beaches

THE Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being some of the most well-known.

However, there’s one island that most won’t have visited or perhaps even heard of with ragged coastlines, black sand beaches and natural pools.

Unlike its neighbours, the island of El Hierro offers a peaceful, nature-filled break rather than one for parties and cheap bars.

Off the coast of the island are diving reserves, natural pools and further inland, you can hike up volcanic trails.

The island will be much less busy than the other Canary Islands too as it only gets between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year.

In comparison, Tenerife attractions around 7million tourists each year, while Gran Canaria welcomes around 4.7million.

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As Brits we often seek out sun, and El Hierro is sunny and warm for most of the year as it sits on the Morocco-Western Sahara border.

Temperatures tend not to dip below 15C and in January it can be as hot as 20C – in comparison it tends to sit between 3-6C in the UK.

Timon van Basten has lived in Spain for the last five years and works as a tour guide in the country and he recommends a trip to El Hierro.

Timon told Euro News: “The tiny, remote island has an end-of-the-world vibe with lava flows, volcanic craters, and lush cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

“Explore at your own pace, with quaint towns, secluded beaches, and tranquil hiking trails to discover.”

When it comes to popular attractions on the island, a top one is the El Tamaduste Pool.

It’s a natural swimming pool in a sheltered bay in the village of Tamaduste.

Visitors can take a dip in the pool while being protected by the strong sea waves. Aside from swimming, visitors can also enjoy water sports like diving or paddle boarding.

Another natural pool is Charco Azul which is one of the most famous and sits on the north of the island with a huge rock acting as the barrier between the pool and the sea.

Another is the viewpoint called Mirador de la Peña which overlooks a huge landslide valley with views across the sweeping coastline.

Of course there are plenty of beaches, some of the most popular are  Playa de Tacorón, which is ideal for families.

There’s also Playa del Verodal, the largest beach the island which has incredible sunset views, but not so good for swimming due to strong currents.

There aren’t any white or golden sandy beaches on the island because of volcanic activity.

El Hierro’s sands are rich in iron, causing it to turn red, and the black granules are created from volcanic glass.

Cala de Tacorón beach is the hidden gem of the island with soft red sands and as it’s in a cove, has much calmer waves.

If you fancy getting a souvenir, there are stalls and street markets dotted around El Hierro where you can buy jewellery, homemade gifts, as well as locally produced honey, wines and cheeses.

To get to El Hierro from the UK, you’ll need to fly to another Canary Island like Tenerife or Gran Canaria and take a connecting flight.

From Tenerife to the neighbouring island, flights take just 40-minutes, or 55-minutes from Gran Canaria.

Another option is to take a connecting ferry which from Tenerife takes just over two hours.

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Robin McKelvie said: “Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I’ve been back at least once a year on holiday.

“It’s the world’s most varied archipelago – on Tenerife alone you can party at the world’s second biggest carnival, bash around the world’s best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain’s Ben Nevis.

“La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport.

“It’s a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.

“You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants.

“Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four. And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared a star.

“Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, Fuerteventura.

“The Parque Natural de Corralejo boasts mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches.

“It’s just south of Corralejo, a resort popular with Brits and is
easily my favourite Canarian resort.”

For more on the best European islands for winter sun – here are all the best hidden spots on Fuerteventura that only locals know about.

And here are the best secret beaches, cheap bars serving €2 pints and hidden gems in Tenerife – as revealed by locals.

IF you’re off on a £9.50 Holiday with the family to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep your whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

West Wittering, Brighton Beach and Camber Sands are among the top-rated beaches for families.

But if the weather doesn’t play ball, or if you’ve already had your fill of sandcastle building, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities near your holiday park by the coast.

Maybe the arcades and fun fair rides of Brighton Palace Pier are calling you, or perhaps it’s the animals and all-ages play areas at the top-rated Drusillas Park. 

We’ve chatted to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in Sussex to get their top tips on the family attractions that are worth visiting. 

From thrilling water parks to pirate festivals, here’s what they recommend… 

Make a splash

If you have older kids in tow, why not let them burn off steam with something that will really get their adrenaline pumping?

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at ease – lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Chichester Watersports has an aqua park, complete with inflatable slides and jumps in the water. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20. 

Get on your bike

For something that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

For a quick trip, you can hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Meet pirates in Hastings 

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends visiting Hastings during the annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

“It’s very popular, and you can pop into one of the nice pubs along the front – the best are located in the Old Town like The Crown and Ye Old Pumphouse.

“Some of the pirate events happen in these pubs like live music and themed roast dinners.”

Hastings Pirate Weekend is packed with family-friendly activities, like a treasure hunt, free kids’ tattoos and craft workshops.

To learn more about pirates, head to The Shipwreck Museum. It’s free to enter and kids will love touching artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel.

Spark their curiosity

Museums don’t have to be boring – especially if they have children’s activities on tap. Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum for families.

Built on top of the remains of a Roman bathhouse in Chichester, it’s free to enter (though donations are welcome) and has oodles to make learning fun, such as hands-on workshops about everything from the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Kids can try on costumes, handle real artefacts and even join in organised sleepovers at the museums, complete with torchlit treasure hunts and bedtime stories.

Sue said: “There are also brilliant children’s activities at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and Pallant House Gallery.”

Ride the railways

There’s nothing like a train ride to keep the kids entertained.

And there’s a whole host of options near your £9.50 Holiday in Sussex.

Sue Mercer recommends taking the kids to Hotham Park in Bognor Regis, which has a miniature railway, plus a boating lake, crazy golf and Alice in Wonderland wooden sculptures.

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, take the family for a ride on a railway that’s been in use for over 100 years, the Kent and East Sussex Railway (£53 for a family of four).

WITH its wide open beaches, vibrant seaside towns and cathedral-studded cities, Lincolnshire makes for a perfect UK getaway.

Add to that brilliant food and drink options, incredible natural wonders and family-friendly attractions, and it’s no wonder the East Midlands county is one of the top destinations for 9.50 holidaymakers.

In fact, there are so many great places to explore near your £9.50 Holiday park that the hardest question will be: where to visit first?

The coast is unmissable. Long, sandy beaches ripple for more than 50 miles along the eastern shore of England from the Humber to the Wash.

Seaside towns like Mablethorpe, Skegness, Cleethorpes and Ingoldmells are consistently highly rated and hark back to traditional bucket-and-spade holidays.

Expect quintessentially British promenades, piers and arcades as well as super-clean beaches that have earned Blue Flag Award status.

Here you can find everything from the thrilling rides of Fantasy Island to family-friendly land trains and more.

But you’ll also find secret beaches if you prefer – head somewhere like Anderby Creek for beach fun without the crowds.

If it’s nature you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Lincolnshire.

Again, the coast is a good place to start, with its landscape of sand dunes, open marshland and protected nature reserves like the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and Gibraltar Point.

You can also spot seals at Donna Nook, one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies, and learn more about them and other marine life at Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary and Wildlife Centre.

If you prefer your wildlife-watching somewhere cosy with a cuppa, the North Sea Observatory is free to enter and makes for a brilliant wet weather option, too. 

Keen to dabble in history? Then Lincoln Castle, around an hour’s drive from the coast, should be top of your list.

It contains one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, as well as having medieval walls, dungeons and towers to explore.

While in the city, you can soak up more history at the Cathedral or swing by Louth with its historic market. 

It may be the birthplace of the Lincolnshire sausage, but there’s far more to this county on a culinary level.

Of course, you’ll find a decent carvery like The Beck in Mablethorpe and budget-friendly cafes like Cosy Corner Cafe in Skegness.

But there are also cafes with quirky touches you won’t find elsewhere, like the 1940s-style Blitz Tea Room.

Top chippies are hard to whittle down in this part of the world, but good places to start include Salts Fish & Chip Shop in Skegness and The Marina Fish & Chips in Chapel St Leonards.

Meanwhile, Hardys Fish & Chips and Meggies, both in Cleethorpes, are also highly rated chip shops – with prices that won’t break the bank.

A top tip for a pint on the beach is to make for somewhere like the Admiral Benbow, which has a bar in a boat on the sand at Chapel St Leonards. 

For families seeking a day out, there’s everything from seal sanctuaries and wildlife parks to explore.

Hubbard’s Hills is a good budget option, costing just £1 to park before you access picnic areas, dog walking trails and a cafe with a play area.

Meanwhile, Rand Farm Park not only offers indoor and outdoor play areas and a variety of animals to meet and help feed, it also offers childcare should you need some time to yourself on your holiday (book ahead).

PLODDING down the steep cobbled ramp, I was already starting to believe that I was stepping into a fairytale.

The boat, bobbing on the water, was the start of my journey to another world.

And, as I drew closer to my destination — a small, mist-shrouded island that was the inspiration for Neverland in JM Barrie’s Peter Pan stories — the storybook setting felt even more real.

Eilean Shona is a rugged tidal island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

“Hidden gem” is an apt description of the place, with visitors having to drive down a long and winding road on the mainland before they even reach the boat taxi that will ferry them to the island.

Boats aren’t on a regular schedule either — the island, and its manor house, Eilean Shona House, is privately owned by Sir Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa, who transformed the destination into a luxury eco-friendly retreat in the 1990s.

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I really did feel like Wendy when I spotted Neverland for the first time, hidden beneath the clouds.

Just like JM Barrie’s mythical land, the island is covered in thick green woodland.

But this is far from your typical island retreat. Don’t expect speedy wifi, shops and roads, because Eilean Shona is completely car-free, has no shops and only nine people live here.

Instead, you can expect whimsical walks, white sand beaches and a cosy Scottish atmosphere.

The best way to get your bearings is with a refreshing walk to the summit of the island, 265 metres above sea level, which boasts spectacular views over Loch Moidart and the small isles of Rum and Eigg, as well as the Isle of Skye.

You can reward your hiking efforts with a slurp of vodka, because while whisky is the spirit more typically associated with Scotland, this island is where the premium spirits brand Sapling began.

Sat on a bench near the water’s edge in 2018, the brand’s founders, Ed Faulkner and Ivo Devereux, came up with the idea for a climate-positive spirit.

Sapling vodka and gin was formed — spirits that didn’t mess with the environment. In fact the firm gives back to it, by planting a tree each time a bottle is sold.

It was the perfect tipple to accompany me as I sat back and took in the calm of the starlit sky overhead, after retreating back to the manor house where I was staying.

Roaring fireplaces

There are a number of smaller cabins and cottages for those who are travelling solo or in a smaller group, but the manor house offers a more grand experience.

It’s a bit like a miniature version of The Traitors castle, with roaring fireplaces, ornate bathtubs, high ceilings and a grand staircase.

The 19th-century property was originally owned by Captain Swinburne, a Royal Navy seafarer, and it started out as a hunting lodge.

Swinburne went on to develop a great love for the pine trees that he saw on his travels and ended up transforming the landscape of Eilean Shona into one of the most diverse pine collections in Europe.

However these spectacular trees are only part of what makes the island’s surrounding so breathtaking.

My mornings consisted of refreshing plunges off the manor’s pontoon into chilly water, followed by dashes into the sauna afterwards.

You can follow it up with a hike or kayaking, or head to the other end of the island to see a gorgeous beach, which is like nowhere else in the UK, where soft, sugar-like sand meets serenely calm waters.

Eilean Shona House is the island’s main accommodation, sleeping up to 18 people, with a dining room that can host up to 20.

There is a library as well, with a full-sized billiards table, dartboard and a large collection of board games, while in the drawing room sits a grand piano, a cosy seated alcove and views of the loch.

The house can be booked either self-catering or fully catered, with a minimum stay of three nights.

Other options include the Shepherd’s Cottage, which sleeps two people, and the Old Schoolhouse, which sleeps four.

On Eilean Shona I could exchange the real world for Captain Hook’s imaginary version — and for a short time, I didn’t need to worry about growing up.

CORNWALL is known for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches – and for good reason.

With over 300 beaches to choose from, there’s a stretch of sand to suit everyone, from vast, wide open beaches to hidden coves accessible only at low tide.

As a rule of thumb, Cornwall’s north coast is wild and rugged, and generally best for surfing, where beaches are backed by windswept cliffs or sand dunes and exposed to the Atlantic swell.

By comparison, the south coast of Cornwall tends to be more sheltered, boasting some of the most picturesque fishing harbours, green landscapes and stunning estuaries.

You’ll also find mainland England’s most southerly and westerly points (Lizard Point and Land’s End), with their legendary shipwrecks. 

But which beach should you visit first on your £9.50 Holiday? Here’s our handy guide – with tips from Cornwall experts, local holiday park and Sun readers to help you whittle the choice down… 

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Best for scenery 

Whichever beach you pick in Cornwall, the vistas will blow you away.

Perhaps the most stunning visually is Kynance Cove, with its white sands and mesmerising rock stacks.

Its islands and caves are only accessible at low tide (tip: check tide times before you visit) and it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point on a 9.50 Holiday and she said: “Kynance Cove is less than a 15-minute drive away, and it’s just stunning – the scenery is incredible.

“It also has a National Trust car park so is free for members to park, and staff are helpful at pointing out the easier and harder routes to walk as you arrive.”

Best for surfing 

Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross recommends Newquay for surfing. She said “The town is regarded as the UK’s surf capital, and you’ve got 12 beaches to choose from, so there are lots of options for all abilities.

“For instance, beginners can catch small waves in the sheltered Towan Beach (beside the harbour) while intermediate and advanced surfers can find consistent swell at Fistral Beach.

“There are loads of surf schools to choose from – I’d recommend trying Newquay Activity Centre or Fistral Beach Surf School.”

Best beaches to escape the crowds

Anne Walton, 71, from Newport, stayed at Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay.

She said: “Cornwall’s beaches are second to none – they’re one of the reasons that I prefer to go to Cornwall rather than abroad.

“The beaches around St Ives and Carbis Bay have the best sand – it’s so soft.

“Then I like the waves at Fistral Beach. But it can get busy so I prefer the neighbouring Little Fistral Beach.

“It’s much smaller and only accessible at low tide, but not as many people know about it so you can get the beach to yourself. It’s a more secret beach.” 

“Another tip is knowing where to park in Newquay. We avoid the main Fistral Beach car park, and instead park at Towan Headland Car Park, which not as many people know about and only costs around £1.50 per hour.

“From here, you can walk to Rick Stein’s fish and chip shop and everything else on Fistral Beach in five minutes.

You’re also right next to the steps that lead down to the lesser-known Little Fistral Beach.”

The Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital), Caroline McGuire said: “I stay in St Mawes every summer and one of my favourite beach days is when we take the tiny 12-seater Place Ferry across to Place Landing, on St Anthony Head.

“From there, a lovely 25-minute walk through the countryside, along car-less lanes takes you out to Great Molunan beach and Little Molunan beach, beautiful sheltered cove with crystal clear waters that are never busy.

Best beach with a pub

For a beach with beer, Ellie Ross recommends Perranporth Beach – a vast sandy beach that’s fantastic for everything from surfing and sea swimming to dog walking (tip: dogs must be on leads in July and August).

She said: “The Watering Holebeach bar sits right on the sand and it’s the perfect place for a pint as the sun sets.

“As well as serving great food with a sea view, the pub is also a local favourite and hosts live music events all year round.”  

Best for families

Ellie recommends Watergate Bay, on the edge of Newquay, for families, saying: “There’s a ramp all the way down to the sand – perfect for prams – and at low tide it’s rockpooling heaven for children.

“Crantock, just a ten-minute drive from Newquay is also a good choice for families – it’s backed by sand dunes, with a river for shallow paddling.

“Crantock also has a coffee truck, Cargo Coffee, right on the beach selling everything from local pastries to handmade ice creams.”

(Tip: the coffee truck is weather dependent so check their Instagram page; Crantock National Trust car park gets busy in summer, so arrive early to avoid long queues!)

Best for dogs

Not all of Cornwall’s beaches allow dogs all year round – many have a summer ban, so check ahead if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend.

Watergate Bay, Fistral Beach and Crantock Beach are among the beaches with no summer restrictions, so are great choices for canine lovers.

A LAND of lochs, monumental mountains and breathtaking beaches, Scotland is an unforgettable holiday destination. 

Whether you’re keen to relax by the sea, trek through glens, take the family to a country park or savour this nation’s brilliant cuisine, there’s something for everyone. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

Families wanting to explore the local area will have stacks of choice. 

You could start with a gentle steam train ride through the countryside, with the likes of Strathspey Steam Railway sure to put a smile on your child’s face.

Need to up the ante? Older kids can test their courage with adrenaline-pumping activities like the Highland Fling bungee jump in Killiecrankie or burn off steam at Pirate Pete’s adventure play park in Ayr.

Taking your brood to a country park like Eglinton is another great way of letting them run off excess energy – and it has the added bonus of being completely free to visit.

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

If you want a deeper dive into nature, you could head to one of the country’s two National Parks – at Loch Lomond and Cairngorms – which are packed with nature trails. 

For a route that’s loaded with history, try the outdoor “museum without walls” Cateran Ecomuseum.

It features ancient Pictish stones and the Cateran Trail, which you can explore by foot, bike or car. 

Alternatively, try and catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness – the world’s largest lake by volume.

Prefer to bask by the beach (weather permitting)? Then you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

With over 11,000 miles of coastline including its islands, Scotland has some of the UK’s best beaches, with Camusdarach Beach on the west coast and Gullane Bents, East Lothian, among those highly rated. 

Sun readers also have their own favourite Scottish beaches, from the near-deserted shores of Embo Beach in the Highlands to the family-friendly sands at Silver Sands near Lossiemouth. 

And with so many beautiful lochs, you also have freshwater beaches including the UK’s highest beach at Loch Morlich (318m). 

Beach days can be filled with buckets and spades, sea swimming or trying a raft of activities such as paddleboarding (do it off the coast of Nairn, and you could spot the resident pod of dolphins).

A swim in nature doesn’t have to be by the sea – with wild swimming spots that include river pools in the Highlands and “Rob Roy’s Bathtub”, a massive plunge pool fed by the Falls of Falloch.

You can also explore Scotland’s incredible lochs by kayak or paddleboard, with Priory Island on Loch Tay a fantastic option for an adventure without any crowds. 

When it’s time to refuel, Scotland has everything from sea view restaurants to cheap and cheerful cafes, like Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach, and Milk Bar in Inverness. 

Keen to sample local flavours? Get your fill of everything from hearty haggis to Cullen Sink – a soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions – at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry.

And no trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram. 

There are traditional pubs aplenty, like The Auld Smiddy Inn in Pitlochry, as well as distilleries like the Blair Athol Distillery where you can learn more about the process of making the tipple on an organised tour.

Spain holidays could look a little different for Brits as the country is set to introduce a strict new ban on smoking in a host of public spaces including beaches and bar terraces

Brits planning Spain holidays should take note of some strict new rules being proposed by the country’s authorities.

The Spanish government has approved new legislation which includes a ban on smoking and vaping in a wide range of outdoor spaces, including beaches and bar terraces.

There has already been a country-wide ban on smoking and vaping indoors, while a number of holiday hotspots already have fines in place for people who smoke on its beaches. Although e-cigarettes are legal to use and purchase across Spain, many beaches enforce strict no-vaping rules under local public health policies.

In Barcelona, all city beaches have been smoke- and vape-free since 2022, while various beaches across the Balearic Islands – specifically in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca – are marked as smoke-free, and that includes e-cigarettes.

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In Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, local councils have designated popular beaches as clean-air zones where vaping is banned, with on-the-spot fines for rule-breakers ranging from €30 to €2,000 (£26 to £1,730) depending on whether the culprit is a first-time offender.

Now those rules could get stricter as the Spanish government is introducing a bill to ban smoking on beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops and sports stadiums, reports Majorca Daily Bulletin. The rules would also see smoking banned in public swimming pools, stations and playgrounds, as well as events such as outdoor shows and festivals.

The rules won’t just apply to cigarettes, but also to the likes of e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, herbal products, shisha pipes and devices used to heat tobacco.

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It’s worth noting that the proposal has passed but isn’t yet formally law, and there isn’t a set date when the rules will come into force. However, Brits who are heading to Spain should check the latest travel advice for the country before they travel, as it’s expected that the rules will come into play within the coming months.

The move comes after Spain’s health ministry confirmed that tobacco claims the lives of around 140 people a day in the country, with approximately 30 per cent of cancer tumours directly linked to factors that are a result of tobacco use.

The legislation also includes a ban on advertising, sponsoring or promoting any of the products, as part of a wider effort to also deter younger generations from vaping and smoking.

Meanwhile, a citizens’ association has called for the government to go one step further and introduce protections against secondhand smoke entering homes through windows and ventilation from neighbouring properties.

If you are travelling to Spain, you may also want to double check your passport before booking a holiday. Following Brexit, UK passport holders must have passports with a “date of issue” within 10 years of their arrival date AND the document must still be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area.

Have you got a travel story to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A NEW play attraction has been approved for one of the UK’s best remote beaches.

The new £600,000 inclusive playground at Shoebury’s East Beach in Southend will have themed zones inspired by the sea.

There will be a sandpit, climbing areas and a submarine structure in the middle of the playground.

The playground will be open to all age groups and abilities and include wheelchair-accessible swings, roundabouts and sensory features.

Reports from September also revealed that the playground will feature sit-on seals and colourful fish.

There will also be a sensory boardwalk lined with new trees being planted.

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According to the Echo, Tricia Cowdrey, Green Party candidate for Shoebury, said: “One of the attractions of this playground is that it is close to a beach.

“The steps and ramps nearby have suffered extreme wear and tear, and temporary flimsy fencing is a huge safeguarding concern.

“We ask that secure fencing be erected before the playground opens and that plans for accessible beach access be expedited.”

Work is currently underway to improve access to the beach, however it might not be finished in time for the opening of the playground.

Steven Wakefield, independent councillor for Shoebury Ward, also commented on the project, claiming that it is in the “perfect place, right next to the cafés.

He added that the project will mean that East Beach is no longer a “forgotten area of Shoeburyness”.

Works on the playground could begin in spring 2026.

Initial plans for a new playground were first introduced over three years ago.

And back in the summer, Beach House Cafe opened next door to the East Beach Cafe and marked the completion of a £2million regeneration project.

A recent visitor at the Beach House said: “Love it here! Come for brunch every weekend, drive up from London. Lovely beach setting, food is fresh, tasty & lush!

Over the summer, The Telegraph also named Shoeburyness as one of the top 20 destinations in Britain for the best secret and remote beaches.

The Telegraph stated: “Just three miles from the mayhem that is Southend in summer, Shoeburyness has two Blue Flag beaches that are far less well known.

“Its East Beach is the nicest and is popular with local paddleboarders and kitesurfers, thanks to its long strand of sand.”

In other coastal news, a popular UK seaside town scraps trains to London.

Plus, Victorian seaside town ranked ‘best for short break’ gets green light for £20m revamp in 10-year upgrade.