There’s something about the British seaside at Easter that just works. The weather’s starting to warm up, while beaches feel lively without the peak-summer crowds. It’s the sweet spot for sandcastle competitions, long coastal walks and those first ice creams of the year.
If you’re planning on having one of the best beach holidays in the UK this spring, the following stretches of coast are what we rate as among the best family beaches UK wise. From classic seaside towns to quieter coves, here are some brilliant spots to consider for your Easter escape.
West Wittering Beach, West Sussex
For families in the south east, West Wittering Beach is often top of the list – and for good reason. It’s one of the best family beaches near London, sitting about two hours from the capital and offering a huge stretch of golden sand backed by grassy dunes. At low tide, the beach opens out into an enormous playground for kids so bring buckets and spades. The sand here is perfect for building elaborate castles and digging tidal channels.
There’s a well-run beach cafe near the car park serving hot drinks and snacks, but it’s also worth heading into nearby East Wittering village afterwards. You’ll find relaxed pubs and fish-and-chip spots that work well for families. If you’ve got energy left, follow the coastal path towards Chichester Harbour for an easy sunset walk.
Woolacombe Beach, Devon
Woolacombe beach is an absolute stunner. This enormous sweep of sand stretches for three miles along the North Devon coast and regularly appears on lists of the best beaches in England.
For those planning family activity beach holidays, it’s ideal. Surf schools run beginner sessions over Easter, rock pools appear at low tide and there’s plenty of space for classic beach activities like frisbee, paddle games and kite flying.
The village of Woolacombe has a laid-back feel with plenty of cafés and ice-cream shops. For a change of scenery, take a short drive to nearby Croyde Bay, another beautiful stretch popular with surfers and walkers. Baggy Point offers an easy clifftop route with incredible views and plenty of wildlife.
Tenby Beach, Pembrokeshire
Colourful houses, medieval walls and a sheltered bay make Tenby beach one of the most picturesque seaside spots in Britain. It’s easily one of the best beaches in the UK for families – especially if you like mixing beach time with exploring.
The sand here is wide and clean, and the town itself is compact enough to wander with kids. Grab lunch from one of the harbour cafés, then walk along the town walls for a different perspective of the coastline.
If you’ve got a car, nearby Saundersfoot makes a great afternoon trip with gentle coastal paths and welcoming pubs. This part of Pembrokeshire really shines in spring, when wildflowers start appearing along the cliffs.
Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
With seven miles of sand and family-friendly facilities, Bournemouth beach remains one of the most reliable and best family beaches in the UK.
The Victorian pier adds classic seaside fun – think arcades, ice cream and ocean views – while the promenade is great for bikes and scooters. During Easter, you’ll usually find pop-up stalls and events happening along the seafront. Take the land train or walk through the gardens into Bournemouth town centre for lunch. If you’re up for a short drive, the beaches around Sandbanks and Studland make a quieter alternative for an afternoon wander.
Kennack Sands, Cornwall
If you’re hunting for the best family beaches in Cornwall, Kennack Sands is a brilliant option. Tucked along the Lizard Peninsula, it feels slightly off the main tourist track but still has plenty of space and easy access. At low tide, the two beaches join into a large sandy stretch dotted with rock pools. Kids love exploring here – crabs, seaweed and tiny fish turn every rock into a mini nature hunt.
Stop at the small beach cafe for pasties and tea, then head to nearby Cadgwith, a traditional fishing village with colourful boats and a friendly pub overlooking the harbour.
Filey Beach, Yorkshire
On Yorkshire’s coast, Filey Beach delivers a quieter take on the traditional seaside holiday. It’s a long, flat stretch of sand backed by a gentle promenade – ideal for prams, scooters and family strolls. The shallow water makes it popular with younger children, while kite flyers and paddle boarders often gather along the open sands.
After a beach walk, explore the town itself or follow the Cleveland Way along Filey Brigg, where seabirds nest on the cliffs. It’s a great reminder that some of the best beaches in England sit far from the obvious tourist hotspots.
Viking Bay, Kent
If you’re searching for the best family beaches near London, Viking Bay in Broadstairs is hard to beat. The bay curves neatly around the harbour, creating a sheltered, traditional seaside setting with soft sand and colourful beach huts. Broadstairs itself is charming and compact. There are independent bakeries, ice-cream parlours and plenty of seafood restaurants along the seafront.
A short coastal walk will take you to Margate beach, where Turner Contemporary and vintage shops give the town a creative edge. It’s an easy way to combine beach time with something a little different.
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach, Norfolk
The huge skies of Norfolk create a dramatic backdrop for Wells-next-the-Sea beach. Rows of colourful huts sit above the dunes, while the sand stretches out for miles at low tide. This is a great choice if you’re travelling with pets too – there are dog-friendly beach sections, making it ideal for long walks.
Nearby Burnham Market is worth a visit for independent shops and cosy pubs. For more seaside exploring, head along the coast to Cromer Beach or try the quieter sands at Old Hunstanton Beach.
Planning your Easter seaside escape
Spring is a brilliant time to visit the coast. Beaches feel lively again and cafés reopen after winter. And because it’s not quite peak season yet, you’ll often get that perfect mix of atmosphere and space.
From Cornwall to Norfolk, Wales to Yorkshire, these are some of the best beaches in the UK for families – ideal for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools and making those first seaside memories of the year. Take a look at our selection of accommodation to book your dream family-friendly holiday today.
