Escape to the Seaside by Train this Summer

Running out of ideas on how to keep the kids happy during the summer holidays? Remember: the British seaside is right on our doorstep – and only a train ride away… Here’s our round up of the must-sees and dos at some of the North’s most popular seaside destinations.

Scenic Scarborough in North Yorkshire has so much to offer visitors, from award-winning beaches to brilliant family attractions.

Make a splash (sorry, we couldn’t resist) at the recently opened Alpamare Scarborough. This awesome waterpark boasts the four longest and fastest water slides in the whole of the UK, and a range of indoor and outdoor pools, from a toasty warm infinity pool that the grown-ups will love to a splash and play area that’s all set up for little ones to enjoy safely. There’s even an onsite restaurant so you can refuel after an energetic few hours in the water.

If you’re looking for a day out that’s a little more weather proof, then you can’t go wrong with Sea Life Scarborough. They’re running a Finding Dory-themed interactive trail where kids can learn more about blue tangs and clownfish like Dory and Nemo until 11th September.

Did you know…?
…that Scarborough was the first ever seaside resort?

Visitors started coming to the town way back in the 1600s after the health-boosting properties of the Spa waters were discovered. When the railway arrived and it became possible for people to take trains to Scarborough, it became an even more popular holiday destination.

Cleethorpes

Cleethorpes trains deliver you directly to the heart of the town and from there, it’s just a short walk to the four-and-half miles of golden sandy beaches.

Where to go

This August, Cleethorpes Rocks is coming to the seaside town from the 19th to the 21st. Scouting for Girls, Reverend and The Makers and Wishbone Ash are among the acts playing at the three-day music fest at Meridian Park, and family tickets are available if you’d like to take the kids along.

Or if you fancy something a bit more traditional, give the Pleasure Island Family Theme Park a go. As well as the scream-inducing rollercoasters and kiddie-friendly rides you’d expect, there are a range of family shows for you to enjoy.

Did you know..?
…that the Greenwich Meridian passes directly through Scarborough?

There’s a metal plate inset into the coastal path to mark the location, and a signpost showing the distance to other key destination on the line. Who knew that New York City was just 3,481 miles away?!

With its iconic tower, endless amusements and dazzling theatre shows, Blackpool’s the place for you if you like your seaside fun loud and sparkly!

Where to go

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the legendary Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Boasting over 125 separate attractions – including plenty of family-themed rides that are just the right amount of scary for the little ones – there’s more than enough to keep you entertained all day long. (Best of all, if the weather lets you down for more than three hours, you can get a free Rainy Day Return the next day.)

All wristbands for the big Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On on Friday 2nd September have unfortunately been snapped up, but you can enjoy the light show for free any evening from Saturday 3rd September until Sunday 6th November.

Did you know…?
…that the first Blackpool Illuminations was way back in 1879?

The custom of having a famous person switch on the lights each year began in 1934, and in 1977, they were actually switched on by famous horse Red Rum! The modern illuminations take 22 weeks to install (and 14 weeks to take down), and feature over a million bulbs.

Getting the train to the coast with Transpennine Express takes the stress out of travel, and it can save you a fair bit too (especially if you book in advance online and use your family rail card).

If you take the train to the seaside this summer, share your snaps with us on Facebook (@TPExpressTrains), Twitter (@TPExpressTrains) or Instagram (@tpexpresstrains) and use the hashtag #TPEseasideescape