Burnham-on-Sea

Miles of golden sand stretch as far as the eye can see, making this Somerset coastal town a proper seaside destination that feels refreshingly uncommercialised. Burnham-on-Sea sits where the River Brue meets the Bristol Channel, creating an expansive shoreline that's brilliant for long walks and beach games - though do watch those tides.

The town centre keeps things simple. No fancy boutiques or theme park crowds here, just traditional seaside charm with fish and chip shops, amusement arcades, and the sort of independent cafes where locals actually drink their morning coffee. The famous lighthouse on legs - a quirky wooden structure on stilts - stands as the town's most recognisable landmark, built to warn ships about the treacherous mudflats.

Beyond the beach, Brean Golf Club offers a decent round with coastal views, while the Somerset Levels stretch inland - a landscape of wetlands and ancient peat bogs that's fascinating if you fancy a change from sand and sea. The Mendip Hills rise to the east, providing excellent walking country when the weather turns.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The M5 runs close by, with Junction 22 your best bet, and Burnham-on-Sea railway station connects to Bristol and London via Bridgwater. It's roughly 30 minutes south of Weston-super-Mare if you need a bigger town for shopping or dining.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around makes perfect sense - you're bang on the coast with easy access to both beach and countryside. The area between Burnham and neighbouring Brean has loads of accommodation options, from traditional caravan parks to more upmarket lodges, all within walking distance of that magnificent stretch of sand.