trees, deckchairs, beach balls and buckets and spades. And while the white canopy of the O2 might not evoke the same romance as the clear blues of a tropical sky, it does perform the handy function of keeping off the rain. Drop by 12–5pm Mon

Literally meaning ‘Whistling Sands’, Porth Oer, Lleyn Peninsula, Wales has dry sand above the high-water mark that might squeak when you walk on it. With sand the texture of fluffy cake mixture and a National Trust beach café selling

waves ripple over your feet as they sink in the sand can still have a strangely comforting affect for all ages – especially if the waves are warm and the setting is picturesque.     But if we want our beaches to be clean and enticing, we all have a role

, pool, gym, treatment rooms and tennis courts. There’s also a restaurant and a bar with a cosy log fire and a spectacular view across New Grimbsy Harbour. Entry to Tresco’s beautiful Abbey Gardens is included, too.Christmas rates are from £1,600 per

-inclusive from £1,049 per adult and £499 per child, including flights and transfers. 

1. Write your name or funny messages in the sand with shells2. Decorate sand-pies and sandcastles with different shaped shells3. Have a rock-pool ramble  Learn about the food chain of this natural aquarium so your child understands how it works

1. Porthcurno, Cornwall With dramatic rock formations on either side, white sand, turquoise sea and exotic plant life, this narrow strip of land couldn’t be more striking. There is a car park just beyond the sands, and on the cliff tops

Any parents who adore the minimalist creations of Celine or Acne will be thrilled with the new Le Vestiaire de Jeanne SS11 collection; a beautifully light girlswear collection fashioned in a simple palette of stone grey, snow white and sand

memoryFive Fun Things to Do with Shells at the Beach 1) Write your name or funny messages in the sand with shells2) Decorate sand-pies and sandcastles with different shaped shells3) See how many different types of shell you can find, and draw pictures

Red stripe jersey dress £22 and blue and white stripe starfish cardigan £28Oh we do like to be beside the seaside... spring has finally sprung and we can almost feel the sand between our toes.This cute stripy outfit would be perfect for a day spent