Hello all, I need your help and suggestions for my holiday this year! I'm planning to go away at the very end of August for a week somewhere in England but cannot decide where
I have a few preferences:
-must be near nice sandy beach
- near reasonable entertainment/attractions
-no more than 4.5hrs drive (Im from Surrey)

If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations from places they've been to or know of please let me know.
All ideas appreciated.
Thanks!

It looks like Cornwall is just out of reach but that would be my first choice. Certainly there is no shortage of nice sandy beaches and attractions there.

You could make the Devon coast in that time, Pembrokeshire or even Norfolk. You can't beat a week on the Norfolk Broads. Some of these all might be a bit sleepy or even busy but from a wildlife point of view too are good destinations.

HI Sunshime,
I think South coast Rangers ideas are good. You could just about get to Cornwall in that time. I have a meeting in Devon next month and I live in Surrey, and it will take under 3 hours.
Have you thought about Salcombe? Its very sandy although I am afraid I am not sure about the entertainment side. Another little find is Elmer Beach, which is between Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, where there most certainly are attractions with Butlins and nightclubs.
Other places that come to mind are:
Minnis Bay, Kent
Camber Sands, East Sussex (think there is a wildlife reserve here)
Dymchurch, Kent
Margate, Kent
Ramsgate, Kent
Various beaches on The Isle of Wight
Hayling Island
West Wittering

Hope this helps, Jane

I once stayed in Bridport (Dorset) and had a fantastic time. Bridport is a lovely little town and is in a good location for getting around. If you're a fan of the River Cottage series, you'll already be familiar with a lot of the surrounding countryside. The little fishing village of West Bay is only a couple of miles away and I spent many hours sitting on the harbour wall watching the tides (for those that remember, it's where the series Harbour Lights was filmed). The only downside (?) is that there is (or was) a large caravan site nearby. From Bridport you are also well placed for visiting Lyme Regis (a must for fossil hunters), Weymouth, Portland Bill and Dorchester (including Maiden hillfort if you're into ancient history).