UK Beach Holiday Destination, with kids, but away from the crowds ?

Hi All,

Looking at a holiday in the UK this year with the wife my 5 year old and 8 month old. Done Devon and South East but looking for a beach destination with sufficient stuff for my daughter but somewhat away from the jams and crowds (oh..and the chavs, not to sound like a snob :wink:).

My daughter is very low maintenance, and is not into days after days of theme parks / attractions, but loves the beach and having something different to do.

Were based in Hebden so very central with regards the south, both coats and even somewhere like the Isle of Mull !!?.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Kev

Northumberland.

Stunning. Just stunning.

I mean, look at it;

Lovely people, lovely food, lovely beer, lovely countryside. All in all, a truly lovely place.

Just an offbeat suggestion but have you considered the North East? Stunning beaches, generally drier than the rest of Scotland, no crowds and the biking… well it’s pretty good 😉

St Andrews too far?

There’s a beech, castle, swimming pool, aquarium, and an awesome ice-cream shop all accessible without a car once you’re there, and other stuff locally you can drive to… theres a country park with an adventure playground and a wee railway. Spent many happy summers in that area as a kid. 🙂

no no no dont be coming up here. Stay away there is a really contagious disease going around Northumberland at the moment.

Yeah, Northumberland, and in particular Holy Island. Had several holidays there. Absolute peace when the tide’s in.
Alternatively have a look at the Fife coast between Elie & St Andrews: quiet coastline with a fine coastal path, rock-pools, beaches, harbours in each village etc, but a short train journey to Edinburgh.

another vote for Northumberland. Been last couple of yrs and heading there again in a few weeks time. Great for kids (age 6 and 9) and less than 2 hrs drive from home

Anglesey.

no no no dont be coming up here. Stay away there is a really contagious disease going around Northumberland at the moment.

Akshewally, I heard about this. Terrible news. The entire Northumberland coast area is rife with it. Best not go there. Leave it to the poor locals to suffer in silence.

😉

Seriously, though, Northumberland is one of the finest places in this land. Those who live there should be both proud and smug in equal measure. I love it as a place, it’s truly amazing.

St Andrews is great, lots to do but it will be busy with all the golfers. If you can make it that far, have a look at the Mallaig area, west of Fort William. There are some amazing beaches between Arisaig and Morar. Not many people up that way but there is quite a bit to do.

Try islay, wonderful beaches, very peaceful and a few distillerys to visit

Anyone know of a good campsite up that way (north east)? Looking for somewhere to spend a few nights in a campervan where the boy (2) can be kept occupied and where the wife can get a hot shower 🙂

What about North Pembrokeshire or Ceredigion? Scenery more than rivals Devon and Cornwall, lovely beaches, some great places to eat but always possible to get away from the hordes.

I live in Devon and love it, but this summer we’re going to Pembs to get away from the grockles!

Or if you really want to get away from it all then Wester Ross. We did a trip up there at Easter and it was fab. Stayed in Plockton, which was lovely, but also really liked the Applecross area which has some lovely sandy beaches.

Pembrokeshire is a great destination with huge beaches, all popular with some traditional and busy (Tenby) and others not (the Havens).

Bamburgh /Seahouses.

Northumberland. Seriously. Just Northumberland.

Bamburgh /Seahouses.

FTFY.

Seahouses is an utter hole. Sorry to say that after praising the area so much, but it’s a den of iniquity, lined with tat, almost as bad as the “Kiss me quick” tawdry tosh that lines Southend or Blackpool.

Of all the wonders of Northumberland, Seahouses isn’t one of them.

Northumberland looking a bit crowded at Dunstanburgh

Bamburgh is a nice place, but unfortunately the inhabitants ‘know it’ if you get my drift.
Kippers are good though.

Another vote for Pembrokeshire, St Davids and the surrounding area is stunning and far enough of the beaten track. Done Northumberland, it’s nice but not as good as Pembrokeshire, stunning beaches, surfing, sea kayaking, coasteering etc. Not so great for mountain biking though unfortunately!

proud and smug in equal measure

Nah more smug by a 70:30 ratio

Lived here all my life – people at work ask me “have you never fancied moving elsewhere” er let me think? NO!

Id rather have less cash but a better quality of life anyday.

Your all more than welcome in all honesty – there is no other work here now so we are learning to embrace tourism. Just remember to not bring any of your city ways with you.

We dont do noisy or fast paced up here.

😀

Great replies all, honestly realy appreciate all your comments. Cant believe I never really considered Northumberland as I have top memories of going there many times as a kid.

Again, thanks
Kev

West Wales, Anglesey, or the west coast of Scotland.

Another one for Northumberland. Lovely area.

Holkam beach in Norfolk takes some beating, we’ve stayed in blakeney close to cley, sheringham and Cromer, very quiet and unspoilt, thetford not too far away either.

Of all the wonders of Northumberland, Seahouses isn’t one of them.

You can buy orange fish cakes there. Orange! Fantastic.

We were in the amusements there a few weeks ago, it was like Phoenix nights.

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/beach-campsites

This could be your thing

Search for Dunstan steads campsite. Will tick your boxes i think

Another vote for Holkam beach or Wells next the Sea.

Stay in england, there’s nothing in Scotland apart from rain and midges. I know where I go on my holidays!

Northumberland, grew up there and still love going back.

Seahouses for fish and chips and boat out to the farne islands.

Also look at Alnwick Castle/Gardens, Cheviot hills and loads more to be seen.

and.

Stunning. Just stunning.

I mean, look at it;

Lovely people, lovely food, lovely beer, lovely countryside. All in all, a truly lovely place.

That was taken on the day it wasn’t raining up here. 😆

If you come to pembs.. give me a shout… you just need to know where to ride

And the wind had died down too Gorehound 🙂

Anglesey – just avoid Red Wharf Bay and Trearrdur bay and it’s very quiet. It’s the usual story of 10 mins walk from the car park and you’re on your own.
Aberfraw beach is stunning cos it’s a little walk from the car