Ten excuses to be beside the seaside this summer

The annual summer celebrations in this East Sussex coast town have undergone a reinvention for 2017, with an expanded Kings Road Market, lots of street theatre and performances to enjoy, pop-up live music shows and a Beach Zone busy with family-friendly activities. The festival’s colourful Grand Parade will begin at the restored Hastings Pier, and local shops will be taking part with workshops and other events in-store. www.stleonardsfestival.org

Get there by train with Southeastern to St Leonards Warrior Square or West St Leonards

This beautiful harbour town is transformed for all to enjoy for a nine-day feast of shows, outdoor arts, workshops, markets, walks and talks. This year’s theme being ‘Dream Marine’. Ramsgate Week and the Royal Temple Yacht Club’s famous regatta happen during the festival, too, and the beach is a focus for some fabulous events, like Opera on the Beach (July 22), Pirate Day! (July 26) and a twilight procession and fire display on Ramsgate Main Sands to close the festival. www.ramsgatefestival.org

Get there by train with Southeastern to Ramsgate

Soul and jazz fill the air as this colourful weekender takes over Margate. Expect live music, great DJing and soul boys and girls of all ages showing out in their finest gear. Headliners include Arrested Development and Candi Staton plus Latin/jazz hero Gerardo Frisina. There will also be lots of free, family-friendly street performances, carnival street parties and club nights. www.margatesoulfestival.co.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Margate

This internationally loved gathering of English and multi-cultural roots music has been going for over half a century, filling the town with all kinds of wondrous sounds and bringing a unique holiday vibe with it. With over 500 events across the week, and the Concert Marquee in the town's park as its hub, the festival also includes dances and ceilidhs in the Pavilion on the Sands, a Craft and Music Fair at Victoria Gardens and workshops from ukulele playing to clog dancing. There’s a dedicated campsite, too, if you fancy staying over. www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Broadstairs

This fortnight of events gets the summer holidays off to a fabulous start, around Dover and Deal. Organised by Up on the Downs, who work with local partners to care for and enhance the beautiful countryside between Dover and Folkestone, the festival’s activities include a Bat Walk and Talk, ‘Art in the Shelter’, a Weekend Wildlife Safari and a chance to take a closer look at a fort and a Martello tower. www.uponthedowns.org.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Dover Priory

From local community music events for toddlers and a magnificent Festival Mass (July 2) to live shows from stars like jazz legend Courtney Pine (July 1), Deal’s annual celebration of music has something for everyone. Be taken on a journey through tales of smuggling and shipwrecks, discover more about unsung classical composers and see the classic movie ‘Vampyr’ with a live score by Minima and Stephen Horne (July 13). www.dealfestival.co.uk 

Get there by train with Southeastern to Deal

For something a little different, head to Whitstable for this day out on Whitstable’s pretty Tankerton Slopes. Admire the immaculately-kept classic motors and bikes on show, browse the vintage stalls and take in the live entertainment. www.classicmusicandmotors.co.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Whitstable

Lower Leas Coastal Park, with its adventure play areas and beautiful views over the sea at Folkestone, is a great day out with the family throughout the summer, but this Sunday afternoon presented by JimJam Arts promises something extra special. Expect music, dance, crafts, fun activities and storytelling with a rich international flavour. Find out more via the event’s Facebook page.  

Get there by train with Southeastern to Folkestone Central

This annual festival, focused on Front Brents Green and the Town Quay in the centre of pretty Faversham is a lovely way to get waterside on a day out of London. The colourful display of traditional boats and barges is complemented by sailmaking displays and other crafts, plus stalls, nautical folk music, craft beers, oysters and champagne. www.faversham.org

Get there by train with Southeastern to Faversham

From quirky sea-themed events and village fete-style activities to top live acts and DJing, expect this long-running summer event to be an enjoyable mix of quirky and cool! There’s a chance to go on a guided Smugglers Walk, ‘Guess the Weight of the Cheese’, explore local arts and soak up the party atmosphere. Oh, and don’t miss the Big Beach (Concert) Breakfast on the opening Saturday. www.oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk

Get there by train with Southeastern to Hastings