PORTHMINSTER, CORNWALL
The closest England's coastal resorts get to a touch of Riviera style is Porthminster beach, right, which is backed by elegant hotels and dotted with palm trees. There are even continental-style open-air cafés overlooking the sands.
There's a great treat in store for foodies too, as the award-winning Porthminster Café (www.porthminstercafe.co.uk) fronts on to the beach and offers a selection of great dishes befitting this stunning setting.
www.visitcornwall.com

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WEST WITTERING, WEST SUSSEX
Who says the South-East coastline is overdeveloped?
This stretch of superb sandy beach near Chichester remains blissfully unspoilt, with a gently sloping shore and areas for barbecues and games.
Perfect for the family.
www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk

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HUNSTANTON, NORFOLK
A perfect blend of old-fashioned and gentle British seaside charms such as donkey rides, pitch and putt and candyfloss stalls with all-action 21st-century pastimes such as kitesurfing.
Hunstanton has some of the best wind conditions in the country, making it an increasingly popular choice for watersports enthusiasts but there's plenty of room for everyone on the wide expanse of pristine sands.
www.visitwestnorfolk.com

WOOLACOMBE SANDS, DEVON
Surfers in the know avoid the crowds at Croyde Bay and head instead to Woolacombe's three-mile stretch of sand which is backed by a lively village with good pubs and restaurants.
Lifeguards keep a close eye on swimmers and surfers while the surf school caters for all levels from beginners right through to the most experienced wave-catchers.
www.woolacombetourism.co.uk

SEABURN, CO DURHAM
The north of England also has some impressive stretches of sand to choose from. One of them is Seaburn, just north of Sunderland, which boasts a traffic-free promenade and a vast expanse of beach, which is just perfect for a fun family day out with plenty of ice cream and amusement parks.
www.visitsunderland.com Annabelle Thorpe is co-author of Britain's Best Seaside Escapes (New Holland, £14.99).