30 Boredom Busting Things To Do at the Beach

Looking for fun, relaxing, or adventurous things to do at the beach? Whether it's sunny skies or a cloudy day, the UK coastline offers a huge variety of beach activities for kids, couples, families, and even your four-legged friends. First, choose your perfect beach destination, and then explore the spectacular list of beach activities below.

1. Go for a walk

Get your steps in with a relaxing stroll along the beach. The UK boasts stunning coastlines and dramatic clifftop paths, so whether you're after a gentle wander or a more challenging hike, there's something for everyone. And if you're near a dog-friendly beach, why not bring your furry friend along to enjoy the golden sand?

2. Read a book

Whether you’re in the middle of a captivating thriller, fancy reading a romantic novel or enjoy an action-packed comic, taking a book, Kindle or comic to the beach will never disappoint. There’s nothing like finding a quiet spot on the sand and sinking into a book.

3. Enjoy a picnic

One of the best things to do at the beach with friends or family is share a delicious seaside picnic. Pack your cooler with your favourite snacks and drinks, lay out a blanket, and enjoy dining with the sound of the waves in the background. Not sure what to bring? Check out our top picnic food ideas.

4. Search for seashells

There are some beautiful shells and stones on UK beaches, and finding them can fill hours of fun. Why not compete with one another to find a unique seashell, the biggest, or the smallest seashell? Remember, before you leave the beach, return any seashells or stones you find, so others can enjoy them and to protect the natural habitats.

5. Go paddling

British heatwaves may be few and far between, but when they do arrive, there’s no better way to cool off than with a paddle in the sea.

6. Try rockpooling

At low tide, many beaches are home to rockpools filled with all kinds of molluscs, sea anemones and creatures. Get your binoculars ready and see how many different creatures you can spot in the UK waters. For more tips and tricks on rockpooling in the UK, check out our ultimate rockpool guide.

7. Snap the perfect picture

The beach has so much to offer in the way of photo opportunities. Create family photos that will last a lifetime, photograph some of the interesting geological features, snap some wildlife shots to share with your friends, or capture a beautiful sunset and treasure the memories forever.

8. Grab an ice cream

You can't go to the beach and not treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or need a sweet treat, pick your favourite ice cream from the wide selection you’ll find at the beach or grab a classic ice cream topped cone.

9. Build a sandcastle

No list of beach activities would be complete without sandcastle building! It’s a must-do for kids and a nostalgic pleasure for adults. Bring along buckets, spades, and a bit of imagination to build the biggest and best sand fortress on the beach.

10. Create a pebble tower

Not all UK beaches have soft, golden sand, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. If you’re visiting a pebble beach, try building a pebble tower instead of a sandcastle. See how high you can stack the stones without it toppling over, then be sure to dismantle it before you leave so that others can enjoy the beach too.

11. Watch the sunrise or sunset

The beach is one of the best locations to catch a glimpse of the sun peeking out over the horizon or setting for the day. So, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, catch all the colours of the sunrise or sunset on your trip to the beach.

12. Take up birdwatching

We’ve put together a guide to some of the most common birds in the UK, but you’ll spot many more varieties along the coast. You can spend hours watching the skies and shorelines on UK beaches, spotting a range of birds swooping and dipping into the waters. Take your camera along and see what you can snap.

13. Fly a kite

A windy day by the beach is ideal for a few hours of kite flying. Great for all ages, watch as the wind takes your kite high into the coastal breeze.

14. Play ball games

With so much open space, the beach is the perfect place for ball games. Bring a football for a kickabout, or if you prefer volleyball, some beaches even have nets set up. Ball games are a fun beach activity for kids, adults, and even your canine companions. You can also play with a ball in the shallow water to keep cool on those hot summer days.

15. Pick up litter

Unfortunately, not everyone takes their rubbish home with them after a day at the beach. Spending an hour litter picking is a great way to show kids the importance of looking after our planet and will make the rest of your time at the beach a much nicer experience.

16. Enjoy a swim

On a hot, sunny day, a dip in the sea around the UK is a great way to cool down quickly. Here’s our guide on wild swimming and a few tips on staying safe in the water.

17. Walk along the pier or promenade

The UK’s Victorian seaside resorts often have a pier or promenade to explore. Piers can have food stalls and arcades to spend time in, which is great fun for the kids. Promenades are where you’ll find the usual seaside shops full of holiday mementoes, as well as plenty of ice cream and fish and chip shops.

18. Go on a treasure hunt

Make a list of objects you’d expect to see at the beach and set the kids the task of finding them all. For animals, you can ask kids to take a photograph, so you’re not disturbing them in any way.

19. Watch wildlife

Many coastal areas of the UK are home to pods of dolphins, and there are often clifftop lookouts that offer a great chance to spot them feeding in the coastal waters. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of whales, seals, or otters. Bring a pair of binoculars and keep your camera ready, as you never know what you’ll spot.

20. Go for a run

Have you ever wondered why jogging along the beach is so popular? It’s not just the refreshing coastal breeze that makes it appealing, but the uneven sand adds an extra challenge, testing your balance, strength, and endurance all at once.

21. Fly a frisbee

Simple and endlessly fun, frisbee is one of the most inclusive beach activities. All you need is a disc and some space. Whether it’s a casual game of catch or a more intense challenge, it’s a great way to get moving and enjoy the fresh sea air.

22. Have a barbecue

Have you really been to the beach if you haven’t eaten a burger with a bit of sand in it? There’s something special about cooking and eating by the sea, whether it’s sausages sizzling on a portable grill or veggie skewers shared with friends. Just make sure to check if barbecues are allowed on the beach you’re visiting, and always clean up afterwards. Not sure what to make? Check out these sizzling hot BBQ recipes and try them on your new portable BBQ.

23. Watch clouds float by

Lie back and see what shapes you can see in the clouds.

24. Go surfing

There are lots of brilliant surfing beaches in the UK, but you can try your hand at riding the waves wherever you are, as long as the water is safe to swim in.

25. Have a limbo competition

A classic party game made much more fun by the sand and sea.

26. Write or draw in the sand

We've all written our names in the sand, but think about what else there is to draw. Try a self-portrait with shells or a picture of your pet using seaweed.

27. Play a game of tag

No equipment? No problem! A game of tag is a fun and energetic beach activity that requires nothing but willing players. Suitable for both kids and adults, it’s a great way to burn off extra energy while making the most of all that open space.

28. Paint or sketch the view

If you’re feeling creative, why not take a sketch pad and some watercolour paints as you draw and paint the breathtaking beach views. The paintings also make for a fabulous souvenir of your trip.

29. Try beach yoga

Breathe in… and out. Take in the salty sea air and let your stress melt away. There’s no better way to feel at one with nature than with some gentle beach yoga. Let the breeze sway through your hair, feel the sand beneath your toes, and listen to the rhythmic swoosh of the waves.

30. Enjoy some tasty fish and chips

You can’t visit a UK beach without indulging in a portion of classic fish and chips, it’s practically a seaside tradition! Just be sure to keep an eye out for those cheeky seagulls who might fancy a bite of your lunch too.

There you have it, lots of ways to stay entertained during your visit to the beach. Undecided on where to stay? Here's our guide to the best seaside towns in the UK.