The three best UK seaside towns for a staycation holiday this summer
THESE chic seaside spots are three of the UK’s most popular staycay destinations — which will you choose?
Sandy Salcombe in Devon, social media-famous Kent town Deal and Cowes on the Isle of Wight are the very best the UK has to offer.
Salcombe, Devon
THE PAD: Is there a smugger feeling than scoring unseasonably warm weather on a staycay? Strike it lucky in Salcombe and you’ll be gazing across the waterfront from your private balcony.
Perfectly located near sandy beaches, boutiques and eateries, 36 The Salcombe is on the third floor of a Victorian building converted into holiday flats, set in pretty communal gardens with exclusive use of a heated outdoor pool.
Newly refurbished, there’s a generous living space, with a super-comfy sofa, kitchen and cosy bedroom that sleeps two with room for a toddler. There’s even a boat mooring available.
EXPLORE: South Sands is one of Devon’s most unspoilt beaches, and with shallow waters and shelter from the sea winds, it’s ideal for little ones.
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Get there on the legendary sea tractor, a colourful ferry bedecked with bunting that operates between the beach and central Salcombe. Adult tickets cost £4.65, and £3.65 for under-16s ().
Swing by family-run Bo’s Beach Cafe for a coffee (). Ten minutes by car, North Sands is also worth a visit. With car parks close to the beach and disabled access, it’s a family fave. Weather on the turn? Salcombe is a shopper’s paradise, with retro sweet shops and fab art galleries.
REFUEL: Dining doesn’t get much more relaxed than at The Winking Prawn, which is so close to North Sands beach you can have lunch in your swimsuit. The whole crab, served with chips, salad and bread, £21.45, is divine. Kids can choose a tasty baguette filled with ham, cheese or houmous for £3.25, but remember it’s cash only ().
No trip to this part of the world would be complete without an ice cream the size of your head from Salcombe Dairy, where flavours include banoffee, honeycomb and — our pick — stem ginger, from £2.50 (Salcombedairy.co.uk).
BOOK IT: A seven-night break at 36 The Salcombe costs from £723 ().
Back at The Rose for dinner, starters are so good it’s tempting to order several instead of a main — our pick is the grilled mushroom and brown-butter crêpe, £10. But that would mean missing out on the best burger we’ve had for years, with aged Alpine cheese and melted onions, £14.
DON’T MISS: A history buff? Take your pick from Deal Castle or the enchanting Walmer Castle And Gardens, both within a 20-minute walk ().
BOOK IT: Rooms cost from £125 a night, including breakfast ().
REFUEL: Murrays serves fab seafood at great prices, while kids have their own menu, including cod and chips and crowd-pleasing brownie with ice cream, £7.50 for two courses.
For grown-ups, start with salt and pepper squid followed by whatever takes your fancy on the fish of the day board, caught round the corner that very morning. Two courses cost £22.50 ().
While out and about, make a pit stop at Grace’s Bakery for lemon drizzle cake, £3.10 (). If you’re after a traditional pub lunch, The Anchor Inn has home-made pies, £12.95 ().
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DON’T MISS: High on a hill, Carisbrooke Castle has amazing panoramic views, inspiring gardens and donkeys. Entrance costs £11 for adults and £6.80 for kids ().
BOOK IT: Rooms cost from £90 per night, including breakfast ().