The traditional seaside resorts began making something of a comeback.

Blackpool remains perennially popular, with its Mecca for stag and hen nights persona, miles of sandy beaches and kiss- me- quick mentality. It might be gaudy but, to many, Blackpool still sizzles like fish and chips on a hot Friday night. The pleasure beach is one of the best and most extensive fairgrounds anywhere in Europe and, while not quite the cheap date she once was, Blackpool can still reel in the crowds.

Torquay is more quaint, with beautiful beaches washed by the Gulf Stream, and an unlikely profusion of palm trees. The so-called 'English Riviera' also takes in the highlights of Cornwall and Devon, with its surfing fraternities and small fishing harbours, where life seems to have been put on pause for centuries. Many find this mix of tranquil and traditional to be addictive year round.

Whitby boasts a stunning setting, with the ruined abbey looming above a harbour full of small fishing boats and strolling Goths, keen to immerse themselves in memories of Bram Stoker and his ultimate anti-hero, Count Dracula.

More sparkling by miles is perennial Brighton, with its pier, seemingly perma- tanned population, and row after row of B & B's that strut along one of the most instantly familiar seafronts in Britain. That pavilion is, of course, world famous, and its proximity to London means that Brighton will always be a perennially welcome refuge from the heat of high summer in the sweltering capital.

By way of another contrast, Scarborough is more bracing, with winds coming in off the North Sea that sweep across acres of fantastic, floodlit sandy beaches. Imposing cliffs are straddled by vaulting grand hotels that may be past their best, but still know how to tastefully apply the slap. Cannon and Ball on stage at night, and the constant whirling fairground calliopes make this one of the Grande Dames of British holiday spots.

Yet for good beaches, Northumberland remains the best. Miles of sultry, windswept sand illuminated by the high summer sun and dominated by landmarks such as Bamburgh Castle makes the region irresistible to many year after year.