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The ultimate planning guide to your beach vacation. Check the following criteria to help you choose your ideal beach.
1. Weather Forecast
Make sure you know the temperature, wind speed, and likelihood of precipitation by checking the weather in advance.
Recognise the UV index levels to determine the sun’s strength and appropriately schedule sunscreen and shade breaks.
2. Crowds
Find out how busy the beach is. If it is right in the middle of the town then it will be jam-packed but have a better atmosphere. If it is in the evening then a more crowded beach near town may be safer and better lit with more amenities.
If you’re visiting a well-known beach, try to escape the crowds by going early in the day or on weekdays. Many major beaches have secluded beaches nearby which are just as enjoyable and perhaps even more scenic.
3. Tide Times
It’s important to understand the tide schedule, particularly if you plan to partake in low-tide activities like rock pooling, exploring, or securing a large enough area for you to set up camp.
High tides may cause access to some portions of the beach to be restricted.
4. Beach Facilities and Amenities
Confirm if there are toilets, showers, and changing rooms at the beach. Ensure there are lifeguard services in operation if you plan to enter the water.
Make sure there are amenities like cafés, food sellers, or places to purchase snacks and beverages if you’re coming with family.
Search for amenities that can be rented out. Equipment such as deckchairs, windbreakers, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Find out if you need to bring your own shade or if there are solutions available.
5. Access and Parking
Find out how to go to the beach. Is parking accessible, or will you have to use public transport?
If you want to drive, find out whether parking spots are paid or free, and whether they get busy rapidly around rush hour.
For public transit, check bus/ train timetables and routes to the beach. Find out how far the walk is from the nearest town. Don’t miss the last bus or train back home.
All beaches on Sandgeek.co.uk have clear directions and maps for you to view.
6. Activities
Examine the beach’s offerings for water sports, volleyball, and snorkelling. For a more adventurous day, see if the beach has picnic sites or adjacent hiking paths. Bring your own equipment such as footballs and inflatables to keep yourself entertained.
7. Local Attractions
Look into nearby attractions or walking pathways that you can visit during or after your beach day.
Some beaches may be located near historical buildings, parks, or lovely seaside towns worth visiting. See if there are any art galleries, festivals, or concerts taking place. Amusement arcades and funfair rides are a British seaside staple.
8. Beach Rules and Restrictions
Recognise any regulations concerning fires, alcohol, dogs, barbecues, large gatherings such as parties etc.
There may be fines or prosecution for any offences committed
Confirm any zoning restrictions before visiting any beaches as there can be designated zones for kitesurfing, surfing, or fishing. Some beaches are private and may require an entry fee.
9. Food and Drinks
Find out if you should bring a picnic or if there are any eateries close by. Check how far cafes and restaurants are. Beaches near town centres will be ideal.
If there are few facilities or the beach is more isolated, pack a cooler with beverages and snacks. Keep yourself hydrated with water.
10. Packing List
Make sure you have beach mats, towels, swimwear, water bottles, sunscreen, and other necessities.
11. Lifeguard Services
Find out the hours of operation and whether lifeguards are on duty at the beach.
Find out about the conditions of the water: Are there rip tides, strong currents, or alerts for jellyfish or other hazardous aquatic life?
Verify whether there are any flags or signs at the beach that indicate the safety of swimming. Always follow the rules at lifeguarded beaches such as swimming between the red and yellow flags which are safer because it is better observed by the lifeguards
12. Water Quality
Check the water quality and pollution risks. Water quality at designated bathing locations in England is classified as Excellent, Good, Sufficient, or Poor.
This is based on pollution, potential sewage spills and other factors. Bathing in unclean waters may make you ill.
It is important to go to a beach that is clean and has safe waters.
Sandgeek 