With The UK being an Island, we get to have a range of beach's and coastal areas to visit. As the recent BBC 2 programme Coast has shown, there are many historical, ecological and environmental wonders to find.

If you're thinking of heading out to the South coast, you could do worse than giving one the following places a try.

Eastbourne

The more time you have, the more you get to do! Everyone in the family will find something to do in Eastbourne. There are great days out for kids, from the 'best small zoo in Europe' - Drusillas Park (which includes Thomas the Tank Engine), the Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway, Knockhatch Adventure Park - which includes activities, Birds of Prey Centre, a Boating Lake, a farm for kids, the 'largest jumping pillow in East Sussex' and more! If you have the energy, your children will not get bored!

If you want a little more history on your break, then you are in the right place. Go back in time and learn about the 1066 heritage that is abundant in Eastbourne and Hastings. Particularly the magnificent Herstmonceux Castle - a moated castle set among Elizabethan gardens.

Bournemouth

The place where lovers meet. Well, according to the Bournemouth tourist board!

Although there are plenty of activities in Bournemouth for those of you with energy, the real charm is to relax, and take it easy. It's likely your parents will enjoy it here!

Restock on your levels of Englishness by stopping for high tea - tea, cake and sandwiches! Then have a post-tea stroll around the parks and gardens, taking in the diverse range of flowers and birds. Then enjoy some culture, perhaps pop in

the Pavilion Theatre, and when rested, trip the light fantastic in the Pavilion Dance Centre.

You can always finish your day in classic beach holiday style by staying in a Beach Hut. It's fun, and it makes you appreciate your own bedroom even more!

Brighton

Fancy a Harry Ramsdens? Brighton, the classic resort for the eastender, 'taking the train down to Brighton', Brighton has for decades been a coastal tourist attraction for the southerner. Full of life, exhibitionism and, well, craziness, Brighton is a place for fun. And shopping apparently - the Brighton lanes, from designer to handmade jewellery.

For those of you that love nightlife, you're not going to get bored - dance clubs, Northern Soul, Funk, late night pubs etc. to cater for all tastes and persuasions.

The days can be spent in that classic English style - visit the pier; get some stick of rock or hot donuts, then a walk along the promenade (maybe do a bungee trampoline or 2?), some fish and chips, play some arcade games, skim some pebbles, shop in the lanes, treat your eyes to the architecture of the Royal Pavilion, then collapse after a day of sea air in a seaside hotel!

Plymouth

Sitting near the toe of the South West of England, Plymouth is a waterfront city, which holds a long-time fishing tradition and true vibrancy.

There is countryside in abundance - explore Dartmoor National Park and see if you can find the legendary Beast of Dartmoor. Do you dare camp the night at this great spot for a family weekend break?!

Of course it's the sea that's provides the thrill for many who visit this part of the country, swimming, scuba diving and windsurfing are all ways for you to spend your day, or if you want to stay warm, nip into the National Marine Aquarium (the largest in the UK).

Then when in need of refuelling, enjoy one of the splendid seafood restaurants before a full night’s sleep after sampling the heady sea air!