Beaches & seaside
Sandcastles, rock pools, fish and chips and a go on the 2p machines. The seaside is the original family day out, and much of it is free.
Photo: Jennifer Kalenberg on Unsplash
Scout’s verdict
Choose a lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags, and check the tide times before rock pooling or fossil hunting.
Showing 3 of 3 adventures
Rocky beaches at low tide
Crabs, anemones and starfish. Free fun at low tide.
Scout: Check tide times, and always put creatures back gently.
Dorset and East Devon, England
A World Heritage coastline famous for fossils on its beaches.
Scout: Search the beach, not the cliffs, and check tide times.
Seaside towns near you
Sandcastles, pier arcades, crazy golf and chips on the prom.
Scout: Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags.
No adventures match those filters. Try fewer filters, or hit 🎲 Surprise me!
Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.
In the UK, lifeguarded beaches use red and yellow flags to mark the safest area to swim. Never swim at a red flag. If someone is in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Read beach safety for families and the rock pooling guide.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
Tides, what you’ll find and the seashore code.
Explore →
Flags, rip currents, tides and lifeguards explained.
Explore →
Surf lessons, inland surf lakes, kayaking and SUP.
Explore →Free museums, beaches, open days and schemes that let kids in free.
Explore →
