WE LOVE being by the seaside and the UK truly has some amazing coastal destinations to explore.
And now, the best seaside spots in the country have been revealed.
The Seaside Heritage Network has revealed its Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places and experiences, voted for by the public.
Here are the top 10 spots:
#10 Blackpool Colonnades (Lancashire)
Securing 10th place is the tiered structure in Blackpool known as the Blackpool Colonnades.
The Grade II-listed structure stretches 500 metres, with many locals saying it is the best spot for the sunset.
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The historic seaside structure was built between 1910 and 1925 to protect the seafront.
Even better news is that they are currently being restored, with a completion date set for 2030.
#9 Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (Ceredigion)
The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway in Wales is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain.
The lift opened back in 1896 and has a 237 metre track.
Later in November 1987, the lift received a Grade II-listed status.
At the top of Constitution Hill, there are more attractions to explore including The Camera Obscura.
#8 Harbour Bar, Scarborough (North Yorkshire)
The Harbour Bar in Scarborough, North Yorkshire is a family owned ice cream and milk bar which has stood on the seafront since 1945.
Inside the bar has a white-and-yellow 1950s/60s decor with neon lighting and even vintage counter service.
All ice cream is made on site using traditional recipes.
The joint has won awards for its sundaes such as Knickerbocker Glory.
#7 Shell Grotto, Margate (Kent)
In Margate, explore Shell Grotto which is an underground chamber full of, well, shells.
The chamber was discovered completely randomly in the 19th century and boasts 21 metres of winding passages covered in 4.6million shells.
Having recently visited, Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “Discovered in 1835, the mystery of the Shell Grotto is what gives it its charm – even now, we don’t know who created it, when, or why.
“But the bizarre underground chambers are well-worth exploring and it certainly makes for an interesting visit (if you don’t mind leaving with more questions than answers…).”
#6 Volks Electric Railway, Brighton (East Sussex)
Volk’s Electric Railway in Brighton, East Sussex, is the oldest operating electric railway in the world.
Having opened in 1883, the railway stretches just over a mile along Brighton seafront.
The railway operates seasonally with a round trip taking around half an hour.
You don’t need to pre-book – you can just turn up, buy tickets at the station and then head for a ride.
#5 Weymouth Deckchairs (Dorset)
Weymouth’s Deckchairs are loved for their charming, traditional feel and came in as the fifth best seaside spot in the country.
The chairs are available each day from April through the end of September, weather permitting, and make for the ideal photo op.
Hiring a deckchair costs around £3.70 per day.
Though, if you are over 60 and live in the area you can get a free pass.
#4 Tinside Lido, Plymouth (Devon)
Fancy a dip? In fourth place is the only lido on the list – Grade II-listed Art Deco Tinside Lido in Plymouth.
After opening in 1935, the pool quickly became a popular spot and today is often ranked among the top outdoor pools in Europe.
The semi-circular pool screams of classic seaside memories and is unheated.
The pool costs £10.50 for both adults and children.
#3 Wemyss Bay Railway Station (Inverclyde)
Wemyss Bay Railway Station is a Category A-listed Edwardian railway found in the village of Wemyss Bay in Inverclyde, Scotland.
It is often dubbed one of the most beautiful train stations in the UK.
It also marks the final stop on the Inverclyde Line which connects the region to Glasgow Central.
One visitor said: “A fascinating and beautifully preserved reminder of the heyday of mass travel to the seaside – now an integral part of its local community.”
#2 North & South Marine Parks, South Shields (Tyne & Wear)
North Marine Park and South Marine Park are interconnected Victorian parks located on South Shields seafront in Tyne & Wear.
The parks sit alongside Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and boast a mixture of attractions including green spaces and even a miniature railway.
One person said: “It has everything! Miniature train, lake with boats, play area, cafe, beautiful gardens.
“The beach is over the road as well as a traditional fairground. Lots of events, music, fun and family friendly.”
#1 Herne Bay Pier (Kent)
And securing the top spot for the best seaside destination is Herne Bay Pier in Kent.
The traditional seaside attraction has loads to do from family entertainment including arcades to beach hut shops.
One person said: “I love the pier as there are so many places to eat and drink. If you have children with you there are plenty of things for them to do. Always see people crabbing off the side.
“They have dog shows too and music shows through the summer weekends. It’s so versatile and just a really enjoyable place to be.
“Fantastic variety of activities for all ages. The Pier Volunteers are a credit to the community.”