Bournemouth Beach

Seven miles of golden sand backed by colourful Victorian beach huts and the famous pier - Bournemouth Beach delivers exactly what it promises. You get the full seaside experience here: proper promenade with cafes and arcades, the sort of place where families spend entire days without running out of things to do.

The beach itself slopes gently into the water, which makes it excellent for children. The pier is the real focal point - you can stroll its length for free, though there are amusement arcades and a theatre if you want to spend money. On a clear day, the views along the Dorset coast stretch far enough to remind you why people queued up to build their villas here in the 1800s.

It's busy in summer, especially around Christchurch, which sits just inland. If you're base-camping at Meadowbank Holidays or Sandhills, you're looking at a twenty-minute drive, depending on traffic. Worth it for a day trip, though the beach gets rammed with families during school holidays. Go in May or September if you want something less chaotic.

The seafront itself is free - you pay for parking and whatever you eat or do on the pier. Allow a full day if you've got kids; a few hours suffices if you're after a walk and an ice cream. The promenade is flat and easy, not a proper hike, but it's pleasant enough if you're after a gentler outing alongside your park holiday.