High on my list of priorities for shopping pre-holiday is a beach bag. Goodness knows it’s got to be big (in fact it needs to have the capabilities and capacity of Mary Poppins’ bag/the DR’s tardis) but it also has to look nice.

I’ll have you know that I have been known to be practical but I draw the line at carrying a rucksack. They make your back all sweaty and I’ve yet to find an attractive one. So this summer, as always, I’ll be carrying a whopping great big beach bag and who knows, if it lasts the distance of sand, seaweed, shells and the odd leaky pen I may be able to use it when we get back home.

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Here’s a selection of some beach bags I’ve found. A few of them are on sale so make sure you shop around and spend your pennies wisely…

Of course the real fashionistas out there would suggest you choose a neutral coloured bag so that it goes with all your different bikinis and swimsuits (what do you mean you’ve only got one?) So the M&S or the Seafolly bags would be great.

However, I am really liking the nautical feel of the Dorothy Perkins bag – typically the most expensive one. If you’re wondering why it’s so pricey it’s because it’s a Mischa Barton design.

For all those who love to jazz it up the Designers Guild bag really is original. It is also something of a Barry Bargain as it is reduced by 60% – yup, fist pump the air ladies.