Sometimes, Mother Nature just does us all a favor. That could be said about Peel Beach, a long…read morestretch of golden sand curving along Peel Harbor from the castle, down the Shore Road promenade and Marine Parade for about a half mile. On a sunny day, it reminds me a lot of the beach towns of Blackpool, Lytham-St. Annes, and Portsmouth ... a lot of people, a lot of nice beach, a lot of touristy kiosks and ice creameries. It's a nice little jaunt and the the water's a little more warm than in other places on the Isle of Man. Would I swim in it? Mmm, that's a judgement call, but it's still chilly (andif you've got a suit on and see a 4-7 year-olds splashing around, your machismo or basic pride may not allow you to make an excuse for staying on land ). The best part is the sunset which, at least the time of year we were there, passed right down over Peel Castle.

Beautiful unspoilt sandy beach with a wee shop, cafe and carpark. If you park in the main car park…read moreyou need to get an exit token from the shop. you can find more information on the beach here http://www.fieldmaster224.co.uk/oliverstravels.html

Jutting out betwixt the Ribble Estuary and the Irish Sea, just south to the more gaudy Blackpool is…read moreLytham/St. Anne's ... is the very underrated Lytham/St. Anne's Beach. Located on the North and South Promenade of the St Anne's-on-the-Sea, the best place to start with the beach is actually on a pier ... St. Anne's Pier, to be exact. More than 130 years old, the Victorian-era "Pleasure Pier" juts out 180 meters to the tip of the water. You'll get an expansive (and on cloudy days dramatic) view of both the north and south beaches, the Irish Sea, the towns of Lytham/St. Anne's, and, in the distance, Blackpool Tower and that town's less chill offerings. The pier is a great way to see both ends of the beach ... or keep the kids entertained with game-after-game while you sunbathe on the beach. At Lytham-St. Anne's beach, you have the exact same weather as down the road in Blackpool; the exact same miles of soft, castle-maker-friendly sand; the same local ice cream vendors with their yummy concoctions; the same famed Lancashire donkey rides; the same paddler's paradise (the water is a little cold, even in the summer, for all but the hardiest of swimmers). The difference? Lytham-St. Anne's Beach isn't as crowded. Oh sure, the whole western seaboard of England is crowded on a sunny summer day, but your odds of finding a good spot here are much higher. I've stayed in both areas and spent many a days on both Blackpool and LSA beaches; I much prefer this little slice of beachgoer's heaven.

A fantastic clean and swish British Seaside beach before you hit Blackpool. Gardens, a pier and a…read moremass of sand, quiet and sedate just how I remember it from the70's. Good to see somethings have not changed. Would love to live here.

A lovely wide and soft, sandy, beach which is over a mile long and safe for swimming or walking…read more There are picnic areas and many benches along the promenade and marvellous views across the River Clyde to Arran, Aisa Craig and Kintyre. Plenty of parking spaces in the huge car park. It's not far to walk into the town from here and the nearby harbour is also a pleasant place to visit for a stroll (or a sail if you have a boat)!

Not so long ago I decided to get into the "going green" boat, see if it floated well. Part of this…read moreenvironmentally friendly plan of mine consisted of discovering new places closer to home as supposed to a trip beyond these shores involving carbon footsteps and what not. The lake district is fantastic, and it is right on our doorstep. Whilst I was there I bumped into a Canadian couple, a Korean family, and a Brazilian supermodel. Ok fine the last one is a fib, the point is, this place is Internationally known yet somehow overlooked by most people for their summer plans. Lake Windermere has always been a favorite of mine. I have fond memories of camping here as a grumpy but secretly loving it 13 year old. Fell foot park however is a recent discovery on a visit to Lake Windermere. I came upon it by chance in fact as I drove away from the south shore of the lake. With 18 or so acres to play with it is spacialicious indeed with incredible picnic space overlooking the lake. You don't have to watch the boats go by either as you skittle through your picnic food, you can enjoy a boat ride or hire a rowing boat to enjoy the stillness of the lake. There is also a tea room overlooking the lake and shop where you can buy souvenirs. This hidden treasure really demands a cheeky visit.

Set on the shore of Windermere, Fellfoot is a lovely park with bags of space for picnicers,…read morechildren playing football, cricket etc. There is a childrens adventure playground that has just been updated. A cafe and boat hire are also available. The lake is normally full of children during the summer months but its all very safe and boats passing by must stick to the 10mph speed limit. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. Plenty of parking which is free for National Trust members, but pay and display for others.

Excellent site in great location. Static caravans, tourers and tents plus a couple of excellent…read morelodges to rent too. Nice facilities, good rates - and well layed out so no one is too cramped or close by. Electricty available for tourers and tents if required. Beach side location on working farm - great for families! Easy to find close to Gatehouse of Fleet and with Kirkcudbright nearby, Wigtown and Dumfries and even Stranraer easily reached, there is lots to do in the area like castles, gardens, smokehouses and fishing, walks, forests and good food as well as just chilling.

The Point of Ayre is the Island's most northerly tip and when you stand here you are closer to…read moreScotland (14 miles) than you are to Douglas. Most of the Island's northern plain is made up from sand and gravel that was deposited here during and after the last Ice Age. There is a large car park, a lighthouse, a foghorn and a Winkie. The buildings are not accessible. The beach is pebbles. There are lots of seals, we saw about 100 and they put on a fantastic show for us. Some were basking on the beach and others playfully popping their heads ouot of the water. It was magical. The flowering heathland, nesting birds, diving gannets and dramatic sea currents all combine to make the Point of Ayre a truly remarkable landscape. Put on a windbreaker jacket as it can be windy.

Wow, just Wow. There are so many beaches and bays on IOM and every one a winner…read more Niarbyl is a secluded beauty spot just south of Dalby Village on the Island's west coast and of great geological interest. Discover the peaceful bay with its rolling hills, thatched cottages and dramatic coastal paths leading to White Beach. Sunsets are remarkable in this scenic location and on clear nights exceptional for stargazing. On a walk along the coast you will be able to see one of the most interesting of the Island's ancient Keeils or early Christian chapels Lag ny Killey. You'll also find quaint thatched cottages, which were featured in the film Waking Ned, and a coastal footpath which leads to an 8th Century chapel and secluded beach. During your visit you'll be offered spectacular views of the rolling hills and on a clear day you may be able to see the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland. Spot seabirds, seals and possibly basking sharks, particularly on calm sunny days between May and August. An information board and binoculars are also located at Niarbyl to assist with wildlife spotting

Southerness Holiday Village is a half hour drive from Dumfries and i have been giong there for over…read more20 years and would highly reccommed it for a great family holiday. The village has a 2 mile long beach with a lighthouse and loads of facilities to keep the whole family amused including an indoor heated swimming pool,soft play area,crazy golf,outdoor play area,amusement arcade with mini ten pin bowling,the sunset showbar which has a kids club and live entertainment on every night.There is also a restaurant and takeaway,mini supermarket and a launderette. There is a championship golf course in the village. the holiday village is open from march to october.