At long last summer is upon us and if it hasn't felt like it recently then you can bet it will very soon. Temperatures on Friday, June 17, are expected to peak at around the 30c mark and there should be plenty more days like that on the horizon.
Consumer magazine Which? has once again published its comprehensive list of the best British seaside towns. Although the winner, Bamburgh in Northumberland is a fair distance from Nottingham, there are some that are only a few hours away. We've poured over the list to find the best near Nottingham so you don't have to.
What are you waiting for? Get the friends and family into the car and head to one of these popular, well-loved beaches within driving distance from our area that you could visit any day this week.
Here is a list of the best beaches you could visit with your family during the summer just three hours from Nottingham.
Skegness
Travel time; 2 hours
Nothing beats a good day out in Skeggy even if it's just for a walk on the beach and some chunky chips.
The most obvious and likely popular beach for Nottinghamshire tourists is Skegness. It's set to be a lovely summer this year, with holidaymakers expected to flock to the seaside.
And with that, it is the perfect time for a day trip to the beach for an ice cream, the revamped Skegness pier or even a trip along the sand with a donkey (just one of the seaside's many quirks). Don't forget a visit to the seal sanctuary which has, unsurprisingly, seals and more unusually, a family of meerkats.
Filey
Travel time: 2.30 hours
A day out in Filey is an ideal way to escape and enjoy the sea, sand and relaxation. A 2018 Sunday Times ‘Beach of the Year’, its long stretch of golden sand and picturesque views is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a seaside holiday.
Close-by to the north, Filey Brigg has some impressive rock pools to explore, where you may even find the odd fossil or two, and also marks the start/end of the Cleveland Way Trail.
Saltburn by the sea
Travel time: 2.30 hours
Saltburn by the sea scored an impressive five stars on the Which? list for the quality of its sandy beach and seafront pier. The North Yorkshire beach is considered one of the best surfing spots in the UK so it can get very busy. It's also dog-friendly so perfect for bringing your four-legged friends for a day out.
There is plenty to do at the beach including nearby cafes where you can stop for ice cream, or two as well as a mini-golf kiosk.
Scarborough
Travel time: 2.37
Scarborough scored highly on the Which? list and it's easy to see why. The beach offers two large sandy bays which have been divided by a rock with Scarborough castle ruins on it.
The South side of the Bay is not short of things to do including ice cream parlors, shops, theatres and seaside resort classics such as donkey rides. There is also a traditional Victorian promenade running along the bay linking it to the north side. Along with options for surfing, amusement arcades and also building sandcastles, there is plenty to keep little ones occupied on the summer holidays.
Huntstanton
Travel time: 2.29
Hunstanton is a great choice if you want a little bit of heat as well as a great sunset. The Lincolnshire sandy beach faces west which helps to keep it sheltered from sea breezes means it's a bit of a sunspot perfect for catching a tan.
One of the standout features of the beach is its beautiful pink and white striped cliffs which are made from a mix of Norfolk carstone and white chalk. Little ones will be delighted by the plentiful rock pools which may contain interesting fossils and sea life.
Blackpool
Blackpool beach needs no introduction as it is one of the best known in the UK. It's the only beach in the UK to have not one but three separate piers on offer. That said, Blackpool scored just three stars for its piers and 58 percent on the Which? list but its one of the best places to go for a family day out.
There are plenty of activities to take part in once you get there including building sandcastles, sunbathing, and games. The North Pier Theatre hosts regular comedy and musical performances and there is also a Victorian tea room, carousel and ice cream parlour to visit.
The centre pier has the giant 108ft-high Ferris wheel with arcade games, a funfair and a Family Bar. The South pier is a bit of an amusement park with go-karting, dodgems, waltzers, rollercoaster, bungee rides and Maxibounce trampolines.
Honourable mention: Bamburgh
Travel time: 3.56
Bamburgh is a bit of a trek from Nottingham at a four-hour drive. However, it's worth a visit given that it has topped the Which? Best British Seaside list in 2019, 2021 and again this year. It scored 87 percent for destination with top marks for its beaches and seafront. However it dropped to a still impressive four stars for its food and drink offering.
Part of the reason that it scores so highly on the list each year is that it is renowned for being excellent for watersports including surfing. Its also a perfect place to go for long, wind-swept walks, build sandcastles and visit the lighthouse.
