Reading comprehension - Pre-intermediate level
Why not choose a relaxing seaside vacation at one of these UK destinations and have the chance to improve your English at the same time?
Scarborough is a pretty holiday resort on England's North Sea Coast. It has two beautiful sandy bays separated by the dramatic 12th Century Scarborough Castle. A funicular railway links the busy town centre and shops to South Bay and the historic harbour. At the port you can take a boat trip to watch the seals on the lovely North Yorkshire coast. Harry Potter fans particularly love to visit the Goathland railway station which is in the early Harry Potter films as 'Hogsmeade' station.
Don't forget Scarborough also offers theatres, gardens and a water park. You can even join the Scarborough Surf School! In addition, there are many walks and adventures in the nearby Great Yorkshire Forest.
Bournemouth is England's most popular seaside town and has 7 miles of golden sand on the South Coast of England. The bay has magnificent cliffs, a pleasant climate and some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK. There are superb views from Bournemouth Pier, an activity centre with a cool zip-line over the sea. Bournemouth also holds a number of special events like the candlelight procession through the beautiful gardens or the Bournemouth Air Festival.
In addition, shopping is very convenient as the big shops and smaller boutiques are close to the beach with many cafés and coffee shops nearby. Mini golf and surfing are also available.
Blackpool is a fun seaside resort on the Irish Sea coast of England. There you find Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the UK's most famous amusement park. Also make sure you visit Blackpool Tower, built in 1894. It has a lift to the top and a viewing platform made of glass! Every autumn, Blackpool Illuminations give a light show along the Promenade for 66 nights. A ten kilometre section of the coast sparkles with more than one million lights and attracts up to 3 million visitors, giving a lively atmosphere. Blackpool also has several theatres with a great variety of music and comedy shows.
For animal lovers there is Blackpool Zoo with over 1500 animals including big cats. Also popular is the nearby Jurassic Kingdom - a park with huge dinosaur models.
English Seaside Towns - Comprehension questions
1. From which century does the ancient Scarborough Castle date?
2. What is the real name of the station called 'Hogsmeade' in the Harry Potter films?
3. Which town has a zip-wire activity at the pier?
4. How many lights make up the Blackpool Illuminations?