When I was a student I lived at street away from the beach and while I love living in Shropshire, if there's one thing I miss the most it's the sea. 
Both of my kids love it too in their own individual ways, my daughter loves to be swallowed up by the waves, to feel them crash around and have the sand pull her down as the tide rushes around her ankles. My son loves to use it for target practise, throwing stones as far as the strength of his arms can carry them or exploring tide pools for treasure. This month we were able to take them to Pembrokeshire, our first time there, but certainly it won't be our last.