The UK has genuinely brilliant beaches. Not Mediterranean brilliant, but that specific kind of brilliant where the kids sprint straight in despite the water temperature and come out with purple lips grinning from ear to ear. A beach day that requires a drive is also, in our experience, one of the best reasons to pack a proper car.
Here are six of our favourites for a family day trip by car, mixing the classics with a couple of less crowded spots that are worth the extra miles.
1. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Camber Sands is one of the few proper sandy beaches in the South East, and it genuinely delivers. The sand is fine, pale, and deep, the dunes are brilliant for kids who want to run and roll, and the beach is wide enough that even on a busy summer Saturday you can find your own space if you walk a bit.
- Parking: Three main car parks, all pay-and-display. Arrive before 10am in peak summer or you'll queue. Booking online in advance is now an option for the main car park and well worth using.
- Facilities: Toilets at the car parks, several cafes and beach shops along the approach road. Limited on the beach itself, so bring what you need.
- Sand: Fine and soft. Good for sandcastles but it gets in everything.
- Dogs: Restricted between May and September in the main beach area. There are dog-friendly sections outside the restrictions; check the local council website before visiting.
2. West Wittering, West Sussex
This is genuinely one of the nicest family beaches in England. The Blue Flag sand is gently shelving, the water is calmer than a lot of the south coast, and there's a large beach shop with everything you forgot. It's run by the West Wittering Estate so the whole site is well maintained. Yes, there's an entry fee per car, but it genuinely earns it.
- Parking: On-site car park, pay on entry. Gets busy fast, pre-booking available online in summer.
- Facilities: Excellent. Good loos, a beach shop, kite surf hire, and beach cafe. Well-maintained across the board.
- Sand: Fine, pale, and gently shelving. Good paddling depth for toddlers.
- Dogs: Allowed all year on the west section of the beach. Main beach has seasonal restrictions.
3. Holkham, Norfolk
If you want wide open space and you're prepared to drive east, Holkham is spectacular. The beach is backed by pinewoods and opens out into enormous flat sands that feel genuinely wild even when other people are there. The walk from the car park through the woods is part of the experience. Take the buggy or be prepared to carry small children for the last stretch on softer sand.
- Parking: National Trust car park with easy access. Good signing from the road. Less pressure than south coast beaches even in summer.
- Facilities: The Victoria pub and cafe in Holkham village is excellent for food. Limited facilities on the beach itself, which is part of its appeal.
- Sand: Fine and vast. The tidal flats are great for exploring.
- Dogs: Generally good for dogs, some seasonal restrictions on specific areas. Check before you go.
💡 Before you set off: Pack the car the night before for a beach day. Sunscreen, towels, swimwear, snacks, and wipes in an accessible bag. Keep children's drinks and road trip snacks in the CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser on the back of the front seat so everyone stays comfortable on the drive without you having to stop and unpack the boot at a service station.
4. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Rhossili regularly tops lists of the best beaches in the UK, and the view from the headland as you approach is genuinely one of the best in Britain. A long sweep of Atlantic-facing sand, consistent surf, and a proper sense of being somewhere wild. The walk from the car park to the beach is about 15 to 20 minutes and not buggy-friendly, so this is better suited to children who can walk independently.
- Parking: National Trust car park at Rhossili village. It fills up quickly in summer; aim for before 10am. There's limited overflow parking in the village.
- Facilities: The National Trust visitor centre has good toilets. A cafe at the car park end. Nothing on the beach itself.
- Sand: Long, wide, and firm enough for comfortable walking. Excellent surf but watch the currents; swimming conditions vary.
- Dogs: Generally welcome year-round, which is one of the reasons it's so popular with families with dogs.
5. Seaton, Devon
Seaton is the kind of beach that people who know Devon keep to themselves. It's a pebble and shingle beach rather than sand, but the Jurassic Coast backdrop, the relative lack of crowds compared to Sidmouth or Lyme Regis, and the decent town facilities make it a really solid choice. The Seaton Tramway is a proper bonus for kids who like trains.
- Parking: Seafront car parks, well signed. Much more manageable than Lyme Regis or Beer in peak season.
- Facilities: The town has everything you need, including good independent cafes and a leisure centre with showers.
- Sand: Pebble and shingle rather than sand. Better for older children who don't need to build sandcastles.
- Dogs: Allowed on the beach all year.
6. St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
St Andrews has two beaches and they're both wonderful. The West Sands (famous from Chariots of Fire) is a long, wide strip of pale sand perfect for running around on. The water is cold, even in August, but the setting is stunning. The town itself is lovely for a late lunch after the beach.
- Parking: Roadside parking near West Sands, free but limited. The town centre car parks are a short walk away.
- Facilities: Limited on the beach; the town has plenty. Worth timing lunch to coincide with getting changed.
- Sand: Wide, firm, and clean. Brilliant for building things and running races.
- Dogs: Generally welcome. Some seasonal restrictions on the main bathing area.
CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser
Keep snacks, drinks, and entertainment within reach on the drive to the beach. No more rummaging through the boot at service stations. 822 reviews, 4.3 stars. Free delivery with Prime.
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