Hey Sghosh. As the question asks about the seaside, I presume that they are looking to go in the summer. You will not find any "icy winds" coming off the SEA (not bloody "ocean", it's the English Channel) at this time. Britain is not Siberia for God's sake.

Cornwall's on the English Channel now?? Did they move Cornwall or did they move the Channel? Sorry, it's most definitely on the Atlantic Ocean.

I just realized how badly I worded that. Yes, I know Cornwall is on the Channel, but it's not surrounded by the Channel. The north coast is on the Atlantic.

Croyde Bay in North Devon is a seaside gem...beautiful remote clean sandy beaches, where you can surf or bathe alone....nice quaint village , lots of amazing bed and breakfasts....and not yet discovered by loud Americans...

Simple:-<BR>Fly out of Gatwick to the Channel Islands. <BR>I'd choose Guernsey for its unspoilt beauty and magnificent west coast beeches (great for sandcastle building!), its towering cliffs and south cost bays.<BR>Interesting for kids... couple of good castles, a little off shore island that has a causeway covered up at high tide and best of all both Herm and Sark are short boat rides away (open top boats low in the water.. the sea salt spray smacking against your lips).<BR>Its easy to hire cycles for the week and that's all you'll need to get around. Vast array of accomadation... hotels, B&amp;Bs or appartment/chalet lets.<BR>Really you can't go wrong.<BR><BR>Went to Guernsey for our family holidays as a child for many years... and have wonderfully fond memories of them too. <BR><BR>I wholeheartedly recommend it to you. too!<BR>Dominic

Janie, you are wrong!!! North Cornwall seaside resorts are on the Bristol Channel, and the southern ones are (as you say) on the English Channel. The Atlantic Ocean doesn't really have a start, but the strip of sea between mainland UK and Ireland is the Celtic sea, so I suppose the Atlantic proper starts off the West coast of Ireland (although, I agree that does not account for the Scilly Isles). BUT, I wrote my response because the poster mentioned the icy sea off Brighton (as I read it).

Speaking as a limey who has spent most of his life round the coasts of England i would suggest one of the many small town resorts up the Norfolk coast. Cromer, which David suggested would be a good base. You will get a great feel for whats left of rural England, good seafood and a great beach. Along with cold water and often cold breezes. East Anglia is also packed with interesting places to visit for a day trip. Cambridge or Newmarket(the home of all horseracing)are both options.<BR>Have a great trip.

EW, you should take this up with the Cornwall Tourist Board. I just looked at their site, which says &quot;The beaches of Cornwall, huge tracts of golden sand and secret coves washed clean by the Atlantic at every tide offer the visitor limitless choice.&quot;<BR><BR>Celtic Sea? Never heard of that one. Do you mean the Irish Sea?

I do apologize. I have just been informed by a friend that the Celtic Sea does exist, south of the Irish Sea. I was wrong about that.

My vote would be for Cornwall,and this is despite being from up North where there are some great under-rated beaches like Formby Point. Given that you are in London prior to the beach holiday I would consider Bournemouth, there is a wonderful stretch of beach called Sandbanks which is not far from Bournemouth.

How about a seaside destination as a daytrip from London. Will only have time for one day trip later next week and was hoping I could see Bath and a seaside town in one day. Mainly want to see nice coastline visxtas and a pleasant small town-somewhat touristy is fine but not putt-putt , fast food chains,l and Tshirt shops. But gallerys, antique stores and nice small bistros are fine. Also, would like at least some of the train ride (will not have a car) to be lovely. Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Eastbourne is an easy day trip from London. Walk to the top of Beachy Head.

Here's my two cents, I just returned from a week in Souther England and stayed at the Beach House in Looe. It is a lovely fishing village with a nice beach (altho I did not actually swim, too chilly). The town itself is a little bit off the beaten track (about 30 minutes to drive to Plymouth) but it was breath-taking. I can only imagine what it would be like in the spring and summer months. I would definately go back there.<BR>