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rain. Huddling together outside their beach huts, wrapped up warm, with a nice cup of tea and a cake, ready for rain or shine. decidedly stripping into their swimsuits at any sign of brief sunshine, brave or foolish enough to have a swim in the sea that is rarely warm.

smell and taste of the salty air, the fresh breeze in your hair, understanding the real meaning of ‘sand’ in ‘a sandwich’ and a cheeky seagull thrown in for entertainment.

It comes alive with holidaymakers doggedly erecting their windbreaks, bracing against the fresh sea breeze. Wrestling with parasols and highly uncomfortable deckchairs, determined to catch every attainable ray of sunshine, before it turns into torrential

For many, beach holidays at the English seaside evoke the nostalgia of childhood memories: pretty rows of colourful beach huts, the feeling of sand between the toes, dipping your feet in the sun-warmed waves, the

Seaside fashion ranging from sunburn strap lines, sandals and socks, knotted hankies and Kiss Me Quick hats too – despite being an absolute no-no anywhere else – can nicely complete your English beach look.

Bucket and spade come out of the loft and beaches become building sites for glorious sandcastles, proud parents competing as to who will build a bigger, better looking and longer lasting one. You can draw hearts in the sand, dig out crabs or bury your family members in the sand and get away with it.

The familiar sound of an ice cream van’s jolly chime gets everyone on to their feet. There is nothing more tempting than a cone of soft-scoop melting in your hand while you are trying to protect it from the everpresent seagulls.

There is a bewildering range of entertainment wherever you are at the seaside. Fairground rides, candyfloss and a stick of rock – mind your teeth when trying to get to see the words in the middle. Amusement arcades with their tantalising chance to win – ah well, never mind, there is always next time! The controversial, yet traditional, Punch and Judy shows always draw crowds and till today they entertain both children and their parents. And let’s not forget about the all-time favourite, donkey rides.

When the late afternoon comes, there is always the chance of a long stroll along the promenade or a pier to the merry sound of a brass band. You can finish off your day nicely with traditional fish and chips, or treat yourself to delicious whelks, cockles or winkles. did you notice they always taste better at the seaside? Beware of those pesky seagulls though. They will help themselves to your food!

Before you head back home, don’t forget to send a tacky ‘Wish you were here’ postcard.

These are the childhood memories I would have loved to have had. As I wasn’t so lucky to grow up in England, I am making up for it now. I am building those memories with every trip, grateful for being able to discover what a fantastic place the English seaside is –full of character, charm, eccentricities and, most of all, Englishness. despite often being accused of being tatty, grey, windswept and cold.