Beaches for babiesWhile global warming is making Spanish beaches uncomfortably hot, even our neighbours on the Continent are flocking to the UK to discover the more temperate delights of the British coast and countryside. Read on for our guide to the best of British for your beach babies.
Blue flagsSince 1987, Blue Flags have been flying at beaches throughout Europe and the UK providing a comparison with coastal resorts across 22 countries. Obviously the only part of that to interest the average toddler is the Blue Flag itself but to the rest of us, Blue Flags are the assurance that the water your baby is splashing about in meets the highest recommended European guideline standards and the beach itself is clean and well managed. Alan Woods, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, says "The great strength of our coastline is that it has so many different things to offer. But while people visit it for a myriad of different reasons they insist on good facilities and clean sands when they get there." Why the beach?According to research by Keep Britain Tidy, around half of beachgoers like to visit the coastline for a walk and a nice lunch - whatever the time of year. Families in particular enjoy it because the open spaces let children run around and play. But British beaches could also be the answer to one of the biggest health problems facing society today - stress! TV and radio celebrity doctor Mark Hamilton is encouraging families to visit the beach. "With around five million people a year suffering from anxiety, the psychological benefits of being in these surroundings are important." Let's hit the beach!With so many British beaches receiving Blue Flag status, you really are spoilt for choice. But what if you want a little bit more than just splashing in the sea and building sand castles? Tranquillity in the NorthwestAinsdale Beach If it's tranquillity you're looking for then this popular beach with its warm golden sands is ideal. Never overcrowded, there's plenty to keep your children entertained including fabulous sand dunes which form part of a Local Nature Reserve. It's easily accessible by car or a bus service from nearby Southport and ramps provide easy access for buggies. Safety is paramount and the beach has first aid, lifeguards and a lost child centre. Activities include kit surfing, parakarting and donkeys and the nearby village and shops mean everything is within walking distance. Yorkshire's SandsFiley Beach Filey beach has a glorious wide stretch of golden sand and an historical promenade where you and your family can soak up hours of fun. Your toddlers might be too young to enjoy the arcade but the crazy golf or pony rides along the beach will make up for that. And while your partner takes advantage of the water sports on offer, you can hire a beach hut, sit back and relax. Beach cafes mean you don't even need to pack your sandwiches, and safety features including lifeguards and a lost child centre will all help make for a relaxed day at the beach. Seashells in the East of EnglandThree Shells Beach This very popular compact, sandy beach is just minutes from Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world. Support from the local traders association means that the beach is exceptionally clean with daily valets. There's loads of play equipment for both younger and older children or you could visit the nearby Adventure Island Theme Park which has 19 Tiny Tots rides suitable for children under 1 metre tall. Although there is no lost child centre, the beach is well patrolled by lifeguards and first aid facilities are readily available. The beauty of the SouthwestBournemouth, Alum Chine Always thought of as a retirement town, Bournemouth has gone out of its way to shed this image and entice families to its glorious stretches of golden sandy beaches. Admittedly I am somewhat biased having grown up just minutes from these shores but Bournemouth beaches are hard to beat. Almost anything you could need is available to hire including beach huts, deck chairs, sun loungers, parasols and windbreaks. A regular land train service connects the Chine with Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. No matter how young, your children will love the Treasure Island themed children's play area which takes its inspiration from author R L Stevenson who lived and wrote in a house in the Chine. Or keep them amused in the free children's paddling pool. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach and promenade, the cliffs feature a Green Flag award winning sub-tropical garden which provide an oasis of tranquillity. Plenty of cafes and restaurants, as well as ice cream parlours for the kids and the usual safety features make Bournemouth an ideal family beach holiday. Traditional SoutheastLeysdown Beach If it's a traditional British beach holiday you're looking for then this seaside resort near Sheerness can provide you with everything that the British Seaside means. Okay, maybe you still won't see too many knotted hankies but you could lose yourself (or the children) in a plethora of amusements, souvenir shops or variety of cafes, takeaways and pubs. On the other side you'll find the Spinney, a grassy picnic area with attractive flower beds and a younger children's play area. Like many of our beaches, Leysdown is patrolled by lifeguards and has first aid facilities and with its shallow waters and excellent amenities is the perfect place to keep the whole family entertained. Fife of ScotlandBurnt island Beach Overlooking the Firth of Forth, this sandy beach has naturally occurring rock pools for your children to explore while you visit the modern leisure centre. Or else you could visit the Seaside Park, crazy golf course, bouncy castles or summer fairground. With so much going on it's easy to see why this is great for family beach trips in Scotland. Day trips in WalesWhitmore Bay This soft, sandy beach in Barry Island Bay is particularly popular with day trippers. Barry Island is bristling with amusements, fairground rides and entertainments along the promenade. Throughout the summer the streets are filled with music and street performers which are sure to be a hit with the kids. Local shops and cafes will help with the necessities and safety measures include lifeguards, first aid and lost child centre. More and more British beaches are achieving higher standards of cleanliness and gaining the Blue Flag status. Alan Woods says, "We have banished the tacky image of dirty sands, clapped-out amenities and polluted water to the dustbin of history - and people are genuinely enjoying our coastline again. You can enjoy everything from a morning catching the surf to a lively night out on the town." What better reason to introduce your own beach baby to the British coast. Where to next?
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