Affordable UK Seaside Towns: Enjoy a Family Day for as Little as £25 Per Person
Sun, Sand, and Budget-Friendly Fun: Exploring Britain's Best Coastal Gems
Britain's coastline offers a wealth of sunny and sandy beaches that are perfect for a family day out. Here's a round-up of some of the most affordable and enjoyable seaside destinations across the country.
Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Situated in one of the sunniest spots on the Essex coast, Clacton-on-Sea is a popular choice for families. The beach here is sandy and budget-friendly, with local businesses and shops offering affordable prices. For a beachside stop, Flags Cafe offers an interesting menu, including curry, vegan options, and fantastic cakes, with a cheese toastie and a drink costing less than £5. However, crabbing on the pier will set you back £9 for a 'fishing licence'. Swimming in the sea around the pier is not recommended due to poor water quality, but Holland-on-sea is marked safe for a dip or a nice paddle to cool off. Parking costs £5 per day, but the car park at Clacton Pier gets full quickly, so opt for street parking closer to Holland-on-Sea.
Barry Island, Wales
Whitmore Bay in Barry Island is a huge crescent of golden sand that is ideal for families to have fun in the sun. The shallow water and gentle tide make it perfect for paddling and splashing around. Ice creams here are excellently priced too, with a scoop costing £1, and £1.50 if you want a flake. Parking on Barry Island is one of the more expensive beaches to park, at £12 for the day. The delicious pizza from the 'Pizza Boys' at Ffwrnes is only £8 and easily shareable.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth is a seaside town with a large sandy beach and a children's theme park called Joyland. The Beach Hut is a café in Great Yarmouth offering an affordable breakfast option. Joyland has rides priced separately, but the Super Snails ride costs £2.50. For a family-friendly activity, the Super Snails ride is a great choice.
Lowestoft, Suffolk
Lowestoft is a seaside town with over 30 miles of golden sand beaches. It's also the first place in the UK to see the sun come up. Parking at Claremont Pier car park near South Beach costs £4 for the whole day. Grelly's is a café in Great Yarmouth offering a hot sausage roll and chips for £3.60. 'Sunrise at Zaks' is a family-run coffee shop on the beach in Lowestoft, offering food and drinks at affordable prices. 'The Chippy' in Lowestoft is a fish and chip shop serving meals at low prices.
Covehithe Beach, Lowestoft
Covehithe Beach is a more remote beach that is only accessible by foot and has free parking. It's a great choice for those seeking a quieter day at the beach.
Estimated Costs for a Family Day Out
A family day out at the seaside can be quite affordable. Parking fees in seaside towns range from £5 to £10 per day, so assume about £8 for a day. For a family of four eating at cafés or casual dining near the beach or piers, an average meal might cost around £8-£12 per person, so budget £35-£45 for lunch/snacks during the day. Activities like beach access, walking along piers, and low-cost or free events like the Lowestoft Carnival can add entertainment without extra cost. A modest activity budget might be around £40-80 total for the family if doing one or two paid activities. The estimated total average day cost for a family of four is approximately £108.
In conclusion, Britain's coastline offers a variety of affordable and enjoyable seaside destinations that are perfect for a family day out. Whether you prefer a quieter day at the beach or a day filled with activities, there's a seaside destination for everyone.
Family-dynamics are important when planning a budget-friendly day out at Britain's coastal gems, as a family of four can expect to spend around £108 on a day trip, including parking, meals at nearby cafes, and activities such as the Super Snails ride in Great Yarmouth.Traveling to Barry Island, Wales, offers an opportunity to explore Whitmore Bay's golden sand, a family-friendly beach with an affordable ice cream cost of £1 per scoop, while taking advantage of the budget pricing in this family-oriented town, such as the delicious £8 pizzas from 'Pizza Boys' at Ffwrnes.
