Beach Holidays with the Kids – and the Essential Accessories You’ll Need

Ah, the great British beach holiday! There’s nothing quite like the excitement of packing up the car, battling through traffic, and finally arriving at the seaside for family fun.

But before you can sink your toes into the sand, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got all the right gear. Let’s dive into the essential accessories for a fantastic beach holiday with the kids.

Bags to Carry It All!

First things first: you’ll need something to carry all your beach bits and bobs. A sturdy, roomy beach bag is an absolute must. Look for one with multiple pockets to keep your belongings organised and a style that won’t attract millions of grains of sand! Waterproof options are brilliant for protecting your phone and other valuables from unexpected splashes. For the little ones, consider small backpacks they can carry themselves – it’ll make them feel grown-up and give you one less thing to lug around!

Hats Off (or on) to Sun Safety

When it comes to beach holidays, sun protection is paramount. A good hat is your first defence against those sneaky UV rays. For the ladies, a wide-brimmed sun hat offers protection and adds a touch of glamour to your beach ensemble. For the gents, a classic baseball cap or bucket hat will do the trick. And don’t forget the kids – opt for hats with neck flaps for extra coverage, especially for the younger ones who might be reluctant to sit still for sun cream application.

Fat Face is brimming with hats of all styles and colours for the whole family.

Shades of Summer

Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement – they’re essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. When choosing sunglasses for the family, look for pairs that offer 100% UV protection. For the kids, consider durable, flexible frames that can withstand being tossed in the sand (because, let’s face it, that’s bound to happen). And if you’re feeling exceptionally prepared, pack a spare pair for each family member – sunglasses have a habit of going missing just when you need them most.

Check out stylish shades from Hobbs London, Fat Face and Marks & Spencer.

Slather on the Sun Cream

No beach trip is complete without a generous supply of sun cream. Always choose a high SPF (at least 30, but 50+ is even better for sensitive skin) and remember to reapply every couple of hours, especially after swimming. Look for water-resistant formulas that won’t wash off as soon as you dip your toes in the sea. And remember those often-missed spots like the tops of your feet, ears, and scalp (especially for those with thinning hair). For the tiny tots, consider stick applicators or spray formulas for easier application.

Pop into JoJo Maman Bébé for mother and baby essentials to take care of the heat, sun and water.

Beachwear for All

When it comes to beachwear, comfort is key. For the ladies, a flattering swimsuit or bikini paired with a breezy cover-up is perfect for lounging on the sand or popping to the beach café. Gents can’t go wrong with swim shorts and a light T-shirt or polo. For the kids, rash vests are brilliant for extra sun protection, and quick-dry materials are a godsend for those constant in-and-out-of-the-water moments.

Remember to pack a change of clothes for everyone – there’s nothing worse than having to sit in a damp swimsuit on the journey home!

Review our June blog article for tips on current swimwear trends.

Sand, Sea, and Endless Play

The fun part – beach games and toys! A bucket and spade set is an absolute classic, perfect for building sandcastles or collecting treasures from the shoreline. For older kids (and competitive adults), a beach ball, frisbee or cricket set can provide hours of entertainment. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a kite? Just be mindful of other beachgoers when showing off your flying skills!

Inflatable toys can be great fun for water babies – just ensure they’re age-appropriate and used under supervision. There are plenty of options, including inflatable dinghies, boogie boards, lilos, kayaks and paddleboards. And if you’ve got any budding marine biologists in the family, a net and a clear bucket can turn a simple paddle into an exciting rockpool expedition.

Extra Bits and Bobs

Create a ‘beach holidays with the kids’ checklist and note down a few other essentials to consider:

Beach towels – the bigger, the better
A pop-up beach tent or umbrella for shade
Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated
Snacks – because nobody wants to deal with ‘hangry’ kids on the beach
Wet wipes and hand sanitiser for quick clean-ups
A first aid kit for minor scrapes or stings

M&S have a range of colourful beach towels, swim hats for the kids, cover-ups and kaftans for the ladies, and heavy-duty cotton bags.

Shop ’til You Drop at Marriotts Walk

Before heading off on your seaside adventure, why not pop to Marriotts Walk for all your beach holiday essentials? From stylish swimwear to sun protection, beach toys to bags, our range of stores has everything you need to make your family beach holiday a roaring success.

And here’s a top tip: many of our stores offer summer specials only available in-store. So, it’s worth popping in to see what deals you can snap up – you might just find some fantastic bargains to make your beach holiday even more budget-friendly!

Remember, a well-prepared beach bag is the key to a stress-free family day out. So grab your essentials, slather on the sun cream, and get ready to make some sandy memories. Happy beaching!

New Look, Trespass and Sports Direct have plenty of shorts, tees and summer accessories to choose from. Remember your list and shop with fun in mind!

Prepare for this year’s Beach Holidays with the Kids

Marriotts Walk is home to high-street fashion brands, inviting bistros, cafes, and family entertainment.

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YOUR LOCAL, FRIENDLY, EATING, DRINKING AND ENTERTAINING SHOPPING CENTRE HERE FOR YOU.

Beach Holidays with the Kids – and the Essential Accessories You’ll Need

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