At St Margaret's Bay in Kent, you mightn't get nearer to France unless you actually went there! This beach that is shingle only 18 miles through the country, so if you're happy and it is a clear time you'll very well be able to notice it. With gorgeous white cliffs and clear blue ocean, it creates for a very day trip that is scenic. There's also some rockpools that are great so that your small explorers can have a peak and see whatever they will find.