lincolnshire

Suggested by Daniel James, Layer Culture

After spending most of my time backpacking around the world who’d think I’d entertain the beaches of northern England. Having grown up living in Sheffield I spent most of my summers visiting the lovely sandy beach at Skegness. For me, it’s only a 2-hour drive away and a great place to wander and watch the waves as they sweep along the coastline.
 
The beach has something for everyone, even if you’re travelling with dogs; they’ll absolutely love it, there are even dedicated areas to let them run and play off the lead. The beach is usually well looked after so if you visit in-season, you’ll not be disappointed by its presentation. One of the greatest points about the beach at Skegness though is the great selection of fish and chip shops you can find by the beach side. Fish, Chips and mushy peas is a must and you should not be allowed to leave without trying them first.
 
If sitting in a deckchair with the sight of the sea chomping on hot fish and chips isn’t quite enough to keep your weekend entertained. You can always stroll over to the boardwalk at Skegness Pier. It’s one of the traditional seaside activities that still exist and a great way to spend a few English pounds as you try your luck at winning one of the many prizes.

Disabled access information

Beach wheelchairs are available for hire in Skegness, from the Skegness Tourist Information & Box Office. A changing places toilet with changing facilities for adults is available at Briar Way Public Convenience, on Briar Way. Other accessible toilets are available throughout Skegness but require a RADAR key to access them.

Disabled parking is available in most of the off-street car parks through Skegness. Blue badge holders are allowed to park for up to 3 hours on double yellow lines, as long as there are no other restrictions (e.g. unloading only, or a single or double kerb dashes on the pavement).

Where to stay in Skegness[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”53.14362, 0.3363″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Scarborough

Scarborough

Suggested by Sherianne Higgins, OutOfOffice.Blog

Scarborough England was immortalized by Simon and Garfunkel and is a perfect weekend getaway. This resort town in North Yorkshire has two bays. The North Bay is full of colourful beach boxes facing England’s North Sea coast. The harbour sits on the South Bay. It has a Ferris Wheel, lighthouse and is full of fishing boats. There is a Coney Island-esque boardwalk along the South Bay full of amusement games and fish and chip stands. A funicular train next to an Italian garden connects the town centre and harbour making the city very easy to get around. Scarborough Castle sits up on the hill overlooking the city and is a must visit. Directly below the castle is St Mary’s church and English cemetery with the grave of author Anne Bronte. Go for a donkey ride on the beach, spend an evening out on Bar Street, visit the cute souvenir shops in the Town Center or browse the vintage fairground rides at the Scarborough Fair Collection. There’s something for everyone in Scarborough England!

Disabled access information:

Most of Scarborough Castle is accessible to wheelchair users, and an accessible toilet is available. The only exception is the keep, which is only accessible via steps. Disabled parking is available for blue badge holders. The castle has tour transcripts, and braille guides available. They also allow registered guide dogs on site. Some of the shops, cafes and bars in Scarborough have disabled access or ramps available. The Scarborough Fair Collection has level access throughout and plenty of room for mobility scooters and wheelchair users to move around. A disabled toilet is on sight. 

On-street parking is available for blue badge holders throughout Scarborough, and at off-site car parks within designated parking bays. Charges may apply. Public disabled toilets in Scarborough operate on the RADAR key scheme. On-street disabled parking is available throughout Scarborough and can be located using this map.

Where to stay in Scarborough

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Brancaster

Brancaster by Luxe Adventure Traveler

Suggested by Jennifer Dombrowski & Tim Davis, Luxe Adventure Traveler

Sitting on the Norfolk Coast, Brancaster is one of England’s best seaside towns for outdoor and wildlife lovers. The villages of Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe bookend a four-mile stretch of gorgeous coastline where loads of wildlife make the salt and fresh water habitats home. An enjoyable destination year round, you can give kite surfing a go in the summer months and enjoy the festive Christmas market in the winter. There’s also the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club located right alongside Brancaster Beach, where royals Prince William and Prince Harry have both been known to play a round. Or just stroll down the pristine Brancaster Beach, one of the UK’s most dog-friendly beaches.
 
Foodies will love Brancaster, too. The village is known for its mussels and excellent seafood. Try some of the delicious eateries in the area, or just purchase mussels and seafood from the stalls that line the staithe.

Disabled access information:

Brancaster beach has step-free access from the car park but the sand might be soft to begin with. There is an accessible toilet at the beach.  The coastal path has some level of accessibility, more information on the access is available here. The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club has buggies for hire for those that have difficulties getting around the golf course. There are no changing places toilets in Brancaster, the nearest one is located at: Manor Farm Barns, Glandford, Holt, NR25 7JP.

Where to stay in Brancaster[tp_hotelmap_widget coordinates=”52.96327, 0.6403″ width=500 height=500 zoom=12 subid=””]

Blackpool, Lancashire

Fylde Coast

Suggested by Chris and Heather Boothman, A Brit and A Southerner

When you think about stereotypical British seaside towns, it’s fair to say that Blackpool will likely be near the very top of many lists. Located along the Fylde coast in Lancashire, Blackpool epitomizes everything there is to love about the traditional seaside experience. Whether you are intrigued by the thought of sampling “Blackpool rock” or perhaps heading over to the Pleasure Beach to test your fear levels on some of Britain’s tallest rollercoasters, Blackpool is a place that is ideal for a weekend getaway.

For many, Blackpool will provide a love-hate relationship. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, perhaps you would be better opting for one of the alternative seaside resorts along the Fylde Coast (e.g. Lytham St. Annes). But if you visit Blackpool with an open mind, it’s one of those places you can quickly fall in love with. You are going to see everything from families enjoying an action-packed weekend to romantic couples wining and dining at the top of Blackpool Tower. Don’t forget, Blackpool is home to the iconic “ballroom” infamous for being centre stage for the aspiring celebrity dancers on BBC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”

Take a stroll along Blackpool beach or the newly renovated promenade while reading about all of the infamous British celebrities that frequently saw Blackpool as the place that made their careers. Dependent on the time of year you are visiting, this is a seaside town that attracts people from across the globe and for very good reason!

Disabled access information:

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has a priority queueing system in place for passengers who are unable to queue. You need to show medical evidence as to why you cannot queue, and you will be given a wristband which lets you have a priority access to the ride. They do offer discounted, or free carer tickets when you require a carer. Each ride at Blackpool Pleasure beach has different accessibility levels, and health and safety requirements can restrict what rides you’ll be able to access. To find out more information on their ride access, go here.
 
Blackpool Tower has access for disabled people via Bank Hey Street, and assistance dogs are allowed. The Tower is fully accessible to everyone, except those in mobility scooters but they will let you borrow a wheelchair if needed. They allow 1 carer per disabled person free entry to the tower, when showing proof of disability and purchasing a full price ticket. There are accessible toilets, and a changing place toilet available at Blackpool Tower using the  RADAR key scheme.
 
There are a lot of car parks available in Black Pool, and all of them have disabled parking spots available for those with blue badges. Some of these car parks may charge or limit how long you can stay for free.
 

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Whitby, North Yorkshire

Whitby

by Haley Pugh at BorderLass

Nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, Whitby boasts a dramatic coastline, quaint pubs, an ancient abbey, cobbled streets and endless fish ‘n’ chips. It’s also where Bram Stoker based his book ‘Dracula’.

Whatever the weather, there is always plenty to do.  Of course, being a seaside town there’s obviously a beach. Top of the list for most visitors is to visit the abbey. You can either climb the infamous 199 steps to reach it or use the nearby car park. Have a walk around the graveyard whilst you’re up there and see if you can find the graves with skull and crossbones – legend has it that they’re the graves of pirates… sadly that isn’t true, they are the graves of seamen.

Whitby has several museums, with the Captain Cook Memorial Museum being the most popular. Take a boat trip around the coast or 8a ride across the moors on a steam train that runs between Whitby and the market town of Pickering. Get off the train at Goathland to see where the TV series Heartbeat was filmed. The station a Goatland was also the station used in Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter film.

Whitby has a Goth weekend twice a year, but the black gothic icecream is available all year round. Try it and let me know what you think!

Disabled access information:

Whitby Abbey is accessible through the visitor centre using a lift that will take you to the grounds. They do have a path for wheelchair users to access the ruins, but it is made from gravel so might be hard to go over. They allow assistance dogs, have accessible toilets available and you can loan a wheelchair. Access to the nave is sadly only available via stairs. Audio and British Sign Language tours are available. Tactile exhibits are located in the visitor centre. Tour transcripts and large print sheets with a basic overview of the abbey are available.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum has access for wheelchair users to the ground and the first floor using a newly installed lift. The nearest car park is on Church Street, about 100 yards from the museum. They have ramps connecting the street entrance to the courtyard and ground floor of the museum. They have one disabled accessible toilet on site. Registered guide and assistance dogs are allowed on site but you may need to show proof that they’re registered, and they need to be wearing a jacket.

Accessible boat trips are available through Wetwheels Yorkshire, who specially design boats to make them accessible to disabled passengers. Check their site here for more information on their boats and how to book. Goathand station has some level of accessibility via steep ramps, and a foot crossing connecting the up and down platforms. They have a disabled toilet on the down platform, and one parking space available for blue badge holders in the station car park. Catering facilities and a gift shop with wheelchair access is available on the down platform, although you have to manoeuvre over cobbles.

Where to stay in Whitby

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