To the seaside by train -- where to go?

delain

Bournemouth also has a mini fairground at the end of the pier, rides on the pier approach and as mentioned a gorgeous sandy beach and clean water, and the oceanarium is right on the beach.

Why not stay overnight in the premier inn at christchurch? its a short bus ride from bournemouth, right next to christchurch station (en route to waterloo) and wont cost much!

davetrousers

delain wrote: »

Why not stay overnight in the premier inn at christchurch?

If going to Bournemouth, then why not stay in a hotel in Bournemouth?

delain

davetrousers wrote: »

If going to Bournemouth, then why not stay in a hotel in Bournemouth?

I wasn't sure if money was a concern... also though the PI being right by a station would be convenient! just a thought:p

Although the 5 star royal bath is right on the seafront...

sarah_elton

Clacton is a lovely sandy beach and just under 1.5 hours direct from Liverpool Street. The front is a 10-15 min walk from the station. It has a pier, amusements etc.

Brighton is a stone beach so not really too good for kids to play on.

kjmtidea

Come to Bournemouth, it's fab! I think it is around 2 hours on the train and the train station is not far from the beach at all. There is the air festival in August aswell so you might want to see that or avoid Bournemouth on those days if you are looking for a quiet day out!

penguine

Well thanks everyone for the advice, I had not thought about sandy beaches vs stony ones and I think I would have had a very disgruntled 6-year-old if she couldn't build a sandcastle (not to mention having taken a bucket and spade on the train for nothing...). We might just have to set out early and stump up the extra fare or plan for a late return home!

delain

You won't regret it my 5 and 6 year olds know how lucky they are to live here!

MrsE_2

penguine wrote: »

Well thanks everyone for the advice, I had not thought about sandy beaches vs stony ones and I think I would have had a very disgruntled 6-year-old if she couldn't build a sandcastle (not to mention having taken a bucket and spade on the train for nothing...). We might just have to set out early and stump up the extra fare or plan for a late return home!

Go to Brighton, forget the beach & go shopping;)

*Adam*

Bournemouth from London Waterloo is 1hr 45m on the train, and if you book now for beginning of August its £27 return for you and daughter by buying 2 singles (thats without any railcards)