Coastal Fishing Trips For Kids In The UK

If the kids are getting a bit bored of sitting by a lake, why not head to the coast and try fishing there? The UK has a huge amount of coastline and you’re never very far from the sea. You can either try your luck on a pier or breakwater, or take a boat trip to look for some fish further from shore. Here’s some suggestions of good places to try out coastal fishing with your family. 

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Weymouth Beach is perfect for families seeking a fun-filled day out by the sea. In addition to being one of the premier fishing spots in the UK, the golden sandy beach has lots of activities on offer, including donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, and an array of exciting water sports to try. The harbour is home to a large fleet of chartered fishing boats, ready and waiting to take your family out to sea on an adventure - who knows what you might see or catch. 

Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Scarborough is a historic seaside town located on the north coast of Yorkshire, home to two piers, a castle, and several beaches. It’s a great place for coastal fishing all year round. You can expect to catch cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, flounder, and sole during summer, while in the winter there’s codling, whiting, dabs, flounders, and eels. You can either cast off from one of the piers or take a charter boat trip out to sea. Why not make a longer holiday of it, and explore the dramatic scenery of the nearby North York Moors and the wider coastline, including Bempton Cliffs, where you can see puffins and gannets. If the weather isn’t on your side, there’s the SeaLife centre, which features sharks, penguins, seals and so much more.

The Isle of Man

The rugged coast of the Isle of Man is an exciting choice for a family fishing holiday because it’s got so many possibilities. You can go crabbing in Douglas Bay, try your hand at sea angling off the coast of Peel, or even head out on a boat trip to catch bigger fish like tuna or swordfish. If you need a break from all the fishing, the island is also home to great attractions like the Manx Electric Railway and the Laxey Wheel.

Rhossili Bay, Wales

Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea is one of the most popular beaches in Wales, and it's easy to see why. Its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and sandy shores make it a slice of paradise. It’s also a great location for some fishing. You can find everything from mackerel and herring close to shore, plus bigger fish like bass, flounder and conger further out. If you fancy a break from the fishing, why not have a go at surfing the waves?

Brighton Beach, Sussex

Brighton Beach is a great spot for both beginners and experienced fishermen alike. The public pier provides access to deep water, where you can find species such as cod, haddock, and flounder. There's also an abundance of smaller fish closer to shore, so your kids are sure to walk away with a catch regardless of their level of experience. It’s a busy seaside resort with lots of attractions, so plenty to do for family members who aren’t into fishing. 

Before you go to any of these sites, make sure you have the relevant permits and check local rules and the tide times to ensure you don’t get cut off. Teach your children how to stay safe around water and keep a close eye on little ones, as the sea can be very dangerous.

Photo by Adam Sherez on Unsplash