I'd like to take my boyfriend somewhere quirky and delightful by the sea, somewhere not too far from London, but not Brighton this time around. I mean, we could do Brighton, Brighton's the very thing
we want, but I just thought maybe something
else might make a change. Whitstable maybe? Does anyone know of anywhere with a lovely place to stay, an ironically charming seafront with all the anachronistic trimmings, and trendy enough pubs for us not to feel like the hikers in American Werewolf in London?

Orford and Southwold in Suffolk are not exactly trendy,but both are nice seaside villages with good restaurants (The crown and Castle in Orford has good reviews), and not far from London.

Thanks, Judy. I'll look those up on the net, and see if there's anything that's right for us. You're very kind.

While it is a bit far from London, Whitby has all your other ingredients. We were simply charmed by the place. It's on the northeast coast of England... some pics on my website at:
http://members.fortunecity.com/green...scave/id9.html

I live in Kent about 30 miles south of London. Whitstable is a good idea, very 'reachable' from London, but may I suggest Herne Bay? This is just a bit further down the coast, but I think it's more what you are looking for. Its kind of the preverbial 'british seaside town' and the local gov. have spent quite a bit of cash sprucing the place up. Its very victorian with the sea front, gardens, saucy postcards, amusements. A typical seaside town, and I have visited loads in my time! Its where we head if I fancy a walk along the seafront.

Whitstable is pleasant with a nice seafront but IMHO not so 'typical' of a Coastal resort and theres not so much to do - but it is famous for local oysters. It has become a fashionable place to live of late.

I used to live by the sea on the north kent coast and miss the sea as I live inland now.

MacNeil - try this link re: Herne Bay

www.hernebayonline.co.uk

GreenDragon: what a *fabulous* web page. Thank you so much!

BritishOne - you're certainly selling Herne Bay to me. I'm looking it up now. I think it sounds perfect.

Why did I say British? Duh. Idiot.