Oh I Do Like to B&B Beside the Seaside

Forget holidays abroad, some of the best destinations for a well-deserved break can be found right here on our doorsteps. Sure, the weather in the UK might not be up to much, but when you consider the benefits of staying in your own country, a bit of rain or overcast sky doesn't seem so bad.

Mention the word 'seaside' and what comes to mind? Kiss-Me-Quick hats? Ice-cream? Donkey rides along the beach? The seaside was once the must-visit destination for the UK's inland residents, before the days of commercial airlines, and although popularity has declined there are still plenty of British seaside towns with plenty to offer.

Perhaps the best known is Blackpool. Home to the Tower, Pleasure Beach and the infamous Golden Mile, Blackpool is a combination of traditional seaside and modern metropolis. The promenade has arcades, bingo stalls and rock shops, while the town centre boasts shopping centres, department stores and all the shops you'd expect to find in a large town. Served by motorways, train stations and an airport, Blackpool is easily accessible from all corners of the UK, and there are hotels and guesthouses in abundance to suit any budget.

Brighton is another well-loved British resort. Popular with shopaholics, Brighton boasts the largest amount of independent retailers (over 350) on the South Coast of Britain. There are also the mandatory seaside attractions of piers, arcades and theatres, all guaranteed to ease the boredom even on a rainy day. Brighton also has an interesting past and this is evident in the number of museums and Victorian architecture around the town.

For something a little different, the fishing port and seaside town of Whitby is the place to indulge your dark side. Host of the bi-annual Goth Festival, Whitby is well-known as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's novel Dracula amongst fans of the genre. Looking around the town, it's easy to see why. The gothic design of Whitby Abbey dominates the cobbled streets of the old town, which emanates olde-worlde charm reminiscent of times past. While not a bustling metropolis filled with modern shops, Whitby retains it's share of fans looking for a peaceful, atmospheric getaway.

When holidaying in the UK, bed and breakfasts are a cheap alternative to hotels. Most B&B's offer rooms for as little as £15 per night, so look online for rates before you go.

Popular Posts