Seaside holidays in England, a local choice

With the economy such as it is these days, often overseas trips are just out of reach for the average family.  However, people should not despair, as there are plenty of great homegrown seaside holidays available right at home in England.

Even if the weather might not feel like it, summer is coming soon and its a great time to start planning a week or so away from home during the summer months.
 

How about Bournemouth? This large, coastal resort is situated in the county of Dorset and Bournemouth's location on the south coast has made it a popular tourist destination. On a side note, not only is the town popular with tourists, according to a survey run by First Direct in 2007, Bournemouth was found to be the happiest place in the UK, with 82% of people questioned saying they were happy with their lives, so expect some welcoming smiles! The town is a popular destination for its nightlife and has many clubs, bars and restaurants in the town centre.  There are also major venues available for concerts, including BIC, the Pavilion Theatre and the O2 Academy.

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Bournemouth Pier (pictured above right) is one of the town's most distinctive landmarks. The first pier was a simple, wooden jetty that was constructed in 1856, which was replaced by a longer, wooden pier five years later and iIn 1909, the pier was extended yet again. After World War II, the pier was strengthened and saw the additon of the Pier Theatre and more recently, the addition of a restaurant.

Winding its way through the town and down to the seafront can be found the Lower, Central and Upper Gardens - a public park which is perfect for a restful stroll.  Accommodations are many and varied in the seaside town and Bournemouth hotels can be found close to the beach and in the town's busy centre.
 

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The cream of Devon in Torquay For some thick Devon cream on your scones this summer, consider lovely Torquay. This seaside town is 22 miles (35 km) south if Exeter and across from the fishing port of Brixham.  Originally subsisting on fishing and agriculture, the town is now a thriving tourist destination.  With Devon being renowned for its healthful climate, Torquay has earned the nickname of the English Riviera. An interesting sidenote on the town is that the mystery writer Agatha Christie, was born and has lived most of her life in Torquay and the town boasts an "Agatha Christie Mile", a tour with plaques dedicated to her life and work.

Amongst the town's many and varied tourist attractions is Kents Cavern, which is Britain's most important Stone Age site. It is said that the site was home to early man for around 700,000 years. 

When strolling the the beach promenade, you can visit the beautiful Victorian Pavilion, and right next door the "Friends Fountain", representing the Victorian architecture of the town.   Both buildings are located between the Rock Walk and the Torquay Marina.

Other popular tourist attractions include the Babbacombe Model Village, opened in 1963 and also the Babbacombe Theatre opened in 1939 as well as the Princess Theatre and a large tethered balloon which offers aerial views of the town.

Hotels in Torquay are plentiful and there are many small bed & breakfast establishments to choose from, so this year, if you can't afford the Costa del Sol, go local - you won't be sorry and will have a holiday of a lifetime!

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