Susan Calman's Grand Week by the Sea

Susan's adventure begins with a whistle-stop tour of the largest pleasure pier in Europe and the best way to see it all in is from above, so Susan braves the dizzying heights of a Ferris Wheel before rewarding herself with a visit to the arcade! Next on Susan's to-do list is a visit to the theatre, where several stars of stage and screen got their big break. Susan's dreams come true during the rehearsals for the summer show as she is picked to be a magician's assistant.

Then Susan heads to the beach to do something she's never done before… bury herself! Just along the promenade she comes across a 19th-century martello tower designed to protect the coast from Napoleon's invasion (that ultimately never happened.) This one is rather special as they now serve afternoon tea in the moat.

Back on the pier she has a go at making candy floss before meeting up with comedian Nina Wadia, who reminisces about her first trip to Clacton in her teens. Susan and Nina battle it out on the pier's water dodgems, it's a bump or spray situation. Later, further along the coast Nina takes the ultimate pony hack - on the beach.

After Susan checks out a traditional hotel and one of the oldest buildings in town she treats herself to some tiny souvenirs to remind her of the big fun she's had in Clacton-on-Sea. Finally, there's just time to squeeze in a classic beachside game of lawn bowls.

This week Susan is in Bournemouth, starting with a ride on the land train along Bournemouth's seven mile stretch of sandy beach. She then heads to the lower gardens joining other holidaymakers to listen to the band playing in the historic Pine Walk Bandstand. Back on the beach, she spots a game of handball. It's something she's always wanted to try her ‘hand' at – maybe now's her chance.

Along the coast, she boards the ferry to Mudeford which boasts some of the best beach huts in Bournemouth and what's more – you can stay in them. Back in the centre of Bournemouth Susan visits the Russell Cotes Gallery. Perched on the cliff this 19th-century house is a Victorian treasure trove and has quite possibly one of the grandest toilets she has ever seen.

Then she meets Bournemouth local and TV choirmaster Gareth Malone. Always up for some beach side fun, Susan challenges Gareth to a game of Jenga and realises she has met her match.

In nearby Poole, Susan boards another boat, this time a fish and chip cruise along Poole Harbour. Skipper Brian points out the sights including the small peninsula of Sandbanks, otherwise known as, millionaire's row. Meanwhile, Gareth makes a splash as he tries yoga on the sea. He might be good at his ‘omms' with all that singing but how about a headstand?

Along Bournemouth's famous cliffs Susan meets the equally famous cliff goats, ex regimental, retired goat Llewellyn and pals Derek and Hamish. As she takes the cliff lift back to the beach Susan discovers Bournemouth's selfie trail, creating her own holiday memento then meets Gareth again back on the beach for a singalong with Britain's only beach choir - a wonderful way to end her holiday.

Susan's summer by the seaside takes her to Margate on the Kent coast and she arrives in style on an electric rickshaw, right on the seafront. After she takes in the view, she heads to Margate's main beach where she encounters a group playing ultimate Frisbee and decides to give it a go. Soon after, she spots a local Margate institution, Manning's seafood stall and tries her very first tub of cockles. Next, she goes in search of one of a mystery - the Shell Grotto. She is amazed by this underground cavern, with over 4.6 million shells adorning its walls.

After chatting to other holidaymakers on the seafront she heads out to beautiful Botany Bay where she comes across sand artist Ross who draws the most incredible designs in the sand. Then back in Margate, and a wander along the promenade, brings her to the sundeck where she gets her skates on at the roller disco with local skater and hand holder Norman.

At Margate's pleasure park Dreamland, Susan meets actress Sally Lindsay. Sally shares with Susan her love for Margate and Dreamland and they muster up the courage for a ride on the Ghost Train.

In nearby Broadstairs, Sally goes for a paddle as she discovers Charles Dicken's love of this quaint seaside town. And back in Margate, Susan indulges her passion for toys at the Hornby museum.

When it comes to B&Bs there's nowhere quirkier than Margate as Susan checks out what's on offer, though she might not want to stay the night in a prison cell. She's then off to the old town for an ice cream and can't leave without the ultimate souvenir – a kiss-me-quick hat.

This week, Susan's summer holiday by the sea takes her to Southwold on the Suffolk coast.

Susan starts by viewing this charming seaside spot from up high - the town's lighthouse - which isn't at all where you'd expect. The spectacular views of the coast tempt Susan into setting sail to explore Southwold from the sea. It's a little choppier than she bargained for but the breath-taking scenery makes it all worthwhile.

The picturesque village of Walberswick is Susan's next port of call. To get there she takes one of the shortest and most fabulous ferry rides in the world. On the other side, Susan hears all about the local pastime of crabbing before heading back to Southwold's pier, where she visits one of the quirkiest attractions she's ever seen. The ‘Under the Pier Show' is a unique collection of coin-operated machines, which leave Susan not knowing whether to laugh, cry or both!

At the beach, Interior design guru, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, enjoys the outdoors with Susan as they attempt a game of quoits. Although he's a fan of the seaside, Laurence isn't exactly at one with nature, but during his trip to Minsmere Nature Reserve he falls head over designer heels in love with the hobby and the RSPB's emblematic bird, the Avocet.

Nearby Thorpeness is a must-see for Susan. She calls in at a holiday let that stands out above the rest and takes a rowing boat on a lake in the heart of the village, where she hears all about the local landowner's incredible vision to create his own purpose-built holiday resort - a Victorian Centre Parcs.

Before her Southwold jaunt comes to an end, Susan takes a peek inside one of the area's iconic beach huts. It's safe to say Southwold and the surrounding villages have found a place in Susan's heart.

The comedian heads to Cleethorpes, and explores a mock castle before properly losing herself in the Lincolnshire town, where she stumbles across a maze. Susan then hits the beach for a spot of stunt kite-flying before taking a trip on the Cleethorpes Coastal Light Railway, which conveys her to one of the smallest pubs on the planet.