There has never been a better time to visit the British seaside than now. Being able to get in your car and drive to a beautiful beach is something many of us don’t think about when we book our package holidays abroad. But the sand on our shores is just as good as those overseas.

Whether you want to drive for a day, an overnight trip, or a longer break, here are our recommendations for the top seaside stops for your summer road trip.

Best for weather – Southend-on-Sea

Guaranteeing the weather is a bit of a fool’s errand if you live in the UK, but if you want a day out at the beach where weather is likely to be good, then we recommend Southend. Located on England’s east coast on the Thames Estuary, Southend is also one of the driest parts of the UK. So you’d have to be really unlucky to pay a visit and be greeted by clouds.

Best for nightlife – Brighton

If you’re looking for a trip away for some fun for grown ups, you can’t beat the Brighton nightlife. It really is a vibrant mix of drinking, dining and dancing. There’s almost always live music on, from the latest indie bands to fantastic drag shows. And you can walk along the promenade and visit the pier to watch the sunset.

Best for surfing – Porthcawl

If you’re a keen surfer or always wanted to give it a try, then the UK is blessed with some fantastic surf spots, especially on the west coast. Our pick is Porthcawl on the coast of Wales. The waves here are quite friendly for beginners, so it works as a good way to ease you in to the hobby.

Best for thrills – Blackpool

A trip to Blackpool can be one of the most thrilling holidays in the UK. No, we’re not talking about the donkey rides or illuminations, although we must admit we have a soft spot for a ride along the beach and a roll on a tram along the seafront. We’re talking about Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach. And in particular, The Big One. When it was first opened, this rollercoaster was the tallest and steepest in the world. While it may have been usurped for top spot, this rollercoaster is a must for thrillseekers who want the ultimate rollercoaster ride in the UK.

Best for food – Whitby

Whitby is not just about fish and chips – although it’s one of the best spots in the UK for this delicacy. With its easy access to the North Sea, you get a variety of the best seafood the UK has to offer.

Best for property hunting – Poole

Okay, so it’s very likely you’re not going to be able to afford a place on Sandbanks Beach in Poole, it was one of the top 10 most expensive places to live in the world after all. But if you want to see where celebrities like Elton John and Harry Redknapp have made their home, then a walk along Sandbanks beach will give you an up close view of how the rich and famous live.