Wildflowers are blooming, wildlife is thriving, the water’s warming up and attractions are flinging open their doors after winter. May is one of the best months to get out and enjoy some of the UK’s finest coastal activities before the maddening crowds descend. Head for the shoreline and try some of our top ten activities and things to do by the coast during May half term.
1. Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Cornwall
While Cornwall is renowned for surfing, power kiting is one of the fastest-growing seaside activities in the UK. So why not try something different and chase the buzz of beach life with the wind in your sail? Kiting is an amazing family activity during an adventure-filled half-term holiday. Whether you simply want a power kiting intro with your toes in the sand, or want to hone your skills and try kitesurfing on the ocean, Ocean High will get you flying high in the beautiful Mounts Bay, Cornwall.
2. Hop on a Sealife Safari, Yorkshire
There’s nothing like hopping on a boat trip to come nose-to-nose with the incredible wildlife residing on our shores. In Scarborough, Becca Marie’s Sealife Safari heads down the coast to the Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, in search of puffins, gannets, seals, dolphins and even minke whales. The 12-seater boat ensures plenty of photographic opportunities and the chance to get up close and personal with incredible marine life in comfort. This is a great excursion for all the family to enjoy while on holiday in Yorkshire.
3. Visit a Coastal Garden, Isle of Skye
May is a magnificent month to take a twirl of some of the UK’s best coastal gardens. It’s also a fabulous time to experience the magic of the Isle of Skye before the midges and madness of summer. Head to Dunvegan Castle Garden during May half term and you can tunnel through woodland glades, feel the spray of the waterfall and be mesmerised by the beauty of the castle and gardens reflected in the shimmering water hemming this wild Scottish island.
4. Cycle the Tarka Trail, Devon
Unless you’re up for a calf-grinding coastal adventure, there’s no need to bike all 30 miles of this traffic-free route that winds through the backdrop of Henry Williamson’s classic children’s story Tarka the Otter. Many families choose to bite off the flat six miles hugging the coast from Braunton to Barnstaple, where you can Tarka-hunt along the banks of the River Taw, spot wildfowl on the mudflats and keep interest peaked with history and wildlife knowledge gleaned from the downloadable or audio guide. This is one of Devon’s most scenic bike rides and perfect for a day out during May Half term on the coast.
For other coastal activities in the area, check out our guide to seaside holidays in Devon.
5. Dip in a Wild Cove, Dorset
Wherever you holiday beside the sea this May half term, head off the beaten track to find a secluded spot to shed your clothes for a saltwater dip. Dorset’s Church Ope Cove deters the crowds with its steep descent through the woods and churchyards, so once you step onto the pebbly beach there’s barely a soul around to share the tranquil waters that are bound to lure you in for a swim. Take a look at the Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches book to find more secluded swimming coves dotted around Britain’s coastline.
6. Three Cliffs Bay Walk, Gower, Wales
Three Cliffs Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, and, unsurprisingly, the Three Cliffs Bay Walk is one of the most popular trails on the Gower Peninsula. Beat the summer crowds and hit the six-mile trail in May, tracing the three pointy cliffs past bone caves and a riverside fort, crossing the Pennard Pill River and padding along the ebbing tideline that reveals the three beaches of Tor Bay, Oxwich Bay and Pobbles Bay.
7. Half Term Adventures at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
From Cornwall to Scotland, there are many magical castles made for historic adventures around the coastline. Northumberland’s Bamburgh Castle sits beside the huge sandy beach, making a sublime location for a family day out this May half term. Here you can step back in time for a fun-packed visit to this mighty fortress, where you can learn about its incredible past with a Viking Warrior, be crowned ‘king’ or ‘queen’ of the north, and let off steam in the adventure playground.
8. Take a Chairlift to the Needles Landmark, Isle of Wight
Visit the iconic seaside destination of the Isle of Wight this half term and take a chairlift ride to the top of the Needles. Soak up the breathtaking views as you are lifted up above the coloured sands, and collect your own sand from the beach to make a unique souvenir. As well as paddling in the sea and pleasure cruises, you can also enjoy an array of family entertainment from a 4D cinema to a Jurassic Golf Course.
9. Get colourful at a Coastal Carnival, Eastbourne, East Sussex
You’ll find plenty of seaside festivals and carnivals celebrating the onset of summer around our coastline. The biggest seafront carnival in the Southeast kicks off on 27 May in Eastbourne, where more than 1,500 people join the colourful parade, and more than 25,000 supporters come to enjoy a vibrant day of live music and entertainment. Join in the fun if you’re heading to East Sussex for a half-term break in May.
10. Get Dizzy at Dreamland Theme Park, Margate, Kent
Less than two hours from London, hop into the cool seaside town of Margate and have a fun-packed day out at one of the UK’s most famous theme parks. At Dreamland the whole family can get their fill of full-throttle rides, retro rollerskating, art and entertainment. And once you’ve maxed out on the amusements, you can slink into the chic waterside town for a shopping, art and culture fix, too. If you’re in the area for the whole half-term week, take the time to explore the beaches, reserves and other towns on the beautiful Kent coast.
Book A Coastal Cottage For May Half Term
There’s still time to book a cool coastal cottage for the May half term so you and your family can enjoy buckets full of seaside fun. Check out our last-minute availability for May half term, or use our date filter to find the perfect coastal getaway for you and your family.
