Beach breaks in the UK

Brighton, East Sussex

Best For Party time

Why? The pebble beach might not be the perfect place to stretch out and sunbathe, but who wants to sleep in this city? Get your funfair fix at the pier with rickety rides, gaudy arcades and fluff-clouds of candyfloss, then lubricate the evening at Brighton’s myriad beachfront bars. Stay surfside at Digital, a club under the Kings Road Arches looking out to sea, and playing obscenely danceable tunes from Deadmau5 to Friendly Fires. Those that really like to hang loose can check out the nudist beach a mile east of Brighton Pier.
visitbrighton.com; yourfutureisdigital.com/brighton

Marloes Sands, Wales

Best for Wildlife-watching

Why? This rugged and remote beach in Pembrokeshire is not only a gem for its acres of unpeopled space, but take a turn around the Marloes Peninusla and you can spot seals and even porpoises. A short boat trip to Skomer Island across the water brings you face-to-face with crowds of puffins. Reefs and wrecks in this area also make it a great break for divers.
visitwales.co.uk

Dover, Kent

Best for An essential sight

Why? Dover’s seaside is an iconic idyll. The famous white chalk cliffs put Britain’s best face forward – handy, seeing as its long been considered the country’s front line – and bracing walks and bike rides along the clifftops give arresting sea views. The town itself does little to raise itself above the ranks of shithole, but it’s the unspoilt beauty surrounding Dover that recommends it. whitecliffscountry.org.uk