Our obsession with British beach holidays has only heightened this week thanks to the mega heatwave sweeping the country.

If you’re still working from home (and not in an air conditioned office) you’re probably dreaming of the weekend, when you can drive to the coast, set up camp on the sand and cool down in the sea. And, if you’re lucky enough to be near a beach already, then we bet you’ll be reading this with a week full of plans to visit the sands.

Whichever it is, after you’ve picked your beach of choice (or a not-so-tropical UK island) and booked your beachfront accommodation, you’ll be needing our beach essentials edit which is full of accessories to take with you.

From quick-drying hair towels to windbreaks and deck chairs to keep you comfy, here’s everything you need for the beach.

Beach essentials, accessories and gadgets to buy now