We have had a few posts this week asking about the closest beaches to MK.
OneMK posted this article back in May and we will add a few of our members suggestions, because we all love to be beside the seaside!
Canvey Island: via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 44mins
TripAdvisor 2016: “Kids as usual love anything to do with beach. Unusually quiet considering it is August and school holidays. Great little beach, lots of coral and small crabs, water wasn’t very inviting for dipping. Perhaps a different section of the beach would have been better. Great small bars and restaurants local and a fun amusement Park for kids.”
Southend-on-Sea: via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 44mins
“Three Shells is a popular choice, particularly for families. Its central location places it at the heart of activity with Adventure Island, The Pier, High Street and numerous cafes, shops and amusements nearby. It has a fantastic play area for the kids, with shower, as well as easy access to the Three Shells cafe.
New for summer 2016 is the Three Shells Lagoon – a fantastic new attraction that will allow visitors to paddle and swim all day long, without worrying about the tides.”
Click here for more info #VisitSouthEnd
All hallow: via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 52mins
Allhallows beach, on the Thames estuary, is possibly the closest ‘proper’ beach to London. Along with having a good section of sandy beach makes this a popular spot with families
Shoeburyness: via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 53mins
TripAdvisor 2016
My grandson loved it”
5 of 5 starsReviewed 3 days ago NEW
“Spent a glorious day today at the beach. We were near the paddling pool (it does need a good clean out from the rocks and seaweed) but with the tide out, we walked out on the mud. There is a grass area above beach with a small climbing frame which the children loved. Toilets are available with a portable kiosk.”
Minster on Sea: via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 50mins
“Lucky to be local to here. Lovely prom; very clean; blue flag beach; ideal for all. Dogs are only allowed in a certain part but they have plenty of room to run and swim and families can relax knowing there are no unpleasant surprises. Sun rises and Sunday sets are just spectacular.”
Clacton on Sea: via London Orbital Motorway and A12: 1hr 50mins
“We had a great time at Clacton & will be heading back. It was a lovely place to have a day away with my family & my son LOVED all the arcades! Make sure to check out El Guaca Mexican Restaurant & if you need somewhere to stay, Premier Inn is amazing!”
TripAdvisor 2016
Lorraine – Mum to Mum: We went to Clacton on Saturday. 1 hour 45 minutes. Lovely beaches, pier, amusements, funfair and reasonable prices.
Brightlingsea: via London Orbital Motorway and A12: 1hr 52mins
Brightlingsea is a sandy beach backed by a promenade lined with colourful beach huts. Formerly an important fishing and shipbuilding area, Brightlingsea is now a haven for yachting. A popular resort with plenty of amenities.
Harwich via London Orbital Motorway and A12: 1hr 59mins
THE PIER BEACH AT SOUTHWOLD (31 MILES)Southwold
The Pier Beach at Southwold One of two of Southwold’s good beaches, with good swimming if you’re careful and lifeguard cover. Sand and shingle surface. Regular Blue Flag awarded. Good arcade.
Sheerness via M1 and London Orbital Motorway: 1hr 53mins
SHEERNESS BEACH is a ‘Blue Flag’ award winning (2016) bathing beach located centrally in the town of Sheerness on the north coast of the Isle of Sheppey. This predominantly shingle beach is characterised by a steep high sea wall with flood gates and ramps/steps at regular intervals. Steps lead down from the flat, wide seaward promenade to the pebble beach. The seawall is bordered by a wide expanse of green open space which leads to the promenade – making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Popular amongst families, it offers plenty of attractions for a great day out.
The RNLI are providing the beach lifeguard service on this beach on behalf of Swale Borough Council.
Hunstanton has been recommended by Mum to Mum members.
“The elegant resort of Hunstanton is the ideal base to enjoy Norfolk’s superb coastline. Hunstanton, or ‘Hunston’ as it is known locally, is renowned for its unique striped cliffs and magnificent sunsets, made special by its position as the only west-facing resort on the East coast.
The seaside town began as a purposely-built resort in 1846 and retains its Victorian charm and character to this day, remaining a popular holiday destination for visitors of all ages. From buzzing family activities such as Crazy Golf, Pitch-and-Putt, and the Oasis Leisure Centre to the tranquil Esplanade Gardens there is something for everyone. The town’s array of gardens are especially delightful during the Spring and summer months, and you can follow a self-guided Horticultural Trail to make sure you experience them all.
Hunstanton’s excellent beach offers ideal conditions for playing on the sand, exploring rock pools, and enjoying the sea.”
Another great link as we are so close to London is @
Ten brilliant beaches near London
Mersea Island
There’s a distinct sense of adventure about a trip to Mersea Island. Approached by a causeway from the mainland, cut off at high spring tide, and just eight miles square, it’s a place you have to plan to get to. It’s also a place with two quite different faces. Most visitors head straight for West Mersea, firmly oyster territory and the island’s undisputed capital, with its shops, guesthouses and restaurants. Pleasures here are simple: relaxing on the beach, crabbing from the jetties, watching the activity at the boat-repair yards, taking in the dramatic, wide skies and estuary views, and, of course, feasting on fresh native oysters.
For further information about this wonderful Island go to: www.visitmerseaisland.co.uk
Holywell Retreat
Holywell Retreat is set at the foot of the South Downs, this quant little enclave boasts a popular café, beach huts and beach chalets. The Dotto land stops here. This section of coastline provides rock pools full of marine life at low tide, pretty Italian gardens and the dramatic chalk cliffs of Beachy Head.
Dogs are welcome on these beaches but must be kept under control.
Have fun in the sun everyone x
Mum to Mum Milton Keynes 
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