In the UK, being surrounded by water, we of course get a choice of coastal towns to visit and spend some time. The South Coast is the more popular area (slightly higher chance of at least 10mins sun per day in summer!), but that doesn't mean there aren't other areas to visit, for their own individual reasons and charms...

The North Norfolk Coast

Get on the Coast Road and explore the villages and areas around the North Norfolk Coast.

If you're a fan of wildlife, try a trip to Blakeney and get a boat out to Seal Island, plenty of fantastic opportunities for the amateur photographer, the marine life, birds and seals can keep you clicking all day.

You also get to take in the majestic Norfolk Skylines, when standing on a beach, enjoy the incredible breadth of view you can experience. Walk along the salt marshes, climb the sand dunes and visit the lighthouses. Then, at the end of the day, enjoy one of the beautiful pubs that are to be found. Maybe a 17th Century smugglers retreat (including atmospheric paraffin lamps) or perhaps a good pub garden to enjoy the longs summer Norfolk Evenings.

Southend-on-Sea

If you're between 17 and 24, you'll think of this place as somewhere to drive around and show your car off with the other boy racers, however that would be a tad unfair to Southend...

Fancy seeing the longest pleasure pier in the world? A stroll along the seven miles of seafront? Really though, Southend-on-Sea is about the classic English seaside experience - the kiss me quick hats, maybe a hankie tied on your head? There are theme parks, arcades, shops, theatres etc. Everything you'd expect from an Essex seaside town.

For those of you who are less impressed with seaside offerings, you can always pop along to Old Leigh, a must see town, full of its own character and artisan treats - galleries, crafts and wonderful pus and restaurants. Trade the bright seaside lights for this picturesque town.

Margate

Billed as being the perfect mix of timeless seaside tradition and modern thinking, Margate should have something for most people.

You can go down the classic path of sandwiches on the beach (sand literally being part of the sandwich in this case), building sandcastles, rolling up your trouser legs for a paddle, perhaps taking a little donkey ride? Or, if this is a little sedate sounding for you, try some more high energy and adrenalin activities like kite-boarding, surfing or even jet skiing.

You may want to take a walk around Old Margate Town, which contrasts history against modern galleries and shops and helps you while away those afternoon hours. Then have a good old dish of cockles, followed by some candy floss for a meal you won't forget!

A beautiful way to end your day can be found gazing out over the sea as the sun sets. A scene of inspiration for many artists (JMW Turner for one), this could help you plan the rest of your weekend break in the UK.

Blackpool

The Vegas of the North! Complete with its own Eiffel Tower inspired tower!

Blackpool is designed for tourists. Its sole purpose is to ensure people have a knees-up good old time. There are white knuckle rides for the thrill seekers out there - Pepsi Max Big One & Infusion, the world’s longest indoor waterslide

rollercoaster, and also of course the Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

If you want to be out and about, take a trip to Blackpool Zoo, or the iconic Blackpool Tower. You can even take a turn with you partner and grace the infamous ballroom, trying your best Strictly Come Dancing moves, while your kids make monkey business themselves in Jungle Jim's Towering Adventure land.

Make sure if you're there between September and November that you take in the world-famous illuminations before you turn in for bed, or enjoy a midnight stroll along the Golden Mile.