Norflok

Closer than Cornwall and sunnier than Scotland, coastal Norflok has wilder less crowded surf. East Runton is the most accessible of East Anglia's beaches, Cromer, Walcott and Gorleston-onSea are also worth a look.

Cornwall

Still the UK's most popular scene, surfing in Cornwall is year-round and stretches the length of the north coast, some of the south and into neighbouring Devon. Head for Newquay for lessons, busy with surfers in summer with crowded swells. Go else where if you like space.

Devon

Blackpool Sands

This is family beach utopia with clean water, pristine sand, great facilities and lots to do: from kayaking to boogie-boarding. The beach has been owned and managed by the Newman family since the 50s.

County Antrim

White Park Bay

Pack your watercolours with your bucket and spade as you may be inspired to paint this stunning arc of sand near Giant's Causeway.

Dorset

Chesil Beach

Thanks to its geological marvels, this stretch of coast, known as the Jurassic Coast is a Natural World Heritage Site. Chesil Beach stretches for 30 km of pebbles which decrease in size from Portland to West Bay. They say local fishermen landing at night ca tell where they are just by looking at the stones.

Brighton

Famous for being the gay capital of the south, Brighton enjoys a history of acceptance and counterculture that makes it visually, politically and religiously one of the most colourful cities in Britain.

While bitterly cold and wet in Winter, it becomes a colourful display of exuberance as soon as summer hits, drawing tourists like bees to honeysuckle, also known as London-by-sea.

Trendy clothes shops and organic cafes line the narrow streets of the North Laines and the bars and cavernous beachfront nightclubs are a hedonist's paradise. The gay community is based around Kemp Town which is home to gay hotels and estate agencies as well as gay-friendly churches.

Sussex University, just outside the city centre, retains the strong socialist tradition that it acquired in the 1960s.

Must see

The Royal Pavilion. Designed by John Nash between 1815 and 1823 for the Prince Regent before he was crowned King George IV.

Brighton Pier. This relic of the Victorian age is a great place to have good, old-fashioned fun.

Leeds

A really lively city with fantastic shops. ;Leeds was voted the UK's best shopping destination by Rough Guide in 2006. The Corn Exchange is a beautiful domed building that houses funky boutiques. Greek Street is a real hot spot for restaurants and bars.