What’s the only thing better than a surprise week of sunshine in September? An impromptu beach trip during said surprise sun.
If you’re looking for some cute, wholesome plans to make the most of this weekend’s weather, you’re in luck as the Seaside Heritage Network has just revealed its Bucket and Spade List of the best things to do by the sea across the UK, as voted for by the general public. These are places of real cultural significance, most of which are more than a century old, and all of which tell a key part of the local story.
Without further ado, the winner, aka the best seaside attraction in Britain, is the New Palace and Adventureland in New Brighton. Congratulations, New Brighton! According to one punter who voted for the palace, ‘very little has changed in 65 years,’ so it’s worth a visit if you’re craving stepping into a time capsule.
David Wilkie, the manager of the venue said it was a ‘delight’ to win the award, and that he appreciates the recognition: ‘Not only for the resort's tourism - past, present and future - but for all the generations who have taken the Palace to their hearts.’
In second place was the Ventnor Paddling Pool on the Isle of Wight, a splash-pool which has a miniature model of the island itself for kids to play on at its centre. It has enjoyed a similarly long reign as a local favourite, partially thanks to it being open 24 hours and being completely free for all to enjoy.
Taking home the bronze was the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare, which is complete with a ghost train, loads of rides, and enough 10p slot machines to bankrupt Jeff Bezos. It’s right on the shores of Weston and a five minute walk from the swimming beach, so it’s an ideal pitstop for the entire family on a day out, especially as its restaurant has gorgeous panoramic views of the entire coast.
The full list of winners was as follows:
1. New Palace and Adventureland, New Brighton
2. Ventnor Paddling Pool, Isle of Wight
3. Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
4. St Annes Beach Huts, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
5. Leas Lift, Folkestone, Kent
6. Punch & Judy booth, Swanage
7. Cleethorpes Lakeside Area, Lincolnshire
8. Showtown Museum, Blackpool
9. Grand Hotel, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
10. Great Orme Tramway & Goats, Llandudno, Conwy
Relaxing by the sea with Time Out
Not a fan of anything recommended by Seaside Heritage Network? Luckily, we at Time Out have a few suggestions of our own. Here’s our roundup of the best beaches in the UK, and our list of the best beaches in the world if you’re looking for international shores.
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