· The Sea Shanty, Branscombe, near Seaton, Devon (01297 680226) has modern chalets on the beach. The only drawback is that it is pebble.
Ron Birch
· Try North Wales (Wales Tourist Board, 029 2049 9909, visitwales.com). Porth Dinllaen near Morfa Nefyn has properties right on a superb sandy beach ideal for children. Abersoch, not far away, also has cottages with steps straight on to the beach.
Christine Masson