Spain
A fantastic very child friendly beach. The name alone puts junior members of the group in a giggly and good mood before you even get there. This is only enhanced by a beautiful, never very busy, beach with several areas to explore - small caves, a deeply shelving area with fantastic waves, an enormous shallow stretch for perfect paddling and headlands and freshwater streams to follow for an adventure. Two cafes perched above the beach provide reasonable snacks and meals and loo facilities. Lifeguard facility at most times and care should be taken to observe their flag system and advice. Parking in a pay carpark near the beach or in Llanes.
Llanes, Asturias
Google map: bit.ly/gEVqvv
Spain may not be the first destination that springs to mind when looking for the ultimate cider experience, but head to the lush green lands of Asturias on the North West coast and that’s exactly what you’ll find. The natural “sidra” is an icon of the region, due partly to the distinctive style in which it is poured; from the bottle held high above the head onto the rim of the glass held sideways at the waist. This creates a momentary fizz and is why only a mouthful is poured at a time and relished in one gulp.
"Siderías" ancient and modern are the life blood of the tiniest villages and major cities, and there are cider festivals all year round. One of the best can be found in the seaside city of Gijón, where you can enjoy free tasting sessions in the town square or join thousands who gather annually on the sandy beach to break the world record for simultaneous cider-pouring (see pic in where to find it section).
Easyjet fly daily to Asturias from Stansted.
Gijon is 30 min drive from the airport.
Gijon info: www.spain.info/en_GB/ven/otros-destinos/gijon.html
Cider pouring world record: proyectos.elcomerciodigital.com/panorama/images/20090526085632_escanciandosidra.jpg
Google maps: tinyurl.com/2f9sctf
Search Been there