UK BEACHES
COMPTON BEACH, ISLE OF WIGHT
Tie up your hair, get ready for some wind and delve into a world of prehistoric adventure. Compton Bay, on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight, is not only packed with ancient fossils you can find on the beach, it also has real dinosaur footprints, millions of years old. These sandstone casts can be seen at low tide, and will impress even the most blasé of teens. If the fact that the Isle of Wight is known as the “Dinosaur Capital of the UK” still isn’t enough to get kids excited, the promise of windblown fun should do it: Compton is the place to try out kitesurfing, windsurfing, and, even regular surfing. Bring your dog and stroll on two miles of breezy beach, drinking in views of dramatic sandstone cliffs, rolling waves and colourful paragliders floating by. HOW TO GET THERE: Portsmouth to Isle of Wight ferry from 45 minutes wightlink.co.uk WHERE TO STAY: Weston Manor, Freshwater, B&B, Family Room(2 adults, 2 children) from £145 per night westonmanor-bandb.co.uk
LUNAN BAY, MONTROSE As any parent knows, we all need a little peace and quiet now and then, and secluded, spotless Lunan Bay, on Scotland’s Angus coast, is a great place to find it. A far cry from crowds, this two-mile stretch of glorious dune-backed sands is the place to go if you want the place to yourself. The beach is overlooked by an impressive red sandstone ruin dating back several centuries and you can tell your kids tales of how Lunan Bay’s Red Castle was originally built as a defence against Viking invaders. Speaking of journeying back in time, there won’t be a phone in sight as you get stuck into all the adventures here, think surfing, horse riding, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and even hunting for genuine gemstones in the sand. HOW TO GET THERE: 11 minutes’ drive south of Montrose in Angus WHERE TO STAY: Kinblethmont House, The Stables Holiday Cottage (2 adults, 2 children) from £500 per week kinblethmont.com
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