When it comes to family-friendly holidays, the UK is full of hidden gems offering sandy shores, picturesque views, and plenty of space for little ones to run and explore. Beach walks are not only a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, but they also offer an opportunity for bonding, adventure, and relaxation. Here are some of the best family-friendly beach walks around the UK that are perfect for families with children!
1. St Ives, Cornwall – Harbour Beach to Porthminster Beach
Cornwall is famous for its stunning coastline, and St Ives is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxed beach walk. Start at Harbour Beach, which is sheltered and safe for young children, and wander along the seaside paths to Porthminster Beach. The walk is relatively short, just under a mile, and provides spectacular views over the town and the turquoise waters. Children can enjoy building sandcastles, splashing in the shallows, or exploring the small rock pools. St Ives itself offers family-friendly cafes and galleries to explore after your beach walk, making it a great day out for all ages.
2. Cromer Beach, Norfolk – Cromer Pier to West Runton
Cromer Beach is a fantastic location for a family beach day with easy access, scenic views, and plenty of space to spread out. The Cromer Pier to West Runton walk is a gentle route, offering the chance to stroll along the shoreline while enjoying views of the iconic pier. Children will love searching for shells, paddling in the water, and spotting crabs among the rocks. The beach is also home to the famous Cromer crabs, making it an exciting spot for kids interested in marine life. Plus, the quaint seaside town of Cromer offers plenty of places to grab fish and chips for lunch!
3. Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales – Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay, often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, offers a more peaceful and scenic walking experience. It’s a bit off the beaten track, which makes it perfect for families looking for a quieter experience. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path leads to this secluded bay, and although the walk down to the beach involves a steep path, it’s totally worth it for the clear waters and golden sands. The beach is great for families with younger children, as there’s plenty of space for picnics and games, and the water is shallow for paddling.
4. Blackpool Sands, Devon
Blackpool Sands, located near Dartmouth, Devon, is a family-friendly beach with soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s perfect for a more leisurely beach walk along the coastline, with access to a well-maintained path that takes you along scenic coves and woodland areas. The walk is relatively flat and gentle, making it ideal for younger children to join in without too much exertion. The beach itself is also perfect for families, with designated safe swimming areas, a café, and even a play area for children.
Learn more: blackpoolsands.co.uk
5. Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
Bamburgh Beach offers a stunning backdrop with its famous Bamburgh Castle standing tall against the sky. The beach stretches for miles, providing ample space for children to explore and play. The Bamburgh to Seahouses walk takes you along the coast with spectacular views of the castle and the Farne Islands in the distance. Along the way, families can spot wildlife, collect seashells, and enjoy the wide-open spaces. The sand is soft and clean, perfect for building sandcastles or having a relaxed picnic on the beach. Seahouses, just a short walk from Bamburgh, has a range of family-friendly cafes and ice cream shops, making it a great place to finish your day.
6. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire
Whitby is a charming town with a famous harbour, winding streets, and a stunning coastline. The Whitby to Sandsend walk offers beautiful coastal views, as well as plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy the beach and explore the cliffs. The route is about two miles long, making it a manageable walk for young children. Along the way, families can enjoy pebble beach walks, rock-pooling, and taking in the fantastic views of Whitby’s Abbey. Whitby also has a fascinating history and many attractions that children will love, including the chance to enjoy a boat trip or sample the town's famous fish and chips.
Learn more: visitnorthyorkshire.com
7. Formby Beach, Merseyside
Formby Beach is a great choice for families looking for a diverse experience. Situated on the outskirts of Liverpool, the Formby Beach Walk takes you through sand dunes, woodland, and coastal areas that children will love to explore. The walk is relatively easy, and families can enjoy spotting wildlife such as red squirrels and rare birds. The beach itself has soft sand and shallow waters, making it safe for children to paddle. There’s also the chance to explore the nearby nature reserve and picnic in the designated areas. Formby Beach is perfect for an adventurous day out with children.
8. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
If your family is up for a bit of a trek, Sandwood Bay in the far north of Scotland is a hidden gem worth the effort. Although the walk to this remote beach is a bit longer—about 4 miles each way—it's an adventure the whole family will enjoy. Sandwood Bay is one of Scotland's most unspoiled beaches, with dramatic cliffs and wild landscapes. It’s a perfect spot for children who enjoy exploring and playing in nature. There’s plenty of space to run around, and the beach is quiet, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind together.
9. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset
For families looking for a more traditional beach experience, Bournemouth Beach is a fantastic option. The sandy beach stretches for miles, with easy access, family-friendly facilities, and beautiful views over the English Channel. Take a leisurely walk from Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks, passing through gardens, sandy shores, and even a few amusement arcades to entertain the little ones. The flat, wide beach is perfect for families with strollers or younger children, and there are lots of activities available, from beach volleyball to paddleboarding. The beach also has great cafes and ice cream parlours to fuel up after your walk.
Learn more: bournemouth.co.uk
10. The Isle of Wight – Compton Bay
If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Wight, Compton Bay is one of the best spots for a family beach walk. The beach itself is known for its soft sand and safe waters, making it perfect for kids to play and paddle. The walk from Compton Bay to Freshwater Bay offers stunning views of the white chalk cliffs and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, children can explore rock pools and enjoy spotting fossils. The beach is quieter than some other spots on the island, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy a peaceful family day out.
From the dramatic cliffs of the Scottish Highlands to the soft sands of Cornwall, the UK is home to countless family-friendly beach walks. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply a place to relax by the sea, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your bags, bring your buckets and spades, and set off to explore the stunning coastlines of the UK with your little ones! You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy walking!