There is something about an English Summer that brings to mind a traditional seaside, with ice-cream, fish and chips, donkey rides and beach huts. Charming rows of multi coloured huts line the seafront of many a seaside town and the purchase and renting of these has grown extremely popular in recent years, as families pass on the important memories of a ‘bucket and spade holiday.’ Although many huts are designed to provide comfort and basic amenities for a day out, there are many beach huts available now that provide comfortable accommodation and the luxury of staying right on the beach. One such hut is situated in the idyllic seaside town of Lyme Regis in Dorset, right on Monmouth Beach to be precise. The Chalet on the Beach, is a traditional timber framed beach chalet that perfectly blends the charm of the wooden chalet with bright comfortable family accommodation. The chalet sleeps four people and comes complete with a modern fully equipped kitchen, shower room, double bedroom and sofa bed plus, a small private veranda from which to enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful sunset.

Staying with the wooden hut idea and although not situated right on the beach The Shack, a few miles from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, offers quirky, beautifully furnished family accommodation that further fuels the Enid Blyton childhood fantasies, of children running wild and enjoying the outside. What is more, The Shack ticks the ecological box, being sustainably powered, with solar panels, compost, wood burning stove and even a solar powered mobile phone charger. The Shack is situated a few steps from the beach in an idyllic rural setting and thoughtfully furnished with 1950’s vintage furniture and bric-a-brac, with buckets, spades and fishing nets provided.

Camping is another enjoyable family self catering holiday. However, with tents, comes the challenge of setting up camp, often with tired and hungry small children clamouring to go to bed and the race against fading daylight.

Camping pods offer the outdoor experience without the hassle of having to pack and pitch a tent. Small wooden pods, with French doors and a small terrace, they are a comfortable alternative to sleeping under canvas, the added advantage being a greater protection from the elements should the weather choose to take a turn for the worst. Camping pods have recently grown in popularity, popping up at campsites all over the country. There are three such pods at Ruthern Valley Holidays, situated in a wooded valley near Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. The pods comfortably sleep two adults and two children. The campsite is fully equipped with shower blocks, an onsite shop, woodland walk and children’s play area, providing a wonderful base for a family holiday. If you prefer a little more luxury or have a slightly larger family, there a wigwams, small wooden huts, in the same area as the sleeping pods. These come complete, with bunks, lighting, heating for chillier days and even a microwave making this more of a ‘glamping’ experience than a camping one.

We hope you enjoy many a sunny day at the seaside this summer, we know that we certainly will!