Seaside Adventures: Why Hiring a Coach is the Best Way to Enjoy Day Trips to The Coast

24th April 2025

There’s something timeless about a beach day. The salty breeze, crashing waves, and the laughter of loved ones all come together to create a truly memorable experience. But planning the logistics, especially for groups, can often take the shine off. That’s where Centaur Travel comes in. Hiring a coach for your beach trip is the smart, stress-free way to enjoy the UK’s most beautiful coastal spots, with your whole group travelling together in comfort.

Whether you’re organising a school outing, community trip, or just a fun-filled day with friends or family, we’ve put together a list of top beach destinations in the UK, along with things to do nearby and great food spots to try at each location. Let’s dive in!

1. Brighton Beach, East Sussex

Why Go: Brighton Beach is a British classic. With its iconic pebble shoreline, Victorian pier, and lively promenade, it offers an energetic yet laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for all ages.

Things to Do Nearby:

Walk the Brighton Palace Pier with its fairground rides and arcade games.
Explore The Lanes for quirky shops and independent boutiques.
Visit the SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium, the oldest operating aquarium in the world.

Where to Eat:

The Coal Shed – Perfect for a quality sit-down meal with grilled seafood and steaks.
Shelter Hall – A seafront food market with multiple kitchens and bars.

Why Hire a Coach:

Parking in Brighton is notoriously tricky, especially in the summer. Our coaches drop your group right at the beach, and collect you when you’re ready to return, no stress, no splitting up.

2. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Why Go: Regularly ranked among the best beaches in the UK, Bournemouth offers seven miles of golden sand, safe swimming areas, and stunning coastal views.

Things to Do Nearby:

Take a stroll on Bournemouth Pier.
Visit the Oceanarium, home to penguins, otters, and sharks.
Explore the beautiful Lower Gardens, just a short walk from the beach.

Where to Eat:

Harry Ramsden’s – A seaside classic, famous for fish and chips with a sea view.
Urban Reef – A relaxed beachfront café and bar.

Why Hire a Coach:

Beach days can be long and exhausting. With Centaur, your group can nap, relax, or enjoy the scenic ride home without the stress of driving or navigating traffic.

3. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

Why Go: Surf’s up! Fistral is the UK’s most famous surf beach, with powerful waves and plenty of surf schools for beginners.

Things to Do Nearby:

Try a surfing lesson or rent a board.
Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium for marine life encounters.
Explore the South West Coast Path for dramatic clifftop views.

Where to Eat:

Rick Stein’s Fistral – Offering delicious seafood with panoramic views.
The Stable Newquay – Serving amazing pizza and refreshing ciders.
Box & Barber – A laid-back café with great brunch and coffee.

Why Hire a Coach:
Newquay gets busy during peak season, and Cornwall’s coastal roads can be tight and tricky. Hiring a coach makes arrival seamless and allows everyone to soak up the scenery on the journey.

4. Rhossili Bay, Swansea, Wales

Why Go: Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Rhossili Bay is a wild, unspoilt stretch of sand that offers peace and natural beauty.

Things to Do Nearby:

Walk to Worm’s Head, a tidal island accessible at low tide.
Visit the National Trust shop and tearoom for souvenirs and local treats.
Hike the coastal paths for dramatic sea views and photo opportunities.

Where to Eat:

The Bay Bistro – Overlooking the beach, offering hearty breakfasts and light lunches.
King’s Head Inn – A cosy, traditional Welsh pub nearby.

Why Hire a Coach to Rhossili:
Its remote charm is part of the appeal, but it also means fewer parking options and limited access. A coach ensures your group gets as close as possible without the usual fuss.

5. Whitby Beach, North Yorkshire

Why Go: Whitby combines rich history with sandy beaches. It’s known for its picturesque harbour, Gothic abbey ruins, and associations with Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Things to Do Nearby:

Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey.
Wander through the old town’s cobbled streets.
Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

Where to Eat:

Magpie Café – A Whitby institution known for its incredible fish and chips.
The Fisherman’s Wife – Overlooking the bay, offering great seafood and views.
Fortune’s Kippers – A small smokehouse that’s been in business since 1872.

Why Hire a Coach:
The narrow roads and coastal location make it ideal for coach travel. Our drivers handle the route while you relax and look forward to a day full of exploration.

6. West Wittering Beach, West Sussex

Why Go: Known for its clean, soft sands and peaceful vibes, West Wittering is great for families and those who want to avoid overly touristy beaches.

Things to Do Nearby:

Enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and windsurfing.
Walk through the East Head sand dunes.
Visit nearby Chichester for shopping and cafes.

Where to Eat:

The Landing Place Café – Cosy, stylish, and great for breakfast or lunch.
Drift-In Café – A local favourite for burgers and beach snacks.
The Beach House – A laid-back spot offering seafood and drinks.

Why Hire a Coach:
Limited parking spaces and ticketed access make coach travel an ideal option for groups. We’ll get you in and out without the stress of car park queues or daily permits.

7. Margate, Kent

Why Go: Margate boasts a wide, sandy beach perfect for paddling, sunbathing or enjoying an ice cream with a view. A mix of vintage charm and contemporary culture makes this coastal town a favourite among day-trippers.

Things to Do Nearby:

Turner Contemporary – Admire cutting-edge exhibitions and stunning sea views from this world-class gallery named after artist J.M.W. Turner.
Dreamland Margate – A vintage-style amusement park with classic rides, roller discos, and live entertainment, great for all ages.
Margate Main Sands – Enjoy a clean, family-friendly beach with lifeguards, deckchairs, and donkey rides in summer.
Old Town – Browse through independent shops, galleries, and retro vinyl stores, or hunt for antiques at the vintage markets.

Where to Eat:

Buoy and Oyster – A stylish seafront restaurant serving fresh seafood and local favourites with stunning ocean views.
Peter's Fish Factory – A no-frills chippy famous for its generous portions and perfectly fried fish.
The Greedy Cow – A cosy café for brunch, coffee and homemade cakes – ideal for a relaxing pit stop.
Sargasso – A cool, contemporary wine bar and small plates spot right by the harbour arm, perfect for groups looking to share dishes.

Why Hire a Coach: Hiring a coach to Margate makes group travel simple, stress-free, and affordable. Whether you're planning a school trip, a corporate outing, or a seaside day with friends or family, a coach means no worries about train delays, parking, or juggling multiple cars.

8. Southend-On-Sea, Essex

Why Go: Southend-on-Sea delivers classic British seaside fun with a twist. Home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, this lively resort town also offers sandy beaches at low tide, vibrant arcades, funfair rides, and sweeping views across the Thames Estuary.

Things to Do Nearby:

Southend Pier – Walk (or take the pier train) along this iconic 1.3-mile-long pier. There's a café, museum, and scenic views at the far end.
Adventure Island – Southend's seafront amusement park is packed with roller coasters, mini-golf, arcades, and rides for all ages.
Sea Life Adventure Aquarium – Get up close with sharks, rays, penguins and more – a great indoor attraction if the weather turns.
City Beach & Chalkwell Beach – Ideal for sandcastle building, beach games, or simply relaxing when the tide's out.
Cliffs Pavilion Theatre – Catch a matinee show, musical or comedy performance if you want to make a day of it.

Where to Eat:

The Borough Hotel & Fish Bar – Classic fish and chips right by the sea, with dine-in and takeaway options.
Coastal Bite – A hidden gem known for its fresh seafood, homemade dishes, and friendly service.
Ocean Beach Café Bar & Restaurant – Overlooking the promenade, it's a great spot for coffee, cocktails, or a full lunch with sea views.

Why Hire a Coach: Travelling to Southend by coach is ideal for group day trips, especially when you want to enjoy the full seaside experience without the stress of logistics.

Make Your Beach Day Better with Centaur Travel

From comfort to convenience, hiring a coach for a seaside adventure has plenty of benefits:

Everyone Travels Together

No need to coordinate multiple cars or worry about late arrivals. Everyone gets there and leaves at the same time.

No Parking Hassles

Popular beaches often mean crowded car parks and expensive fees. Our coaches drop you off near the action and pick you up when you’re ready to head back.

Relaxation from Start to Finish

From reclining seats and air conditioning to onboard storage and friendly drivers, Centaur coaches are designed to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Tailored for Groups

We cater to schools, community groups, corporate days out, and large families. Let us know your needs, and we’ll tailor your journey accordingly.

Ready to Plan Your Coastal Escape?

No matter which UK beach you’re dreaming of, Centaur Travel can take you there. Our fleet is modern, comfortable, and ideal for both short and long-distance journeys. From Brighton’s buzz to Rhossili’s peace, we’ll help you make the most of your day.