Celebrate Britain's maritime heritage with a coastal break

Britain is an island nation, framed by more than 9,000 miles of dramatic coastline and beaches, creating seaside playgrounds like Blackpool, cosmopolitan centres such as Bournemouth and wonderful, unspoilt getaways including Jersey in the Channel Islands. As hugely popular TV show Coast was fond of telling us, in Britain you're never more than 72 miles from the sea!

And, with the increasing popularity of ‘staycations', more of us are opting to enjoy the UK's diverse coastal regions while rediscovering the simple pleasures of a good old-fashioned seaside holiday. Whether you're a family, a couple, a gaggle of friends or are staging an important business meeting, there's the perfect venue somewhere along the British coastline to host any length of stay.

In Dorset, the heart of Thomas Hardy country, you can take in rolling countryside, picture-perfect villages, historic market towns, and a raft of colourful events.

The ideal base for your stay in this lovely part of the world is Bournemouth, combining world-class conferencing facilities and one of Britain's best city beaches, offering seven miles of pure gold. With soft sand dunes and lots of space, it's ideal for families, and has won awards for its cleanliness. And, with the building of Europe's first artificial surf reef, it is set to become one of Britain's top surfing locations.

The pedestrianised town centre offers fantastic shopping opportunities, and there's plenty of vibrant nightlife, along with restaurants to suit all tastes. Don't forget to check out the city's parks and gardens, some of which date back to Victorian times. With so much to see and do for people of all ages, you certainly won't be bored in Bournemouth. Above all, there's nothing tacky about this town, which has retained its air of Victorian elegance.

And if you're on the look-out for comfortable Bournemouth hotels, HotelClub can book you into accommodation ranging from cosy guesthouses to three-star hotels. There's no booking fee, and HotelClub is currently offering some great deals.

Up on the north west coast, Blackpool attracts six million visitors a year, making it one of the UK's premier resorts. The two largest attractions are the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Tower, but other things to see include three piers, a string of amusement arcades and seven miles of beaches, along with a pedestrian promenade and a vibrant after-dark scene.

Stroll along the famous Golden Mile and take in the renowned Blackpool illuminations, which extend the tourist season into the autumn.

While young people flock here for stag and hen weekends, older people love Blackpool's nostalgic feel. The iconic Tower Ballroom remains a Mecca for ballroom dancing aficionados. You could take in a show at the Winter Gardens, or ride a tram or horse-drawn landau along the seafront. And, if you're organising a conference or similar event, this resort is the business for any size of gathering.

HotelClub hotels in Blackpool range from two to four star places at well-appointed spots across town. Book online with no fee, and get up to 70% off with special deals.

Across the Channel on Jersey, you'll find a small, beautiful island that punches well above its weight. The weather is delightful here will into the autumn, and it's a wonderful place to explore, with some truly spectacular walks along its rugged coastline or down country lanes.

With its unspoiled landscape and unique combination of French and British influences, Jersey really does allow you to get away from it all.

Foodies will be in their element. Jersey's clear waters producing an abundance of shellfish, and, each autumn, the Tennerfest offers a mouthwatering fixed price food festival to enjoy.

The largest and southern most of the British Channel Islands is also a great place to indulge in some serious retail therapy, especially in capital Saint Helier, or have a pampering spa treatment.

You may want to spend most of your time enjoying the glorious bays and long sandy beaches. But if you can prise yourself way, take in the sixteenth century Elizabeth Castle at St Helier or La Corbière lighthouse.

When it comes to lodging on the Jersey Channel Islands, make HotelClub your first port of call for a wide range of delightful two and three star hotels.

With Jersey, Blackpool and Bournemouth all offering plenty to do outside the main summer season, there's still time to book a fabulous British coastal break this year.

17 November 2011

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