DESTINATIONS — UK & IRELAND 2 6
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capture those bright blue seas and emerald-green fields except to stand back in awe. Book it: Trafalgar’s Best of Ireland 10-day tour includes the Ring of Kerry along with kissing the Blarney Stone, sightseeing along the Connemara coastline, plus Dublin and Donegal, from £1,550 including B&B accommodation, door-to-door airport transfers and sightseeing.
trafalgaragent.com
been a popular family resort since the 1930s. The beach has Blue Flag status and an array of family entertainments including a pier and funfair on Central Beach, as well as nearby Natureland Seal Sanctuary, which is also home to penguins, butterflies and reptiles. Book it: A three-night break at Butlins Skegness starts from £69 arriving July 11, based on four in a standard self-catering apartment.
bourneleisuresales.co.uk
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SKEGNESS, LINCOLNSHIRE This is the town where Butlins began and has
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travelweekly.co.uk — 26 June 2014
TROON BEACH, SCOTLAND This Scottish resort is a great all-rounder. Easy
to get to with half-hourly trains from Glasgow, it boasts brilliant views over Arran and Ailsa Craig, a play area for youngsters who are bored of building sandcastles, great winds for kitesurfers and a choice of golf courses, including the host of the 2016 Open Golf Championship. If it gets chilly, go for a fish supper at McCallums of Troon by the marina. Book it: SuperBreak offers two nights’ B&B at four-star Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa from £69.50 Sunday-Wednesday and £89.50 Thursday-Saturday.
superbreak.com/agents
BLACKPOOL, LANCASHIRE
Surprised to see the UK’s stag and hen do capital
on a list of best beaches? You shouldn’t be – this Victorian resort is reminiscent of the heyday of the British seaside, and between the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool
Tower, it still offers more than enough for a good day out. Stroll the piers, ride the Ferris wheel or brave it on The Big One rollercoaster – there’s no excuse not to have fun. Book it: Attraction World’s The Big Ticket – Blackpool covers entry to seven attractions including the Blackpool Tower Eye, Dungeon, Sea Life centre and Madame Tussauds, from £45 for adults and £33 for under-14s.
attractionworld.com
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RHOSSILI BAY, GOWER, SOUTH WALES TripAdvisor isn’t always
right, but readers got it spot-on when they voted this secluded Welsh bay the best beach in the UK and ninth in the world earlier this year. The three-mile stretch is backed by sand dunes and offers total tranquillity for romantic strolls or early-morning dog walkers. Look out for offshore island Worm’s Head and 19th century shipwreck Helvetia, hike along the scenic coastal path, or grab a surfboard
and take to the waves. Book it: Boutique hotel Fairyhill is six miles away and offers rooms from £190 a night Sunday- Thursday with Welsh breakfast, or at weekends from £280 including dinner.
fairyhill.net
every spare spot of land, you know you’re on to a winner, and Sandbanks – reportedly the world’s fourth most-expensive place per square foot to buy property – is certainly that. It’s also been awarded Blue Flag status more times than any other UK beach, has excellent wheelchair access, and a chain link ferry to Studland for even more beachfront fun. Book it: A three-night stay at nearby Haven site Rockley Park, Poole, starts at £330 for up to six sharing a superior two- bedroom caravan.
bourneleisuresales.co.uk TW
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SANDBANKS, DORSET
When millionaires start buying up
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PICTURES: VISITBRITAIN/JAMES MCCORMICK/PAWEL LIBERA/ROD EDWARDS
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