As it happened: A day looking at life in England's seaside resorts
Peter Sherlock
BBC Data unit
While we're taking a look at the English seaside, there are some places where it's not advisable to go swimming, according to the Environment Agency, external.
Here's a helpful map to show you where to stay out of the waves.
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
Meet Michelle Mason. She's travelled down to the north Essex coast from Coventry on a week-long holiday with her husband and children.
"It's our first time here, it seems lovely and the parking is great," she said.
Summing up the seaside town in three words Michelle thought it was "friendly, fun and exciting".
Grace Parnell
BBC Local Live, Scarborough
The sun's still shining in Scarborough this afternoon - but it's also a bit windy.
After having said that, it wouldn't be the true Yorkshire coast experience without a bracing breeze to contend with.
Despite that, Phoebe, 6, from Sheffield and her grandma, Judith, from Huddersfield, are having a great holiday here.
Judith tells me: "Scarborough is family-friendly and fun. It has everything: brilliant beaches and activities."
Dave Wade
BBC Local Live
It wouldn't be the seaside without cheeky postcards.
In Skegness, they're life sized...
Ian Parker
BBC News
One things many visitors to Weston don’t realise is how far the tide goes out.
Because of the nature of the Seven Estuary and the Bristol Channel the difference between high tide and low tide can be more than 12 metres.
That means it goes out a long way and when it comes in, it comes in fast, and the further out you go, the muddier it gets.
About 1.4 million people have said they're holidaying in the UK this year so they can take their dog with them, according to a study by the Post Office.
Image source, paThat's 8% of holidaymakers.
Are they barking mad?
It's about 20C at the beach in Southsea this lunchtime.
Thanks to Coops for sharing this picture with us.
Image source, BBC Weather Watchers/Coops
Lloyd Watson
BBC News Online
Catherine Iyer is visiting relatives in the North East.
While here in Tynemouth, her boy Cal has been taking part in the surfing school.
Her three words to describe the region's coast were: beautiful, rugged and surfing.
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Bronwyn Jones
BBC News
Jane Warburton has been driving Southport's Promenade Express for about three years and she says business is steady at the resort.
She thinks more holidaymakers are staying in the UK this summer.
While the wind buffets us about, she says the weather doesn't deter the hardy Brits from visiting the seaside.
Dave Wade
BBC Local Live
Jayne West from the Factory Rock Shop on Skegness seafront says the weather's caused visitors to stay away this year.
Jayne West talks about the season in Skegness so far
BBC News England
Each day we feature a photograph sent in from across the country for England's Big Picture.
Julie Taylor sent this photograph of Porth Beach, North Cornwall and says "people still do the things they always did".
Image source, Julie TaylorJoin in the discussion about English seaside on @BBCEngland, external and via #EnglishSeaside, external or email your pictures to england@bbc.co.uk.
Grace Parnell
BBC Local Live, Scarborough
In Scarborough, local resident Jade Binnie is at her shellfish stall waiting for the customers.
Business has been slower than normal today, she tells me - and it's all because of the nice weather.
This being Yorkshire, today's the first bit of decent sunshine we've seen for a while.
The cloudy weather might be putting off the summer holiday crowds in Clacton today, but tourism is vital in the Tendring area.
Image source, Getty ImagesThanks to Weather Watcher Beaconhill for this shot from a little further along the coast at Dovercourt earlier today where the sky was filled with heavy cloud at 16C (61F).
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Claire Cottingham
I've spoken to young mum Sophie who lives in Margate.
She says there aren't many job opportunities in the town - but is pleased the Dreamland, external heritage theme park re-opened for "entertainment".
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Lloyd Watson
BBC News Online
Barry Henderson, from Whitley Bay, teaches at the Longsands Surf School.
He's helping kids and "beautiful ladies" to surf for the first time.
He described the North East coast as beautiful, brisk and challenging.
Challenging because apparently the "wind changes like the wind" and the sea is "always moving".
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It's not all sunshine across England today.
There have been some heavy clouds in Boscombe near Bournemouth as captured by Weather Watcher rugbyref.
Image source, BBC Weather Watchers/rugbyrefYou can join Weather Watchers to share the weather where you are.
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the sights of Clacton is by taking the road train - and in the driver's seat today is Ian Nicholson. He's been in control of the six carriage vehicle for six years.
"Trade up until the six week holidays has been rubbish," he said.
"There's been days this year where we'd be lucky to make a fiver."
The one-and-a-half mile journey costs £3 return and lasts about 15 minutes.
BBC News England
The reason for our focus on English seaside follows a report calling for a "Seaside Tsar" to promote regeneration.
The Creating Coastal Powerhouses, external paper found people living in seaside towns are more likely to be poorly-educated and unemployed.
When jellyfish are washed up on British beaches, they can provoke reactions ranging from curiosity to outright fear.
Image source, Tim GrayAs thousands of families head to the coast this summer, is that fear is justified? Just how dangerous are UK jellyfish? Read more here.
