Families
Shade and a well-stocked cooler make a long day with kids far more relaxed.
Summer Beach Day Essentials
A good beach day is mostly about comfort: shade when you need it, cold drinks, something to play and a bag that carries the lot. This is what we would pack for a full day by the water.
What should you take to the beach?
Our roundup for a full day on the sand, starting with shade.
SHADE FIRST
Umbrellas, parasols and shelters to make your own shade.
What to prioritise
Escape the sun
Beach Parasols & Shelters
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DRY OFF
Microfibre and printed towels, plus changing robes.
What to prioritise
Packs small
Beach Towels
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SHADE YOUR HEAD
Bucket hats, sun hats and caps for every age.
What to prioritise
Face and neck
Beach Hats & Caps
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COLD DRINKS
Eskies, soft coolers and cooler backpacks for the day.
What to prioritise
Keeps lunch cold
Eskies, Coolers & Cooler Backpacks
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PLAY
Volleyball sets, beach tennis and roundnet for the sand.
What to prioritise
Fun for all
Beach Games
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CARRY IT ALL
Totes, backpacks and dry bags to carry the day.
What to prioritise
Sandy day ready
Beach Bags & Waterproof Gear
Shop the RangeWhat to look for
Real shade
Look for parasols and shelters with a UPF rating, and remember shade moves with the sun. Shade cuts direct sun but not the glare reflected off sand and water, so keep hats and sunscreen on too.
Anchors that hold
Beach wind can lift a parasol or shelter quickly. Choose designs with sand pegs, sand pockets or a screw-in base, and take them down if the wind picks up.
Easy to carry
Everything has to travel from the car park to the sand. Lighter, compact gear and one good bag make the walk much easier.
Cold and hydrated
Pack more water than you think you need, and keep it in the cooler and out of the sun. Frozen bottles double as ice packs.
Who this kit suits
Groups of friends
A shelter, a game and cold drinks turn a swim into a full afternoon.
Solo beachgoers
A towel, a hat and a light bag are all you need for a few easy hours.
Your beach day checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Shade | Cuts direct sun during the hottest hours | Set it up first, before you unpack |
| Towel | Somewhere to dry off and lie down | Microfibre packs smaller and dries fast |
| Hat | Shades face, ears and neck | Wide brims cover more than caps |
| Sunscreen | Protects exposed skin | Reapply after swimming |
| Cooler | Keeps food and drinks cold | Pack frozen bottles as ice |
| Beach games | Keep everyone entertained | Pick games that suit soft sand |
| Beach bag | Carries the lot in one trip | A water-repellent bag handles wet towels |
Make your beach kit last
- Shake sand out of parasols and shelters and let them dry before packing away.
- Rinse towels in fresh water to get rid of salt and sand.
- Wash the cooler and leave the lid open to dry so it stays fresh.
- Brush sand off bags and games before the trip home.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for a full day at the beach?
Shade, a towel each, hats, sunscreen, plenty of water and food in a cooler cover the essentials. Add a game or two, a bag to carry it all, and a dry bag for phones and keys. If you are swimming, choose a patrolled beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Beach umbrella or beach shelter?
An umbrella is quick to set up, easy to carry and suits one or two people. A shelter covers more space and gives some protection from the wind, which helps with babies and small children. Both need anchoring well in the sand, and both are best taken down if the wind gets strong.
How do I keep food and drinks cold at the beach?
Chill the cooler and its contents before you leave and pack it full. Freeze a few water bottles to use as ice, keep the cooler under your shade and open it as little as possible. A soft cooler or cooler backpack is easier to carry over sand for a day trip.
Is shade enough to protect from the sun?
Shade helps a lot, but it does not block everything, because sunlight reflects off sand and water. Combine it with a hat, sunglasses, covering clothing and sunscreen. UV is usually strongest in the middle of the day, so plan your longest stretch in the open for earlier or later.
What beach games work best on sand?
Games with light balls and short bursts of play suit soft sand, such as beach volleyball, roundnet and beach tennis. They are easy to pick up for mixed ages and pack down small. Set up away from other beachgoers and keep play well clear of the flagged swimming area.
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Settle in for a full day by the water
With shade, snacks and something to play, the day takes care of itself. Our full beach and picnic range is here when you are ready.
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