Best beaches in the South East

You can't beat a day trip to the coast. Kate Molloy looks at what the various British resorts have to offer this summer

DORSET
Bournemouth
Boasting seven miles of sandy coastline this is a must-see seaside destination. For tired feet a land train links the five Blue Flag beaches. Fast train service or a 108-mile drive. If you want something more natural take the chain ferry from Sandbanks peninsula to Shell Bay and Studland for unspoilt beaches and rolling sand dunes.
Events: Carnival Week (28 Jul-3 Aug): Family fun, food, music, street theatre in and around the seafront. Bournemouth Air Festival (28-31 Aug): Free event of air and sea displays, fireworks and live music.

WEST SUSSEX
Littlehampton
Boasts shingle beach - with sand at low tide - with a small funfair and bucket and spade atmosphere. Get there by train or a 66-mile drive from central London. The famous East Beach Café has expanded to the West Beach. Make a reservation to get in (01903 731 903). Take shoes to protect feet from pebbles. Electric train along the seafront. Kid Care Scheme and lifeguards.
Info: sussexbythesea.com
Events: Littlehampton Carnival (12 Jul): Floats, music and food.

Worthing
With five miles of sandy and shingle coastline constantly monitored it is one of the safest beaches on the South Coast. A 61-mile drive from London or trains from Victoria.
Events: Worthing Festival (20 Jul-3 Aug): Seafront attractions including fireworks, food and funfairs.

EAST SUSSEX
Brighton
Pebbly but popular with Londoners and packed full of attractions including the Palace Pier, Pleasure Dome Arcade, Sea Life Centre and Royal Pavilion. Blue Flag winners West Street Beach and Hove Lawns offer good facilities for children. Easy by train or a 54-mile drive.
Events: Brighton Kite Festival (12-13 Jul): Displays and workshops. brightonkitefestival.co.uk Pride Summer Festival (26 Jul-3 Aug): An array of entertainment culminating in a huge parade. brightonpride.org

Eastbourne
Exceptionally pretty, long Blue Flag sandy beach framed by the South Downs and complemented by the elegant Victorian pier. Beach cabins, deckchairs, sun loungers and parasols for hire. Easy to reach by train, or a 65-mile drive.
Events: Lammas Festival (2-3 Aug): A showcase of local talent in music and dance. Lammasfest.org Airbourne Airshow (14-17 Aug): Thrilling aerobatics on the seafront.

Hastings
Pebbles with only some sand in this resort packed with activities including a funicular railway on the cliffs which reaches the Norman Castle, the Underwaterworld aquarium and St Clements Caves. Trains from Charing Cross or a 66-mile drive. Check out the fishing boats - and dine on the day's catch.
Events: Old Town Carnival Week (2-10 Aug): A celebration of music, arts and culture.

KENT
Broadstairs
Charles Dickens loved holidaying in this refined town blessed with cliff-top walks and charming bays. Broadstairs and St Peter's have seven sandy beaches at the feet of towering chalk cliffs. Attractions include the Town Trail, The Dickens Museum and the Crampton Tower Museum. An 80-mile trip, or two hours' drive, from London.
Events: Folk Week (8-15 Aug): Musicians, Morris dancers, Appalachian clog dancers and rapper sword dancers.

Margate
Jellied eels and donkey rides keep this sandy beach an old-fashioned favourite. The harbour is a short walk away but don't miss the 200m Blue Flag winner Main Sands for a perfect family spot. Trains from Victoria Station right by the beach.
Events: Big Sky Jazz Festival (25 Jul-2 Aug): Many concerts are free.

ESSEX
Clacton
A firm family favourite, with lifeguard patrols, lost child centre, deck chair hire and toilets. There are beautifully maintained seafront gardens and the famous pier includes an undercover fairground and Seaquarium as well as the RNLI lifeboat station and shop. An 83-mile drive from central London.
Events: Arts Festival and Regatta (19-20 Jul): puppetry, poetry, comedy, music and boat building.

Southend-on-Sea
Just a 45-minute drive or less than an hour by train and you are spoilt for choice among the three lovely sandy beaches of Chalkwell, Westcliffe Bay and Thorpe Bay with good facilities including amusements, toilets and shops.
Events: Puppet Festival (1-3 Aug): Including Punch & Judy on the pier Southend Carnival Fair (8-16 Aug): Free family fun at Chalkwell Park with Grand Illuminated Parade (23 Aug): Procession and fireworks.