Bridlington

Two miles of golden sand stretch along this classic Yorkshire coast resort, where the sea air carries hints of chips and candyfloss. Bridlington divides neatly into old town and seafront - the harbour end feels proper seaside with fishing boats and seagulls, while the promenade does that timeless British holiday thing perfectly.

The Old Town, perched on the clifftop, has more character than you'd expect. Wander past the medieval priory ruins and you'll find decent pubs and shops that aren't entirely geared to day-trippers. John Bulls World Of Rock on the seafront is exactly what it sounds like - proper old-school seaside confectionery that's been going since 1946.

Families gravitate towards the South Beach for obvious reasons. Clean sand, lifeguards in season, and The Candy Kingdom keeping the kids happy between ice cream stops. North Beach feels a bit more grown-up, backed by the harbour where you can still watch fishing boats land their catch.

Bridlington Golf Club sits just inland if you fancy 18 holes with sea views. The Woldgate Trekking Centre offers a different perspective on the surrounding Yorkshire Wolds - rolling countryside that's surprisingly hilly once you leave the flat coastal strip.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the town sits right on the A165 from Hull, about 40 minutes by car. There's a railway station with direct services from Hull and Sheffield, though the journey takes a while. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you're close enough for early morning beach walks but far enough from the summer crowds to get a decent night's sleep. Plus, places like South Cliff Holiday Park put you right on the doorstep without the town centre parking hassles.