Burnham-on-Sea beach

The beach at Burnham-on-Sea stretches along the Somerset coast with a proper working-class feel - the sort of place where families have been coming for generations rather than somewhere trying too hard. The long sandy shore opens up at low tide, revealing acres of flat sand ideal for running around, building castles, or just walking further than seems sensible. The seafront has that classic English seaside charm: a Victorian pier, amusement arcades, and enough fish and chip shops to keep everyone fed.

It's genuinely good for families with younger kids. The gradual slope into the water means they can paddle without you having a heart attack, and the wide beach means there's space to breathe even in summer. Older children and teenagers might find it a bit tame unless they're keen on donkey rides or traditional seaside entertainment - it won't compete with theme parks. For walkers, the coastal path offers decent stretches in both directions, though the views are more flat-and-endless than dramatic.

The beach is free to access, which is refreshing. Summer weekends get rammed, so aim for weekdays or shoulder seasons if you can. Allow a good three to four hours if you're planning a proper beach day. The holiday parks - Haven Burnham-on-Sea Holiday Village and Lakeside Holiday Park are both within spitting distance - make it easy to base a week here without needing your car constantly. If you're after traditional seaside rather than scenery, it's worth the stop.