Kent has been named as the top location in Europe for a family holiday.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe 2015 named two other UK destinations in its top 10. The island of Skomer off the Welsh coast and nearby Marloes Sands, took joint ninth place.
Kent’s highlights were said to be the resort of Broadstairs, the White Cliffs of Dover and Margate. Kerry in Ireland was named in second place after Kent.
The guide’s 10 best beaches list featured two in the UK. In sixth was Bantham Beach near Kingsbridge, Devon, described as “a true all-rounder”.
Sandwood Bay in the Scottish Highlands came seventh.
Lonely Planet editorial director Tom Hall said: “The destinations have been chosen by our team of European experts. Some may be surprising, some are definitely under the radar, but all of them are great places to visit right now.”
Tourism minister Tracey Crouch said: “As a Kent girl it’s fantastic to see Kent recognised as the world-leading family holiday destination that it is; and it’s no surprise that the beautiful beaches of Bantham and Sandwood Bay have been named as among the best beaches in Europe.
“More and more visitors are experiencing the best of Britain, and areas like Kent are feeling the benefit of our booming tourism industry at a local level with more jobs and a growing economy.
“But we know it’s a competitive market so I’m working with the industry to ensure we maintain our great offer for travellers.”
Europe’s 10 best places for family holidays as selected by Lonely Planet:
. Kent, England
. County Kerry, Ireland
. Black Forest, Germany
. Budapest
. Vorarlberg, Austria
. Aland Archipelago, Finland
. Ibiza
. Normandy, France
. Skomer and Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire, Wales
. Bohinj, Slovenia
Europe’s 10 best beaches:
. Jaz Beach, Budva, Montenegro
. Peniche Beach, Portugal
. Rondinara Beach, Corsica
. Cale Goloritze, Sardinia
. Vik Beach, Iceland
. Bantham Beach, Kingsbridge, Devon;
. Sandwood Bay, Sutherland, Scotland
. Cala Macarella, Minorca
. Voutoumi, Antipaxi, Greece
. Curonian Spit, Lithuania