Sand Stormers
A new survey has crowned Whitby as Britain's best beach. What were they thinking?
Here we round up the real showstoppers.

PARTYING
Camber Sands
Where: On the East Sussex coast, a mile from Rye, Camber Sands is a huge expanse of pristine golden sand stretching for five miles, backed by grassy dunes.
Why: Dubbed Hoxton-on-Sea for its hip festivals and cool crowd. All Tomorrow's Parties (www.atpfestival.com) takes place this weekend (12-14 May) and 19-21 May and features the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mudhoney and Dinosaur Junior.
Stay: The Place Camber Sands is the trendiest option. Rooms from £85 (www.theplacecambersands.co.uk).

WALKS
Amroth
Where: At the easterly end of the 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Amroth lies seven miles from Tenby and four from Saundersfoot.
Why: Gorgeous costal scenery for walking, the beach is long and sandy and backed by cliffs with tree stumps from the famous drowned forest visible at low tide.
Stay: In cute, modernised self-catering cottages in the 36-acre Blackmore Farm. Seven nights from £256 low season www.walescottages.org.uk

CULTURE
Southwold
Where: Perched on a north Suffolk clifftop, Southwold resembles an island with a gorgeous sandy beach.
Why: picture-postcard pretty resort with a museum and the newest pier in the UK but, more importantly, close by for the annual, now famous Aldeburgh Festival (9-25 June).
Stay: The Crown, a gastropub on the high street with attractive rooms. Doubles from £120 B&B www.adnams.co.uk.

BUCKET AND SPADE
Bournemouth
Where: Dorset - Thomas Hardy country - spreads along the coast towards Poole to the west and Christchurch to the east.
Why: A seven-mile sweep of sandy beach, Europe's first artificial reef (expected to be completed by next summer), a kidzone beach safety scheme, a waterfront complex and Boscombe Pier.
Stay: Langtry Manor, a period house given to Lillie Langtry by the future Edward VII. Doubles, with one child, from £108 B&B www.langtrymanor.com

FOOD
Watergate Bay
Where: Extremely handy for Newquay airport, this two-mile crescent of sand in Cornwall has become the intelligent surfer's beach of choice.
Why: Jaime Oliver is opening an outpost of Fifteen, his acclaimed London restaurant on 19 May. See www.fifteencornwall.co.uk.
Stay: If you opt for the boutique Watergate Bay hotel they'll guarantee you a table at Fifteen Cornwall. Doubles from £70
www.watergatebayhotel.co.uk.


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