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Welcome
to the Seaside
Kingdom of King Cerdic of Wessex. Enjoy yourself.
Clevedon
& Portishead are
between
Weston Super Mare and Burnham on Sea in
the diagram map on the left.Look
out for King Cerdic
on
your beach - the password for a prize today is :
"mordred"
CLICK
ON TO EXTERNAL
LINKS TO WESSEX BEACHES OR SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR REVIEWS
At
the mouth of the River Torridge,
where
it meets the River Taw, lies Appledore which is a quaint fishing
village
and anchorage. Surprisingly there is also a large shipyard here which
has
been in continuous production for around 400 years producing small
naval
and merchant vessels. There are excellent beaches at nearby Westward Ho
which
is a holiday resort with many caravan parks and affordable
accommodation.
The beach is 3 miles long and very wide at low tide - it is also flat
and
sandy with a large pebble ridge at the back of it which protects the
nearby
burrows area. There are a lot of watersports in the area with surfing
on
the main beach and along the coast.
Beer is one of those picture postcards you can
send
home. Forget Portofino this is idyllic.
The town of Beer is in south east Devon,
England,
UK. The name is not from the drink but from the English word for
Woodland,
due to the original forestation that surrounded the town. Close to
Exeter,
it is a picturesque coastal village that built up around a smuggler’s
cove
and the caves that allowed storage of the contraband goods. These are
now
part of the tourist attraction.
Historically, fishing, smuggling, and lace production was said to be
the
main form of income to the town. Today, it’s tourism and fishing.The
geology
of the coast line allowed the seafarers of Beer to operate in weather
conditions
when other towns could not. Beer Bay is just down the road from Seaton
and
about 20 miles from Chard. Although the beach is pebbles it is secluded
and
surrounded by high cliffs.here are rows of deck chairs laid out and
three
beach eating cafes. Here you can taste the wonderful crab being caught
in
the Bay or many other gastromic delights.The bay is famous for both
Crabs
and Lobster. On the slope leading down to the beach is a wonderful Wet
Fish
Shop where you can purchase the locally caught fish at very reasonable
prices.
The Fishing vessels are on the beach and you can go out on the
boats
there.Deep
sea
fishing trips can be arranged from Beer beach.
Contact
the following boatmen:Cyril Newton 01297 21460 Kim Aplin 01297 21955.
The
Village is small but there are
some
interesting art shops there and pubs and restaurants.Stone
has been quarried in Beer since Roman times and, although now closed,
guided
tours are still given around the old workings.
North
Devon is an area renown for
its wild,
natural beauty; it includes the towns of Bideford and Barnstaple,
Ilfracombe
and Lynton and Exmoor National Park. The area can be reached via the
A39
from the east or the A361, the North Devon link road which spurs off
from
the M5 at junction 27.Barnstaple is a market town set on
the banks
of the River Taw which meets the River Torridge downstream. Barnstaple
is
the administrative centre for the area and is an attractive town in its
own
right.
Barnstaple
is an ideal place to
visit the
surrounding area which has much to offer in the form of natural
attractions.
The beach area at Braunton Burrows is even larger than at Westward Ho
and
is sandy, wide and flat. Part of the area is a designated nature
reserve.
the beach is good for swimming and surfing although you need to check
the
local information as to which part of this huge beach to use.
Bideford
is
a small town and port lying on the River Torridge which flows to the
sea
at Appledore, two miles downstream.
Bideford
of the past
was
a thriving port which traded in agricultural goods and china clay. It
is
now more of a tourist resort but still has some activity at the port.
The
main quay is the focus of the town with small twisting streets running
up
from this area in to the town. Bideford has two picturesque bridges -
the
one from the past is built of stone with arches that are all different
widths
and links the main town to East-the-Water, the new bridge is
constructed
of concrete and spans the River Torridge downstream and carries the A39
the
main linking road for North Devon.
Victoria
Park,
The Quay, Bideford ,EX39 2QQ Tel 01237 477676
Fax
01237 421853 Email: bidefordtic@visit.org.uk
Bridport
describes itself as 'a delightful West Dorset town' which seems fair
enough.
It is primarily a market town, situated a mile from the coast. West Bay
is
a part of the town and is a harbour area overlooking Lyme Bay.
The
town can trace its history back to Elizabethan times when it was first
granted
the right to hold markets. since then its history has been entwined
with
Britain's maritime industries in the shape of rope and cable making for
the
Royal Navy. It now combines its rural market traditions with tourism to
give
an interesting experience for the visitor.
Bristol
may be regarded as the gateway to the Westcountry which is more or less
right
if you are travelling from the north of the country. However there are
people
in the far west who regard Bristol as being in the Midlands! Which ever
view
you take Bristol is a fascinating area in its own right and is well
worth
a visit.
Bristol's
early
history
was as a flourishing port, although situated seven miles upstream from
the
Seven estuary most ships of that time could navigate the river. In
early
times this trade consisted of cocoa, sugar tobacco and slaves. With
manufactured
goods and cloth going in the opposite direction. The dock area of
Bristol
were constructed at this time but have now been put to other uses. As
the
size of ships grew the river became to narrow to navigate and maritime
trade
shifted to Avonmouth and Bristol turned to other trades. At the present
time
Bristol is a busy city with a wide variety of economic activity and
lively
nightlife with plenty of clubs and bars. Within Bristol itself there
are
many things to see and do, stroll along the river front and visit the
cafes
and restaurants, or head for one of the major attractions that are
available
within the city.
The
Clifton
Suspension
Bridge spans the Avon gorge and is a prime example of Britain's
industrial
heritage. Designed by Isambard Brunel the bridge is 75m above the river
and
was completed in 1864, having taken 28 years to finish. Bristol Zoo is
quite
large and has gorillas and a rainforest section among many other
features
. SS Great Britain is moored in the dock area and was
the
first large ship to be built of iron and driven by a propeller. This is
another
of Brunel's stunning achievements and Bristol is justifiably proud of
this
Victorian engineer who was a resident of the city
Centre
Harbourside,
Anchor Road, WildWalk At Bristol, Bristol. BS1 5DB
Tel: 0906 711 2191
Brixham
is a working
port
and fishing village on the west side of the bay. There is still a large
fleet
of fishing trawlers based at Brixham and these can be seen unloading at
the
quay in the town centre. Around the harbour a maze of narrow, twisting
streets
to explore and plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sample the
locally
caught seafood. Nearby is the towering cliffs of Berry Head where you
can
get some of the best views of the bay.
The Old Market House,
The Quay, Brixham, TQ5 8TB Tel: 01803 852861
Fax: 01803 852939 Email: brixham.tic@torbay.gov.uk
Bournemouth
lies directly to the east of Poole but they are conjoined - one and the
same
to all intents and purposes. However there are distinct differences
between
the two towns. Bournemouth is older than its neighbour, having been
established
around 1810 as a seaside resort. The buildings in the centre and some
of the
larger, more established hotels reflect this foundation in the
Victorian
era.
The
Victorians were
also
responsible for the towns magnificent twin piers which are the
trademark
of the town. The beach in front of the town is excellent and stretches
for
seven miles, west towards Poole and east towards Christchurch - there
is
always room somewhere. The seafront area is the epitome of the English
seaside resort with plenty of entertainment and refreshments along its
length.Bournemouth is well served with
transport links. From the east and London take the M3
and then theA31. From the west the A35 via Dorchester leads to Poole
and
then Bournemouth. Bournemouth has an international airport to the north
of
the town.Gardens are a major attraction in the Bournemouth area. The
Victorian
Pleasure Gardens are located in the town. While there is a tropical
garden
at Alum Chine and an Italian garden at Boscombe.
Budleigh
Salterton
lies
to the west of Sidmouth towards Exeter. Although small and peaceful,
the
town attracts a lot of visitors who are drawn by the unspoilt nature of
the
area and the beautiful setting. The town is literally a stones throw
from
the beach with many houses jostling for space along the small beachside
area.
The beach is made up of pebbles and is quite steep, it stretches
away
from the town to the east for a distance of around 2 miles. The
beach
is overlooked by towering red sandstone cliffs which are part of the
Jurassic
Coast Heritage Site. There is a sandy, gently sloping beach
at
Lttleham Cove a short walk away. Budleigh Salterton derives its
name
from the ancient trade of salt panning which used to take place in the
area.
A further claim to fame arises from the fact that Sir Walter Raleigh
was
born nearby at Hayes Barton. The foreshore was the setting for the
famous
painting 'The Boyhood of Raleigh' which hangs in the Tate Gallery.
The
South West Coast Path runs
along
here and there is a very good cliff top walk to Exmouth, which is
around
four miles to the west. A small fishing fleet is based on the beach -
see
above.
Worth
a visit are the small
beachside
cafe and an excellent ice cream shop in the town just off of the sea
front at Budleigh. Also there is a good path up the cliff towards
Exmouth which is part of the South West coast path route.
Burnham-on-Sea
has a fine esplanade and seafront overlooking Bridgwater Bay and the
distant
Welsh coast. It is situated in the rolling countryside of Somerset with
its
charming villages and busy resorts. It is also very accessible as it is
close
to the M5. Burnham-on-sea is blessed
with
one of the largest beaches in the Westcountry. It stretches for seven
miles
past the town and on to the villages of Berrow and Brean Sands. At low
tide
the beach is wide and is often used for sand yachting and kite
flying.The
tidal range is one of the largest in the world and the tide moves very
fast
as a consequence of this - it is advisable to check on the tide times
before
venturing too far. There is a wide range of accommodation
available
in the town and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Nearby
and well worth a visit are Wells, Glastonbury
and Cheddar Gorge.
Clevedon
is a seaside town full of Victorian and
Geirgian
heritage and is well worth a visit. Tennyson and Coleridge were
inspired
to write poetry while spending time here. Clevedon's treasures include
the
restored Grade 1 listed pier, perfect for a walk or catch the majestic
Waverley
and Balmoral pleasure steamers for a trip along the coast. Clevedon
offers
streets full of small boutique shops and restaurants. Visit the
seafront Salthouse
Fields where you can watch the bowls, ride the miniature railway, or
just
enjoy an ice cream and a pleasant walk.
Set
into a steep hillside, Clovelly is one of the most famous villages in
the
world. The single cobbled high street winds its way down the hillside
through
traditional whitewashed cottages festooned with fuchsias and geraniums.
The
high street drops 122m (400ft) in 0.8km (half a mile) through the 16th
century
cottages to a small harbour. The policy of the Clovelly estate has
maintained
- against all the odds - this picture postcard village as a living
village.
There are no Holiday cottages allowed in the main village, and the mode
of
transport is either sledges for the Friday deliveries, or donkeys for
the
visiting tourists. The sledges can be seen at the side of the cottages
as
you walk down through the village to the Harbour.
Clovelly
has been a place of settlement for many years, but it was a 16th
century
lawyer, George Cary, who really established the village as a viable
community.
George Cary, built the stone harbour quay - establishing Clovelly a the
only
safe harbour between Boscastle in Cornwall and Appledore. The small
harbour
was sheltered up to 60 fishing boats, but due to the decline of the
herring
fishery this has now dwindled to a handful of small boats.
Dartmouth
is situated in South Devon on the western bank of the River Dart,
opposite,
on the eastern shore is Kingswear. Both towns are historic ports which
used
to trade cloth and wine with France; today they are a mixture of
tourist
resort, fishing port and yacht haven.
Dartmouth lies around five miles from Torbay and can be reached by car
via
a toll ferry or by the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Renown as
a
centre for sailors Dartmouth has been on the seafarer's map for around
900 years. It has a deep water harbour and is enclosed by steep wooded
hills
on either side. For many years Dartmouth was a thriving port that
traded in
cloth and wine from France. It is now a busy holiday resort and port of
call
for many yachtsmen including many from Atlantic journeys.The Dartmouth
of
the past was heavily defended from the French and Spanish with an
artillery
emplacement, which was built in the reign of Henry VIII, at Bearscove
Castle.
Further down the river is Dartmouth Castle which was the first line of
defence
for the port. Although the castle is quite small it had several gun
emplacements
and controlled a chain running across the river which could be raised
if
there was an attack by the dastardly French.
Overlooking the town is Britannia Royal Naval College where Officers
are
trained for today's Royal Navy. Officer training has been carried out
at Dartmouth
since 1863 when the training was conducted aboard HMS Britannia, an old
wooden
wall warship. The present buildings date from 1905, the architect was
Sir
George Aston Webb, one of the more distinguished of his day, whose
previous
commissions included Admiralty Arch and the East Front of Buckingham
Palace.
Prince Phillip trained here just before the outbreak of World War II
and
met Elizabeth Windsor, the future Queen, while receiving an award.
Dawlish
in
South Devon is a small seaside resort with a great reputation for
family holidays. The main reasons for this popularity is the
magnificent sandy beach at Dawlish Warren and general charm of the town.The
town
of Dawlish itself is well situated, with gentle rolling hills behind
and
magnificent sea views to the front. At the centre of the town is an
attractive
park with a small stream running through it. The town itself is made up
of
many Georgian and Victorian buildings which add to the general charm of
the
resort. This is an ideal place to relax and forget the rat race and the
traffic
on the M5! There are many shops, pubs and cafes and attractions in the
area. Look
out for the famous black swans of Dawlish.There is a pleasant sea front
area
of the town overlooking a good beach but the main beach area is Dawlish
Warren.
, which is nearby. This is a beach and nature reserve that stretches
for
two miles to the east of the town up to the estuary of the River Exe.
This
is a fine sandy beach that slopes gently to the sea and is ideal for
swimming.
The beach has Blue Flag and Clean Beach status. Part of the beach is
designated
a nature conservation area for the protection of birds insects and
plants.
It is an ideal area for walking as the South West Coast Path runs
through
it with waymarked paths and also for field studies and photography.
Emsworth
is a delightful village with
narrow
streets and a busy harbourside with charming pubs
and
restaurants and a host of small specialist shops. It is situated
on
the edge of Chichester Harbour, an area of outstanding natural beauty,
and
is popular port of call with sailors, artists, naturalists and walkers,
as
well as tourists and those who live nearby. There are several
picturesque short
walks around the village, which is the starting point for coastal
and
cross country walks all over Hampshire.
Emsworth's long history has given the town distinct characteristics. It
was
a thriving centre for oyster fishing and boat building which continue
today,
though on a much smaller scale. Two tidal mill ponds to the east and
west
of the town centre play host to a variety of birdlife, and the mills,
one
on each pond, still remain though now converted to a variety of uses -
gallery,
sailing club, businesses and housing. The gradual growth of
the
town has resulted in many attractive streets which are lined by a
mixture
of brick and rendered Georgian houses with tiled or slate roofs which,
combined
with the high walled gardens, give Emsworth a genuine feel of the
past.
A former Coaching Inn still operates as a public house
and there are many fine old houses along Tower
Street, South
Street, King
Street
and Queen
Street most built in characteristic Hampshire brick except for
former
boat builder John King's house which is, unsurprisingly, timber
throughout.
Emsworth is closely connected to the novelist P.G. Wodehouse - try and
spot
the place names in Emsworth and its locality which he used for
characters
in his novels - the first of which were written while he was living at
a
prep school in Emsworth.
Exeter
is
situated
in east Devon around five miles from the coast. This thriving city lies
on
the river Exe which runs through the city and joins the coast at
Exmouth.
Exeter is a modern city that now styles itself as the regional capital
of
the Westcountry - however its roots go back a long time to Roman times
and
beyond. Situated on a small hill on a
bend
in the River Exe, the site of the modern day city has been occupied for
over
two thousand years. The Romans built a permanent settlement here around
50
AD to form the administrative centre of the region. The shape of the
modern
city is derived from this settlement and there are still significant
parts
of the old roman wall on display around the city.
A
thousand years later, in 1068, the
walls
protected the city from the invading Normans led by William the
Conqueror.
The city resisted the attackers for 18 days until the walls were
breached
and the city surrendered. The Normans then constructed Rougemont Castle
from
which to administer the region. The remaining part of this development
now
serve as the Court buildings for Exeter.The Normans were also
responsible
for building Exeter's magnificent cathedral- St Peters. Built on the
site
of an existing church, St Peters was constructed between 1112 and 1133.
The
design was unusual for that time and is based on twin transept towers
which
support the north and south walls. The entrance is via the Great West
Front
which is decorated with many sculptures which were originally painted
in
bright colours. Inside there are many examples of medieval
craftsmanship
with the highlight being the stained glass of the East Window.Exeter
has
a long maritime history stretching back to Roman times. When the rivers
of
Britain were the main highways Exeter became a port with ships
travelling
up the river from Exmouth to offload produce in the city. The results
of
this trade can be seen at the quay area of the city where there is the
Customs
House and several old warehouses to be seen, mostly now converted to
houses,
shops and cafes. Sir Walter Raleigh who was born near Exmouth often
frequented
the city and Sir Francis Drake was a patron of The Ship Inn and Mols
Coffee
House both in Cathedral Close.
Exeter
also has a fine University,
set
in landscaped grounds over looking the city. The city has around 12,000
students
at various institutions and as a result the bars and cafes and
bookshops
do a good trade and there is an energetic nightlife.
Exmouth
lies
at the mouth of the River Exe around five miles south of the regional
capital,
Exeter. It can be reached by the A376 which spurs off of the M5 at
Exeter.Exmouth
is a traditional family holiday resort with a long seafront, a wide
sandy beach and lots of seafront cafes, restaurants and pubs. There is
also plenty
of seafront parking. All of these factors make it a popular destination
for
locals and visitors alike and as a consequence it can become crowded at
weekends.
Nevertheless
visitors will not be
disappointed.
The beach is wide, flat and sandy and is ideal for swimming,
sunbathing
or sandcastle building. There are good walks also along the South West
coast
path towards the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and also inland.
This
is also a good location for water sports such as windsurfing, surf
kiting
and sailing. At the eastern end of the town is a small harbour,
known
as Exmouth Dock, overlooked by colourful modern apartments. There are
several
cafes and pubs in the area and boat trips leave from the harbour to
Dawlish
Warren and Starcross. The estuary of the River Exe is wide at this
point
and forms a natural anchorage for fishing boats and yachts. The
river
is navigable up to Topsham where there is a quay - and a good pub - The
Steam
Packet. Exeter can be reached via the canal but this involves two
or
three lock gates which are only open at certain times. The start
of
the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which stretches from Exmouth to
Swanage
in Dorset. This section of coast is rugged and undeveloped with huge
red
sandstone cliffs interspersed with small compact coves and harbours.
The
South West Coast Path runs along this site.
Hayling
Island is an unusual and
interesting
feature of the south coast. It is an inland island in effect surrounded
by
the waters of Langstone Harbour to the west and Chichester harbour to
the
east and it is reached by a road bridge from the A27. Hayling
Island
is only a small island, but it has much to offer to resident or visitor
alike.Hayling's
combination of rural and marine environments has left us a legacy of
unique
natural history and a bio-diversity with walking
distances
of anywhere on the Island.
Hayling
Island also has over 3 miles
of beaches
right
on the doorstep of the Solent as well as the Harbours of Langstone and
Chichester.
With its safe open spaces, fresh air and sheltered waters, Hayling
Island
has much to offer those that enjoy sports
of all
kinds, whether on land or at sea. The Hayling
Billy Trail
is a footpath which runs from Havant town centre (New Lane level
crossing)
southwards through Langstone and onto Hayling Island where it becomes
the
Hayling Billy Coastal Path. The route of the Trail mostly follows the
old
'Hayling Billy' Railway which closed in 1963.The current upgrade to the
Hayling
Billy Trail is being carried out to provide part of the National Cycle
Network
being developed by Sustrans,
the civil
engineering charity.
Ilfracombe
is a
small seaside
resort and harbour in north Devon, that is also not far from the upland
region
of Exmoor. There are a number of small coves near to the town but the
main
tourist beach is Woolacombe, which is large and flat and suitable for
swimming
and surfing.
Ilfracombe
is the largest harbour on
the
North Devon Coast - this natural harbour has a character and beauty
unmatched
in the Bristol Channel. The town has been in existence as a port for
more
than two hundred years and is today an ideal holiday centre from which
to
explore the many attractions in the surrounding area.
The
Isle of Wight is
a
complete tourist attraction in its own right and deserves more than a
fleeting
visit. The wonderfully varied and unspoilt coastline scenery is
probably
the Island’s finest natural asset, from glistening chalk cliffs
overlooking
clear waters to the tranquil estuaries which meander inland. Whatever
attracts
you to the seashore, whether it is beachcombing, bird watching, rock
pooling,
bathing or just watching the world go by, the Island’s coast will
certainly
provide inspiration as well as contentment.
Here
you will find
over
25 miles of beaches, many of them are excellent for families and
swimming;
the unspoilt rural landscapes of the inland area; world renown sailing
venues
and some first class resorts and tourist attractions. Two of the main
resorts
are Sandown and Shanklin on the south east coast of the island. The
resorts
are at opposite ends of the 6 mile long Sandown Bay and both are
suitable
for families with good, safe beaches. Perhaps the most famous town
on
the island is Cowes, which is famous the world over as a major sailing
venue
and home of the eponymous sailing week in mid-summer. Cowes which is
separated
by the river Medina, - is split into two attractive towns, named
East
Cowes and West Cowes. The two are linked together by a unique
chain-driven
floating bridge which transports car and foot passengers between the
two.
Cowes is famous of course from being the home of the world renowned
sailing
regatta, Cowes Week which is an annual event held every August. Cowes
is
also the home of the Royal Yacht Squadron which oversees sailing in the
UK.
In 2005 the dates for the sailing week are 30 July - 6 August. Better
hurry
to get your entries in! The town of Cowes itself is very pleasant with
plenty
to see and do and lots of interesting places to stop for a meal.
Another
well known
town
on the island is Ryde which is one of the main entry points for
visitors.
This Victoria town has a pier and esplanade in the best traditions of
English
seaside resorts from this era.
Langstone
Harbour is the centre
of three
linked harbours on Hampshire's southeast coast, with Portsmouth Harbour
to
the west and Chichester Harbour to the east. The harbour is
important
for its environmental designations, and commercial shipping, fishing
and
recreational boating have been supported in the harbour for many years.
are
situated further
along
the coast from Ilfracombe and are within the Exmoor National Park.
Lynton
has most of the accommodation while Lynmouth has the harbour and
seafront.
A
unique feature of
these
two towns is that they are linked by a water powered cliff railway so
it
is relatively easy to travel between the two towns.
Do
you remember that
film
" The French Lieu tents Woman" ? It Was filmed in Lyme Regis. This is a
bustling
town with large Sandy Beaches where the smugglers used to come into. It
was
also where the Duke of Monmouth landed when he tried to take the
British throne
from James II. Known as the Jurassic close there are many fossils in
the
area and they date from the Jurassic period. You can either buy the
fossils
or search for them yourself. Also there is the famous Cob, which
stretches
out into the sea. There are some lovely little narrow street walks with
interesting
art and curio shops. Restaurants abound and you can also enjoy much of
the
local sea food. There is also a fine theatre and very interesting
shopping.As
you stroll through the streets of Lyme you will feel that you are in a
timeless
zone. A delight for the kids and so much of interest.
Lymington
is a small, bustling market town with an idyllic location between the
New
Forest to the north and the Hampshire coast to the south. It is
also
important as a marina and mooring, located on the Solent which is
always
busy with yachts and other vessels. The
town
itself is a pleasant mixture of Georgian and Victorian architecture but
its
beginnings go back much farther, to the medieval period when it was a
centre
for salt production. There are several castles in the area
which
formed part of Britain's coastal defences against the French and
Spanish. Hurst
Castle, built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses, is
located
at the end of a shingle spit which extends 1 ½ miles from
Milford-on-Sea
and overlooking the Solent. The castle was completed in 1544. In 1648,
Charles
I was imprisoned here before being taken to London for his trial and
execution.
During the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1860s, the castle was
modernised
and enormous armoured wings were added to house huge new guns.
Nearby
and well worth a visit are Beaulieu Abbey and Beaulieu Motor Museum.
St Barbe Museum & Visitor
Centre,
New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BH
Tel:01590 689000 Fax: 01590 673990
Minehead
is a small seaside
resort
situated on the western edge of Exmoor. It is a traditional resort with
a
wide sandy beach which makes it ideal for families.Minehead can
trace
its history back to the Domesday Book when it was described as a market
town.
At a later stage it became a fishing village but there is not much
remaining
to suggest this past due to a huge fire in which most of the town was
destroyed. Today Minehead is a friendly town with a good reputation for
family holidays.
Much
of the town is from the
Victorian
era when the railway arrived and the town first became a resort. In
more
recent times Butlins continued in this tradition and built a large
holiday
camp here in the 1960. The town still provides traditional family
holidays
and is keen to promote short break holidays. It is a good location from
which
to explore nearby Exmoor.
Paignton
is renown
for
its great family holidays with its pier, wide lawns and miles of sandy
beaches.
This is the territory of the traditional family fun seaside holiday
with
all the essential ingredients - sandy beach, paddler- friendly water,
ice
cream and candy floss and of course Punch and Judy. In addition to the
main
beach at Paignton there is an excellent beach at Goodrington. There are
great
family attractions to see as well - Paignton Zoo, Quaywest Waterpark
and
the Steam Railway that goes to nearby Dartmouth.
Portishead
has an impressive quayside development with
159
berth marina and some exciting unusual architecture and Public art.
Portishead
Lake Grounds stretch along the coast with activities and play areas for
children,
a cafe and a very popular open air pool.
Portsmouth is
the home of the Royal Navy and has been since Henry VII established the
first
dockyard in the town. The city
occupies the
Portsea Island peninsula, which overlooks a naturally defensible
harbour
and these advantages were not lost on the Romans, or Saxons, who both
used
the harbour here.
It
was Henry VIII who really
established
the town as the home of the Navy. During his reign he increased the
size
of the fleet by ten times so that at the end of his reign the fleet
consisted
of 60 ships.
Many great navy ships were built here among
them
the Mary Rose and HMS Victory which Nelson commanded during his great
battle
at Trafalgar. Having served her country well, she is now one of the
country’s
top heritage attractions as over 350,000 people visit her in No. 2 Dry
Dock,
Portsmouth Naval Base.As a major naval base Portsmouth became a target
during
World War II and much of the town was flattened. The modern town is
unremarkable
and tourists usually concentrate on the waterfront area which has much
to
offer. The town is currently in the process of building a landmark
tower
that will be 170 metres high and in the shape of a sail. The £25m
project
will be the highest viewing platform in the UK when opened in
mid-2005. Numerous
ferries operate from Portsmouth to France and the Channel Islands.
Plymouth
is the largest of the Westcountry cities after Bristol which may be
regarded
as the gateway to the area. Lying on the banks of two rivers, the Plym
and
the Tamar and facing Plymouth Sound it is perhaps not surprising that
Plymouth
has a strong maritime tradition that includes both merchant and navy
shipping. Plymouth has been a working port
for a
long time. The Sound has been used as and anchorage and harbour since
very
early times. The expansion that resulted in Plymouth becoming a major
UK
port started in 15th century, when larger ships were being built for
the Royal
Navy which needed a deeper anchorage. Plymouth has since become one of
the
Royal Navy's main bases with warship often to be seen at anchor in the
Sound.
Many
epic voyages of
discovery
and conquest have stared form Plymouth. The most famous of these
is
the defeat of the Spanish Armada by Sir Francis Drake and the English
fleet.
History has it that Drake was engaged in a game of bowls on Plymouth
Hoe
when the Spanish fleet was first sighted in the English Channel. Drake
was
not alarmed by this and insisted on finishing his game before setting
sail
form the port. The English fleet chased the Armada up the Channel to
Calais
where Drake used fire ships to disrupt the Spanish fleet before
launching
a devastating attack. The Spanish ships took heavy casualties and
scattered
further losses occurred off the coast of Scotland when the surviving
ships
were caught in a fierce storm. The Spanish fleet was devastated and
were never
again a threat to Britain. Prior to this epic battle Sir Francis Drake
had
made a name for himself after he had sailed around the world in the
Golden
Hind. In 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America from Plymouth in
the
Mayflower. Another adventurous voyage was undertaken when Captain James
Cook
set sail in 1768 in search of new lands. Modern day Plymouth is a
lively city
with a wide mix of commercial activities and plenty for the visitor to
see
and do. Plymouth Hoe is the wide expanse of grass overlooking the
Sound,
this area is also where the military hold parades and the Queen has
visited
recently to present new colours to the Navy. There is also a lighthouse
on
the Hoe called Smeaton's Tower that is brightly painted in red and
white strips.
Also see the Royal Citadel a large defensive camp built at the east end
of
the Hoe by Charles II in 1670.
The powerboat Grand Prix takes place
each
year off of Plymouth Hoe in July.Also see the National Marine Aquarium
which
is billed as the UK's largest with huge tanks containing sharks.
Nearby is Whitsand Bay with its long sandy beach. Also a visit to Looe
is
worthwhile, a quaint but bustling fishing port with the opportunity to
go
fishing for sharks . The naval frigate HMS Scylla - below - was
recently
sunk in the bay to form a reef for scuba divers to visit .
Island House, 9 The
Barbican,
Plymouth
, PL1 2LS
Tel 01752 304849 Fax 01752 257955
Email: plymouthbarbicantic@visit.org.uk
& Plymouth Discovery Centre, Crabtree, Plymouth , PL3 6RN
Tel 01752 266030 Fax 01752 266033
Email: plymouthtic@visit.org.uk
Poole
and its sister
town,
Bournemouth combine to form a large urban area on the south coast with
a
population of around 300,000. In spite of this size and the container
port
and docks at Poole this is still a seaside resort and life is centred
on the
beaches and seafront area. Poole used to be a
medieval
port situated on the huge shallow anchorage of Poole harbour. The old
town
still has the old custom house and many old inns to remind the visitor
of
this past. The modern town is unremarkable and similar to many other
High
Street areas but the main attraction of Poole is the long sandy beach
area
which stretches all the way to Bournemouth. The Sandbanks area is the
centre
of all watersports activities which include sailing, windsurfing,
jet-skiing
and water skiing. Fishing is also very popular in the area and trips
can be
booked from the quay. Another major attraction for the area are
the
beaches and nature reserves at Studland Bay which are reached via the
Sandbanks
ferry. This whole area which is National Trust property must rank as
one
of the best beachside areas in the country. There is very little
development
and the beaches are clean and the water quality is very good. A great
area
for families, watersports and nature. The visitor should note that part
of
the beach is set aside for Naturists. Road access is generally
good
- from the east the A31 via Southampton is a good route. From the west
use
the A35 via Dorchester. From the north the best route is to use
the
A350 via Shaftesbury. There is an airport at Bournemouth serving
international
routes. There are ferry connections to France, Spain and the Channel
Islands
form Poole quay operated by Brittany and Condor ferry
companies.
Also
in the area and
worth
a visit are Brownsea Island in Poole harbour. Poole Pottery on Poole
quay.
Wareham is a pleasant market town that lies on the quaintly named River
Piddle
located at the western end of Poole harbour.
Salcombe
is famous as a seaside resort and sailing centre. There are several
excellent
beaches and stunning scenery. It may be reached via the A381 from
Totnes
or the A379 from the Plymouth direction.
The
town is tiny and
hugs the steep hillside that surrounds it - a passenger ferry crosses
to the beaches
on the far side of the river at East Portlemouth. Salcombe lies on the
west
bank of Kingsbridge estuary which is a large area of sheltered water
that
attracts both wildlife and sailors. This area is designated as a Site
of
Special Scientific Interest and is also a nature reserve. This is the
most
southerly of Devon towns and orange and lemons can be grown as well as
palm
trees. This gives the town a rather exotic feel as if you had be
transported
to hotter climes
Seaton
is around six miles east of Sidmouth and is tucked into the Devon
hillsides
with Beer its close neighbour. Seaton is a small resort town.Seaton
is often referred to as "the friendly town by the sea". Sitting
alongside
the mouth of the River Axe, Seaton has a long and interesting
history,
a proud present and an exciting future.
The
history of Seaton is closely linked to the
sea.
Stone Age man fished the waters, used the flint from the cliffs to make
his
tools, and used the readily available salt to preserve his food.
Certainly
the Romans settled here. Fosse Way passed close to Honeyditches and
they
quarried stone at Beer. The Saxons followed the Romans in the 7th
century
when they occupied both sides of the river. The village, then Fleote
(the
Saxon word for creek) developed over the following centuries, (the
parish
church of St. Gregory dates from the 12th century), as the salt water
marshes
became a permanent part of the landscape. At about the time of Edward
III,
Fleote was replaced by Sea Tun (sea farm).
Henry VIII sold the area to John Frye of Yarty and may have visited in
1544.
For the subsequent two centuries, salt made Seaton an important area.
When
this industry declined rapidly, the town became a fishing village
until,
in the early 19th century, a quay was built at the river mouth and then
the
railway came in 1868. Seaton then flourished as a modest resort but it
did
not witness the growth experienced by other East Devon seaside towns
serviced
by the railway. However,
Seaton has now seen a spectacular rise in its population (from 2500 in
1970
to the current 6500) and it is still rising as more residential housing
is
built to meet the demand for people eager to live in "a friendly town
by
the sea". In 2005 Seaton celebrated the one thousandth anniverary of
the
granting of its Charter
Fine
buildings, gentle walks,
stunning
views – with so much to nurture, conservation is Sidmouth’s watchword.
Its time warp ambience is the perfect prescription to relax and browse,
be
it a seafront deckchair for a quiet read or a bracing walk on Peak Hill
to
wonder at the
magnificent panorama of sea and coast with Sidmouth spread below.For
the
less energetic there is many a gentler stroll around town, park and
garden
and along the seafront linked by a walkway to the western beach at
Jacob’s
Ladder.
The ford takes traffic across the River Sid
and
this you will find on the popular guided walks from the Heritage Centre
that
feature the historic landmarks of the town.
As for the greenery of Sidmouth’s famous park,
The
Byes, it is a delightful riverside walk and yet another sanctuary for
peace
and quiet.Much of Sidmouth’s history is gleaned from the Blue Plaques
on
the buildings which mirror the era when the Nobility and members of
London
Society built fine houses here. Many still exist, while others have
become
hotels without losing their Regency charm. The cob-walled Old ShipInn,
originally
thought to be a monastery, dates back to 1350 and it was certainly a
smugglers’
rendezvous in the days of brandy for the parson and baccy for the clerk.
Fortfield
Terrace is
another
example of the style of the day. Here, a double-headed eagle
commemorates
the stay of the Grand Duchess of Russia in 1831. She brought a retinue
of
100 gentlemen, ladies and servants and among the guests at a reception
she
gave was the Sidmouth artist and historian, Peter Orlando Hutchinson,
whose
diaries and sketches are a vivid picture of 19th century life in
Sidmouth.
Copies are among the treasures at the Museum next to the ancient parish
church
of St. Giles and St. Nicholas.
Ham
Lane, Sidmouth , EX10 8XR
Tel
01395 516441 Fax 01395 519333
Southampton
is the
largest
city on the south coast with a population of 221,000. The city dates
back
to Norman times when it was an important port. The maritime aspect of
the
city came to the fore during the 19th century when Southampton became
the
major port for liners on the Atlantic route. The most famous of these
great
ships was the Titanic which sailed from here on her maiden voyage in
1912.
The city was heavily bombed during World War 2 and the modern city is a
reflection
of these events. Not much remains of the old city but there are a few
corners
where the city's past may be glimpsed.
In
1936 nearly 50% of sea passengers
arrived
at Southampton and this aspect of the port still flourishes today, with
many
new luxury liners using the port as a base for trans-Atlantic voyages.
The
most recent new liner to be launched in Southampton was the Queen Mary
2 in
January 2004.Another claim to fame for the city is with regard to
flying
boats which were developed and built in the city during the war years.
Sadly
these evocative craft are no longer seen in the waters around the
city.
In 2006 Southampton is fast becoming one of the most popular leisure
and cultural
destinations in the south. Its appeal lies in its diverse nightlife,
wide
retail opportunities, excellent leisure facilities, superb heritage
attractions
and the charm of a bustling waterfront location.There is no doubt that
Southampton
is a city and the urban landscape prevails however you do not have to
travel
far to find open coast and good beaches. To the south east is the old
ship
building village of Bucklers Hard lying on the picturesque River
Beaulieu.
To the south west of the city is the Hamble estuary which is a major
centre
for sailing, with many marinas and moorings and several yacht clubs.
The
River Hamble area is known as the 'Home of British yachting.' Yachtie
heaven!
Southsea
is the traditional seaside
part
of Portsmouth and has a four mile long promenade and plenty of beach
space.
There's fun and fascination at some of the resort's leading attractions
and
the chance to relax on the beaches. There are also two piers which
offer even
more entertainment and wonderful sea views.
Swanage
is a small port and tourist resort that lies to the west of Poole
harbour.
It maybe reached via the A351 from Wareham which is a spur off of the
A35
that links Poole and Dorchester. Swanage
lies
on an attractive sweep of coastline that is backed by the Purbeck
hills,
with cliffs to the west and long flat beaches to the east. There is a
very
nice beach at Swanage itself but the most spectacular beach in the area
is
at Studland bay which is a long crescent of sand with heathland behind
it.
a part from the small village of Studland there is no development along
this
site as most of the land is owned by the National Trust. The beach is
idea
for swimming and water sports, there is a launching slip in the middle
of
the bay. Although much of this area forms the east side to Poole
harbour
there is not much access to the harbour from this side as much of the
land
is a nature reserve. Swanage itself is an attractive small town
with
a good range of accommodation. There are amusements on the seafront and
plenty
of resautrants and pubs to provide food and drink. There are not a
great
deal of attractions in the immediate area these are situated more in
the
Poole/ Bournemouth area, which is only around half an hour by car.
There
are plenty of natural attractions in the area however.
Just up the road is Corfe Castle with its spectacular ruined castle.
The
castle was besieged by Oliver Cromwell's forces in 1646 and it
just
hasn't been the same since. The surrounding village is built of Purbeck
stone
which is quarried just a few miles from the village. Look out for the
Greyhound
pub. Further west along the coast are Lulworth Cove and
Durdle
Door, which must be two of the most photographed landmarks on the
English
coast. Lulworth is a small fishing village which sits in a cleft in the
hillside
above the picturesque cove. Durdle Door is a natural arch carved in the
limestone
cliffs which juts out to sea. You can swim through it but beware of the
strong
tidal current. The
South West Coast Path runs along the coast here and provides access to
many
miles of spectacular scenery. The path goes right past the deserted
village
of Tyneham, which is a bit eerie even on a summer's day. The reason for
its
desertion......well that's another story! If you travel along past the
main
beach at Studland there is a chain ferry that connects to Poole.
The White House, Shore Road,
Swanage,
BH19 1LB
Tel: 01929 422885
Teignmouth
lies at the
mouth
of the River Teign, from where its name is derived and is part old port
and
part modern resort. It is a very popular destination for visitors as it
has
all of the attributes needed for an excellent seaside holiday - clean
water,
good beaches and a pleasant lively town.
As
with the town of Dawlish just up the coast, Teignmouth is part Georgian
and
part Victorian in origin. There is a sweeping Georgian crescent on the
seafront
and the pier was built in the Victorian era. The focus of the town is
on
the port which is the base for many vessels including freighters and
fishing
boats as well as recreational yachts and sailing boats. there are also
magnificent
lawns and flower beds along the sea front. The beach area is sandy
with
some shingle and is good for swimming and other beach activities. On
either
side of the town red sandstone cliffs rise out of the sea making for
spectacular
views. the headland in the photo above marks the entrance to the mouth
of
the River Teign and the harbour area. On the opposite bank lies Shaldon
which
may be reached by a road bridge.
Torbay
is
made up of three towns, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham which all have
their
own character and charm and overlook Torbay itself. The Torbay area is
also
known as 'The English Riviera' as it resembles the original Riviera to
some
extent with its sweeping boulevards, inner harbour and palm
trees. Dartmouth
is famous as a sailing centre and as the home of the Britannia Royal
Navy
college.
Torquay
is built on
several
long hills that drop down to the sea and the long crescent shaped beach
front
that runs around most of the bay. The focus of the town is the marina
area
which is both old and new - part faded glory from Torquay's Victorian
roots
and part new development with swish hotels and racy yachts in the
marina.
Like many British resorts Torquay is constantly having to re-inventing
itself
as trends and tastes change. The old harbour area has been
re-developed
into the modern marina and new walkways constructed around the area.
There
is a splendid new attraction overlooking the marina - this is
called
Living Coast which contains many birds from around the world including
penguins.
Torquay
has access
to several
excellent beaches with good swimming opportunities. Torre Abbey is the
beach
closest to the town and a short bus ride away are the cliff fringed
beaches
of Babbacombe and Oddicombe. Look out for the cliff railway at
Babbacombe which provides easy access to the
beach
from the cliff top gardens.
Weston-super-Mare
is another resort that can traces its roots back to the Victorian era.
Today
it is a popular resort with families with good beaches and other useful
facilities.
The town itself is at the north end of the long beach and is situated
on
a hillside, which makes a dramatic backdrop for this attractive
Somerset
resort.
The
town has a long
promenade
with two piers built by the Victorians and plenty to occupy the family.
There
is a wide sandy beach with plenty of room for all. There are numerous
cafes
and shops along the promenade providing tea and coffee, sandwiches and
of
course fish and chips. There are also several attractions along the
beach
area including a Sea Life Centre.The resort is located on the Bristol
channel,
so don't expect crystal clear water but it is safe for bathing. Cardiff
can
be seen across the channel and also the twin islands of Flat Holm and
Steep
Holm.
The
town has been
involved
with aircraft production for many years and there is an excellent
museum
with a large display of helicopters nearby.Nearby are Cheddar
Gorge,
Glastonbury and Wells, which are all worth a visit.
Weymouth
lies not far from the border of Devon and Dorset. The main route into
the
town is along the A354 which leaves the A35 at Dorchester. Weymouth is
a
major holiday destination on the south coast that attracts thousands of
visitors
each year. It is also a working port with ferries to France and the
Channel
Islands and a fleet of fishing boats. Weymouth is also the gateway to
the
rocky peninsular known as Portland Bill that juts out 6 miles
into
the English channel. The resort of
Weymouth
is an attractive town that is spread along the coast overlooking a
beach
of golden sand. Much of the town was built in the reign of George III
when
the town played host to the monarch on many occasions. There are still
numerous
Georgian style buildings within the town. The inner harbour is home to
the
local fishing fleet and is an interesting area to visit.
Weymouth
will the
base
for many sailing events in the 2012 Olympics. The coast
at
Weymouth is protected by the Bill of Portland and this makes it ideal
for
many water sports including swimming. In addition there is also
sailing,
diving, windsurfing in the area...............Chesil Beach - is one of
the
longest in the country stretching 16 miles to the north west of
Portland.
However it is a pebble ridge and is quiet steep in some places and it
is
not recommended for swimming.
The
King's Statue, The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 7AN
Tel: 01305 785747
Fax: 01305 788092
Mortehoe
and Putsborough -Blue Flag beach, nominated as
one
of the top six beaches in Britain.
Woolacombe
sits at the end of a long
steep
valley (combe) that winds down to the coast, opening up into a three
mile
long, southwest facing sandy bay, sandwiched between two dramatic
peninsulas
- Baggy and Morte Points - makes this a truly spectacular and unique
holiday
destination.
Woolacombe
is a lively village with
plenty
of atmosphere, a fantastic beach, great pubs, restaurants and places to
stay.
Visitors of all ages will find plenty to do away from the beach.
There's
a friendly, laid-back atmosphere here which visitors enjoy, bringing
them
back year after year.
From
Emsworth
In The West To Whitstable in the East
CHICHESTER
Chichester is the inland market town that lies
at the far end of
Chichester
Harbour. The harbour itself is a designated Area Of Outstanding
Natural
Beauty and Chichester is a picturesque town. Founded by the Romans
around
AD 50 the town has been an important settlement and anchorage for over
2000
years.
The two
towns are typical English seaside resorts with
the usual facilities the main attractions are the beaches and the dunes
behind them which offers acres of space for relaxation. There are good beaches at
both
East and West Wittering and they continue east along Bracklesham Bay up
to
Selsey Bill. This area is a popular for many watersports including wind
and
kite surfing, sea canoeing, sailing, fishing, scuba diving and surfing.
West
Wittering Estate
Plc
The Estate Office, West Wittering Estate, West Wittering. Chichester,
West Sussex PO20 8AJ
Tel
: 01243 514143
Fax: 01243 513082 email:office@westwitteringbeach.co.uk
Bognor
is one of the oldest
Saxon sites on record in West Sussex. The town is recorded in AD 680 as
Bucgan ora
meaning Bucge's shore. Bucge was one of the few Saxon women to have a
place
named after her. Over the years this Saxon-landing place became a small
fishing
village, and as with many places the name changed with time. In 1275 it
was
recorded as Buggenore and in 1405 as Bogenor. Very little remains of
the
area's ancient history. A Roman farmstead was discovered in Felpham in
1965
and in the mid-seventies an Iron Age settlement was uncovered during
construction
work.
Belmont
Street ,
Bognor Regis , PO21 1BJ Tel:(0)1243 823 140
Fax:
01243 820435
Selsey is
a small town that traditionally was engaged in
the fishing industry but which now relies more on tourism for its
livelihood. Although it is still renown for the quality of its
shellfish.
Selsey
Bill refers to the headland on which the town is
located that juts out into the English Channel. There are good beaches
all around the town with the eastern beach being the most popular.
Swimming is generally safe along the main beach area but not around the
headland where there are strong currents. A lifeboat station is located
on the headland.
WORTHING
With
a population
of
around 100,000, Worthing is the largest town in West Sussex and a
bustling
modern commercial centre . The town lies on the coastal plain bounded
to
the north by the outstanding natural beauty of the South Downs and to
the
south by the English Channel.It is the towns geographical situation ,
offering
as it does the dual attractions of beautiful countryside and the sea ,
which over the years has been the primary reason for the town's
popularity and growth
. Worthing has all the amenities one would expect in a town of its
size.
It is the premier shopping centre in West Sussex with an excellent
variety
of specialist shops, well-established family businesses, department
stores,
chain stores and supermarkets. The modern town centre is located just
off
the seafront and is mainly pedestrianised. Over the years Worthing has
been
chosen by a number of national and multi - national companies for their
headquarters
and as their main operating bases . Today firms such as Norwich Union
and
Glaxo Smithkline are established within the the town's boundaries.
Entertainment
is an important part of the life of any town and Worthing is no
exception.
There are seven multipurpose venues offering a full range of first
class
entertainment featuring some of the top names of stage and TV fame.
There
is also a lively nightclub scene for younger residents. In fact there
is
something to suit everyone!There are two leisure centres, and together
with
other sports venues, they provide a wide range of sports and activities
from squash to weight training. There are regular tuition courses held
to develop
new sports. Health and Fitness Suites at Worthing Leisure Centre and
the
Aquarena (the indoor swimming complex) offer individual monitoring with
some
of the latest computerised equipment. There are also facilities to
allow
customers to relax and unwind. From the five miles of seashore other
sports
can be enjoyed, such as swimming, windsurfing, yachting and fishing.
There
are also golf courses, putting greens, tennis facilities and bowling
greens
(Worthing is known for its national bowling championships).
A
Coastal Gem
Sheltered
by the South Downs, at the mouth of the River Arun . For family fun and
fantastic
weather - Littlehampton is hard to beat. A European Blue Flag winning
beach,
harbour and a stunning riverside development make Littlehampton a
seaside
town with space, style and lots of sunshine. Littlehampton is lucky to
have
two contrasting beaches to offer visitors. The East Beach is
traditional
sand and shingle and perfect for families. Its European Blue Flag and
Seaside Award confirm it is safe and clean. West Beach, on the opposite
side of the
river, has unspoilt sand dunes, rare plants and wildlife protected as a
Site
of Special Scientific Interest. The riverside walkway links
the
seafront with the East Bank and the town centre. Head for the Look
&
Sea! Visitor Centre for a delightful café overlooking the river,
interactive
maritime exhibition displays, games and fantastic views from the Tower
across
the River Arun, out to sea and northwards to Arundel. On the seafront
is
Harbour Park amusement centre – an all-weather adventure village
offering family fun for visitors of all ages. A Seafront Promenade
Train runs between Coastguards Tower and Norfolk Gardens. There is
summer entertainment on the promenade including Punch and Judy, live
music and magic shows. Littlehampton Miniature Railway runs between
Mewsbrook Park and Norfolk Gardens.
Shoreham-by-Sea
enjoys
a unique location, bordered on the north by the South Downs Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the west by the open valley of the River
Adur and on the south by the river and Shoreham Beach. Such close
proximity to the South Downs, river and coast make Shoreham-by-Sea a
very desirable place to live.Shoreham-by-Sea
is situated on the South Coast of England approximately 6 miles west of
Brighton
and 5 miles east of WorthingThe town and port of New Shoreham was
established
by the Norman Conquerors towards the end of the 11th century.
Shoreham’s
strategic location and proximity to Normandy made it a logical place to
improve
facilities for travel and trade. The magnificent church of St Mary de
Haura
was built in the decade following the Doomsday Survey of 1086 and the
town
laid out on a grid pattern. The 12th century building in Shoreham High
Street,
the Marlipins Museum, is one of the oldest surviving secular buildings
in
the UK and dates from this time. The rise of Brighton and Worthing and
the
coming of the railway in 1840 prepared the way for Shoreham’s rise as a
rapidly
growing Victorian sea port with several shipyards and an active
coasting
trade. Shoreham Beach to the south of the town, is the shingle bank
thrown
up over the centuries by the sea. Converted railway carriages became
summer
homes around the turn of the century, and Bungalow Town, as it was then
known,
became home for a short time to a flourishing film industry. It was
cleared
for defence reasons during the second World War and is now completely
developed
for modern houses. However the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in
1913,
still stands.
Hove is
a
town on the south coast of
England
immediately to the west of Brighton. The former towns form a single
conurbation
together with some smaller towns and villages running along the coast.
As
part of local government reform Brighton and Hove were merged to form
the
borough of Brighton and Hove in 1997. In 2000 the conjoined towns
officially
attained city status.Hove
is between Brighton on the east and Portslade-by-Sea on the west. The
pre-1997
borough of Hove, formed in 1974, included Portslade-by-Sea.
Church
Road ,
Hove
, BN3 3BQ Tel:01273 292 589
BRIGHTON
Since
Regency times, Brighton has been a pleasure ground for visitors, with a
wealth of
attractions full of charm, style and eccentricity. From the
unique Royal Pavilion to the Victorian Brighton
Pier,
the Volks Railway to Brighton & Hove Museums,
Brighton's
attractions are a mix of heritage, seaside fun and cultural
experiences.
Whatever time of year you visit there is sure to be something that you
want
to see. Click here for a downloadable guide to some
of
Brighton's best attractions
The
town of
Seaford
is a quiet seaside resort in East Sussex, U.K. It is located on the
foot
of the South Downs, a range of hills stretching from Winchester to
Eastbourne.
It is a great place to have a break.
Things to do: For many, the main attraction in
Seaford
is the beach. This has an obvious attraction in the summer, when the
sea
reaches temperatures up to 20 degrees Celsius. But the sea is equally
attractive
in the winter. The town has a shopping centre, with
enough
shops to spend a good afternoon looking around. For
the out-and-abouts there is plenty of hills to get on with,
as we are situated at the foot of a hill range called the South Downs.
The
Seven Sisters Country Park is just around the corner, and so is the
famous
Long Man of Wilmington, a massive feature carved out in the rocks
Boat
trips to
Beachy Head Lighthouse. Dining ‘al fresco’ at the cosmopolitan Marina.
Having fun
on the Victorian Pier. Relaxing to music at the seafront Bandstand.
Messing
about on the beach. Exploring the picturesque South Downs countryside.
Watching
fantastic air displays or top class tennis at our international events.
Enjoying
flumes and waves at the Sovereign Centre leisure complex. Taking a ride
on
the seafront Dotto Train. Being entertained in one of our four
theatres.
Shopping for antiques, bargains or sticks of rock. Browsing in our
museums
and art galleries. Having a fish and chip supper. Paddling in rock
pools.
Watching the sun rise over the sea or just having an ice-cream and
watching
the world go by... Just some of the things that you can enjoy in
award-winning, sunny Eastbourne! Why not come and experience it for
yourself?
Newhaven is
a
prosperous and unique town
tucked away from the main A259 East West Coast route between Brighton
and Eastbourne. The town was originally called Meeching but when the
estuary of the Sussex Ouse was diverted in the 1539 from nearby Seaford
to near where it is today the town became a ‘New Haven’. The Marina is
one of Sussex coast's
hidden
gems. The town is central to some of the most beautiful countryside in
the
South East, including the South Downs and the Seven Sisters. It is
linked
to Lewes and Brighton by rail; there are two stations: Newhaven Town
and
Newhaven Harbour. It is also a great launching spot to France on the
Transmanche
Ferries. The huge Fort built on Castle Hill in the 1860s, the original
site
dates from the Bronze Age. It offers a wide variety of activities and
is
the main Heritage Site in the area. There is also the allure of the
unique
shopping experience and the South's leading gardening and horticultural
centre
that is Paradise Park. The town holds a few surprises, including one of
Sussex's
rare sandy beaches and a market day frequently attended by French
traders
offering magnificent cheeses, pastries, leather goods and craft items,
a
must for those with an eye for a bargain!
Hastings
is a
flourishing seaside resort which is popular
with
the French. This popularity originated in 1066 when William the
Conqueror
landed nearby and got into a bit of a barney with the locals. The
legacy
of that invasion is still with us today in the shape of - baguettes, au
pairs
and Beaujolais. The successful invasion of England by William the
Conqueror
was probably the most significant event in our history. On October
14
1066 William landed at Pevensey with around 700 ships and 7000 men.
they
marched rapidly towards Hastings to confront Harold the English King.
The
battle actually took place at the place now called Battle in honour of
the
conflict. Harold had an army of equal size, around 7000 and two armies
clashed
in bloody conflict that lasted half a day. The turning point came when
William's
men appeared to retreat and the English army began to pursue them. This
action
left a gap in their line and the French turned on them and broke their
lines.
During this final phase Harold was fatally wounded by an arrow in his
eye
and died shortly afterwards. William marched for London and was crowned
King
in December 1066. And so we all became Normans!
The
Stade , Old
Town
, Hastings , TN34 1EZ Tel: 01424 781 111Fax:
01424
781186
Email: hic_info@hastings.gov.uk
Website: Visit Hastings HASTINGS CLICK
BEXHILL-ON-SEA
A select
seaside resort of comparatively recent growth, 4 miles East of
Hastings. At the turn of the last century it was a small village, but
its development has proceeded along well planned under the guidance of
the Earls of De La Warr, Lord of the Manor. The beaches are of firm
sand providing excellent bathing and a fine playground for children.
The sea fishing is good (Plaice, codling, whiting
and huss).Of the old village, there remains the manor house dating in
part
from the fourteenth century, which was once owned by the Bishop of
Chichester,
several period houses and a Norman Church. Let into the wall of the
later,
is a child's coffin, curiously carved, which was found during
restoration
work in 1878.
The
small seaside resort and town
of Hythe, in the District of Shepway, (derived from
sheep-way, since shepherds drove their flocks across Romney Marsh and
the
Downs) is one of the five original Cinque Ports on the south coast of
Kent, in England. Although it is beside a broad bay on the English
Channel, four
miles to the west of Folkestone, silting of the coast has removed any
sign
of its port and harbour.
Red
Lion Square,
Hythe,
Kent CT21 5AU - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1303 267799 - Fax: +44 (0)1303 261161 HYTHE
CLICK
Discover
more about Hythe and the surrounding area at Hythe Tourist Information
Centre,
situated on the south east coast of England close to Folkestone, Kent.
The
information centre is packed with lots of useful travel and tourism
information
to help you plan your holiday. Whether you are looking for help with
ferry,
bus or train timetables, want to find and reserve bed & breakfast
or
hotel accommodation in Hythe, or just want to know more about the Hythe
tourist
attractions you can visit, then call in and let us offer you some
advice.
FOLKESTONE
Folkestone
operates as a
port
rather than a resort but however there are plenty of attractions and
beaches nearby. There is a beach at the town and this is reached by a
lift that takes you down the 200 foot cliff face. Folkestone's beach
doesn't offer much in the way of charm. A wide expanse of shingle is
all that greets you however there is an large amusement park as well
which should keep the kids happy. There are other
beaches to the west of the town towards Dymchurch. Here you will find
St Mary's Bay which stretches for several miles and is a mix of sand
and shingle. There are a few facilities along here such as cafes and
shops and a small fun fair.
Harbour
Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20
1QN
- England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1303 258594 - Fax: +44 (0)1303 259754
Discover
more
about
Folkestone and the surrounding area at Folkestone Tourist Information
Centre,
situated on the south coast of England close to Dover and Hythe. Our
information
centre is packed with lots of useful travel information to help you
plan
your holiday. If you’d like help with bus, train and ferry timetables,
are
looking for bed & breakfast and hotel accommodation, or just want
to know
what tourist attractions you can visit, then call in and let us offer
you
some advice. The area has lots to offer, including the Battle of
Britain museum
and Rural Heritage Centre.
White Cliffs of Daver
St Margarets Bay
DOVER
Dover
is probably the UK's
best
known port and acts as the gateway to England - or Europe depending on
which
way your going! As with many of the countries major ports it has a long
history that is bound up with our maritime past.
Dover's
history goes back to Roman times
and
beyond but it was the Normans who built the towns most famous landmark,
Dover
Castle. The castle dominates the towns landscape and is still in
remarkably
good repair after defending the town for 800 years. During the second
World
War the castle was the base for the planning of the evacuation of
British
troops from Dunkirk. There is a network of tunnels under the castle
which
now house a museum with exhibits from the war time period. There are
beaches
within the Dover area, notably Kingsdown to the north of Dover offers a
natural
undeveloped shingle beach. there are shops and cafes in the village
centre. The
the other outstanding landmark of Dover, of course, is the world
famous
white cliffs which stretch for ten miles on either side of Dover. The
best
place to view these is from one of the cross channel ferries and they
provide
a spectacular view when arriving in the country. There are excellent
walks
along the cliffs in both directions.
Townwall
Street, Dover,
Kent
CT16 1JR - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1304 205108 Fax: 01304 255 409 Email:
tic@doveruk.com DOVER
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE CLICK
At
Dover Tourist Information Centre, we are here to help you with a range
of
tourism information on the port town of Dover and other nearby places
such
as Folkestone and Deal. We can help you find hotel or bed &
breakfast accommodation in Dover, provide maps and help with the ferry
timetables and
give independent advice on the Dover visitor attractions. Attractions
in
Dover include Dover Castle, the Pines garden and the famous White
Cliffs of
Dover which is often the first view of England that travellers from
Europe
have.
DEAL
Deal
is a thriving seaside town
full of historical places to visit and things to see. Deal's past is
filled with fishing and smuggling and many major historical events took
place here. Deals pier extends 1/4 mile into the sea and gives
excellent views back across deal
seafront. The beach is shingle and is fairly long there is adequate
parking.
Town
Hall, High Street,
Deal,
Kent CT14 6BB - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1304 369576 - Fax: +44 (0)1304 380641 Email:
info@deal.gov.uk
Discover
more about the
Kent
town of Deal and nearby places at the Deal Tourist Information Centre,
situated
on the coast between Dover and Ramsgate. Our centre is packed with lots
of
useful tourist information ranging from finding and booking
accommodation
in Deal to finding more information about the local visitor
attractions.
There are a number of attractions around Deal including the Walmer
Castle
and East Kent Railway.
SANDWICH
There
are many
historical sites
and places of interest in the town of Sandwich as it's history dates
back to
well before medieval times.Sandwich itself, has a population of around
4,500,
but it is surrounded by small villages, such as Eastry, Ash, Worth and
Woodnesborough,
which have always been regarded as part of the Sandwich area. It is a
walled
town and although parts of the town wall still remain, it is now mainly
replaced by the footpaths, known as the Ropewalk, Millwall, Bulwarks,
and the Butts
The
Guildhall,
Sandwich, Kent CT13 9AH - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1304 613565 Alternate Tel: 01304 617 197 Fax: 01304 613
565
Email: info@ticsandwich.wanadoo.co.uk SANDWICH
CLICK
Discover
more
about the small town of Sandwich and nearby
places
at the Sandwich Tourist Information Centre, situated close to Ramsgate,
Margate,
Broadstairs and Deal in South East Kent. The premises are packed with
lots
of tourism information to help you plan your holiday or break in the
area.
If you’d like help with transport timetables, are looking for
accommodation
in and around Sandwich, or just want to know what tourist attractions
you
can visit, then call in and let us offer you some advice. The area has
lots
to offer, including White Mill folk museum, Sandwich Bay bird
observatory,
Sandwich Bay Beach and the Richborough Roman fort.
RAMSGATE
Ramsgate presents an enticing mix
of maritime history, cosmopolitan pizzazz and traditional seaside
appeal. The town has a good harbour and marina, sandy
beaches and
stunning views from the nearby cliff tops. Much of the
town is
Victorian or Regency in origin and the town has had some distinguished
visitors. Ramsgate was granted ‘royal’ status for its
harbour in 1821
in recognition of the hospitality given to King George
IV when he
sailed from Ramsgate with the Royal Squadron on his way to Hanover.
At
Ramsgate Tourist Information Centre, we are here
to
help you. We have information on the seaside town of Ramsgate on the
north
Kent coast and other nearby places such as Margate and Broadstairs.
Find
accommodation in a hotel or bed & breakfast or just get some
independent
advice on some of the best tourist attractions in the area.
BROADSTAIRS
Broadstairs is renown for two
things - its seven sandy beaches and for being the location of Charles
Dickens holiday home, Bleak House which overlooks the town. The main
beach is Viking Bay, which was given the name as it was the landing
place of these Norse invaders many years ago.
6B High
Street, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1LH -
England,
UK Phone: +44 (0)1843 862242 - Fax: +44 (0)1843 865650 Email:
tourism@thanet.gov.uk
Discover
more about
Broadstairs
and the surrounding Kent countryside at Broadstairs Tourist Information
Centre,
situated close to Ramsgate and Margate in South East England. Our
information
centre contains lots of useful travel information about Broadstairs and
our
helpful staff can assist you with a various services from transport
timetables
to finding & booking accommodation in Broadstairs. We can also
provide
information on tourist attractions around Broadstairs and Kent such as
Salmestone
Grange historic house, Broadstairs Museum and Crampton Tower.
CLIFTONVILLE
"This
was a
sedate suburb of Margate, full
of small damp bungalows and ragged sparrows." -- The
Kingdom by the Sea by Paul Theroux .
MARGATE
Margate
is well known for its 9
miles of sandy beaches and traditional seaside pleasures such as
cockles and winkles, fish and chips, amusements and attractions. Indeed
some of the greatest seaside icons were invented here. In 1736 John
Barber, a local glove maker invented the first covered bathing machine
and Margate was the first resort to have donkey rides in 1790 and the
first to introduce deck chairs in 1898. Now your
more likely to find kite surfing and sailing boats as the town responds
to
the changing tastes of its visitors.
For a
contrast to the traditional beach entertainment, head for Margate
Old Town where the harbour area mixed 17th and 18th century
buildings with boutiques, cafes and bars.
22 High
Street, Margate, Kent CT9 1DS - England, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1843 220241 - Fax: +44 (0)1843 230099 Email:
tourism@thanet.gov.uk
MARGATE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE CLICK
Margate
Tourist Information Centre is situated in
the
coastal town of Margate, close to Ramsgate and Broadstairs on the North
Kent
coast. Nearby tourist attractions include Salmestone Grange historic
house,
Theatre Royal and The Margate Winter Gardens. Call in and we can give
you
more information on these and other visitor attractions. We can also
help
you choose from the great selection of hotels and bed & breakfast
accommodation
in Margate.
BIRCHINGTON
Birchington,
Kent`s largest
village,
is situated on the Isle of Thanet
in the North East of the county
within easy
reach from the M2. There have been settlements in and around
Birchington since pre-historic times. The present-day community
of
around 14,000 people is centred on the square and its parish church,
with its origins in the 12th century, together with
the neighbouring
welcoming public houses. The sea shore includes sandy bays, rock
pools and paddling pools and forms part of the Thanet Coast project.
Dante
Gabriel Rosetti, painter and poet, is buried in
the
churchyard.
Beautiful
Beaches
including
Westgate
Bay and St. Mildreds. The Quieter part of Margate- Marvellous for
younger children and older visitors.
HERNE
BAY
Herne Bay, north of Canterbury,
has attractive seafront gardens with a distinctive clock tower and
bandstand, home to free concerts. The town's story, including the fate
of its famous pier, is told at the local museum. Built as a resort by
the Victorians, Herne Bay still offers the same pleasure to visitors. A
long open beach with a promenade
and bracing sea air to dispel the smoke and fumes of the city. A
popular
destination for day trips.
12 William
Street, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5EJ -
England,
UK
Phone: +44 (0)1227 361911 - Fax: +44 (0)1227 361911 Email:
hernebayinformation@canterbury.gov.uk HERNE
BAY
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE CLICK
Herne
Bay Tourist Information Centre is situated in Herne Bay, close to
Whitstable
and Canterbury. Call in and we can give you more information or assist
you
with finding a place to stay. There is a great selection of hotels, bed
& breakfast and self-catering accommodation locally
WHITSTABLE
Whitstable
is
known world-wide for its Oysters but this is
only
part of the town's maritime story which stretches back from Roman times
upto
the present day. There is still a thriving fishing industry at this
small
Kent town and it has plenty of seafood restaurants in which to try the
recent
catch.There is a nice shingle beach at the town which is part owned by
the
local oyster company. Look out for The Neptune pub which is right
on
the beach so you can watch the kids make sandcastles while you enjoy a
pint!
Whitstable
Tourist Information Centre is situated
in
Whitstable on the North Kent coastline near to Herne Bay and
Canterbury.
Call in and we can give you more information or assist you with finding
a
place to stay from a great selection of hotels, bed & breakfast and
self-catering
accommodation in Whitstable.
The
unique rock structure makes this beach interesting for fossils and
crystalsThe
fossil bearing Jurassic limestone on this beach contains an abundance
of pink crystals, which are striking in appearance. Access to the beach
is good, but the rocky terrain makes walking difficult. For
more information on Blue Anchor Beach, click here
A seven mile stretch of sand
Berrow
beach forms part of a seven mile stretch of sand running from
Burnham-on-Sea to Brean Down. With the second highest tidal range in
the world, there are extensive flats, perfect for walking and beach
sports. For
more information on Berrow Beach, click here
Seven mile stretch of sand
with
considerable tidal range and mud flatsThis
beach is part of a seven mile stretch of sand from Burnham-on-Sea to
Brean Down. A considerable tidal range, leaving mud flats at low tide.
The esplanade runs along the length of the beach, facing the hotels and
private houses.
Traditional sandy beach
resortA
traditional sandy resort beach with excellent facilities for the family
day out. Attractions include historic pier, miniature railway, sea-life
centre, amusement arcades, land train and the famous Weston Donkeys.
Part of a seven mile stretch
of sand.Brean sands lies below the National Trust
headland of Brean Down and forms the northern most part of a seven-mile
stretch of sands. It has extensive flats at low tide and it ideal for
walking and beach sports.
A quiet sandy beach.The
beach at Brean Cove is a quiet sandy
beach, forming part of the Brean Down, one of the most striking
landmarks of the Somerset coastline. For
more information on Brean Cove Beach,
click here
A pebbly four mile long beach of
archaeological and geographical significance.Popular for
swimming, fishing, surfing and
sailing - although care needs to be taken when swimming, and surfing
should only be undertaken by experienced surfers.
Large, spacious beaches, big
enough
to drive your car onto! Large sand and
shingle beaches which you
can drive your car onto. Safe for children. There is also a large
picnic area.
If you
are looking for a bit of
Free Fishing
in the UK Click on Picture to left
From
The English Channel
to
The Atlantic , Wessex
will Astound you
If you see any errors in the above or feel that there are omissions
please
either calll 0870 199 3871 or email cerdic@wessex.me.uk
WESSEX TOURIST
BOARD
36 Boutport Street,
Barnstaple , EX31 1RX Tel:01271 375000
I
If you
are looking for a bit of
Free Fishing 
