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The best seaside towns in England

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In the early 18th century, the English regarded their shoreline with distaste. The seaside towns in England were exposed to the tides and prone to landslides and gales, it was the domain of fishermen, smugglers and those relegated to society’s margins. In the decades that followed, a dramatic reimagining recast the English seaside as a place for health, pleasure and rest. A triumphant rebranding job, the seaside resort has proved one of England’s most successful and widely exported inventions.

Spurred on by the rise of rail travel in the Victorian era, by the 20th century, millions were visiting seaside towns in England. Resorts proliferated along every English coastline, offering a cornucopia of architectural highlights – from the fantasy of Brighton ’s Pavilion to the spectacular Blackpool Tower, built to rival the Eiffel Tower and the magnificent modernism of Morecambe’s Midland Hotel in the 1930s. Piers, promenades, arcades, pleasure parks, beach huts and elaborate shelters were designed to delight and entertain. The seaside exerted a gravitational pull on the English imagination, inspiring painters, writers and filmmakers. Sand, ice creams, chilly seas, wind breaks and donkey rides became part of the cultural imagination – even after cheap flights brought the Mediterranean Sea within reach, which meant neglected late-20th-century seaside towns. Today, nostalgia and the depth of affection are powering a new wave of reinvention. Prime examples include Margate ’s Turner Contemporary, Folkestone’s beautiful redevelopment and unparalleled collection of public art, Lowestoft’s South Beach, and the recently agreed £100 million outpost of the Eden Project on Morecambe’s seafront.

Sam Mendes’ beautiful Margate-set film, Empire of Light , reminds us that the seaside resort taps into England’s most tender dreams of redemption and hope. This is the place for second chances and last chances. I lost count of the number of piers whose elaborate Victorian ironwork was festooned with padlocks, mementos, artificial flowers and framed photos, marking rites of passage of love, death and birth. The seaside is a place designed to allow and forgive the sentimental. It is quintessentially part of being English. Madeleine Bunting

The Seaside: England’s Love Affair , by Madeleine Bunting, is out now.

Dungeness, Kent

“Dungeness is not ‘bleak’,” reads the canvas at the open studios towards the tip of this windswept, wonderfully peculiar peninsula – a testament to its contested charm. Over the steam railway tracks from Romney Marsh, this untamed expanse, sitting in the lee of a nuclear power station and with its skyline marked by a succession of lighthouses , may not emit traditional postcard beauty, but Europe’s largest shingle beach has poetic value, historic intrigue and hard-to-beat sunsets. Its desolate mass is scattered with skeletons of boats, weather-boarded cottages and the spoils of high tide, while rare flora battles to colonise the shingle – a unique view that late artist Derek Jarman called “modern nature”. His tar-black Prospect Cottage makes Dungeness a pilgrimage for aesthetes, while abundant birdlife on the RSPB’s first-ever reserve draws bird-watchers to the community’s eclectic mix.

Where to stay

A low-slung scattering of rustic fisherman huts and right-angled architectural passion projects across the shingle offer an insight into this coastal community. Popular rental options include the Shingle House and Wi Wurri . Down the road, behind the dunes at Camber Sands, The Gallivant has seaside-smart rooms with roll-top baths, a Bamford spa cabin and an excellent locavore restaurant; The Gallivant Littlestone Beach opens nearby this summer with 12 bedrooms and a design that references the breezy beachiness of East Coast America in the late 1920s.

Where to eat

With two boats working daily, seafood doesn’t get fresher than at the Dungeness Snack Shack , a matt-black cabin that, depending on the season, serves scallop baps, lobster, crab, sole and plaice with fried potatoes and homemade tartare and chilli jam. Some of Britain’s best wineries – Tillingham, Gusbourne and Charles Palmer – are a 20-minute drive away. Ben Olsen

Margate, Kent

It’s hard to talk about Margate without descending into cliche: about Shoreditch-on-Sea, Dreamland et al, or the existential whiff of T.S. Eliot’s Waste Land captured by Sam Mendes’s Empire Of Light . But what I love is its diversity: that the LGBTQ+ crowd, the Gormley-watchers, the Medway teenagers, the three-legged greyhounds and the ageing ravers on the Harbour Arm all have a space. I also love that, while the Margate Main Sands looks like a Where’s Wally? illustration on a warm summer’s day, there are quieter bays in either direction, with rare chalk reefs and stacks at Botany Bay and Kingsgate, and jolly seafront cycle cruises to Whitstable or Ramsgate.

Margate is upping its game: graduating from pubs and restaurants with rooms ( Angela’s , The George and Heart ) and impressive B&Bs ( The Reading Rooms , Libertines-owned The Albion Rooms ) to fully-fledged hotels. The Fort Road Hotel , a local icon elegantly reworked by a creative trio including Frieze magazine founder Matthew Slotover, has been a local hit, especially with the Tracey Emin-led art crowd – for overnights with views over the Turner Contemporary, or Montgomery cheddar souffles by ex-River Cafe chef Daisy Cecil in the ground floor bistro. Now, it's joined by No.42 Margate , a revamp of the tired Sands Hotel, by the GuestHouse Hotels group behind smart boutiques in Bath and York.

If there’s not a seafront table at Dory’s , the small-plates offshoot of local seafood pioneer Angela’s, locals tend to head for the unbookable outside tables at Bottega Caruso , where even the Cantabrian greens and beans are sublime. Sargasso, on the Harbour Arm, has a whiff of Hackney , but there’s no arguing with airy parmesan fritters and Sbagliatos as the tide shifts over the rippled Main Sands. Up the hill, Cliftonville is having a moment in the sun with smart wine bar Sete and Indian street food spot Streets new on the same block on Northdown Road. Toby Skinner

Falmouth, Cornwall

Neither in thrall to celebrity chefs, nor reliant on pastel pink-clad summer crowds, this charismatic harbour town has sparkling beaches right in town and a subtropical climate – not to mention a year-round buzz. Paddleboarders setting off at dawn from Gyllyngvase Beach mingle with workers knocking off from shifts at the dock. For itinerant hipsters, there are single-origin roasts at Beacon Coffee or craft beers from the Verdant Brewing Co. The quantity of art students in Penryn means that this is a town where people make art: see it at the new grass-roots space, The Cornish Bank. Falmouth has a railway station, so there is no need to drive – with a short ferry to St Mawes and wildflower-lined paths to Pendennis Castle or the Helford River.

There is a cluster of smart hotels between Gylly Beach and the centre of town. The reimagined 84-room St Michaels Resort now has an expansive spa and hydrotherapy centre. Nearby, the cosier Merchants Manor has added hot tubs to its sub-tropical gardens. In town, gastropub The Star & Garter has three smart suites overlooking the harbour.

While Falmouth swerves the foodie hype associated with Newlyn, Padstow or Porthleven, its stock is rising. Spilling out onto the cobbles on The Old Brewery Yard, Mine serves a clever, concise menu informed by local ingredients – Cornish sole, crab fritters and baked celeriac. Having added three AA Rosettes to Merchant Manor’s Rastella , South African chef Hylton Espey branched out last summer to launch Culture at Custom House Quay. In a Nordic-inspired setting, seven-course tasting menus make a meal of foraged, preserved and fermented ingredients alongside braai-grilled local lamb and venison. Ben Olsen

Suffolk Heritage Coast

The Suffolk coast in the summer isn’t just about Aldeburgh or Southwold. And despite its soulful villages, heathland-edged coast and bounteous foodie scene, there are still parts of the coastline that remain happily under the radar – deserted rivers, forests and even beaches, including Covehithe, with its powder sand shoreline stretching as far as the eye can see, and the rugged shingle stretches of Dunwich and Thorpeness.

The latest luxe bolthole at The Wilderness Reserve is the cute-as-a-button Stump cottage with a private spa, sauna and lake. Just down the coast, the newly opened The Suffolk has six soothing rooms, some with sea views, along with a buzzy bar and restaurant. Room five at the dog-friendly Five Acre Barn – a cedar-clad, RIBA award-winning B&B just outside Aldeburgh – has triple-aspect views out onto stunning gardens packed with ornamental grasses.

Pump Street Bakery in Orford serves the county’s best breakfast pastries, and great sourdough and sea salt bars at their sister chocolate shop across the square. After a soothing walk around the quay and along the River Ore, the Butley Orford Oysterage is a no-fuss lunch spot for a dozen of the outstanding Butley Creek bivalves. Just outside Saxmundham at Maple Farm , Alice Norman’s cooling St Jude & blackcurrant ripple gelato is served with homemade cones using the farm’s own grains. A front-row table at the Ramsholt Arm overlooks the best sunsets over the River Deben. At the Greyhound Inn in Pettistree, River Café alumnus Harry McKenzie is wowing locals with cow’s curd ravioli or lamb sweetbreads, broad beans, crème fraîche and sorrel. Clare Coulson

Scarborough, Yorkshire

Scarborough has a good claim to being the most beautiful seaside resort in England – although I may be biased, given that I grew up in North Yorkshire and often visited as a child. The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays – steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times. The town is a showcase of every stage of seaside architecture over the last two centuries – from Georgian crescents to Victorian hotels, with an Art Nouveau spa and an Art Deco theatre. Scarborough was built to entertain the wealth of West Yorkshire textile owners with museums, galleries and theatres, and everywhere their ambition and flamboyance is evident. Meanwhile, still hovering over the town is the glamour and eccentricity of the Sitwell family and the sibling writers, Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell, who spent summers there in its Edwardian heyday.

Foremost among the new breed of local hotels is the au courant Bike and Boot Hotel , housed in a handsome Victorian terrace in the centre of town, with dog grooming and an onsite film club.

Scarborough still isn’t a culinary hotspot to rival Margate or Whitstable, but Cafe Fish is a must-visit for local crab and lobster, and serious Yorkshire steak among the seafood. The Love Brew Café is a beloved local institution for great coffee and hearty vegan food, while the Steampuss Cat Lounge has become a cult local attraction with its 15 in-house felines. Madeleine Bunting

Salcombe, Devon

The narrow A-road winding towards the southern edge of Devon promises access to an enchanted world. Wild fuchsias grow in the hedgerows; seagulls strike picturesque poses; dolphins frequent the sheltered bays. Salcombe is a pretty cluster of stone and pastel-coloured houses built along terraces on a steep slope. They overlook wonderfully blue waters that are studded with white boats. Most of the sheltered, golden beaches of the estuary can be reached by car, but it is quicker and more fun to take a ferry from the centre of Salcombe. The South Sands Ferry serves the western shore; beaches on the eastern shore are reached from the village of East Portlemouth, a ferry ride across the estuary from Salcombe. Head to Whitestrand Quay and catch the foot ferry to South Sands, a journey of 10 minutes on a tubby, blue-and-yellow vessel that looks as though it could have sailed out of a children's picture book. Take a cruise around the estuary with Whitestrand Boat Hire at Strand Court, where you can also rent rods and self-drive boats.

A minor revolution has been taking place in Salcombe's hotels. South Sands is a boutique property with a New England look. Set on a glorious sweep of sandy beach about a mile from Salcombe, it has 22 spacious bedrooms reached via a spiral staircase and 5 beach suites. In town, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel on Cliff Road has a spa, pool and extensive terrace.

In town, Dickandwills on Fore Street is a sleek brasserie with a stunning waterside terrace. It serves dishes including carpaccio of Devon beef and slow-cooked, spiced local lamb, and has a loyal following thanks to its reasonable prices, cheerful ambience and excellent seafood. Slightly further afield is Sea View Restaurant at South Sands Hotel, which has fabulous views from its terrace and through a curving wall of windows. The menu has seasonal dishes such as chilli crab linguine and Salcombe Gin salmon gravlax. For relaxed family dining, go to The Winking Prawn on North Sands, less than a mile from the heart of Salcombe: an extended beach café, it serves crab-mayonnaise lunches and a bistro-style dinner menu which includes monkfish wrapped in bacon.

Eastbourne and beyond

Its pier presents a chimerical silhouette above the water; its seafront promenade is punctuated by a much-loved bandstand; its streets are lined with grand, Victorian buildings. Eastbourne in East Sussex is the quintessential, old-fashioned seaside resort. But it provides easy access to the glorious new South Downs National Park, and to intriguing and little-known art trails. Eastbourne is fronted by three miles of shingle, plus sand at low tide. There are deckchairs and cafés in the Grand Parade section. Beyond the town are stunning and relatively secluded beaches beneath the cliffs of the South Downs . Falling Sands Beach, accessed from a footpath and via steep steps, is an attractive (and sandy) stretch. Stroll the seafront promenade, which is lined with beds of bright flowers. For great views back over the town's Italianate architecture, walk the 1,000-foot-long pier. Visit Towner Gallery for its contemporary art exhibitions. Eastbourne's hinterland has informal art routes that are also well worth following. About 10 miles away is Charleston, which was the home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and retains their murals and art collection (including works by Picasso and Renoir).

The recently opened Port Hotel is the smartest stay in Eastbourne – a gamechanger, set right on the seafront. Well-positioned on the seafront, on King Edward's Parade, the boldly decorated Citrus Eastbourne is furnished with faux-fur curtains and Seventies-style designer wallpaper. The 50 bedrooms are spacious and keenly priced, and most offer good views.

On the steep, white cliffs of nearby Beachy Head is the Belle Tout Lighthouse , now a quirky and stylish B&B. Built in 1832 and a working lighthouse until 1902, it was picked up and moved away from the eroding cliff edge in 1999. The refurbished property has six bedrooms and offers gourmet breakfasts and complimentary evening drinks in the lounge.

Where to eat and drink

Go to breezy Company for brunch or Skylark for candle-lit suppers. For something a little edgier, Cru is a subterranean restaurant and wine bar.

Blakeney and the north Norfolk coast

Between Blakeney and its neighbour Cley, the north Norfolk coast is a 'seaside' only in the broadest sense; although the latter's full name is Cley Next The Sea, both it and Blakeney now have marshland where the sea used to be. But Holkham, to the west, has a superb beach, and Wells (also Next-The-Sea) has a bucket and-spade strip selling shrimp nets and 'kiss me quick' hats. The main appeal of the coast, however, is that it fell asleep a couple of centuries ago and is just beginning to wake up. As for beaches, Cley and Salthouse have gaunt, pebble 'dunes' stretching miles in each direction. But the crescent of sand at Wells, with its long line of beach huts, joins the vast strand of Holkham to create one of the UK's finest beaches. If you get there at low tide, be patient; the sea will be with you eventually. Go on one of Beans Boat Trips from Morston Quay through the marshes to see the seals at Blakeney Point. Call into the Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, a wing-like building where you can learn about the nature reserve and admire it through the wide-screen viewing window. Eagle-eyed visitors will spot a crooked wooden ladder sticking out of the marsh across the coast road: this is part of an otherwise elusive sculpture trail.

The flintwork front wall of the Blakeney Hotel lies directly opposite the village's little quay. It's a placid location: unlike a sandy beach, a narrow creek doesn't tend to draw a crowd. The family-owned hotel, opened in 1923, is a traditional place where the style stays within the comfort zone of Farrow & Ball colours and floral fabrics. But the 60 bedrooms are well fitted and furnished, there's a 15-metre indoor pool, and the tasty restaurant food is served by staff who dress formally but behave informally - a winning combination. The smart place to stay is Morston Hall , just two miles west of Blakeney: it's a 13-room, country-house hotel whose focus is its Michelin-starred restaurant. About the same distance in the other direction is Cley Windmill , an 18th-century structure which - sails still intact - is a delightful eight-room guest house with a holiday cottage attached. Couples looking for somewhere to cosy up should consider The Wiveton Bell , a Fulham-style pub just inland, which has six well-designed rooms and one cottage.

The Holkham Estate has played a big part in the gentrification of the north Norfolk coast as a place to stay and eat. The food and wines are certainly good at the well-regarded Victoria at Holkham, but the prices are up at London levels, and the place feels as if it might be rolled out as a 'Café Norfolk' chain. There is no fear of that happening with the splendid Wiveton Farm Café, although Britain would be a happier and more rosy-cheeked place if it did. The premises are a cabin in the middle of a fruit farm, with a pine-shaded terrace on three sides; inside, it's all pastel colours, printed oilcloths and charming staff. There are home-baked goods in the morning and afternoon, hearty dishes at lunch and sell-out tapas evenings (Friday and Saturday, May-September). Fish and chips are a staple in these parts. French's Fish Shop in Wells has a loyal following, and there are good chippies in Holt and at Salthouse on the coast.

Mawgan Porth, Cornwall

The natural drama is compelling. Atlantic waves pound the shores of a deep, sandy bay; steep cliffs on each side provide great vantage points for views over the strikingly azure sea. Mawgan Porth in Cornwall is a small village that has gained a big reputation for its surf scene and trailblazing, eco-friendly accommodation. It is becoming a gentler alternative to Watergate Bay, which is about three miles south. Both areas have big beaches – some of the best in Cornwall – and big tides, but which is better: Mawgan Porth or Watergate Bay? The former is generally less crowded; the latter has a longer stretch of golden sand. For a haven of quiet, head to Bedruthan Steps Beach, just north of Mawgan Porth. The 'steps' are sea-stack rock formations along a sandy shore accessed via a vertiginous footpath. (The currents here make it dangerous to swim, and you should always make yourself aware of the tides: consult tidal times in the Newquay area at easytide.ukho.gov.uk ).

The Scarlet Hotel is a salty-aired, eco-friendly spa-slash-hotel – all seaweed-infused hot tubs, yoga sessions in the garden and swinging pods in the dark relaxation room. It earns its green credentials, using solar panels and biomass boilers, and harvests and recycles rainwater – plus has some of the best views on this rugged slice of coast.

Book The Living Space at the Watergate Bay Hotel for a cream tea, or Catch Seafood, Bar and Grill for brunch.

St Ives, Cornwall

The bustling fishing port of St Ives is classic Cornwall lined with fishermen's cottages and cobbled streets. Located in the west of the county, it has a splendid harbour that's full of life and a shoreline of sandy Blue Flag beaches , while it's also brimming with art and culture, and has a wonderful selection of local shops and cafés. This is a beautiful place to escape everyday life and immerse yourself in the holiday vibe, to surf the waves (or attempt to) and soak up some history. The beaches scattered along St Ives’ shoreline are all within walking distance of the town. Porthmeor, perhaps the most popular, is a great family spot for a picnic and midday swim or surf. For a quieter option with a sea breeze, Porthgwidden is a gorgeous stretch of white sand that's lined with beach huts. Porthminster Beach is also popular among sun-seekers, with clear blue waters and views of the Godrevy Lighthouse – inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s novel To The Lighthouse – three miles out to sea.

Overlooking Porthminster’s sandy beach, the modern-style St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa has that true British seaside feel with a little extra luxury. Its spa is equipped with hydrotherapy and heated pools, plus a steam room and sauna, and the HarBar Kitchen, Bar and Terrace draws guests with its fresh seafood, charming alfresco setting and dreamy views. The small, privately run 15-room Boskerris Hotel offers a relaxed, Mediterranean-style experience with panoramic sea views. There are lovely walking paths into the centre of St Ives with its shops and restaurants, or it’s just a simple three-minute train journey into town. Pre-order flowers and Champagne to your room for special occasions.

Grab the very best Cornish pasty at Pengenna Pasties , freshly baked using the family’s original recipe since 1985. St Ives Bakery also sells a delicious array of warm pastries to munch on while ambling through town. For a seaside lunch, Porthmeor Beach Café opposite the Tate has a lively atmosphere and a great selection of creative small plates full of intricate flavours.

The Mermaid is one of the longest-standing restaurants in St Ives, situated in the old fishing quarter and serving amazing seafood in an authentic setting while also delving into the history of the town. Diners are immersed in the past via vintage photographs lining the walls and church pews used as booths. Go for the fish platter, then round things off with the Mermaid Mess (a twist on the Eton Mess). For a fun and quirky dining experience, head to The Rum and Crab Shack along the harbour. Tuck into Cornish crab or lobster (aprons provided) and order a zesty Dark ’n’ Stormy, made with one of the hundred spicy rums from all over the world collected by the owners. Cordelia Aspinall

Folkestone, Kent

As a 90s teenager growing up in Folkestone during its fallow years, I didn’t foresee it becoming one of the UK’s most vibrant seaside towns. It’s a continually surprising – and heartening – revelation that Folkestone’s become such a cultural hub, thanks in no small part to the presence of acclaimed art born of the town’s Triennial – works by Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Richard Woods and AK Dolven pepper an area now considered to be the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. Of course, Folkestone always had good bones: the Leas clifftop promenade designed by Decimus Burton, and wide shingle beaches with views of the French coastline on clear days. But the transformation of places that, as teens, we wouldn’t have dreamed of venturing to – from Tontine Street, now awash with galleries and bars, to the Old High Street dotted with boutiques selling boujie pet accessories and vintage fashion – makes it a legitimate metamorphosis.

Despite its progressive cultural scene, Folkestone is still playing catch-up when it comes to places to stay. Rocksalt , an excellent seafood restaurant with rooms located on the edge of the pretty fishing harbour, has the nicest rooms – think antique cast iron bedsteads, open brickwork, and balconies overlooking the water. Up on the Leas, The Burlington is a Victorian redbrick mansion that’s pet-friendly and, while a little dated, makes a good base.

The harbour arm is, naturally, the prettiest location and has a growing selection of options, from locally-landed seafood at Little Rock to She Sells Seashells , which occupies old clapboard railway carriages and serves hearty bowlfuls of mussels and occasional Southern-style seafood boils. In town, near the top of the Old High Street, The Folkestone Wine Company sees chef David Hart – formerly of the Sportsman at Seasalter – serve French-inspired dishes like halibut in lobster bisque and breaded belly of lamb with boulangère potatoes. It’s tiny, so worth booking. Imogen Rowland

Mersea Island, Essex

I still have the postcards my gran sent from Clacton, Eighties bucket-and-spade seaside snaps in over-saturated colours. Mersea Island lies just around the coast, but I think of it in terms of a woodcut, of black mooring posts stark against a herringbone sky, or the arrowhead tracks of curlew and golden plover on mudflats. There are sands to stretch out on in summer, but this is a shore better for foraging and scrunching across, past marsh grass and drifts of sea lavender. The water here is reluctant to relinquish the land, flooding the causeway at high tide, forming maze patterns of creeks. Time shifts on Mersea, too. Fossils of hippopotamus bones emerge from the rock; out on the estuary, the lantern-red sails of a Thames barge ease by, straight out of a Dickens novel. I love the sense of Victorian Gothic – it’s the English coast at its earthiest and most beguiling.

I really want to stay in one of the private houseboats, beached like whales on the creeks of West Mersea, but in lieu of those, there’s the White Hart Inn , which reopened on the high street in 2022 with six bedrooms in bright greens and blues, and a menu that plates up salt-baked celeriac and confit chicken wing alongside oysters from Richard Haward, whose family have farmed the bivalves since the 18th century. For a cosy daytime base, the Little Beach Hut Company has four retro-styled huts on the sands. Haward’s rock oysters can also be shucked at The Company Shed , along with crab sandwiches and grilled mussels.

Things to do

The White Hart is also a gallery space for the island’s creative community, which includes abstract painter Beth Holmes and ceramicist Nicola Contreras, who break away from the usual ‘sea and boats’ depictions – their work can also be found at The Oyster Gallery and at their homes during the Mersea Open Studios (26-28 May and 1-3 September). Pick up a bottle of Island Yo Boy session ale at the Mersea Island Brewery – more can be had at this summer’s debut West Mersea Food and Drink Festival in August. Rick Jordan

Portscatho, Cornwall

So much of the Cornish buzz happens west of Falmouth, and the Roseland Peninsula isn’t as well known as the Lizard Peninsula. But Portscatho, a one-time pilchard port on the peninsula’s eastern edge, is as lovely as anywhere in the county on a summer’s day. Along with Gerrans, the adjoining village up the hill, it’s become a place of salty sea air, boutique galleries and local ice cream, with two gorgeous beaches – Tatum and Porthcurnick – that are sheltered from prevailing winds and join at low tide.

The 18th-century Plume of Feathers is a well-loved local pub, with a solid pub menu including a great day boat chowder and serious Sunday roasts, and has five crisp bedrooms upstairs. Just north of town along a coastal path, the Driftwood Hotel is a clapboard boutique with faint echoes of New England, and gorgeous views from the terrace, with a menu geared towards local fish and fowl.

Up in Gerrans, the Standard Inn is a serious locavore gastropub in a restored 18th-century fisherman’s pub, which was reopened in middle of last summer’s heatwave by Simon Stallard and Jemma Glass, the husband and wife team behind the cult Hidden Hut beach shack just up the coast. Come summer, expect Stallard to cook local hake, cull yaw mutton, and Creedy Carver duck on a wood-fired outdoor grill. Down by the seaside, Tatams is a picture-perfect coffee house in a waterfront shack, with serious breakfast baps with local back bacon or St Ewe egg and Portobello mushrooms. Just behind it, Tavola does proper stone-baked Romana pizzas and a simple, aperitivo-focused drinks menu, with consumption on the beach – possibly after a salty swim – encouraged. Emily Barr

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8 Charming Seaside Towns in the U.K. for Beautiful Beaches, Delicious Seafood, and Nautical Pubs

From the blue waters of Cornwall to Scotland’s windy beaches, these are the most idyllic places for a dip in the sea, a plate of fish and chips, and a leisurely walk down the majestic coast.

The United Kingdom probably isn’t the first, second, or even third place that comes to mind when you think of a trip to the beach . Bordered by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the sovereign state sits far from the turquoise waters and high temperatures of more tropical locations . Plus, it goes without saying that the weather in England, Scotland , Wales, and Northern Ireland veers toward dreary for a large portion of the year. But it’s for those reasons why the seaside towns in the U.K. are some of the best-kept secrets within each country. 

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While you can head to some of the larger beach towns — like Brighton or Bournemouth — the more charming, often kitschy, and definitely cozier coastal destinations tend to be less populated (although they become much busier in the height of summer). It’s in these tiny villages and ports that you can experience everything that makes a beach destination a must-visit when venturing across the pond: fish and chips, an ice cream cone with chocolate Flake, windy walks in wellies , painted beach huts, fresh oysters, nautical pubs, and some of the most scenic spots along the U.K.’s coast. 

Southwold, Suffolk

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If you were to name a quintessential British beach town, it would be Southwold. Located on the east coast, it’s about a three-hour drive from London , making it a popular holiday destination for city dwellers and those in possession of a second home. Like many places in the U.K., it’s ripe with tradition and history. The pastel-colored beach huts and 100-foot-tall working lighthouse are synonymous with the town itself, and a midday meal of fish and chips from Sole Bay Fish Company is basically a requirement upon visiting. One of the most memorable sights in Southwold, however, is the Under the Pier Show , a “unique and eccentric collection of interactive machines” brought to life by artist Tim Hunkin. It’s family fun at its finest and the perfect activity once you’ve had your fill of Southwold’s saltwater and sand. 

St. Ives, Cornwall

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You can’t talk about the English coast without bringing up Cornwall, a county known for surfing, Cornish pasties, and stunning beaches. While there are several towns to explore in this southwestern region, St. Ives takes the cake for the most charming. Its bright blue waters and narrow cobblestone streets are the definition of photogenic. In fact, if you have an image of Cornwall in your mind, there’s a good chance you’re picturing the small seaside town of St. Ives. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also has the ideal balance of adventure, culture, and history. Intrepid travelers can sign up for a lesson at St. Ives Surf School , while those with a passion for the arts can pop in and out of the galleries in town or purchase a ticket to Tate St. Ives . Before sunset, head up to St. Nicholas Chapel for panoramic views of the coast, then make your way to The Sloop Inn — a pub that dates back to the 1300s — for a well-earned pint.  

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

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Fishing villages dot the Scottish coast, but it’s Tobermory on the Isle of Mull that stands out with its rainbow harbor-front buildings and simple yet satisfactory offerings. Due to its remote location, Tobermory has several beaches — featuring emerald water and white and golden sand — but don’t plan on spending your entire day here (it is Scotland , after all). Instead, add Tobermory Chocolate , Tobermory Distillery , Mull Aquarium , and Isle of Mull Cheese as stops along your route. Set off on foot if you want to traverse the coastal and forest paths and work up an appetite for fresh fish and scallops from Tobermory Chip Van .

Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire Coast

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Just down the road from the more well-known town of Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay is a fishing village made up of steep, narrow streets, traditional fisherman's pubs, coffeehouses, and quaint cottages that appear to perfectly balance on the cliffside. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, and leave your car at home. Visitors must park in one of two visitor car parks (these tend to fill up), and you’ll need to circumnavigate the North York Moors town and coastline sans automobile. Robin Hood’s Bay is one of those places that has layers upon layers of history and secrets to explore, including a storied past involving pirates and smugglers. At low tide, the magic of the seaside comes alive when a hidden beach made of sand, boulders, seaweed, and other debris appears as the water recedes. Pets are also permitted in Robin Hood’s Bay, or Baytown as it's known to locals. The beach is dog-friendly all year round, and there are plenty of pubs that welcome furry friends, too. 

Abersoch, Gwynedd

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Abersoch’s large sandy beaches and sailing waters beckon travelers who want to make their way to Wales for a seaside vacation. There are numerous activities and attractions in the area, but you’ll want to be outside for the majority of the day — weather permitting. That might mean renting a beach hut, going windsurfing or sea kayaking, or taking a bike for a spin around the harbor. No matter what you choose, you’ll want to keep a look out for both dolphins and seals, as both are known to make appearances in Abersoch every now and then. As far as food and drink goes, the coastal town has plenty of offerings. If you’re craving something sweet, Two Islands Ice Cream uses Welsh dairy and natural ingredients to whip up its creations. And for your classic, casual seaside fare and ales, head to The Vaynol or St. Tudwals Inn — both are within walking distance of the harbor and marina. 

6. Salcombe, Devon

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Renowned for its coastal towns and pristine beaches, Devon is a magnet for anyone wanting to experience an idyllic escape in the great British seaside. Salcombe, in particular, maintains its status as one of the prettiest areas in the region, with hills that look down upon its postcard-worthy harbor and pastel-colored seafront. On one side of the beach, you have the aquamarine waters populated by sailboats in varying sizes. On the other, you’ll find traditional seafood shacks, award-winning restaurants, cafes, nautical pubs, and even a distillery where you can create your own bottle of gin . As with most beaches in the U.K. , Salcombe sees an increase in visitors in July and August, but in the off-season, you can enjoy everything the seaside town has to offer, but with smaller crowds and lower prices.

Cushendun, County Antrim

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Located along the famous Causeway Coastal Route , the quaint village of Cushendun is a Northern Island gem with decidedly fewer crowds than other beaches in the U.K. Cushendun Beach and its sheltered harbor are safe for swimming, and on a clear day, you can see the Scottish coast, just 15 miles away. While there are only a few places to grab a bite to eat and a drink, visitors relish seafood chowder, steak and Guinness pie, and Irish whiskey at Mary McBride’s Bar (an establishment that once claimed to be the “smallest bar in Ireland”). The entirety of the National Trust-protected historic village can be explored via scenic paths, but there’s one Cushendun activity that continues to draw visitors: the Cushendun Caves, a natural formation that served as a shooting location in Game of Thrones .  

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While Whitstable, on the north coast of Kent, gained popularity for its oysters, it’s Deal, on the other side of the county, that has earned the title of “most charming.” You’ll find the quirky seaside town and its pebble beach in what’s known as the White Cliffs Country (the famous White Cliffs of Dover may ring a bell). Art galleries are common, exhibitions are frequent, and wine connoisseurs shouldn’t miss a visit to Le Pinardier , a wine bar and shop with regular live music and art programming. Because a visit to the coast wouldn’t be complete without seafood, grab a seat at Middle Street Fish Bar. Alternatively, get your fish and chips to go and eat them on Deal Castle Beach, a quiet retreat with wooden fishing boats scattered across the landscape. 

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Coastal Towns

There is something in the water and in the air of our coastal towns. Historically retreats for artists and the rich who came in search of inspiration, to take the sea air and enjoy restorative walks along the promenade, nowadays our English coastal towns appeal to all of us in search of an expanse of big sky and afternoon tea in a grand hotel. Bustling marinas and coastal villages offer a place to moor up or the opportunity to cast off in search of a day on the waves. The artists are still here for the special light and many seaside towns host year-round cultural events and festivals.

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Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters

A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.

Location: Salcombe, Devon

Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.

Location: English Riviera, Devon

Adventure boat trips to Beachy Head

Jump aboard an adrenaline filled boat trip for a close up view of the stunning South Downs National Park coastline and Beachy Head lighthouse.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

Go shopping in Little Chelsea

Explore the Victorian shopping streets of Little Chelsea in Eastbourne for contemporary homewares, art galleries and restored antiques.

Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens

Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.

Nightly summer bandstand concerts and weekly fireworks

The UK’s busiest bandstand on Eastbourne’s seafront offers nightly concerts from pop to rock throughout summer, with a weekly firework crescendo.

Discover a seaside shopping paradise

Amble is a shopper's paradise, a haven for lovers of local produce, crafts and gifts. Perfect for presents, but don’t forget to treat yourself!

Location: Amble, Northumberland

Take an inspiring trip through Shanklin Chine

This leafy gorge on the Isle of Wight is lined with rare plants, wildlife and waterfalls, making for a magical walk day or night.

Location: Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Bask in the traditional charm of Shanklin Seafront

Shanklin Seafront is one of the Isle of Wight's most popular seaside resorts, with loads to keep the kids quiet and plenty of places for adults to take it easy.

Discover a foodie’s heaven on the quayside

Enjoy fine dining, traditional pubs and a long history of oyster fishing in Emsworth, near Portsmouth.

Location: Emsworth, Hampshire

See everything Blackpool has to offer with one Pass

The Blackpool Resort Pass is back for 2018, and its set for the most exciting year yet!

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Visit the public artwork of the “TERN” Project

Have your photo taken with Eric Morecambe, and enjoy stunning views over the Bay as you take a stroll along Morecambe Promenade.

Location: Morecambe, Lancashire

Get your vintage chic on at Dreamland Margate

Indulge in an 'old fashioned yet oh so fashionable' break in the UK's trendiest seaside resort

Location: Margate, Kent

Tuck into a home cooked meal at The Kirkstile Inn

Enjoy a delicious menu made from the best Cumbrian produce, washed down with a pint of freshly brewed ale at the Kirkstile Inn in the heart of the North Lake District.

Location: Loweswater, Cumbria

Explore the Norfolk Coast Path

Start your trek along the Norfolk Coast Path and witness some of the most tranquil sights you can see along the coastline.

Location: King's Lynn, Norfolk

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Scarborough

Discover a magical underwater world at one of North Yorkshire's best family attractions.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Be royalty for a day at Scarborough Castle

Take an audio tour around the Castle, enjoy breathtaking views from the headland of the North Yorkshire Coast and have tea in a historic building.

Explore historic Whitby Abbey

Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

Explore The Grand Pier of Weston-super-Mare

Relive happy childhood memories of eating ice creams, skimming stones and skipping along piers in Weston-super-Mare.

Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

Explore the bustling harbour at Maryport

Watch brightly-coloured trawlers unload the days’ catch, enjoy a bracing walk or coastal cycle, sample locally caught fish or go to a festival.

Location: Maryport, Cumbria

Find yourself face-to-face with gigantic outdoor sculptures

Each face reveals a story as you meet the gigantic outdoor sculptures that span the width and breadth of the seaside resort.

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25 of the Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of England

• Last Updated 6 July 2024

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This post showcases some of the very best places to visit on the south coast of England – from Cornwall to Kent, and everywhere in between. 

Stretching some 300 miles, the south coast of England is officially the sunniest part of the UK. This means it’s the ideal place for a summer holiday!

Lined with dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches and hidden coves, and plenty of picture-perfect seaside towns… there’s a lot to discover!

I grew up in Weymouth , a seaside town on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, and have since lived in multiple spots around the south of England. So I’ve spent most of my life exploring the English coast!

In this post, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite discoveries, including seaside towns and stunning stretches of coastline. I also asked a bunch of awesome local bloggers to share their own top recommendations from along the south coast of England. Enjoy…

Best Places to Visit on South Coast of England: Map

Best Places to Visit on the South West Coast of England

Places in cornwall, 1. scilly isles.

One of my favourite discoveries on the south coast of England has to be the Scilly Isles. This is a small cluster of islands just off the coast of Cornwall, in the far southwest of the country.

Think empty beaches where long grasses wave from the tufts of white sand dunes and rugged cliffs topped with colourful wildflowers. The rocky coves are home to an abundance of sea life, including seals!

I spent a week exploring the islands of Tresco, Bryher, and St Martins and was absolutely spellbound. The islands can only be reached by ferry or in a tiny plane from Newquay airport.

There’s no way to take a vehicle with you, and cars are few and far between, so pollution is incredibly low. Which means the wildlife of these quiet little islands is stunning! 

READ MORE: 33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

2. Minnack Theatre

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for somewhere unique to visit by the coast, you need to add the Minack Theatre to your Cornwall itinerary. This incredible place is unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been: an open-air theatre carved into the cliff. 

Created on private land by a wealthy family, this theatre regularly puts on shows and plays, which are incredible to watch against the backdrop of the Cornish cliffs.  When shows aren’t scheduled, you can walk around the theatre and seating, have a picnic, take advantage of the cafe and enjoy the views. 

Word of warning – there is parking next to the theatre but it’s not large. Get there early unless you want a long walk up a very steep hill!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Devon and Cornwall 5 Day Small Group Tour

Recommended by: Sylvie, Travels with Eden

St Ives is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall and one of the best places to visit on the whole south coast of England. The coastal town is a popular holiday destination famous for its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, delicious food and booming art scene. Make sure you try the local delicacies.

A day at the beach is a must-do. I recommend Porthminster Beach. With calm seas, white sand and a backdrop of palm trees, what more can you want?

If you’re feeling adventurous, Porthminster beach is the gateway to the South West Coast path , so you can walk to the neighbouring town of Carbis Bay for another beach day. 

READ MORE: See my guide to what to do in St Ives to get planning! You should also check out my post about nearby St Agnes to see more of the north Cornish coast.

4. Lizard Peninsula

Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard

The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful area of dramatic coastline and pretty fishing villages in the southwest of Cornwall. Highlights include Lizard Point, the most southerly part of England where visitors can enjoy Cornish cream teas whilst admiring the rocky coastline.

Popular Kynance Cove, a beautiful beach of sand, rocks and caves, is located on the western side of the Lizard.

The Lizard is bordered in the north by the Helford River, a perfect spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There are some excellent pubs in this part of Cornwall including the waterfront Shipwright’s Arms.

The Lizard is also perfect for hiking with the South West Coastal path running along its ever-changing coastline.

5. Charlestown

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

For a dose of pirates, seafood and some of the clearest ocean in the UK, head to the 18th-century port village of Charlestown and see a different side of Cornwall .

Tucked away on the south coast just a mile from St Austell, this charming spot was once a thriving harbour for importing coal and exporting china clay.

Today it retains much of its Georgian character and is the perfect destination for filming locations – you may recognise it from Poldark and Hornblower!

Keep an eye out for the small fleet of square-rigger ships and don’t miss the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. There are also several exceptional restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood in the country.

Recommended by: Nicola, Global Mouse Travels

Fowey is the perfect seaside stop off and one of our favourite places in Cornwall. There’s something almost film-set-like about it, with fisherman’s cottages lining the narrow streets down to the harbour. At the quayside, where lobster posts jostle for position, it looks timeless.

There are plenty of places to pick up Cornish classics like fish and chips, pasties and fudge, but just taking a wander and breathing in that delicious salty sea air is invigorating. We have had so many trips to beautiful Cornwall , it is our happy place and Fowey typifies this picturesque part of the country.

7. Polperro

Recommended by: Sabrina, Moon & Honey Travel  

Polperro is an idyllic fishing village located along the South Cornwall Coast in England. Brimming with charming cottages and the most picture-perfect harbour in Cornwall, Polperro is a destination for romantics and history buffs. You can learn about the village’s smuggling history in the Polperro Smugglers Museum. After, you can follow the South West Coast Trail east in the direction of Looe or west in the direction of Polruan.

While Polperro can be visited in a day, I recommend spending at least one night here. Unless your accommodation offers on-site parking (rare), you’ll have to park in the large Polperro Car Park, located just off A387, and walk into the village. Read this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for trip planning help.

PLACES IN DEVON

Recommended by: Chris and Heather, A Brit & A Southerner 

If you are looking for one of the best days out in Devon , head over to the area recognized as the “English Riviera” by visiting the beautiful coastal town of Torquay. Renowned as one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, Torquay offers a plethora of attractions, local restaurants and much more for all the family to enjoy.   Spend an afternoon walking along the seafront, before heading to the heartbeat of Torquay at the Harbour and Marina. Here, you will find a myriad of restaurants and cafes serving the fresh catch of the day.

With plenty of shops to satisfy those looking for a little retail therapy, Torquay is the perfect family holiday destination given its proximity to a variety of other local seaside towns such as Brixham, Paignton, Babbacombe and others.

Torquay is also famous as the birthplace of Agatha Christie – one of the world’s best-loved crime fiction writers! Take a guided tour like this one to discover the many locations that are featured in her novels and learn more about her life.

Recommended by: Claire, Go South West

Just half an hour away from the city of Exeter, Exmouth is a quaint seaside town, sitting at the meeting point of the River Ex’s estuary and the beginning of the Jurassic Coast, which stretches down into Dorset. From Exmouth, it is possible to hike along this coast, taking in some spectacular clifftop views on the way to neighbouring town Budleigh Salterton. 

There are also nearby moors and quaint surrounding countryside. Visit villages near Exmouth such as the medieval dwelling of East Budleigh with many historic thatched-roof buildings, and Otterton, a small village of 700 people which focuses around a mill. However, Exmouth is also perfect for a beach-focused holiday, with amusements, a sandy beach, and plenty of accommodation facilities!

10. Burgh Island

Recommended by: Fiona at London-Unattached 

Bigbury on Sea in Devon is a lovely, traditional seaside town with a fabulous child-friendly sandy beach. Walk across the sand or get the curious sea tractor to Burgh Island. The island is cut off at high tide and guests rely on the tractor. Burgh Island Hotel was the height of fashion in the 1930s and 40s, with many famous guests including Noel Coward, Agatha Christie and even Winston Churchill.

Whether or not you are staying at the hotel, is it worth a visit. Walk around the island or swim in the stunning mermaid pool – filled with seawater and surrounded by craggy rocks. It’s a great place to windsurf, kitesurf or to kayak around the island too.

READ MORE: Best Places to Visit in South Devon

PLACES IN DORSET

11. lyme regis.

Lyme Regis is easily one of the best places to visit on the south coast of England. It’s also one of the most popular. This colourful seaside town lies perched on the Dorset coast between golden cliffs famed for their abundance of prehistoric fossils! 

Although it’s always been a popular holiday spot, Lyme has had a resurgence in recent years. Especially as more and more trendy boutique hotels and hot new restaurants open their doors. Among them is the HIX Oyster & Fish House, run by celebrity chef Mark Hix.  

12. Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 96-mile stretch of dramatic coastline running from East Devon and along almost all of the Dorset coast. It was the first-ever ‘natural’ World Heritage Site, because of its huge geological importance.

Rich in prehistoric fossils, with rugged cliffs and coastal structures shaped by millennia of sea movement, the coastline is said to offer an almost continuous “walk through time” spanning 185 million years of the Earth’s history! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Bus Tour (from £35pp)

One of the star attractions on the section of the south coast of England is Durdle Door. A rocky limestone archway over the sea, the “door” juts out into the English Channel between two stunning bays. It’s an absolute must-visit in Dorset, and one of the most photographed sights in the area.

13. Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks is one of the best beaches in Dorset , if not along the whole of the south coast of England! Running along a small peninsula between Poole and Bournemouth , Sandbanks is also home to the most expensive seaside properties in the world! On the other side of the peninsula lies Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in the world. Here you’ll find over a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, as well as some amazing seafood restaurants such as Rick Stein’s. 

The beach itself is incredible and has been awarded a Blue Flag 32 years in a row! With calm, safe waters and clean golden sands, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It can get busy on sunny days, but the beach is huge so there’s always plenty of room!

14. Isle of Purbeck

Although not quite an island, the Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula in Dorset bordered by water on three sides. It’s also one of the prettiest places in the whole county! 

This stunning peninsula is covered with wildflower-filled chalk grasslands, dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The southernmost tip ends in a series of white chalk stacks known as Old Harry Rocks, another must-see along the south coast of England.

Don’t miss a trip to the seaside village of Swanage, or the stunning hilltop ruin of Corfe Castle. You can even take a ride on a beautiful vintage steamtrain between the two!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Isle of Purbeck Full Day Tour (from £60pp)

Best Places to Visit on the South East Coast of England

Places in hampshire, 15. lymington.

Recommended by: Eniko, Travel Hacker Girl

Lymington is a pretty coastal town on the Solent. Sailing is very popular in the area, so there are many beautiful marinas in the town. Some of them also offer kayak rentals. Children love The Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths in the town. The inflatable playground provides hours of entertainment for the whole family.

An easy walk from the town centre is the Lymington Nature Reserve. The old salt flats with tidal pools are a great environment for many birds. It is a real paradise for bird watchers. Lymington can be easily reached by train from London. The nearby New Forest , it is a popular place to go cycling, horse riding or hiking near London .

16. Isle of Wight

Recommended by: Darek, Darek and Gosia

Great Britain is full of stunning places and one of them is the  Isle of Wight . Located just a stone’s throw away from the southern coast, it is a perfect place to spend a weekend break with your family or friends.

There are a few ferry crossings offering access to the island, with Lymington to Yarmouth being the quickest. It only takes around 40 minutes to get there for passengers travelling in a car.

With amazing beaches, stunning landscapes like the Needles, and unique places like the Garlic Farm , the Isle of Wight has to be top of any list of the best places to visit on the south coast of England! You can take a guided day trip from London – or head there for a minibreak.

PLACES IN SUSSEX

17. thorney island.

Recommended by: Vicky, Day Out in England

Thorney Island is a small island off the south coast, in Chichester. It’s totally underrated but makes for a lovely 9-mile walk around the coast. Walkers might be put off by the barbed wire gates to enter – Thorney Island is MOD property – but once you’re through, you’ll love the easy walk. 

The path round is pretty straightforward, but the centre of the island is out of bounds so you can’t cut across. There are no facilities on the island for public use, which makes it all the more peaceful but you’ll have to take what you think you’ll need with you. 

The high point is the beautiful white sand beach, about three-quarters of the way around. Enjoy!

18. Brighton and Hove

Recommended by: Skye, Skye Travels

My favourite cities in England are Brighton and Hove. I love running along the beach, although the shore is covered in small pebbles instead of sand (except at low tide).

Brighton has two great shopping areas – The Lanes and North Laine. The former is the fancy shop district with high-end restaurants, jewellery shops and unique boutiques, the latter is a bohemian collection of hip cafes, independent shops and vintage stores.

Visiting the Royal Pavilion Museum is also a must, both inside and out. Finally, make sure to visit the pier, once the largest in the world, complete with arcades and carnival rides at the end. Short on time? Check out this guided day trip to Brighton and the Seven Sisters from London (from £89pp).

19. Eastbourne

Recommended by: Shobha, Just Go Places

Eastbourne is a charming Victorian seaside town which is the gateway to the South Downs National Park. This national park is the youngest of the UK national parks and covers three counties in the south of England. The South Downs National Park extends from Eastbourne to Winchester.

One of the most beautiful parts of the South Downs National Park is the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs . Thanks to erosion, the Seven Sisters are now technically 8 cliffs with one having been split in two. They are called the Seven Sisters because seafarers on the English Channel returning home to England thought the cliffs resembled nuns when the white of the cliffs contrasted with the dark green landscape. 

20. Rye and Camber Sands

Recommended by: Ann, The Road Is Life 

The  charming little town of Rye  near the coast of East Sussex is known for its beautiful medieval buildings. It’s easily one of the highlights of the historic region known as 1066 Country .

The cobbled streets of Rye are full of history and character, especially the famous Mermaid Street which is home to one of England’s oldest pubs. A trip to Rye simply isn’t complete without stopping at the iconic Mermaid Inn! 

A 10-minute drive from Rye will take you to a lovely golden beach that stretches out for 3 miles along the southern coast of England. Camber Sands is a popular spot for kite surfing, picnics and scenic coastal strolls. It’s also said to be one of England’s most beautiful beaches. Combining a visit to Rye and Camber Sands makes an excellent day trip from London. 

GLAMPING NEARBY: Check out my review of Swallowtail Hill glamping for the most gorgeous place to stay near Rye.

PLACES IN KENT

21. folkestone.

Recommended by: Caitlin, The Vegan Word

Folkestone may be best known as the Eurotunnel’s location, but there’s plenty to explore! If you enjoy nature walks, East Cliff and Warren Country Park has beautiful views of the white cliffs and the English Channel. You’ll find an easy (though steep!) access point from Sunny Sands beach.

Folkestone is also home to a sandy beach (Sunny Sands) located conveniently close to the town centre and the harbour. Speaking of the harbour, I had one of my favourite meals of the year at Dr. Legume’s , which is located in a former shipping container in the Harbour Arms. Their plant-based meals are innovative (and delicious!), as is what’s been done here to transform disused railroad tracks into a restaurant area.

22. White Cliffs of Dover

Recommended by: Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog

The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic landmark in the south of England. You can walk along the sixteen-mile trail which runs eight miles either side of Dover and take in the stunning views and wildlife along the way.

You can also visit two historical places along the walk. The first is the Fan Bay Deep Shelter which is a tunnel system that was commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1940 and used during World War 2. The second is South Foreland Lighthouse which is a Victorian Lighthouse.

You can take in the chalky white cliffs along the coastline. This trail has been named one of Britain’s Best Coastal Walks and you will find some of the best beaches in Kent here. If you’re short on time you can take this guided day trip to Dover and Canterbury from London (from £79pp).

23. Kingsgate Bay

Recommended by: Hannah, Hannah’s Happy Adventures

Kingsgate Bay is a perfect hidden beach in Kent. Due to its location, the bay remains empty on a summer’s day and is a great place for some relaxation. Head down with a picnic and swimming gear for a day chilling in the sun.

On one side of the bay, you’ll see Kingsgate Bay Sea Arch, offering a superb photo opportunity. On the other side, you’ll see an old manor house, now used for functions and weddings. If you tire of Kingsgate Bay, at low tide, you can walk around to the bays on either side – Botany Bay and Joss Bay. However, they tend to be significantly busier. Kingsgate Bay is best visited by car and parking is available.

24. Margate

Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders

Margate on the South Coast has always been the epitome of an iconic English seaside town and its once-abandoned theme park, aptly known as Dreamland , has now been given a retro theme makeover with rides, shows, and even a roller rink.

Of course, it’s Margate’s sandy beach that pulls in the crowds. But head into town and discover the eclectic vintage shops, tea rooms and antique stores – a nod to a generation that is looking for something other than fish and chips.

A day in Margate is like a throwback to childhood when a trip to the beach was a grand occasion . The difference now is that you can finish your day at one of the chill-out bars that line the promenade and enjoy a cocktail or two!

RELATED POST: Things to do in Ramsgate (just up the road from Margate)

25. Whitstable

Recommended by: Laura of What’s Hot?  

Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town that’s less than an hour away from London by train. With rows of quaint shops leading all the way down to the beach, it’s hard to believe that this town is so close to busy London.

With a choice of excellent fish and chip shops, ice cream shops and more, a day trip to Whitstable is the perfect option on a sunny day. What’s more, t he beach is lined with colourful beach huts making it look like something straight off a postcard. Make sure to try some fresh oysters straight from Whitstable Bay too! 

Where would you add to this list of the best places to visit on the South Coast of England? Scroll down to leave a comment and share your favourite spots!

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6 thoughts on “25 of the Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of England”

You’re so lucky to have grown up in Weymouth. I love visiting there! I grew up inland but moved to the seaside a few months ago and it makes me so happy. I live on the Somerset coast – not included in your article but equally beautiful in it’s own way!

It was a really special place to grow up – I took it for granted at the time but having the beach right there was amazing! We used to go down to the beach after school any time it was sunny, which is a pretty nice way to grow up :) I know I missed out Somerset – only because I was trying to stick to places that were actually on that bottom section of coastline, facing the Channel. We went to Butlins Minehead every year when we were kids so I know all about how nice that bit of coast is :D

I am planning a trip to England and Scotland for a month starting in mid-June and your information has been so helpful in my planning of the south coast and Cornwall. I made all kinds of notes on my map with your highlights. Thank you so much – I am very much looking forward to checking out your suggestions!

Oh that’s amazing news, glad to hear it helped!! Good luck with the planning, I hope you have an amazing time in the UK. Especially in south England – I’m biased but I really think this part is the best!!

Thank you so much for the whole write up. It’s very informative. I’ll like to be in Brighton &Hove, hope to get a reasonably priced accommodation there. Thanks again.

Thanks for commenting Vincent :) I hope you have a great trip!

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Top 10 coastal locations to stay in the East of England

Day trips to the coast? Yes, of course, but much better if you stay over for a few days and really get to know somewhere. With around 500 miles of coast, the East of England has many superb coastal towns to enjoy. Here’s our top 10 favourites…

Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a quaint little town of higgledy-piggledy streets, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours, with a quay where you can buy shellfish. Walk (or take the little train) to the beach and count the long line of colourful beach huts. If it’s low tide, the beach will be huge!

Close by is Holkham Hall and Estate and its beach, voted the best in Britain by readers of BBC Countryfile magazine.

Stay: The Globe Inn

Charming Southwold is an eternal favourite with Suffolk visitors and residents alike. Lined with picture-perfect beach huts and the odd beach café selling bacon sarnies, tea and ice cream, and just a stone’s throw from a high-street lined with independent shops, great pubs and award-winning restaurants. As well as the beach and Southwold Pier (with its quirky amusements), explore the Lighthouse looming over the town, the local market and vintage fairs.

While you’re here take a tour of Adnams’ Brewery and Distillery .

Stay: The Swan Hotel

Norfolk might be a little flat, but Cromer is at the highest point in East Anglia! A thriving town, Cromer has great beaches and the last end-of-pier theatre in Europe with variety shows in summer and winter. In the town museum you can learn about the world’s largest mammoth skeleton that was found nearby. The town is famous for its eponymous crabs, which are succulent and tasty because they feed off a chalk reef just offshore, the longest in the world.

Virginia Court Hotel

On Norfolk’s wild and unspoilt north coast and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney is a gem of a village. Between you and the sea is the Glaven estuary and Blakeney Spit, a four mile long shingle and sand spit at the tip of which live the country’s largest colony of Common and Grey seals. Take a boat trip from Morston Quay with Beans Boats to see them.

At Wiveton Hall you’ll discover a fabulously chic restaurant and Wiveton Downs is a designated Dark Sky Discovery site.

This is a good base from which to explore Georgian Holt, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham and Cromer.

Stay: The White Horse

Classic Hunstanton, otherwise known as Sunny Hunny, is the only east coast resort that faces west, which means you see stunning sunsets. It has safe, shallow water which makes it popular for kite-surfing, landboarding, sailing and water skiing. Check out the stunning striped cliffs of carrstone and red and white chalk that rise above the sea to the north of the town. There’s great birdwatching at nearby Holme-next-the-Sea and Titchwell.

Stay: Titchwell Manor

Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is a traditional seaside resort with mile upon mile of glorious sand, attractions including the Pleasure Beach (with one of the last wooden rollercoasters) and Hippdrome Circus , but it has a great history too, with close trading links to Holland – many fishermen from Zeeland relocated here. The Mouth of the Yare, after which the town is named, was established by a Dutch engineer Joas Johnson in 1668. See more history at the Time & Tide Museum , where you can learn about the town’s herring industry.

Stay: The Nelson Hotel

The quirky village of Thorpeness already has a lot to offer as a day visitor destination, including the Peter Pan-inspired boating mere, mock Tudor buildings, a house floating above the clouds and an acclaimed golf course . The lovely shingle beach simply adds to the magic. Look out for the futuristic Dune House, created by renowned Norwegian architects Jarmund/Vigsnæs and Living Architecture.

Stay: The Dolphin

Sheringham is a little gem of a coastal town, tucked away near Cromer. The small town has a traditional seaside feel, with lots of little shops, a museum , a small seafront where the beach all but disappears at high tide, and a little theatre called… The Little Theatre ! Highlight of your visit will be a steam train trip on the North Norfolk Railway , also known as The Poppy Line.

Be there at the right time of year and you might be able to take part in Crab and Lobster Festival or the 1940s weekend.

Dormy House Hotel

Aldeburgh is a seaside town on the Suffolk coast, home to one of the best fish and chip shops in the country and the greatest classical music festival this side of Vienna. Not enough? Head along the independent high street full of book stores, delis, ice cream stores, restaurants and galleries and spoil yourself rotten. After, amble up to the most iconic seaside sculpture – Maggi Hambling’s Scallop. If you fancy a quiet night, head to Aldeburgh cinema ; an arthouse movie theatre which has shown films since the early 1900s.

Stay: The Brudenell

Orford is a diminutive gem – an ancient fishing village with greater charm than cities a hundred times its size. Despite its size, Orford has a lot to offer. Mysterious folk tales, eerie landscapes, the Orford Ness National Nature Reserve, a majestic castle, an RSPB ‘Havergate’ island full of wildlife, an award-winning bakery, an artisan smokehouse and a famous oysterage are just some of those things.

Stay: The Crown and Castle Hotel

And one more for luck…

As the port from which the Mayflower captain Christopher Jones departed on the voyage across the Atlantic for the New World in 1620, Harwich will be the focus of much attention in 2020 when Mayflower 400 is celebrated. Jones’ house is by the harbour close to The Pier Hotel and Restaurant .

Situated on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell, Harwich has a dramatic location. Across the water you see Felixstowe and Landguard Fort which defends the approach to Harwich harbour. This was the site of the last opposed seaborne invasion of England, by the Dutch in 1667, repulsed by the Royal Marines in their first land battle.

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• Best Seaside Towns

Fish and chips, the wind blowing through your hair, and a cheeky seagull thrown in for entertainment are just some of the things that come to mind when planning a seaside holiday in the UK. You just can’t beat a holiday to the British coast! Below you’ll find a list of the best seaside towns in the UK and campsites nearby.

1. Southwold, Suffolk

Head to the charming Suffolk Heritage Coast to explore the traditional seaside town of Southwold. Its sandy beach, working lighthouse and award-winning pier are just a short drive away from our Kessingland Club Site. Food and drink are a focal point here with a tour of Adnams Brewery, adjacent to the lighthouse which is a must during your visit. Southwold is a great destination year-round, whether you plan to visit during the summer for an ice cream or in the winter for blustery walks and cosy pub lunches.

Where to stay: Kessingland Club Site is a 15-minute drive away

2. St Ives, Cornwall

With its beautiful blue flag beaches, quaint cobbled streets and large art scene, St Ives has so much to offer. The first thing many people will think of when they hear of St Ives is its abundance of art galleries and the many famous artists who have called the seaside town their home. Once you’ve had your fill of the arts, you could enjoy a relaxing boat trip, train ride, guided tour or a meander through the town at your own pace. Whatever you choose to do during your holiday, we’re sure you’ll fall for the charm, history and friendly faces St Ives has to offer.

Where to stay: Sennen Cove Club Site is a 30-minute drive away

3. Weymouth, Dorset

Weymouth became popular in the 17th Century with King George III being a regular visitor. As it was deemed good enough for a king, it continued to grow into what we now know as one of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK. In the summer months, Weymouth is bursting with tourists as sailing championships and seafood festivals supply plenty of entertainment. For a quieter holiday, there are plenty of quayside pubs to watch the ships sailing in and out of the harbour. Brewers Quay and Weymouth Museum are just a few of the things you could do on a rainy day. A true family-friendly resort, Weymouth has endless things to do and places to explore.

Where to stay: Moreton Club Site is a 20-minute drive away

4. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Britain’s first seaside resort offers everything you’d expect from a holiday at the beach. Donkey rides, ice cream and paddling in the sea aren’t the only activities you’ll find yourself excited about while there though. Scarborough Castle, Scarborough Brewery and the Scarborough Fair Collection are all highly recommended and will give you an insight into both the past and present of this holiday hotspot. The Blue Flag awarded North Bay is slightly less busy than Scarborough Beach but just as good for spending a day on the sand. Scarborough Beach itself is just a short walk away from our Club Site of the same name, ideal if you’re not looking to stray far from your base.

Where to stay: Scarborough Club Site is a 6-minute drive away

5. Hastings, East Sussex

The Victorian seaside resort of Hastings in East Sussex makes for a great getaway. The town still has a working fishing port, and you’ll find many of the restaurants in the Old Town serve the catch of the day. Speaking of the Old Town, the Medieval layout features half-timbered houses, antique shops and plenty of cafes and boutiques to fill a days’ worth of exploring easily. Away from the town centre, there are plenty of things to do. The funicular railways are a throwback to the Victorian days and great fun for kids, with superb views over the town at the top. Alternatively, you can go even further back in time with a visit to the 1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield, just a 15-minute drive away. With fresh seafood, beautiful beaches and superb shopping Hastings leaves little to be desired.

Where to stay: Normans Bay Club Site is a 28-minute drive away

6. Cromer, Norfolk

Have you ever had a Cromer crab sandwich? Aside from being one of the best places in the UK to enjoy freshly caught crab, Cromer has stood its ground throughout history and remains one of the most traditional seaside resorts in the UK. Community spirit is strong in Cromer, with events taking place throughout the summer, bringing both tourists and locals together. The Cromer Carnival, the Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival and the traditional end of the pier variety shows are just a few events to have on your radar. The Lifeboat Museum, the Norfolk Coast Path and brilliant beaches all await those holidaying in this popular Norfolk resort.

Where to stay: West Runton Club Site is a 10-minute drive away

7. Lyme Regis, West Dorset

At the Western End of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis has plenty of things to do and see. The picture-perfect harbour and Town Beach with its iconic curving bay are great for enjoying the lapping waves and sand. Clifftop hikes, lazy afternoons in the town and plenty of great, fresh food make Lyme Regis one of best places to visit in Dorset. Book onto a fossil hunting tour or visit the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum for a look at some of the most impressive local finds. The Marine Aquarium is another great family day out, focussing on local sea life.

Where to stay: Charmouth Club Site is an 8-minute drive away

8. St Davids, Pembrokeshire

Don’t be fooled by Britain’s smallest city; St Davids has plenty to do. The rocky coves around the Pembrokeshire coast can be explored on one of the many boat trips available. You’re also in great proximity to hop across to Skomer Island for a spot of puffin watching. Worth visiting in the city is St Davids Cathedral and the Gothic ruins of The Bishops Palace. Whitesands Bay is one of the best beaches around and not to be missed off your to-do list.

Where to stay: St Davids Club Site is a 20-minute drive away

9. Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Bognor Regis, 20 minutes from the South Downs National Park is one of the most well knows seaside towns in the UK. The pier is a focal point with its sea view outdoor bar, and the promenade has all of the usual shops to look forward to. Hotham Park is highly recommended with 10 acres of land to explore including a miniature railway, boating lake and children’s play area. Keep an eye on local events as markets and festivals are a year-round occurrence and don’t miss the International Birdman in September.

Where to stay: Chichester Club Site is a 26-minute drive away

10. Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth offers visitors a wide variety of things to do, with a beautiful harbour backdrop and coastal scenery. Take a cruise on the river Dart, explore Dartmouth Castle or head a few miles away from the town to the popular beaches of Blackpool Sands or Slapton Sands. In the town, you’ll find a great mix of high street shops as well as independent boutiques and cafes. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest National Trail passes right through Dartmouth.

Where to stay: Dartmouth Club Site is a 5-minute drive away

11. Broadstairs, Kent

Head to the Victorian town of Broadstairs for plenty of old-world seaside charm and family-friendly activities. There are seven beaches and bays to choose from here, with Viking Bay being a favourite with families due to its children’s rides and cliff top promenade. Once you’ve built enough sandcastles, visit one of the 1950’s ice cream parlours for a real taste of the seaside.

Where to stay: Canterbury Club Site is a 35-minute drive away

12. Worthing, West Sussex

The focal point of Worthing is the long pier, built in 1862 and still housing a 1930s arcade. On both sides of the pier, you’ll find long stretches of pebble beach backed by the promenade with the usual seafront shops. Those camping in West Sussex will have easy access to the beautiful South Downs and attractions such as Cissbury Ring.

Where to stay: Slindon Club Site is a 25-minute drive away

13. Bamburgh, Northumberland

Those staying near Bamburgh have access to some of the best seaside in the UK. Bamburgh Castle Beach itself is overlooked by the Bamburgh Castle  and is opposite the Farne Islands . A boat trip to the Farne Islands is highly recommended during your holiday to see the iconic puffins that call the islands home. Beadnell Bay Beach is another great stretch of sand and just minutes from our Beadnell Bay Club Site.

Where to stay: Beadnell Bay Club Site is a 8-minute drive away

14. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Although a small town, Whitby has plenty of Gothic character and things to do. Learn about the town’s links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula at The Dracula Experience, enjoy a train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway  or visit the ruins of the 13th century Whitby Abbey . There are a few different beaches to enjoy here, but Sandsend is one of the most popular. The water here rarely gets warm enough for a swim, but you can enjoy a paddle in the summer months, and surfers often brave the waves. One of the towns popular pastimes is crabbing in the harbour, which is great fun for all ages.

Where to stay: Scarborough Club Site is a 30-minute drive away

15. Portmeirion, North Wales

There’s a small entry fee to Portmeirion, with a guided walk of the village included. The Portmeirion you can visit today was constructed from 1925. The Japanese Garden, wonderful scenery of the Dwyryd Estuary and cafes within the village make a visit worthwhile. The surrounding area of the Snowdonia National Park is fantastic for walkers and those seeking to climb to the mountain peak. Robin Hoods Bay, Porthmadog and Caernarfon are also within easy reach, and all make great days out from our Llanystumdwy Club Site.

Where to stay: Llanystumdwy Club Site is a 20-minute drive away

16. Plymouth, Devon

Well known for its maritime past, Plymouth has been a naval base for hundreds of years. The city is packed with great attractions, shopping and places to eat. The National Marine Aquarium , Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth Gin Distillery are some of the most popular attractions.

Where to stay: California Cross Club Site is a 30-minute drive away

17. Swanage, Dorset

Swanage is great for those seeking a holiday on the Jurassic Coast with our nearby Moreton Club Site within easy reach. Swanage Beach is ideal for families with some of the south coasts best bathing water, and there are endless walking and cycling options to explore. While camping here Corfe Castle , Swanage Railway  and Durlston Country Park are all worth a visit.

Where to stay: Moreton Club Site is a 31-minute drive away

18. Ilfracombe, Devon

The pretty fishing harbour of Ilfracombe sits on the rugged North Devon coastline. The charming seaside town has plenty to explore including its Victorian architecture, The Lanes with a wide range of shops and wonderful beaches for the whole family to enjoy.

Where to stay: Lynton Club Site is a 27-minute drive away

19. Tenby, Pembrokshire

Tenby is a pretty harbour town and resort in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Whether you fancy an action-packed getaway with the family or a peaceful trip away from the mayhem, Tenby has plenty to offer. Spend the day exploring beaches, museums and small islands linked to or just off the coast of Tenby. 

Where to stay: St David's Campsite is around an hour drive away

20. Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth is a beautiful town on the coast of southern Cornwall. Whether you're looking for a family day-out at the beach building sandcastles or exploring fascinating attractions such as the Maritime Museum or Pennedis Castle, Falmouth is a must-visit. 

Where to stay: Veryan Campsite is a 44-minute drive away

21. Maybole, Ayrshire

Situated in the southwest of Scotland, Maybole is a coastal town. While small, it is not short of exciting things to do. Head to Culzean Castle beach , a pretty and secluded beach nestled under the impressive Culzean Castle  on the Ayrshire coastline. It is made up of both sand and rocks and offers spectacular views. Croy Shore Beach is another popular beach in Maybole, great for walks with picturesque views of Culzean Castle. There are plenty of other attractions to enjoy while here, including Crossraguel Abbey, Electric Brae Galley & Studio and Blairqhuan Castle.

Where to stay:  Culzean Castle Campsite is an 8-minute drive away

22. Newquay, Cornwall

Newquay is a town on the north coast of Cornwall and one of the nation's most popular seaside holiday destinations. Newquay is well-known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly beaches. Fistral Beach  is Newquay's most popular beach, as some consider it to be the best surfing beach in the UK. Paddleboard your way through Crantock Beach and explore the rock pools and caves. You can even try your hand at sand-boarding. Other places to visit in Newquay include Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, Blue Reef Aquarium Centre and Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf.

Where to stay: Tregurrian Campsite is a 12-minute drive away

23. Margate, Kent

Margate is a quirky coastal town on England's southeast coast that combines the rustic charm of old England with a contemporary and modern feel. The town is home to two gorgeous beaches, Southwold Pier Beach to the north and Southwold Denes Beach. At Southwold Pier you'll find classic British seaside fun, a sandy golden beach and a beautiful sea view. Denes Beach is a perfect day out for the family, ideal for relaxing with a yummy picnic, dipping your toes in the sea to cool off on a summer's day or building some truly impressive sandcastles. Head into Margate's Old Town to browse a selection of independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Other attractions in Margate include The Shell Grotto, The Hornby Visitor Centre and Turner Contemporary. 

Where to stay: Canterbury Campsite  is a 36-minute drive away

24. Torquay, Devon

Torquay is a stunning seaside resort town in Devon. Perfect for all the foodies out there, Torquay has a delectable selection of fish and seafood locally sourced. Torre Abbey Sands is a beautiful golden beach located along the seafront in Torquay, well-loved by locals and holiday-goers for its delightful views and sunshine. Grab a bucket and go crabbing for the day on the Torquay Harbour. Other things to enjoy in Torquay include Kent's Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Babbacombe Model Village and Torre Abbey.

Where to stay:  Dartmouth Campsite is a 54-minute drive away

25. Bournemouth, Dorset

The beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth is brimming with plenty to do. It is a vibrant area of Dorset and has something for all ages, including plenty of delightful beaches to explore. Appreciate the culture of Bournemouth at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum or roam the gorgeous Lower Gardens. Breathe in the fresh air at Bournemouth Pier and Beach .

Where to stay: Verwood Campsite  is a 24-minute drive away

26. Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming port Town in Norfolk. Enjoy the Wells Beach and Pinewoods walk, which takes you across the harbour, golden sand dunes and leafy woodland. Spend a day in the quaint little village of Holkham, which has a beautiful bay full of sandy dunes. Roam the luscious grounds of Holkham Hall  and take in the stunning landscape while enjoying a spot of birdwatching at Holkham National Nature Reserve.

  Where to stay: West Runton Campsite is a 45-minute drive away

For more coastal holiday inspiration, view some of our best coastal campsites .

Note: All drive times are an approximation and will vary based on traffic conditions and preferred routes.

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The 34 best beaches in the UK, from sandy bays to sun traps

From long sandy stretches to tiny secret coves, check out our pick of the best beaches in the UK

Photograph: Shutterstock

While we’ve been experiencing a pretty lacklustre summer so far, the UK’s beaches actually don’t need the sun to truly shine. Sure, they come into their own when the weather is warm enough to brave it and take a dip, but fresh coastal air, thunderously crashing waves and pretty scenery can be enjoyed whether it feels like high season or not. 

And the UK is home to some drop-dead gorgeous stretches of coast. From tiny hidden coves with water so clear it’s hard to believe you’re not in the Mediterranean  to vast, sandy crowd-pleasers which border our seaside towns , our four nations really do have it all when it comes to beaches. So, after a picnic spot, a ‘gram-worthy backdrop or just somewhere to see nature-watch? Check out our handpicked guide to the UK’s finest beaches.

RECOMMENDED: 🏖️The most  amazing hidden beaches in the UK 🌊The best  outdoor swimmming pools in the UK 🏊The best wild swimming spots in the UK 🌤️The best  places to visit in the UK  

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Top beaches in the UK

1.  holkham beach, norfolk.

Best for  Feeling a million miles away from civilisation.

Easily one of the best-looking beaches in the UK, Holkham would be flooded with visitors if it were just that little bit closer to London – or, like, anywhere . It’s surrounded by a massive nature reserve of pinewoods and salt marsh, full of orchids, sea lavender and rare birds: this is the only place besides the Tower of London that I’ve ever spotted a raven. The beach itself is an  enormous sandy stretch dotted with dunes, and backed all around by pine-covered ridges. Depending on where the tide is, it’s at least a half-hour’s walk from the car park to the shoreline, and  you really can’t see anything along the way but nature, sea and sky. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie ( Shakespeare in Love , for one) and pop videos including All Saints’ big tune ‘Pure Shores’.

Need to know The car park and Lookout Café (with toilets) are operated by Holkham Hall.  For more facilities, drive or walk up to the Hall itself, where you’ll also find a play area, café and museum, as well as a massive deer park for yet more scenic strolls.

Get there  The closest train station is Sheringham, a 45-minute drive away. It’s linked by bus to Wells-next-the-Sea, whose (also very nice) beach connects with Holkham.

Stay here The perfectly polished Victoria Inn has 20 rooms with a posh contemporary-cottage feel. Live your best life and stroll through the walled rose gardens, dine in the restaurant for fresh shellfish with samphire from the Holkham coastline, or walk the few minutes to the golden sands of the beach.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Norfolk

2.  Camusdarach Beach, Scotland

Best for  Windswept bliss on one of the most tranquil beaches on the western coast.

I might be biased because I’m born and raised Scottish, but you really can’t  do much better than Camusdarach. This rugged coastline boasts one of the cleanest beaches on the western coast, with a crescent of pillow-soft white sand hugged by clear-blue waters and framed by dramatic, jagged rocks. Sure, there’s not a lot in the way of facilities, but the nearby town of Morar (an eight-minute drive) offers home comforts in the way of cafés, restaurants and hotels. Drive a little further north to Mallaig where The Jacobite steam train (as seen in the Harry Potter movies) calls by. Have a meal in the old dining cars or even stay over in the restored carriages.

Need to know Bring a picnic – there are no facilities here, save for a small car park.

Get there  Closest train station is Morar, a 10-minute drive away.  

Stay here There’s no TV, no wi-fi and no phone at The Wee Lodge – and they make no apologies for it. What it does have is a cosy double bed, the sound of the birds singing and a stunning view of Loch Morar. Set on the grounds of a working farm, this secluded hideaway is the perfect place to switch off and recharge your batteries.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Scotland

3.  Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Best for  Surfer dudes and Potterheads

Freshwater West is potentially the most stunning place in the world when the sun is shining. So for three days of the year, it reigns supreme. The surfer’s beach has all the waves of an Aussie spot and doesn't come with a Jaws warning.

It’s also where Dobby the house elf is laid to rest. A makeshift shrine has been erected on the sand, with socks and pebbles decorated with Harry Potter references paying tribute to the little guy. Just make sure to respect the space or risk the wrath of pilgrimaging Potterheads.

Get there The 387 and 388 bus passes by the beach, or it’s a 35 min drive from Milford Haven train station. 

Stay here The Globe House is a little hotel in the Pembrokeshire countryside where can you rent the whole place or just a room, and it’s less than a 10 minute drive from Freshwater West. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Wales

4.  Rhossili Bay, Gower, Wales

Best for Breathtaking rambles through the dramatic cliffs of the Gower Peninsula.

Remote but by no means overlooked, Rhossili Bay has a list of accolades longer than its sandy shore, with titles like ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’ among its plaudits. One visit here and it’s easy to see why – the steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon. The beach itself is all about the unspoilt nature, but there are facilities nearby: visit the National Trust shop and visitor centre near the village, or pop into the Bay Bistro for homemade soups and sandwiches if you’ve forgotten your packed lunch.

Need to know  Dog-friendly all year round.

Get there  Closest train station is Gowerton, a 37-minute drive away. 

Stay here The views from The Worm’s Head Hotel are so staggering, you’ll barely notice the dated decor. We’re not fussed about a few mad carpets when every room has a view over the cliffs of Rhossili Bay. Take advantage of the view with their restaurant’s cliff-top terrace – bagsy a table and settle in for some proper pub grub.

5.  Kynance Cove, Cornwall

Best for Famous Five-style adventuring on the Lizard Peninsula.

With its white sand, clear blue waters and dramatic rock formations, it’s easy to see why Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed. It almost vanishes at high tide, but time it right and the retreating waves will reveal a thrilling network of coves and caves with names like the Ladies Bathing Pool and the Drawing Room. The walk down from the car park is steep and takes about ten minutes, so go carefully – reward yourself at the bottom with crab sandwiches from the much-loved Kynance Cove Café . 

Need to know Coming in summer? It gets seriously busy, and the National Trust car park is often full before 11am – get there early to be sure of bagging a spot. Dogs aren’t allowed between Easter and September. 

Get there You’ll definitely need a car for this one – it’s just under an hour’s drive from Penzance. 

Stay here Right next to the Kynance Cove Café is a cosy cottage that sleeps four. It’s decorated in soothing seaside shades, there’s a wood-burning stove and the garden has its own picnic bench – what more could you ask for?

📍 Discover the best things to do in Cornwall

6.  Woolacombe Sands, Devon

Best for Making more sandcastles than you can shake a spade at.

One of north Devon’s best-loved hangouts, Woolacombe is a beast of a beach with miles of uninterrupted golden sand – get into epic sandcastle-building and play hide and seek at the dunes. A favourite with surfers and families, this beautiful bay also has rock pools for kids to explore. Grab some grub from the seaside cafés, or head to nearby Ilfracombe for a more substantial bite to eat. 

Need to know There’s a lifeguard service during busy periods (check dates here ).

Get there Closest train station is Barnstaple, a 30-minute drive away. 

Stay here Set in an old Edwardian building perched on the quiet end of Woolacombe Bay, the Watersmeet Hotel offers glorious views over the sea to Lundy Island. There’s a pool on-site, but guests are more likely to use the private steps to Combesgate Beach. It’s pitted with rockpools and rarely gets busy.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Devon

7.  Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Best for C hannelling your inner Grace Darling on a boat trip to the Farnes.

It can get canny chilly on the northeastern coast of England, which probably explains why its long stretches of gorgeous coastline have been criminally overlooked by holiday-goers. Bamburgh’s pristine 1.5-mile-long white sand beach is one of the area’s best, and sits beneath a mighty eleventh-century castle that was recently used as a filming location for the latest Indiana Jones . The area is also ideal for boat trips to the Farne Islands just off the coast – here you can spot seals, puffins and maybe even dolphins, while the pretty medieval village and the RNLI’s Grace Darling Museum are also worth exploring.

Need to know Though the  world’s first lifeboat was developed and tested at Bamburgh, there’s actually no coastguard on the beach these days.

Get there Closest station is Chathill.

Stay here Coastal Retreats have several lovely holiday cottages in the area, including the Bamburgh Coach House , an airy two-bedroom conversion a mile down the road from the village. There’s a spacious garden and the bedrooms have excellent sea views. 

8.  Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Best for Braving the chill for a sheltered dip in crystal-clear waters.

Yet another award-winning beach for Wales , Barafundle Bay caught the globe’s attention when it was named among the best   in the world. After walking the pretty half-mile route from Stackpole Quay, visitors will find a picture-perfect beach, where small turquoise waves lap up against a crescent of sand. The sheltered cove is the perfect swimming spot, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers more routes for the keen rambler. For refreshments with an added feel-good factor, visit the tea room at the Stackpole Walled Gardens  (a ten-minute drive away). This community garden and farm provides work experience and training to people with learning disabilities.

Need to know Bring everything you need and take it back with you – there are no facilities on site. And be sure to check the tide times and leave in plenty of time to avoid getting stranded.

Get there Closest train station is Lamphey, a 13-minute drive away. 

Stay here If picturesque country pubs are your vibe, book a room at The Stackpole Inn . Downstairs, the restaurant is warmed by a log fire and serves the likes of Welsh-reared steaks with locally sourced produce. Upstairs, bedrooms are modern and cosy and include an unmissable traditional Welsh breakfast. 

9.  Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Best for Frolicking on a subtropical beach with barely another soul to be seen.

This next beach will take some determination to reach, but it’s so worth it. Located on the Isles of Scilly – an unspoilt archipelago off the coast of Cornwall – Pentle Bay is a secluded stretch of bright white sand lapped by glassy-blue waters. The beauty of this coastline hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the beach was named among the top four under-the-radar beaches in the world by the Wall Street Journal . Despite this, it’s still generally quiet – maybe it’s the chilly water that does the trick.

Need to know The nearest toilets are a ten-minute walk away at Abbey Gardens.

Get there It’s a 30-minute flight from Newquay to the Isles of Scilly, then roughly 20 minutes by boat from St Mary’s to Tresco, then a 25-minute walk to Pentle Bay. (Trust us, you won’t regret it.)

Stay here  On the opposite side of the island, but still only a 20-minute walk away from Pentle Bay, The New Inn  is a cut above your average pub, with an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant and modern, comfortable rooms, some with their own sun terrace overlooking the swimming pool. 

10.  Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire

Best for Windswept walks with an ice-cream lunch.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the idyllic former fishing town of Whitby , Whitby Sands offers a perfect British seaside setting, with bright beach huts, a beautiful stretch of white sand and miles of the big blue. The battered cod is so good at Magpie Café   there are often queues snaking down the street. And if you haven’t been to Fortune’s Kippers , have you even been to Whitby? These fish fans have been smoking scales for more than 139 years, and a bloody good job they do too. Buy a smoked kipper for the road from their shop across the bridge from Whitby beach.

Need to know Dogs are not allowed in the summer.

Get there Closest train station is Whitby. 

Stay here  It’s unlikely you’ll come across anything like La Rosa elsewhere in the UK, let alone in Whitby. A former haunt of Lewis Carroll when he visited the seaside, the hotel has embraced the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme, adapting it for a grown-up audience with whimsical decor in each room. Breakfast is delivered to your door in a hamper and is best consumed beneath your quilt.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Yorkshire

11.  Camber Sands, Sussex

Best for Rolling your trousers up and splashing through the shallows.

Camber Sands is so wide and golden you’ll be transported to other shores. In fact, this Arabian-looking beach has been used for a number of desert film locations, including Carry On Follow That Camel . The sandy shore stretches for almost five miles before it starts to turn into shingles towards the eastern end. From the western side, it’s four miles to the pretty town of Rye , where cobbled streets, proper pubs and rickety old houses make for a charming day trip.

Need to know Dogs on a lead are allowed on the beach, although there are restricted zones from May to September.

Get there Closest train station is Rye, a 12-minute drive away. 

Stay here The duneside boutique hotel The Gallivant ’s restaurant sources virtually all of its ingredients from within a ten-mile radius. Residents of the 20 bedrooms can lounge by log fires, read in the book-lined snug, or prop up the bar – which is dog-friendly, by the way.

12.  Blackpool Sands, Devon

Best for A bangin’ breakfast served while you look at the best view in Devon .

The small entry fee for Blackpool Sands is worth it for a spotlessly clean coastline despite a high number of visitors, while families will appreciate the modern and well-equipped facilities. The wide pebble beach is one of the cleanest in Devon and is sheltered by pine trees and evergreens, while rocks at the far corners provide shade. Feeling brave? Visitors can hire kayaks by the hour.

Need to know The entry sadly is not free, but it does change depending on the season – call 01803 771800 for up-to-date prices. Barbecues are allowed after 5pm.

Get there Closest train station is Totnes, a 30-minute drive away. 

Stay here Views don’t get much more stunning than those at Gara Rock . The secluded hotel and restaurant is perched on the coastline just 30 minutes by car from Blackpool Sands. Inside, the artsy decor features grand open fires, cosy seating areas with sheepskins and board games. The kitchen celebrates local produce including Dartmouth kippers, vegetables from its onsite allotment and locally foraged ingredients. 

13.  Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Best for Riding the salty waves on a surfboard.

You’ll find big waves at this lively bay, which makes it a magnet for surfers and thrill-seekers. The family-friendly spot is buzzing with extreme sports activities all year round; take surf lessons from Extreme Academy, or just spectate from your deckchair on the two-mile-long sandy shoreline. Events take place throughout the year . And dog owners can rejoice – there’s no seasonal ban and pooches are always welcome.

Need to know Lifeguards are on watch during peak periods (check here   for dates).

Get there Closest train station is Newquay, a 10-minute drive away. 

Stay here Set slap-bang in the middle of the beach, the family-run Watergate Bay Hotel is the beating heart of the bay. The second generation of owners took over in 2004, and the 69-room hotel saw an £8 million redevelopment, transforming it into a hub of activity and relaxation. Expect luxury rooms with beach-chic decor (some featuring freestanding baths with sea views) and a jam-packed events programme.  

14.  Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Best for Porpoise-spotting from the pristine shoreline.

One of the most dazzling beaches in the Hebrides, even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach is breathtaking – visit in the sunshine and you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from the sugary-soft sand and inviting water. Despite its remote location, there are some top foodie trips nearby. Pop into Scarista House , the Georgian manor set on the edge of the sand for a fancy afternoon tea, or drive ten minutes south to The Temple , a cute, hand-built stone-and-timber café with a counter full of tempting cakes.    

Need to know There’s no signage or parking, but that helps to keep this hidden paradise safe from the majority of tourists.

Get there  One hour 25-minute bus ride from Stornoway.

Stay here For dramatic views, starry skies and cosy fires, book a stay at the Oran Na Mara . Perched to the north of Scarista beach, its curved walls make the most of the azure sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows, and winter offers a chance to see the Northern Lights from its secluded patio area.

15.  Morfa Nefyn Beach, Gwynedd, Wales

Best for Splashing about in the beautifully clear rock pools.

The distant peaks of the Yr Eifl (Rival Mountains) form a stunning backdrop to this beach on the remote North Coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. Sheltered by low cliffs, the sandy beach is a great sun trap, has beautifully clear waters and is dotted with excellent rock pools. The historic Coch Inn is part of a small cluster of buildings at the head of the beach and does classic pub grub.

Need to know Parking is available at a nearby National Trust car park. There is no coastguard on site.

Stay here With a charming nautical theme befitting its history, the Old Boat Store is a cosy self-catered apartment offering fabulous sea views. It sleeps five across the main Captain’s Room and the bunk bed-filled Crew Room and features open-plan living space and a small gravel yard (complete with BBQ).

16.  Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, Dorset

Best for Traversing the most beautiful corner of the South West Coast Path.

Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most stunning formations in the UK. Now, Durdle Door is a spectacular archway that frames the crystal-clear waters beyond. The rock formation is best paired with a visit to nearby Lulworth Cove . Just a 30-minute stroll on the coastal path brings you to a sheltered white pebble beach that is almost perfectly circular, offering a haven of relaxation as you watch the boats bobbing in the emerald water.

Need to know The car park can get full at peak times – cycle or arrive early to get a space during the summer months.

Get there Closest train station is Wool, a 15-minute drive away. 

Stay here Travel light and pitch up at a wooden camping pod at the Durdle Door Holiday Park . Just 200 metres from the beach, pods feature picnic tables, heating and electricity – though you’ll need to bring your own bedding.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Dorset

17.  Beer Beach, Devon

Best for  Fresh seafood straight off the boat. 

Fishing still dominates this shingle beach; boats, nets and buoys are spread all over the pebbles. It makes for a wholesome day out for visitors, who can find their sea legs on a mackerel fishing expedition, visit the jaunty fishmongers that sits on the slipway, or just hole up in one of the stripey deck chairs on the shore. The adjacent village is charming and picturesque, but the best lunch is found at the beachfront cafe, which serves up a nostalgic menu of sandwiches (hello, prawn Marie Rose cut into triangles), ice cream and cracking views of the jagged chalk cliffs.

Need to know Everyone loves Beer. Best to visit off-season for maximum chill.

Get there Closest train station is Axminster, a 20-minute drive away.

Stay here Glebe Hous e  is the  former family home of owner Hugo, and together with his wife Olive they have transformed the rural Georgian abode with a metropolitan maximalist makeover. Expect mismatched wallpaper, modern artwork and an accomplished kitchen knocking out rustic dishes and homemade charcuterie (so don’t get too attached to the cute pigs that welcome you on the way in).

18.  White Park Bay, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Best for H earing the ‘singing sand’... if you’re lucky.

This glorious three-mile arc of white sand is tucked away in a quiet spot on the otherwise rocky coastline around the Giant’s Causeway. Despite the popularity of Northern Ireland’s first World Heritage Site, the secluded location of the bay means it’s never too busy even during good weather. The sand on the beach is so fine that when the conditions are right you can even hear it ‘singing’, an extremely rare phenomenon where the sand particles vibrate together and emit a strange humming sound. You can also find fossils scattered around the beach, while a Neolithic cairn can be spotted among the surrounding dunes.

Need to know T he beach has dangerous rip currents and isn’t safe for swimming.

Get there Nearest train station is Coleraine, from which regular buses run to the beach.

Stay here The Fullerton Arms  is a clean and cosy family-run inn right on the seafront with modern minimalist rooms available for a very decent price and a great restaurant serving local mussels cooked in several ways.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland

19.  Tankerton Beach, Kent

Best for Sunny picnics on the grass overlooking the sea.

Rolling grassy slopes, a long promenade, pretty beach huts, and of course, the sea: Tankerton Beach has the perfect combo, with the added bonus of Whitstable – one of the UK’s buzziest seaside towns – just a 20-minute walk away. When you’re all splashed out on the pebble beach, head into the lively town to refuel. Feast on fresh seafood at the rustic and reputable Whitstable Oyster Company , or share a bottle and mezze at the popular seafront bar JoJo’s .

Need to know Between May 1 and September 30, it’s a dog-free zone.

Get there Closest train station is Whitstable.

Stay here With the beach literally on its doorstep, The Marine Hotel is the seaside retreat dreams are made of. Splash out on a superior sea-view room, with refined, classic decor and double doors that swing open onto a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Kent

20.  North Shore Beach, Llandudno, Wales

Best for Pulling up a deckchair to watch the Punch and Judy show.  

The North Shore is Llandudno’s most well-equipped beach, complete with bandstand, Victorian pier and donkey rides in the summer. It’s been a popular seaside resort for centuries, and many traditions – such as the Punch and Judy show, which pops up on the promenade in fair weather – still remain. 

Need to know Climb the headland, Great Orme, for spectacular gull’s-eye views of the beach.  

Get there Closest train station is Llandudno, a 9-minute walk away.

Stay here Embrace the Victoriana vibes with a chintzy room at the Osborne House Hotel . Inside it’s all frills, antiques and chandeliers – and not a piece of driftwood in sight. Expect luxurious sea-facing rooms dripping with eclectic furnishings sourced from around the world. As the owners say, it’s not your typical seaside hotel.

21.  Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

Best for Beautiful barefoot walks along soft white sand by a turquoise sea.

Small but perfectly formed, this little turquoise bay is the stuff that dreams are made of. At least that’s what the ’Poldark’ location scouts thought: they used this beautiful beach on the western foot of Cornwall as the location for a dream sequence in season two. But it’s not just actors that like to hang out here: dolphins and basking sharks are sometimes spotted in the calm waters, too. The soft, white-shell sand and freshwater stream also make this a popular beach with families. On the granite cliffs above, you’ll also find the legendary Minack Theatre , quite possibly the most attractive open-air theatre in the UK.

Need to know There’s a dog ban from Easter to October 1, and lifeguards keep watch during summer months only.

Get there Closest train station is Penzance, a 25-minute drive away. 

Stay here Surrounded by ferns and foxgloves and sweeping lawns to the sea, Cove Cottage is one of the most delightful retreats in Cornwall. The tiny B&B offers romantic getaways, complete with four-poster beds and private flower-filled terraces. There’s chintz and geraniums by the bucketload and we’re totally on board.

22.  West Wittering Beach, Sussex

Best for Spotting red kite birds among the coastal salt marshes.

Backed by bushy dunes and lush marshland perfect for bird-spotting, West Wittering beach is a pristine destination with ample facilities – including three blocks of toilets, drinking-water taps and shower blocks. After a bracing dip in the sea, warm up with a cuppa at the beach café or take the five-minute drive to East Wittering, where restaurants serve up a broader range of lunch and dinner – we recommend Drifters for craft beer, homely dishes and veggie options.

Need to know Dangerous currents occur at The Hinge, so don’t go splashing around there. 

Get there Closest train station is Chichester, an 18-minute drive away.

Stay here A quintessential British retreat, Millstream Hotel is set back from the bustling beach in perfectly preened gardens. Bedrooms are prim and proper, and the two-AA Rosette restaurant is a destination in itself. 

23.  Portstewart Strand, Derry, Northern Ireland

Best for Playing hide-and-seek in the grassy dunes.

In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores. Afterwards, pack up and pack into the 3hree Kings Coffee Company (30-minute walk) for a proper flat white, sourdough sandwiches and seriously good pancake stacks.

Need to know The National Trust facilities are open 10am-5pm.

Get there  Closest train station is Castlerock, a 6-minute drive away. 

Stay here Strand House  is a small, eight-bedroom hotel with luxuriously-decorated rooms and unmatched views of the Causeway Coast. 

24.  Formby Beach, Merseyside

Best for Spotting red squirrels on a wild walk from the beach to woodland.

One of the National Trust’s quickest-changing shorelines, the glorious, family-friendly Formby beach is hugged by a network of dunes that move at an alarming rate of four metres a year. The shifts are revealing prehistoric footprints: stroll along the sand to spot them and look out to the ocean for stunning views across the Irish Sea. The woodlands which shadow the beach are managed to preserve the red squirrel’s habitat – visit the National Trust’s site to download ‘squirrel walks’. While you’re here, make the 30-minute drive to Crosby beach to see Antony Gormley’s iconic public artwork ‘Another Place’.

Need to know Facilities can be found at Victoria Road, and there are pushchair-accessible paths through some of the woodlands.

Get there Closest station is Formby.

Stay here Cosy bell tents overlooking a wild meadow, complete with a crackling log burner, a basketful of logs and a proper double bed: Watkinsons Farm is more on the rustic end of the glamping scale, and that’s why we like it.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Liverpool

25.  Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Best for Magical walks spotting dinosaur footprints (or foot casts, more accurately) on the shore.

Beach bods will be content hanging out on the sandy shelves or surfing the waves of Compton Bay , but stretch your legs across the glorious grassy banks and you could catch a glimpse of the dinosaurs. When the tide goes out, head to the east of Compton Bay car park at Hanover Point and look for the large three-toed foot casts of Iguanodon at the base of the cliffs. From here it’s a ten-minute drive to Freshwater, where The Freshwater Coffee House  serves up a good flat white. 

Need to know There are on-site toilets and a food van in the summer.

Get there  One-hour bus ride from Newport. 

Stay here Adorable doesn’t begin to cover the collection of wee little homes at Tiny Homes Holidays . Each with its own cute design and name, every home is like an eco-friendly Tardis, packed full of sustainable features such as solar power, composting toilets and recycled water. Take part in equally cute workshops while you stay, such as spoon-whittling and willow-weaving.

📍 Discover the best things to do in the Isle of Wight

26.  Marazion Beach, Cornwall

Best for  Getting lost in fairytale medieval castles. 

As well as the usual suspects – lifeguards, sand dunes and rock pools – this beach also boasts views of the whimsical St Michael’s Mount, a tiny island accessible by a cobbled causeway at low tide. It’s topped with a twelfth-century castle, which houses (among other things) a mummified cat and a piece of Napoleon’s coat. If that doesn’t entice you to cross the cobbles don’t know what will.  

Need to know Missed the low tide? Don’t fret, jump on a ferry back (April-October; £2.50 adults, £1.50 under-18s).

Get there Closest train station is Penzance, a ten-minute drive away.

Stay here  The  Marazion Hotel should know a thing or two about hospitality: the building has been hosting visitors since the 1700s. The old coaching inn has had a lick of paint since and bright, seaside-y rooms await. When you’re done building sandcastles, prop up the bar at the hotel’s Cutty Sark pub and restaurant, or curl up with a good book next to the wood burner in the lounge.

27.  Studland Bay, Dorset

Best for Getting an all-over tan.

You might spot a few beach balls at Studland Bay , the beach being one of the most popular naturist spots in the UK. And if skinny-dipping doesn’t float your boat, keep to the south, which is backed by lush heathland and a wooded area marked with walking routes to spot wild deer and birdlife. The little village of Studland – which is so ridiculously cute it inspired Noddy’s Toytown – has a number of places to eat, including the Michelin-approved Pig on the Beach , where homely British dishes are made from ingredients either grown on-site or sourced within a 25-mile radius.

Need to know Facilities are ample – there’s even public wi-fi at the Knoll Beach visitor centre.

Get there Closest train station is Corfe Castle, a 15-minute drive away. 

Stay here It’s eclectic furniture and mad wallpaper galore at Pig on the Beach – the rejuvenated country manor house which is home to the popular aforementioned restaurant and spa treatment rooms set in a wild meadow.

28.  Morecambe Beach, Lancashire

Best for E xploring art installations along the promenade.

Blackpool might get all the glory in these parts, but the stretch of beach around this picturesque if slightly faded Lancashire seaside town is the largest expanse of intertidal sand flats in the UK (with a whopping five miles of sandy and shingle coastline). Amble along the promenade to take in the TERN Project , an award-winning sculpture trail celebrating local wildlife, with steel gannets, cormorants and razorbills dotted along the seafront.

Need to know Dogs are not allowed on the beach during peak season from May to September. 

Get there Morecambe station is just a short walk from the beach.

Stay here A 1930s art deco masterpiece that has been lovingly restored in recent years, The Midland Hotel is right on the seafront and features rooms with sea views, a sun terrace restaurant and a gorgeous circular bar. 

29.  Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland

Best for Forgetting city stresses on a huge stretch of perfect white sand.

Go out of season to Luskentyre and you might be lucky enough to have miles of bright-white sand all to yourself. Just a short drive north of Scarista, this is one of Harris’s biggest beaches, and visitors come here to unwind on deserted shores between the blue sky and turquoise water. 

Need to know Facilities are sparse, but you can find toilets by the car park. Dogs are welcome all year round.

Get there A 90-minute  bus from  Stornoway.

Stay here It’s not the most glamorous place to stay, but what the cosy B&B Shore Cottage   lacks in style it makes up for with location. Seemingly perched on the edge of the world, this remote hideaway is just a ten-minute walk from Luskentyre beach and offers a homely base to explore the rest of the island.

30.  Summerleaze, Cornwall

Best for A good ol’ bucket-and-spade holiday with a line-up of rainbow-hued beach huts.

One of Bude ’s best-loved beaches, Summerleaze is the embodiment of the classic British seafront. Perfect for families who want more home comforts, cute beach huts are available to hire in a range of prices – splash out on a seafront hut out of season from £35 for a week. At low tide, a paddling pool emerges, as does an expanse of golden sand for walks along the coast. And there’s no need to bring a packed lunch – the family beach has brilliant bars and restaurants within walking distance. 

Need to know Dogs should stay on a lead from 10am to 6pm.

Get there Closest train station is Okehampton, a 50-minute drive away.  

Stay here The Beach (yes, that’s the hotel’s name) balances style and charm with slick contemporary rooms and a traditional Victorian terrace overlooking Summerleaze beach. The restaurant showcases the best of Cornish produce, while the beach bar comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons. 

31.  Cromer Beach, Norfolk

Best for Reliving your childhood and parading down a pier.

Peaceful beaches and crystal-clear rock pools aside, the magnificent Victorian pier is the main attraction here. Refreshingly, it’s mostly untouched by the usual seaside tourist tat – instead, it’s home to a thriving theatre, where regular soul nights, comedy shows and original productions keep tourists and locals entertained. After the show, head to No1 Cromer for the local crab and addictive deep-fried cockle popcorn.

Need to know Time your visit with the low tide for maximum sand action.

Get there Closest train station is Cromer. 

Stay here Four miles from the sea and a short car ride from Cromer, The Gunton Arms is a handsome old pub with seriously cosy rooms. Venison from the deer park next door is cooked over a spectacular open fire in the pub’s kitchen and served with goose fat roast potatoes.

32.  Saunton Sands, Devon

Best for Running into the sunset with your four-legged furry friend.

A favourite among families and dog owners, Saunton Sands is a vast three-and-a-half-mile stretch of the gold stuff, flanked by dunes with tufts of green and a row of colourful beach huts. There’s room enough for dogs to run amok, without treading on the toes of sunbathers, surfers and beach-loungers. There’s also a strong community feel here, with regular beach cleans and BBQ days, as well as spectacular D-Day events with military rallies and battle reenactments.   

Need to know Take care swimming here as there can be riptides by the cliffs.

Get there Closest train station is Barnstaple, a 20-minute drive away. 

Stay here For the best view over the beach, stay at Saunton Sands Hotel – a brilliant white 1930s Art Deco building, which presides over the huge sandy vista. The new spa is a good reason to book, while the supervised children’s play area with two hours of free childcare is a godsend for parents. 

33.  Footdee Beach, Aberdeen, Scotland

Best for  Enjoying the bustle of a city centre – right by the sea.

This wide sandy beach offers a quintessential seaside experience, while also being just half a mile from the conveniences of Aberdeen city centre. As you’d expect, it often feels pretty busy; cyclists and skaters frequent the promenade and water sports enthusiasts often hit the waves. You’ll find an amusement park, leisure park and retail park on the seafront, while further inland there’s the Aberdeen Maritime Museum .

Need to know There’s no lifeguard on the beach and dogs are banned between groynes five and 13.

Get there Aberdeen Station is a 15-minute walk from the seafront.

Stay here A mere 20 minutes from the city centre, Girdle Ness is a still-operating lighthouse with adjoining cottages that originally housed the lighthouse keepers. Now rented out as holiday homes by Northern Lights Apartments , they offer magnificent unobstructed views of the North Sea and ample dolphin-spotting opps.

34.  Chesil Beach, Dorset

Best for An epic walk along the seemingly endless rugged shingle.

Put away those buckets and spades – you won’t be needing them here. Chesil Beach is as rugged as it is beautiful – an 18-mile strip separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon. It’s a breathtaking structure, and best viewed from the top of the Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park on the Isle of Portland. To refuel, visit the nearby Crab House Café ,  where locally caught crabs come served with a hammer and a bib, and fresh oysters grown on the café’s own beds are eaten within minutes of leaving the ocean.  

Need to know A visitor’s centre with toilets and a café can be found near the bridge leading to the Fortuneswell end of the beach.

Get there Closest trains stations are Weymouth or Upwey, 20 minutes drive away. 

Stay here The Manor House is a little green oasis on the coastline with refined, classically beautiful rooms. The sixteenth-century manor house has been lovingly restored, and now features a restaurant serving modern British dishes with a focus on local produce.

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Going coastal: 12 of Britain's best seaside spots

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updated 04.02.2019

With over 5000 miles of coastline on mainline Britain alone, it's no wonder the nation has an almost endless array of watery destinations to explore. Here's twelve spectacular spots that are very much worth a detour.

The North Norfolk coast

Tintagel: landscape of legends, the fife coastal path, the seaside in southwold.

• Guernsey's hidden coves

The seaside at Filey

Durdle door and lulworth cove, the white cliffs of dover.

• Llandudno's Great Orme

The Old Man of Hoy

The isles of scilly, cruden bay, scotland, travel ideas for ireland, created by local experts.

Fascinating Ireland & North Ireland

Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for tourists: its rich cultural heritage, the beautiful landscapes and the laid-back lifestyle attract many travelers. Visit the famous Giant's causeway, fascinating Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and many more highlights.

Spectacular Ireland

This itinerary will give you a chance to discover the most spectacular places in Ireland within eight days. Visit the Killarney National Park and the South West Coast of Ireland. Travel back in time during your visit on the Aran Islands and cross the region of Connemara.

Game of Thrones – Northern Ireland

The Seven Kingdoms await you in this Game of Thrones adventure. The incredible landscapes of Northern Ireland make up an enchanting array of fortresses, heart-stopping cliffs and countless small villages steeped in history. A trip to the universe of Game of Thrones is about to begin!

Pearls of Ireland: Cliffs of Moher, Galway and the Burren National Park

Take some time off with your family and friends and discover the most spectacular places that Ireland has to offer. In addition, we recommend you pay for the beautiful city of Dublin a visit.

The West Coast and Cliffs of Moher

This itinerary discovers the most authentic parts of the Emerald Isle. The spectacular Cliffs of Moher on the west coast, the many castles and fortresses in the south, together with the breathtaking landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains National Park presents the perfect backdrop to a trip.

The North Norfolk Coastal Path allows you to explore an unusual semi-watery landscape, and to access some of the quirkiest settlements in the country. At Wells next-the-Sea, the dinky narrow-gauge Wells Harbour Railway chugs back and forwards between the lively, rackety town and the shore every fifteen minutes in high season.

Next stop is the village of Stiffkey, a gorgeous little place with red-brick and flint houses, narrow streets, antique shops and the Red Lion , which serves Norfolk ales and seafood. Perhaps the high point of the route is the resort town of Blakeney, with its bobbing dinghies, canoes, and riotously competitive crab-catching contests. Take time off from the walk for a boat trip to view the common and grey seals. Just to the east, near Cley-next-the-Sea, you'll find excellent tearooms at Wiveton Hall, housed in a brightly painted wooden building with outdoor seating and PYO raspberries and strawberries in season. The end point of the walk, Cromer is a Victorian resort town with all the requisite attractions: a sandy beach, a pier, fish and chip shops and a carnival held in August.

See www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway for further details.

Looking down from top of Tintagel Castle staircase onto the beach in Cornwall © Roman Fox/Shutterstock

The very name Tintagel is steeped in myth. Just about anywhere west of Wiltshire claims a connection with the legend of King Arthur, but since Geoffrey of Monmouth's twelfth-century Historia Regum Britanniae ( History of the Kings of Britain ) most Brits believe that it was in the island stronghold of Tintagel that the legendary sixth-century king was conceived. Excavations had already unearthed evidence of a powerful contemporary Celtic court here when, in 1998, archeologists discovered a tablet bearing the name "Artognou".

Clinging to a cliff above a sandy bay, the toothy remains of today's fort date from the thirteenth century. Catch it on a quiet day - or better still when an Atlantic gale lashes Barras Nose headland beyond the battlements - and it is impossibly evocative. The long-distance South West Coast Path tracks the shoreline above a fabulously fractured coastline. How far you follow it is up to you.

Tintagel Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk) is open daily year-round.

The coast of Fife, on a good day, is one of Britain's most postcard-perfect peripheries. And as an official way-marked route, spanning 65 miles from the Forth to Tay bridges, it's often thronged by day-packed ramblers.

On a cloudless late-autumn afternoon, however, you might just have it to yourself: suspended between sun-fired wheat stubble and a cobalt North Sea, it's a dreamscape of Scotland at its most benign. This is the polar opposite of the country's wilder stereotypes; the rolling geometry of a heavily farmed plain bound by successive swathes of Blue Flag beach, cliffs and golf courses is akin to a more rugged East Anglia, an impression compounded by the unlikely vision of an eighteenth-century windmill near the village of St Monans, a relic of a time when coal-fired pans evaporated sea water to produce salt.

The traditional, unfailingly picturesque fishing villages of Pittenween, Anstruther and Crail, have famously become a magnet for artists and musicians, inspired, perhaps, by the same boundless horizons as the ramblers, and braced by the same edge-of-Europe air that makes this coast so endlessly alluring.

See www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk for more.

Ranks of jolly beach huts, golden sands split by wooden groynes, a slender pier reaching into the sea... the little town of Southwold on the Suffolk coast has all the traditional British seaside enticements, plus a dash of vintage chic that's all its own.

Tilly's on the High Street is a temple to the English high tea, with staff in fetching 1920s maid's outfits serving lovely "layered teas" - tall tiers of scones, cucumber sandwiches and cakes. As well as kite-flying, fish and chip eating and very bracing North Sea swimming, Southwold is a great place for drinking: Adnams ales have their brewery in the town centre, and you can sample their renowned regular and seasonal ales at the cosy Swan or the Crown hotel pubs on the High Street.

Strolling the prom and the pier, whose uniquely inventive Under the Pier Show is not to be missed, provide good antidotes to high teas and beer, but there are scenic walks in all directions - not least around the town's backstreets and green spaces. Longer walks crisscross the unspoilt surroundings, including a three-hour route south across the River Blythe (via a little ferry) into the ancient village of Walberswick, where you can have a restorative pint at the 600-year-old Bell Inn .

Related articles from the blog

Guernsey's hidden coves

© haraldmuc/Shutterstock

Guernsey lives up to its reputation as a sleepy place of soft-eyed cows, warm scones, ripe tomatoes and rambling country lanes. But it does have a wild side, too.

South of St Peter Port, the coast of St Martin is edged by steep cliffs of ancient, granite-like gneiss, crinkled by time. Farmland and woodland flows down to the clifftops, to be met by a wilderness laced with more than 28 miles of glorious paths. The views are of lush coastal greenery and cornflower-blue sea; head out to the points - Icart or Jerbourg - to enjoy the full drama. Protected from development since the 1920s, this entire coast is a rambler's paradise to match the very best corners of Sussex, Dorset, Devon or Pembrokeshire.

Pick your way down one of the steep, rocky descents, and you'll find yourself on a perfect little scrap of beach, its pale sand washed clean by the sparkling tide. There's a string of these beauties, from those shown on the map - Petit Bôt Bay, La Bette Bay, Saints Bay, Moulin Huet, Petit Port - to the tiny, secret strands that only the locals and aficionados know.

See www.visitguernsey.com for more information.

There's something about the traditional British seaside (think Blackpool, Margate or Skegness) that encourages a back-to-basics hedonism of rowdy amusements, raucous entertainment and near-the-knuckle double-entendres. It's a winning format that's been exported to the Brits-abroad costas, and you either love it or hate it, but it turns out that not all seaside resorts are cut from the same gaudy cloth.

Filey - perched elegantly on the North Yorkshire coast between bigger, brasher Scarborough and down-to-earth Bridlington - is a little different. There's a long, wide sandy beach, but the promenade of houses and villas behind doesn't feature a single amusement arcade. Donkeys plod up and down the sands, a pristine paddling pool sits below the town's beautifully maintained Victorian crescent and gardens, while families explore the rocks and pools of nearby Filey Brigg coastal nature reserve. It's improbably wholesome and unexpectedly refreshing - the raciest the seafront gets is by the harbour where you can buy fish and chips and watch the kids trundle round on the carousel. The harbourside notice board, meanwhile, advertises the week's hot tickets - to an afternoon tea dance or a date with country and gospel singer Paul Wheater ("Yorkshire's Jim Reeves").

Filey Tourist Information Centre, John St, Filey, North Yorkshire, www.discoveryorkshirecoast.co.uk.

Durdle Door, England © C Jones/Shutterstock

It's easy enough to see how Durdle Door earned its name - but less straightforward to get to see it in the first place. From Lulworth Cove car park, the white chalk trail to the site stretches up a mile or so over the hills. Admittedly it looks a fair distance on first glance, but it's only when you're a third of the way along, huffing, puffing and drawing sympathetic glances from walkers on their way down, that you really begin to wonder if you're nearly there yet. Push on: the reward is worth it.

At the summit, the iconic door emerges below, carved out of the limestone by the unrelenting strength of the sea. A precarious set of steps, crumbling like cinder toffee from the cliff side, lead to the shore. The beach is typically brimming with families, picnicking, paddling and watching the surf crash through the arch. Some people attempt to "swim the door", but on all but the calmest days it's a fool's game - the waves, that will one day reduce the door to a stack of stones, fling swimmers around like so much flotsam and jetsam.

Back up on the clifftop track, the peaks of the ragged chalk hills stretch out like a giant dinosaur's spine - rather apt for such a famous area of the Jurassic Coast. It's easier heading down the path, and the views are glorious. The turquoise water of Lulworth Cove - another dramatic landform sculpted by the erosive power of the English Channel - shimmers at the foot of the trail. It should be your next stop.

See www.lulworth.com for more.

The full scale of the White Cliffs of Dover is best appreciated several miles out at sea, but to experience their dramatic views and sheer drops there's no substitute for striding out along the clifftops themselves. Head west, towards Shakespeare Cliff - named in honour of its starring role in Lear - and you can descend to the tranquil nature reserve of Samphire Hoe; constructed from the spoils of the Channel Tunnel, it's one of the newest parts of the kingdom.

Walking along the North Downs Way takes you though the fascinating Western Heights, a vast network of fortifications constructed to withstand the Napoleonic threat; part is given over to the ominously titled Dover Immigration Removal Centre, suggesting a purpose that's no more friendly today. From here, the panorama across the shimmering-green Dover Straits - and even to France on a clear day - is spectacular.

Shakespeare Cliff and Samphire Hoe, www.samphirehoe.co.uk .

Llandudno's Great Orme

Great Orme Llandudno © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Riding the train along the North Wales coast, try to imagine how the two-mile-long, 679ft-high hunk of limestone headland that is the Great Orme might have appeared to Viking raiders a thousand years ago. With its smaller acolyte, the Little Orme, you can just about picture them as a giant Nessie-style monster. An impossible-to-prove theory derives Orme from the Old Norse word for sea serpent - and is the root for the word "worm".

Whatever its etymology, the Great Orme ( Y Gogarth in Welsh) is inextricably linked with Llandudno, hunkered below its southern flank. As the Victorian middle classes flocked to this self-styled queen of the Welsh resorts for a little sea bathing and promenading, entrepreneurs devised ways to separate them from their holiday spending money, many of them involving the Orme. The views from the summit plateau across the Conwy Estuary to Snowdonia are just fabulous, and the Victorians have ensured that getting there is half the fun.

The essential tour is along Marine Drive, a four-mile circumnavigation via a wonderfully scenic one-way toll road, much of it cut into the limestone cliffs. Another lovely alternative is to take the Great Orme Tramway, a San Francisco-style cable car hauled up Llandudno's steep streets and then out onto the open plateau.

Great Orme Tramway Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, www.greatormetramway.co.uk .

The Old Man of Hoy, rising 137 metres from the waters off Hoy © David Woods/Shutterstock

There are no long-distance views; you'll come across it quite suddenly. A soaring column stabbing out of the frothy ocean, precariously balanced on a ledge just offshore, a bit like a chopping knife, blade down. Catch your breath and soak in the view, the occasional puffin and the inevitable gaggle of super-human climbers, clinging to the rock like tiny red spiders.

Few visitors make the pilgrimage to the Old Man, the 449ft-high sea stack of red sandstone that pokes out of the North Atlantic; it's not somewhere you can simply pull up in the car and take a photo. Hoy is a lonely, rugged place with a handful of inhabitants and a couple of hostels off the "mainland" of Orkney, accessible only by ferry. Once here, you'll have to get hiking. From the pier at Moaness you must troll up the pass that hugs Ward Hill, then down the South Burn to weathered Rackwick Bay. It's a wild and often bleak walk along the narrow "main" road, so don't feel bad about accepting a lift from one of the locals - ancient tattooed sailors in 1970s Ford Escorts, local fiddlers on their way to the pub, and old ladies with cakes...on their way to the pub.

Two ferries ( www.orkneyferries.co.uk ) serve Hoy from Orkney.

This unique archipelago 28 miles off the south coast of Cornwall boasts one of the mildest, sunniest climates in the country. And in a place where two-thirds of the jaw-dropping landscape is water, the best way to explore is by boat. Don't be fooled into leaving your waterproofs at home, however - this being Britain, unpredictable weather will decide whether you experience the islands in their sunniest glory or at the brunt of a wild Atlantic storm.

Each morning the quayside on St Mary's - the main island - is a frenzy of activity as visitors queue for inter-island boat trips and tours to uninhabited isles. Meanwhile ferries also depart from Bryher, St Martin's, Tresco and St Agnes, each heading for another slice of paradise where passengers can witness an abundance of wildlife, discover ancient sites and pad barefoot along white-sand beaches.

On board, there's a palpable sense of sea-bound adventure. Binoculars are at the ready to spot seals, puffins, rare sea birds, porpoises, sunfish and basking sharks. On inclement days hoods are pulled tight around weather-beaten faces and passengers huddled inside strain for a glimpse of the scenery through steamed-up windows. With its five inhabited islands and hundreds of uninhabited islands and islets, the view is one of intoxicating beauty.

Check www.simplyscilly.co.uk for general information and travel to the islands.

The ruin of Slains Castle at Cruden Bay © Targn Pleiades/Shutterstock

Look at a map of Scotland, towards the top, and you'll see a wedge of granite jutting east into the North Sea. This is Buchan, a hard, flat region that, for all that it's just next door to the Highlands, feels a world away. There are no lochs and glens here, no blur of heather and soft rain. Instead, farmland stretches under vast skies towards a savage coast where cliffs alternate with sweeps of wind-lashed sand. You feel the harsh beauty of this region most intensely at Cruden Bay. Bram Stoker certainly did: he stayed here while dreaming up Dracula .

The bay itself is a mile-and-a-half swoosh of stupendously white sand culminating at each end in jagged rocks. This is not a place for basking, then - the northeast does get an unfair share of Scotland's sunshine, but still, it only gets really hot for a few weeks of the year. This is a place, instead, for stirring walks. One particularly Gothic hike leads north of the bay, skirting the golf course and crossing a picturesquely rickety white footbridge, the Ladies Bridge, to the tiny village of Cruden Bay.

For local history and information, try the Cruden Bay Community Association ( www.visitscotland.com/info/towns ).

For hundreds more unique experiences, get a copy of Make The Most Of Your Time In Britain

Top image: The Old Man of Hoy, rising 137 metres from the waters off Hoy © David Woods/Shutterstock

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20 Best Seaside Towns in Cornwall to Visit (+ Villages)

• by Jonny Duncan
• June 16, 2023 November 24, 2023

Cornwall holds a special place in my heart and the seaside towns in Cornwall are some of the most quaint and pretty seaside towns you can visit anywhere in the world.

Why does Cornwall hold a special place in my heart? My family is from a group of islands off Lands End called the Isles of Scilly, and I have spent many times since childhood exploring places in Cornwall when on the way to visit the islands.

I have also lived in Newquay (a town in Cornwall) as an adult and have visited many villages and towns in Cornwall from there.

Cornwall has some of the best beach towns in the U.K., as you will see in this article.

One of the simplest joys of these Cornish towns and villages is to just find a bench to sit on by the harbourside and watch life by the sea go by.

Seaside Towns in Cornwall

Note that I am not including every seaside town and village in Cornwall, just the main ones that are the most popular, and in that case, generally, the best towns in Cornwall to see, although there are plenty more to explore when there.

There are links under each town to an accommodation booking site called Agoda, which is our favourite site for booking hotels and bed and breakfasts where you can book a place for that destination.

Beautiful St Ives. Yes, beautiful is definitely the best way to describe St Ive’s, and out of all the towns in Cornwall, it is St Ive’s that is one of the number one choices for visitors to Cornwall.

Porthminster Beach, Porthgwidden Beach, Porthmeor Beach, and the Harbour Sand are some of the best town beaches in Cornwall, and one of the best activities in town is simply to relax with a drink and enjoy the coastal views.

There is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden that is in town and good to visit, along with the Tate St Ives, if you have an interest in art.

There are many food and accommodation options in St Ives to choose from. If you are on a budget then the Sloop Inn is a good choice and also has excellent views from its outdoor terrace. Take a 30-minute stroll out to Clodgy Point for some great views of the coast.

St Ives makes a great base for exploring the rugged Cornish coastline further west, such as Pendeen, where you can see the Geevor Tin Mine Museum and learn about the history of tin mining in Cornwall and enjoy the outstanding natural scenery of the area.

St Ives really is one of the best towns in Cornwall by the sea. I would recommend basing yourself here or in Penzance for seeing the west of Cornwall. However, if it’s more beaches that you’re after then read on about Newquay below.

Book accommodation in St Ives here.

Surfs up! Yes, welcome to the premier surf town of England, Newquay. It’s also where I lived for several months over a summer of fun in my early 20s’ (which seems so long ago now.) Newquay really is one of the best beach towns in England and Fistral Beach is a famous surfing beach right on its doorstep.

Newquay can best be described as the main ‘party town’ in Cornwall, where surfers from all over the world gather for some of the best surfing in England and if you want to get a taste of surf culture in England then this is the place to go.

It’s still a quiet town despite all that so even if you want some peace you can find it on some of the beaches nearby.

It’s located on the northern coast of Cornwall.

Book your accommodation in Newquay here .

My aunt and 2 cousins are from Truro and it’s truly a historic town in Cornwall to visit with one of the most impressive cathedrals in England. Truro is connected to the sea by the Truro River, so although it’s not right against the seaside, it is still a town by the sea.

It doesn’t have the pretty beaches or small village fishing charm of other towns in Cornwall in this post, but it has a good atmosphere that you generally won’t find in many other places in Cornwall. That atmosphere lies in its history and historic buildings.

Visiting Truro Cathedral is a must and it looms high over the town. There are plenty of other old buildings as you meander around the old part of town and one of the best places to have tea/coffee, or a cake, is at Charlotte’s Tearoom which is located in the historic centre.

Book your accommodation in Truro here .

Penzance/Newlyn

Heard of the ‘Pirates of Penzance’? Well, it’s not quite like the title may sound but you can certainly feel some ‘smugglers’ vibe in parts of the area.

I’ve added the town of Newlyn with Penzance as they are basically towns in Cornwall joined together. Penzance and Newlyn are both fishing ports with plenty of atmospheric pubs in the towns to enjoy a good meal and drink.

Although there is not much to do in Penzance and Newlyn itself it does make for a good place to base yourself to explore other places nearby, such as Lands End and St Michael’s Mount Castle, among others.

Newlyn is one of the more important towns in Cornwall for the Cornish fishing industry and indeed one of the most important fishing ports in England.

Tip: Have a meal and drink at either the Dolphin Tavern down by the harbour or at Admiral Benbow just up the street. If in Newlyn the Tolcarne Inn has been a family favourite for decades as an atmospheric place for food and drink in a historic maritime pub and, personally speaking, one of the best Cornish pubs in the region with great seafood.

Book your accommodation in Penzance here.

Penzance is also where the passenger ferry to the Isles of Scilly leaves if you want to visit those islands, which I highly recommend doing.

Read: Guide to the Isles of Scilly

If you want a great guidebook for Cornwall then we recommend this one: Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly: Local, Characterful Guides to Britain’s Special Places by the Britsh-based guidebook company, Bradt.

Falmouth is one of the main towns in Cornwall and is not only very historic as far as a seaside town goes but is also one of the premier university towns in Cornwall.

Much of Falmouth lies in its connection with the sea and it has a fascinating maritime history that is still evident today.

They don’t call Falmouth “The Spirit of the Sea” for no reason.

There is a good National Maritime Museum in town and a nice nearby beach is Swanpool. There are plenty of maritime-themed pubs around town to enjoy a drink in and many guesthouse options.

There is one of the best castles in Cornwall to explore at the edge of town called Pendennis Castle which used to protect the harbour entrance area.

Book your accommodation in Falmouth here.

Falmouth is definitely one of the seaside places you will want to see at some point.

• 15 Best Castles in Cornwall to Visit

Fowey is located at the mouth of the River Fowey, hence the name! It has a nice harbour area, like most towns in Cornwall, and there is the old St Catherine’s Castle to visit which is around a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of town and is one of the smaller castles in Cornwall.

The Fowey Aquarium is small but worth a visit if you have an interest in marine life and the small village of Polruan just across the water from Fowey is also worth a visit.

Out of all the towns in Cornwall, Fowey is one of the best on the south coast to base yourself on for exploring more of the area.

Book your accommodation in Fowey here.

Padstow is located on the northern coast about 10 miles north of Newquay and has a very attractive harbour area to enjoy sitting and watching harbour life go on.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy a drink and meal, some of which are connected with the famous travel writer and chef Rick Stein , and if you walk around 10 minutes from the harbour on the coast path you will reach St George’s Cove, a beautiful beach area.

One of the best activities here is to go on a boat trip in search of sea life, such as seals and dolphins and in fact it’s one of the best towns in Cornwall on the north coast to organise these kinds of activities.

Book your accommodation in Padstow here.

Bude is located in the northeast of Cornwall north of Port Isaac and is a classic Cornish town. There’s a very popular beach here called Summerleaze Beach which is right in front of the town and the Bude Sea Pool is a great place for a dip in semi-natural waters.

Take a short stroll to Compass Point for good views of the cliffs along the coast and the Castle Bude in town is a great place for those interested in heritage buildings and it has great views of the coast.

Book your accommodation in Bude here.

The town of Marazion itself is not the main draw of this place, it’s the majestic castle of St Michael’s Mount, which is one of the best castles in Cornwall to visit.

The castle is located on a small tidal island and the only way to access it is by walking across a tidal causeway at low tide or taking a small boat. It makes for a great half-day trip to see it.

Marazion is also easy to reach from Penzance being only a 10-minute drive away, or a 1-hour walk along the beach. It’s one of the best towns in Cornwall to visit a castle. Marazion is also interestingly the oldest town in Cornwall.

There’s no real need to stay in Marazion itself as you can easily visit from Penzance.

• Guide to Visiting St Michael’s Mount

Looe is a stunning Cornish town with one of the best harbour estuaries in Cornwall with the RNLI Lifeboat Station being in the town itself.

There’s only one small beach in the town itself called East Looe Beach which is nice to hang out at a cafe there and enjoy the beachside.

Tip: Head to the Island View Cafe for some great seaside views on the terrace outside (on a dry day).

The pretty seaside village of Polperro is just a short drive west of town.

Book your accommodation in Looe here.

Read: 10 Best Things To Do In Looe .

Porthleven is another classic Cornish fishing port and is southeast of Marazion on the way to Lizard Point. Porthleven Harbour is one of the best harbour areas in Cornwall to relax in a cafe and enjoy watching the goings-on of the port.

The Porthleven Beach Cliffs are a short walk from the harbour and offer stunning seaside cliff views. Even on a stormy day, they are a very atmospheric place to go to.

Tip: Have a meal and drink at The Ship Inn at the entrance to the harbour. Also, the Harbour Inn in the harbour area is great for a drink and meal as well and also offers accommodation.

Porthleven is deservedly one of the best seaside towns in Cornwall.

Book your accommodation in Porthleven here.

Seaside Villages in Cornwall

Mousehole is easily one of the most quaint fishing villages in Cornwall that you can visit, and is a personal favourite of mine. It has some nice little cafes to enjoy a drink at and enjoy the harbour area.

It also has a slight ‘arty’ vibe about the place as you can find some small art galleries scattered around the small roads and alleys of the village.

Tip: The Ship Inn has great views of the harbour and good food and drinks. It’s my favourite place there for relaxing.

It’s not far from Penzance and makes for a great half-day trip from there and you can walk there in an hour following the sea.

Polperro goes hand in hand with Mousehole as one of the best seaside villages in Cornwall for the charm of a small fishing community and is not far from the town of Looe mentioned before.

There is the small Polperro Beach just outside the harbour area, but it doesn’t compete with other grand beaches in Cornwall. Take a walk out to the tiny Spy House Point Lighthouse for lovely coastal views.

Tip: Try some food and drink at the Blue Peter Inn.

Book your accommodation in Polpero here.

Top Tip: Polperro was one of the main hotspots in the Cornish smuggling trade, with contraband coming over from mainland Europe.

The book Smuggling in Cornwall: An Illustrated History (link to Amazon where you can get it) is one of our family’s favourite books on the subject that we have read, and that comes from my father who worked in the museum on the Isles of Scilly and who loves the history of the region.

So if you want an interesting, entertaining, and not too long book to read for a visit to Cornwall then take a look at that one.

Mevagisey lies south of the town of St Austell (in itself worth a visit) and the surroundings of this place are definitely an area of outstanding beauty as just around one-quarter of a mile away from the edge of the village you come to Polstreath Beach with cliffs sliding down to the sea

The village is a working fishing village and is a great place to see Cornish life go by.

Nearby Mevagissey is the Eden Project , which is a fun day out.

Book your accommodation in Mevagissey here.

Charlestown

Charlestown is located just south of the town of St Austell and if you have any interest in shipwrecks and maritime history then do not miss the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown .

You can easily walk out to the South West Coast Path from here for some lovely seaside walks.

Tip: Have a meal and some drinks at the Pier House Hotel which has the best views for sitting and watching the harbour.

Cute little Port Isaac is on the north coast and is a small village but pleasant to visit. It’s also a good place to do a day trip to Tintagel Castle which is just north of the town and set in an area of outstanding beauty.

The gently rolling green hills behind Port Isaac are beautiful, and take a walk to the South West Coast Path which passes through the village for great sea views.

Tip: Have a cake, sandwich, and tea at the Cornish Cove Tearoom. Oh, and of course ice cream!

Book accommodation in Port Isaac here.

What a name! Yes, it’s a real name for the village which happens to be the most southerly village in England, located in the most southerly part of the U.K., Lizard Point.

The main reason to come to Lizard is for the magnificent coastline of Lizard point. Make sure you see the Lizard Lighthouse, the old lifeboat station when at the National Trust Lizard Point and have a walk along the rocky coastal paths.

Tip: Have a meal and drink at the Coast Coffee Bar and Bistro, or try a pastie for a lunchtime snack at Ann’s Pasties and Bar.

St Mawes is located across the water from Falmouth and also has one of the best castles in Cornwall situated there, the St Mawes Castle.

It’s a quiet peaceful little village with great views out to the bay area and if you like gardens take a look at the Lamorran Gardens in the village.

Tip: Head to the Victory Inn for a meal and a drink.

For more seaside towns in the region take a look at the 10 best seaside towns in Devon to visit .

Those are 20 of the best seaside towns in Cornwall and villages, that you should put on your list for visiting. At the very least get to St Ives for a bigger town and Mousehole for a smaller village.

Just one final shout-out for villages in Cornwall and that’s for Ponsanooth, which is a tiny little village inland from Falmouth and happens to be where my father was born. There’s not much to do there, and it’s not directly by the sea, but I wanted to add it for a shoutout to my dad’s birthplace.

One notable exception for the towns in Cornwall not on the list, as it’s not by the seaside, is Bodmin, which is a lovely town to visit as well.

For more reading on Cornwall take a look at the 15 best books about Cornwall to read .

And also the best things to do in Cornwall .

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

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I had no idea that Cornwall holds such treasures!! A must visit for sure!! Thank you for sharing!

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8 Charming Villages And Vibrant Towns To Visit On The Picturesque Yorkshire Coast

The Yorkshire Coast is a popular tourist destination that sees thousands of people flock to enjoy the perfect landscapes and beautiful sandy beaches. And, it’s easy to see why. There is something about it that hits differently about these sea spots. The Yorkshire Coast towns and villages stand against the harsh winds and cloudy skies through the autumn and wire months and fill up with tourists with their ice creams and buckets and spades in the summer months.

It’s the perfect staycation. There is nothing like a British seaside visit . Whether that’s fish & chip s by the sea, a lemon top ice cream or galavanting on the beach with the family.

1. Staithes, North York Moors

There will never be a list that Staithes doesn’t top for us it is perfect. As you head towards it along The Cleveland Way , you’re greeted with this view that has seldom changed over the years. Its cobbled and narrow streets still have the same.

A popular spot with photographers, the North York Moors village with its scattered red roof cottages is near Whitby and is home to a small sandy beach. It is a part of the Dinosaur Coast , which. is a popular spot for fossil hunters.

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Home of Dracula, Whitby is probably Yorkshire’s most famous and popular seaside town. Head up the 199 steps and visit Whitby Abbey, before heading for some fish & chips. You’re never short of the  best fish and chips  you’ll ever have in this beautiful coastal town.

There is more to Whitby, located along the Yorkshire Coast, than meets the eye. From Its quirky narrow streets to its busy harbour with its views of Whitby Abbey. There are plenty of pubs and bars and of course, restaurants to enjoy when you visit.

3. Robin Hood’s Bay, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

This old fishing village, which is ranked as one of the  prettiest in the UK , is another beautiful place where you can enjoy a nice walk along the beach before heading over to enjoy the cafes and pubs. Walking around the narrow streets and checking out the idyllic cottages is great fun.

It’s renowned for its fossil hunting along the beach, and it is home to some fantastic cafes, pubs and restaurants once you’ve had a jaunt up and down the hills a few times. Our favourite has to be The Laurel Inn, which is full of ye olde character and serves some classic Yorkshire ales. You half expect a fisherman to stumble in after a day at sea looking for a well-earned pint.

4. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Yorkshire’s  oldest seaside town  still has that old charm that drew Victorian tourists back in the day. Play on the arcades and walk along with the front taking in the cliff views for a perfect day out. At Christmas time, you can enjoy some of the events they have going on, so it’s grand all year round.

It has some fantastic beaches that help make it one of the best summer locations across the country and also has the fantastic Asian-inspired Peasholme Park, which has plenty of things to do for families. You’ll never go board from a trip to Scarbrough that’s for sure.

Read More: 15 Of The Best Beaches In Yorkshire To Visit This Summer

5. Sandsend, North York Moors

Sandsend is a quaint seaside village between Whitby and Scarborough. It has beautiful views of Whitby Abbey and a beautiful stretch of beach with a stream running through it to the sea. The village has fantastic restaurants, a village shop and a couple of pubs to enjoy a few ales.

We highly recommend the fish tacos from The Fish Cottage with views of the coast in the outdoor seating area. Sandsend is a lot less busy compared to its busier counterparts but has a massive street of beach to enjoy. It’s also part of the Cleveland Way making for some fantastic walks.

6. Runswick Bay, North York Moors Best Yorkshire Coast towns and villages

Further up the coast from Whitby, the former fishing village is hidden in a sheltered cove and offers a beautiful sandy beach. It’s great for the kids as they can hunt through the rock pools and go fossil hunting. If you’re out for a brisk walk, it’s along the Cleveland Way, which offers fantastic views.

The beautiful sandy beach is just a few miles north of Whitby and has a wonderful thatched house on the Yorkshire Coast, which is the only one remaining on the coast. The scenes is very dramatic and takes you back in time.

7. Flamborough, East Yorkshire

One of East Yorkshire’s hidden gems, North Landing a wonderful beach spot, Flamborough Head and Thornwick Bay are just a stone’s throw from the village and are a perfect convex that is brilliant to visit If you enjoy bird watching, head over to Bempton Cliffs, one of the largest and most accessible mainland nesting colony of the gannet; plus puffins, razorbills, guillemots and other seabirds. and see the thousands of birds that nest in the cliffside.

Flamborough is located near to the market town of Driffield, and the popular beach spot Bridlington where you can enjoy cruises on the Yorkshire Belle to get a closer look at some of these amazing birds.

8. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North York Moors – Best Yorkshire Coast Towns And Villages

Yorkshire’s answer to Brighton, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a quirky seaside town that’s up and coming. Its pier and water-balanced cliff lift that’s the oldest of its kind is the focal points of the town. And, it’s a lovely spot for fish & chips and arcades down at the bottom.

Its highest street up top is getting more and more independent restaurants bars and craft ales spots perfect for those looking for a weekend away – definitely one of our favourite spots on the coast that’s for sure.

Read More: 7 Yorkshire Coast Hidden Gems For You To Explore This Summer

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Nathan Ellis

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Mudpie Fridays >> Kent >> 13 Of The Best Kent Coastal Towns to Visit in 2024

13 Of The Best Kent Coastal Towns to Visit in 2024

The Kent coastline is home to some of the best seaside destinations in the South. We often like to escape for a day to the seaside. There are so many Kent Coastal Towns within easy reach of London. With direct trains running out of St Pancras, Charing Cross and Kings Cross. It makes these beautiful beaches a popular choice in the Summer season. But many are worth a visit all year round. Here are our favourite seaside towns in Kent.

Table of Contents

The Best Kent Coastal Towns

If you think any other towns or villages should be included in this best Kent coastal towns article. Then please let me know in the comments below and I will add them in. 

We visited  Whistable for the first time in Twixmas  and it was the perfect seaside break. We got so lucky with the weather with blue skies the whole time we were there. Whitstable is one of the more popular Kent seaside towns and is a lovely location to visit for the day or spend a few days for a mini break. With a shingle beach looking out onto the Thames Estuary. It is a great spot for the family to enjoy some time by the seaside. You can also catch fishing trips and sightseeing boat trips from the harbour.

Famous for its oysters, the picturesque seaside town comes complete with colourful beach huts and a working harbour. Which is good for a wander, hosts a little market in wooden huts and is a great place to pick up some fresh fish for dinner. Or you can sample the famous Whitstable oysters in the local restaurants. Which are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique flavour. If you plan on visiting during the late Summer then keep an eye out for the  Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival  that normally runs over a weekend in September. Normally there are lots of activities going on over the weekend, including live music, parades, seafood tastings, and family-friendly entertainment

Explore the quaint shops and art galleries along Harbour Street. Visit Whitstable Castle and Gardens, and then continue along the coast to the beach huts. And for a chance to see ‘The Street’ which is a shingle road that emerges during low tide. If you are staying for longer then you could also take a day trip to  Canterbury  or the  Blean Woods National Nature Reserve.

Broadstairs

If you are looking for a  quintessential British seaside experience, then Broadstairs is for you. Probably the most popular of the Kent coastal towns. Known for its sandy beaches, stunning cliffside views, and charming old town with narrow winding streets. It is between more well-known seaside towns such as Ramsgate and Margate and is often overlooked. Making it the perfect option if you want a beautiful seaside town that isn’t so crowded. Broadstairs also serves as a good base if you want to explore the other Kent coastal towns.

The main attraction is Viking Bay, a beautiful sandy beach with picturesque white cliffs and a vibrant seafront promenade. Having been awarded a blue flag the sandy beach is sheltered, offering a variety of water sports and has been voted one of the best on the South East Coast. There are several scenic coastal paths with stunning views of the English Channel and the surrounding coastline. Or you can take a boat trip or a sea kayaking excursion discovering hidden coves, sea caves, and marine wildlife along the way.

If you are looking for a bit of culture then you can explore  Bleak House  – Dickens House Museum The historic building that inspired Charles Dickens now houses a museum dedicated to the author. It is normally open from Easter through to the end of October half-term. Alternatively head to the  Crampton Tower Museum , which showcases the history of Broadstairs and its other famous residents.

Broadstairs also hosts the annual  Folk Week , a popular music festival that runs from the 9-16th of August in 2024. The festival features concerts, workshops, and traditional dance events.

Possibly one of the most well-known of the Kent seaside towns. It is located on the North Kent coast Margate is famous for Chas and Dave and Delboy and Rodney, but these days Margate has undergone a revival. In recent years the town has become an artistic and cultural hub. It is home to the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery  which is not only free but offers an ever-changing range of exhibitions.

In the warmer months, the amusement park  Dreamland  offers vintage rides, roller coasters, and entertainment options for all ages. In the colder months, it acts as an inside entertainment venue with live music and events. For something completely different visit the  Shell Grotto  for underground passageways adorned with seashell mosaics. I have never seen anything like it. 

Margate Museum  is housed in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Margate Old Town. And is a unique example of a Victorian Police Station and Magistrates Court displaying an eclectic history of the seaside town of Margate over the past 5,500 years.

There are several sandy beaches, Main Sands is one of the best on the South East coast. A large wide expanse of sand where families congregate on warm and sunny days. Perfect for making sandcastles and taking a dip in the sea. The Margate Harbour Arm dates back to 1815 and offers panoramic views of the coastline with its lighthouse which was rebuilt in 1955. With eateries right next to the sea, it is a great spot for lunch. Margate’s old town has many independent shops to browse.

If you have a car then you may also want to consider a visit to the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool or Botany Bay with its stunning chalk stacks. It is also a great place to look for fossils and explore rock pools.

With its historic charm and a blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture, Deal is a delightful Kent coastal town. It boasts all of the typical things you would expect from one of the best Kent coast towns, only on a smaller scale. It won’t get as busy as some of the other suggestions, making it perfect for families. Deal Pier, is one of the UK’s most iconic and historic seaside piers and the only intact pier in Kent. Stretches out into the English Channel.

The town’s pebble beach, a picturesque pier that has recently undergone a huge upgrade, and a vibrant high street with independent shops and eateries make it a popular destination. You can explore the English Heritage site of  Deal Castle . A striking Tudor artillery fort built during the reign of Henry VIII. The castle’s distinctive circular design and formidable defences provide a captivating glimpse into England’s military past. You can explore the castle’s interior, climb its battlements, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.

Just a little further along the coast, there is also another English Heritage site –  Walmer Castle and Gardens .  For something completely different you can visit the  Timeball Museum  on the seafront which still has a functioning timeball. This historically served as a vital timekeeping device for ships and provides insights into Deal’s maritime legacy.

Despite it being a small town there are still a lot of bars, restaurants and pubs to enjoy. As well as a hamlet of local boutiques and shops in Middle Street. The old town has many distinctive Georgian and Victorian buildings. It doesn’t seem to be as commercialised as some of the other locations mentioned, giving it that charm and beauty. From Deal, you can take a train or car to the nearby town of Sandwich, with its historic charm, medieval architecture and the sweeping Sandwich Bay.

This Kent coastal town is known for its long promenade, Herne Bay offers a sandy beach, colourful beach huts, and traditional seaside attractions. It is also one of the best places to go crabbing in Kent . We enjoyed visiting the historic Herne Bay Pier and the central beach with its kid’s playgrounds. A great spot to enjoy some fish and chips or ice cream as the kids play.

The  Herne Bay Festival  generally runs from the end of July through to the end of August. Over the five-week programme of the festival, there are lots of events including a carnival, jazz festival, live music, art exhibitions, family-friendly activities and fireworks.  The Seaside Museum  showcases a diverse array of exhibits, offering insights into the town’s local heritage and maritime traditions.

This is a really scenic area of the Kent coast and is a great option if you are looking for one of the best beaches in Kent. Perfect for families to enjoy all of the usual seaside activities. Plenty of spots for some food and drinks and lots of fun to be had at the amusement park and along the promenade.  Herne Bay Memorial Park  is situated in the heart of the town. It has formal planted gardens, a lake, a play area and several sporting facilities. The lake is large and although not available for fishing, it is used for model boats and is home to lots of ducks who are always keen to be fed.

For a day trip, there is the English Heritage site of  Reculver Towers and Roman Fort . An ancient site with historic ruins, coastal walks, and panoramic views of the coastline.

Situated on the southeastern coast of Kent, Folkestone is probably best known as the home of the Eurotunnel. However, it also boasts a charming harbour, a sandy beach, and the artistic quarter of  Creative Folkestone . Which is the United Kingdom’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. You can also wander through the Creative Quarter, a vibrant and eclectic area filled with independent shops, art galleries, and creative studios.

The town is also known for the scenic  Lower Leas Coastal Park . A linear park between Folkestone and Sandgate, with wildlife such as migrating birds and insects thrive in the area and the park contains an under cliff area with a unique microclimate attracting wildlife rarely found in the United Kingdom. 

Take a journey on the charming  Leas Lift , a historic funicular railway that provides a scenic and convenient link between the seafront and the clifftop promenade. The town’s iconic Leas Promenade offers breathtaking panoramic views of the English Channel. With its well-manicured gardens, inviting benches, and refreshing sea breezes. The  Folkestone Harbour Arm , is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring a variety of food and drink outlets, live music, art installations, and stunning views of the sea. 

The Sunny Sands beach itself has plenty for families to enjoy, with a sandy beach and shallow waters. The harbour gives you plenty of opportunity to go boat spotting, and the town boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Kent.  Folkestone Museum  takes you on a journey through the history of Folkestone. From its origins as a humble coastal community, through to its heyday as a fashionable seaside resort and beyond.

While Dover might not be a town you may associate with a seaside visit, thanks to its busy port it is still a great town to visit on the coast of Kent. You can enjoy the harbour and port and have a look at all the larger ships and boats. There is a small stretch of beach where you can enjoy paddling and beach activities. However if you are specifically visiting a town for the beach, then Dover might not be your first choice. 

But Dover has a lot to offer. Including the English Heritage site of  Dover Castle . A historic fortress that offers a fascinating journey through centuries of military history from medieval royal courts to World War II military operations. You can explore the castle’s interior, including the Great Tower and medieval tunnels, with panoramic views of the English Channel. When we visited we spent a whole day exploring everything it has to offer. in the town centre, there is  Dover Museum,  which has a diverse collection of exhibits, including the Dover Bronze Age Boat. Visit the National Trust  South Foreland Lighthouse , a historic Victorian lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the coastline. In a tour, you can learn about the evolution of maritime navigation and lighthouse technology.

If you have vehicle mad kids then a trip to the  Dover Transport Museum  is sure to impress. Where you can see a unique collection of vintage vehicles, including buses, cars, and motorcycles. Or visit the  Roman Painted House . Which was found by the Kent Archaeological Society and features well-preserved Roman murals.

You can enjoy those famous white cliffs of Dover, a stunning natural landmark with some of the best coastal walks around. The White Cliffs hold a special place in the town’s identity and have been celebrated in literature, art, and popular culture. On a clear day, when close to the harbour, you can also get some incredible views of France from Western Heights. This is still a fabulous spot for a day trip with plenty of bars, amusement arcades, chip shops, and restaurants in the town. 

Ramsgate is home to one of the largest marinas on the South Coast. So if you do have a yacht to dock, then this is the spot. But when we are not dreaming about yachts, it is still the perfect seaside town in Kent. The town’s historic Royal Harbour stands as a focal point of Ramsgate’s maritime identity as a major port. Featuring a picturesque marina and vibrant waterfront promenades. Lined with charming cafes, restaurants, and shops, the harbour area provides a delightful setting to wander, al fresco dining, and opportunities to admire the array of yachts and fishing boats that dot the harbour.  It is also home to  Ramsgate Maritime Museum ,  featuring exhibits on maritime history, shipwrecks, and the town’s lifeboat service.

A busier option and more well-known than some of the other Kent Coastal Towns suggested in this post. It has beautiful sandy beaches, the most popular is Ramsgate Main Sands beach. A family-friendly stretch of coastline with golden sands, shallow waters, and traditional seaside amenities. It has been awarded a blue flag and so ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying recreational beach activities. The West Cliff promenade is well worth a visit, here you can pick up one of several  West Cliff walks . 

When we visited we explored the  Ramsgate Tunnels , a network of underground passageways that served as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. You can only go into the tunnels on a guided tour but it was absolutely fascinating and I would encourage everyone to visit. There is also the newly refurbished RAF Manston History Museum. Which features the town’s aviation heritage. For something completely different visit  The Micro Museum . A unique attraction showcasing the evolution of home computers and video games. A great option for teens, offering interactive displays and nostalgic insights into the world of retro technology.

Westgate-on-sea

This is one of those underrated Kent seaside towns. The quiet seaside town has a beautiful sandy beach called West Bay Beach. Perfect for a beach day spent building sandcastles and enjoying the sea views. Next door is St. Mildred’s Bay Beach, with its gentle waves and pristine sands. Both beaches offer lots of fun for families and amusements to keep the kids occupied on the promenade. 

It is one of the smaller Kent seaside towns, but it is perfect for families or couples looking for something less overwhelming than some of the other seaside towns suggested. Although this does mean there are fewer things to do. The Victorian  Carlton Cinema  offers a nostalgic movie-going experience, compared to the larger movie chains. And a good option if the weather is not playing ball. Discover the local charm of the village with a visit to quaint shops, including gift and speciality stores.

If you are looking for something a bit more liver then you can take a short trip to the nearby town of Margate which is around 2.6 miles away. Close enough to walk, or catch the bus for tired legs on the return journey. This allows you to balance the quietness of the traditional coastal town with all that Margate has to offer. 

Hythe’s history dates back centuries, and the town’s legacy as one of the  Ancient Cinque Ports . The  Royal Military Canal , a monumental feat of 19th-century engineering, stands as a testament to the town’s strategic significance and provides a scenic backdrop for leisurely walks and boat trips. 

The mainly pebble beach is approximately midway between Folkestone and Dymchurch and would make a good day trip from either location. The high street is full of small businesses with local artists and produce being sold. The long seafront has plenty for families. You can enjoy all of the usual beach activities or even fly a kite on a particularly windy day. The promenade has shops, bars, and restaurants. Ideal for a quieter Kent coastal town experience. 

Just a mile from Hythe you have the small village of Saltwood which is home to  Saltwood Castle  and  Brockhill Country Park . A little further afield is Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. We have visited several times, not only can you go on a safari but they also have the most amazing Gorilla enclosure. With the option to eat in the manor house and stay in one of the glamping tents, it is a destination in its own right.

For railway enthusiasts and nature lovers, the  Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway  offers a delightful journey through the town’s coastal landscapes. We took the journey a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the experience. The views were stunning. 

Dymchurch and St Mary’s Bay

Two of the lesser-known suggestions are these two separate Kent seaside towns on Romney Marsh. But there is only a mile walk between St Mary’s Bay  and Dymchurch. them so you can easily do that along the seafront and experience these two smaller, but still delightful, Kent seaside towns. This coast is well-known for kite flying as the wind and breeze are a little stronger than in some other locations. There are many seaside shops selling them if you do need to buy one. The kids will love this old-school activity. Dymchurch has expansive golden beaches.

In Dymchurch itself, the  amusement park  is free to visit. Where you only pay for the rides, games and attractions you chose. There is also various bars, a micro pub and cafes will satisfy any rock/candy floss cravings.  Martello Tower No. 24  in Dymchurch High Street was one of 74 towers built along the south coast between 1805 and 1812 to resist the threatened French invasion. Open to the public at the weekends from Easter to the end of October half term.

There are plenty of places to buy everything you need for a day by the sea and lots of locations to enjoy some fish and chips once you are done. These two areas may not be as busy, but they are still well worth adding to your list and are perfect for a day trip or weekend. As above you can catch the railway down to Dungeness Beach which is like visiting the end of the world.

This is the most southern point of Kent so you can often think that you have reached the end of the world with far-reaching views. It definitely felt like that when we visited with a vast expanse of open space. And although there is not a huge amount to do it is an experience not to miss. If you catch the railway down then you will only have about forty minutes to explore. The  Dungeness National Nature Reserve  is known for its striking beauty offering a serene setting for nature lovers and photographers.

Unless you look in the other direction to  Dungeness Power Station Visitor Center . Discover the fascinating history and technology behind the nuclear power station. If this is not your thing then instead you can visit  Dungeness Old Lighthouse . At certain times of the year, you can climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the English Channel.

This is a smaller fishing town so you may not find the usual abundance of commercialisation as you would in some of the other suggested Kent coast towns. But it is still one worthy to add to the list as it is very picturesque. It can often feel like this location is abandoned with some of the abandoned fishing boats on the beachfront. There are still places to eat such as the  Snack Shack . Where you can have locally caught fish and shellfish. Although it is worth checking opening times before visiting.

Reculver is a village and coastal resort about three miles east of Herne Bay on the north coast of Kent. One of the smaller villages on the Kent Coast. There are a number of different walks you can enjoy. The one from Reculver to Herne Bay will take you along the Saxon Shore Trail which gives stunning views of the coastline. It takes around an hour and a half. A slightly shorter walk is the Reculver to Beltinge Coastal Walk which will take around an hour. 

Of course, you have Reculver Towers and Roman Fort to explore as mentioned above. Known locally as the Twin Sisters, they are the remnants of a medieval church built within the grounds of a Roman Fort. Close by is Reculver Bay a peaceful small shingle beach providing a scenic setting for picnics. For tide times and to keep up to date with what is going on in the area. Visit the  Reculver Visitor Centre . Offering exhibits and information about the region’s archaeological finds so great for history buffs. They also offer information on the Coastal Park which has diverse coastal flora, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for nature walks and bird watching.

Do you think I am missing any Kent Coastal Towns that deserve a mention? Perhaps you have visited some Kent seaside towns on holiday that deserves a mention? If you are looking for something on the border with East Sussex, then both Camber Sands  and  Rye  are close by. 

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Welcome to Mudpie Fridays where I share our travels. Both here in the UK but also across Europe and further afield. My name is Clare and I am married with two mischievous boys, Charlie aged 11 and Harry who is 7. Read along as we find hidden gems, pack as much holiday time in as possible, while working a 9-5 and find amazing and unusual experiences. Proving travel can be fun, educational and hugely rewarding with kids. Grab a coffee and come and join us on our latest adventures.

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Connecticut , Maine , Martha's Vineyard , Massachusetts , Nantucket , Rhode Island  ·  February 6, 2024

15 Must-See Towns On The New England Coast (2024)

Planning a trip to the New England coast, and wondering where to find the most beautiful and charming towns? Well, I’m so glad you’re here, and you’ve found the perfect place. Hi! My name is Sam, and I’ve been exploring the New England region for over 10 years. I’ve spent a lot of time over countless adventures in this area to scout out the absolute best places along this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Two places that are very much worth your time that I didn’t include on this list are Boston and Portland . Why? Well, because you’ve probably already heard of them, and they’re likely already on your radar. While many of the other places on this list are also well-known, I wanted to focus on everything but two of the most well-known cities in New England.

This list is a culmination of all my travels along the coastline, and while it was very hard to narrow it down to just 15 places, these are all absolute the prettiest and most charming towns along the coast I’ve found over the years hat are just packed with New England character. And not only are they beautiful, they also offer lots of wonderful things to do during your visit to make them especially worth your while.

Ready to find out what they are? Let’s get started!

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The Absolute Best Towns To See On The New England Coast

1. nantucket, massachusetts.

Nantucket is most definitely one of the best New England islands to visit, and it’s also one of the most idyllic places to experience in the region. The historic downtown is lined with cobblestoned streets and independent shops, and outside of downtown, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, rose-covered cottages, lighthouses, and so much beautiful scenery everywhere you go. I always describe it as stepping into a picture-perfect New England postcard.

Nantucket sits just off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and to get there, you’ll need to take a ferry or fly to the island (but most people arrive by ferry). Once you arrive, I always recommend you spend some time downtown, then head over to ‘Sconset to do the Bluff Walk and see Sankaty Lighthouse, and if you can, catch a sunset at Madaket Beach before heading over to Millie’s for dinner and drinks. Oh, and of course, get an ice cream at Juice Bar 😉

Where To Stay On Nantucket :

→  The Wauwinet : Where to stay for secluded luxury with all the amenities.

→  The White Elephant : Where to stay for luxury in-town.

→  Union Street Inn : Where to stay in town with a cozy inn feel – voted the best small hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor!

Here are a few of my guides on Nantucket to help you plan your trip:

• Ultimate Nantucket Day Trip Guide
• Cape Cod vs. Nantucket
• How To Visit All 3 Nantucket Lighthouses

2. Edgartown, Massachusetts

Located on Martha’s Vineyard, which is the other island off the coast of Cape Cod, Edgartown is my personal favorite of the six towns on the island. It’s where I recommend most people stay when visiting Martha’s Vineyard, and it’s home to one of the best beaches on the island, as well as the beautiful Edgartown Lighthouse, and a charming downtown area with great shops and restaurants.

Not only that, Edgartown is the most picturesque town on the island, and is also lined with historic brick streets, white picket fences, and houses with beautiful gardens. It’s a treat just to walk around and admire all the houses.

Also in Edgartown is South/Katama Beach (it goes by both names 😉), which I think is the best, or at the very least, one of the top 3 beaches, on the island. This 3-mile long barrier beach is absolutely beautiful, and a great place to catch a sunset, too.

Lastly, Edgartown is home to Chappaquiddick Island, which is filled with unspoiled nature and Cape Poge lighthouse – this little town really has it all!

Where To Stay In Edgartown :

→  Harbor View Hotel : Where to stay for luxury and a water view in one of the best towns on the island.

→  Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites : Where to stay within walking distance to shops and restaurants, and many rooms have a water view.

→  The Winnetu : Where to stay within walking distance to one of the best beaches, with a modern but homey resort feel.

Here are a few of my guides on Martha’s Vineyard to help you plan your trip:

• Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip Guide
• Best Things To Do On Martha’s Vineyard
• Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket For A Day Trip
• How To See Martha’s Vineyard Without A Car
• Best Beaches On Martha’s Vineyard

3. Newburyport, Massachusetts

This is a lesser-known destination along the New England coast, and let me tell you – every time I recommend Newburyport to someone, they report back that it was such a pleasant surprise on their trip!

Technically a city just under an hour north of Boston, Newburyport offers the best of two worlds: relaxing beach destination on Plum Island, and charming downtown area in Market Square. In fact, if you’ve read through this website a bit, you’ll know that Newburyport is one of my all-time favorite towns for shopping in New England.

Filled with beautiful streets, historic charm, incredible shops, fantastic dining, and a beautiful water front park, Newburyport definitely feels like it’s the set of a Hallmark movie more than anything. And if you drive just a few minutes outside of downtown, you’re on the beautiful Plum Island peninsula, which has sandy beaches, wildlife preserves, and stunning, unspoiled scenery.

Where To Stay In Newburyport :

→ Blue – Inn On The Beach : The only hotel on Plum Island, this awesome beachfront, boutique hotel is a vacation all on its own.

→ Compass Rose Inn : This traditional New England-style inn is located within walking distance to everything in Newburyport, and breakfast and afternoon treats are included with your stay.

Psst! I have an entire guide on things to do in Newburyport and Plum Island , if you need even more ideas 😉

4. Ogunquit, Maine

Most definitely one of the best beach towns in New England , Ogunquit is home to Ogunquit Beach, which is also a top beach in all of Maine (and New England!). But what makes this one of the best towns to visit along the New England coast is all the amazing things to do in addition to the gorgeous beach.

But let’s start with the beach 😉 Stretching for over 3 miles, the beach is sandy and pristine, and while the water is a bit chilly, it’s perfect for swimming on a hot day. A just a short drive away, you’ll also find Footbridge Bridge, which is equally as beautiful.

But the actual town of Ogunquit is packed with New England charm, too. The walkable downtown is filled with lovely shops, eateries, and art galleries, and its small size allows you to pack a lot in during a weekend getaway without feeling rushed. And the best part? The town and beach are close to one another, and you can walk to both!

Lastly, my absolute favorite thing about Ogunquit is Marginal Way, which is a pedestrian walkway that hugs the coastline and stretches for just over a mile one-way. This path connects Ogunquit’s downtown with an adorable village called Perkins Cove, which offers a small sampling of adorable shops, restaurants, and you guessed it – more idyllic scenery!

Where To Stay In Ogunquit :

→ Anchorage By The Sea : Where to stay right on Marginal Way with coastal views.

→ Terrace By The Sea : A more affordable alternative to Anchorage, this cozy hotel is walkable to the beach, and also has a beautiful wrap-around porch with distant ocean views.

→ Cliff House : Where to stay outside of Ogunquit for the ultimate coastal escape that’s just a short 10-minute drive away. I list this as one of the top New England Resorts & Spas , so I wanted to give you this option, too.

Psst! I have an entire guide on why Ogunquit, Maine is worth visiting , if you’re looking for more inspiration 😉

5. Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport was made famous by President Bush, and let me tell you – it lives up to the hype. With an incredibly picturesque downtown area, amazing hotel options, beaches, nature trails, and wonderful dining, Kennebunkport really has it all, and is a fantastic destination to not only visit in Maine in the summer , but in all the seasons, too. It continues to be a favorite destination in southern Maine that I love to go back to time and time again.

Kennebunkport is divided into two sections: Downtown/Dock Square, and the beaches. So while they aren’t walkable to each other, they’re also not far, making this an easy trip to take to experience both.

You can also take a quick drive over to Cape Porpoise, which is a small village in Kennebunkport where you’ll find a few cute shops, restaurants, and quintessential coastal New England vibes.

Where To Stay In Kennebunkport :

→ Captains Collection : A group of historic homes-turned-inns, all walkable to town.

→ Cottages at Cabot Cove : A property of adorable, independent cottages right on a cove with free use of their row boats, and breakfast delivered to you daily.

→ Tides Beach Club : Where to stay further out from town, but right on the beach!

→ Hidden Pond : Where to stay outside of downtown that feels like an authentic Maine escape in the woods.

6. Bar Harbor, Maine

Known for being the town closest to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is also one of the most charming coastal towns in New England. While Acadia is definitely the main reason to head up this way for the iconic coastal views and stunning scenery, Bar Harbor is more than worth visiting while there, too.

The town is also where most people choose to stay when visiting the park, and there’s a reason for that: the colorful downtown is filled with tons of restaurants to choose from, cute shops, great hotels, and wonderful coastal scenery. It’s also a great launching pad for several boat tour options, including sunset cruises and whale watch tours.

And then, of course, you’re just a few minutes away from everything Acadia National Park has to offer, including incredible hikes, scenic drives, and so much more.

Where To Stay In Bar Harbor :

→  Bar Harbor Inn & Spa : Where to stay right in Bar Harbor that’s walkable to everything, with lots of amenities and water views.

→  Inn On Mount Desert : Where to stay on a moderate budget that’s walkable to everything in town, offers a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, and feels homey.

→  Bar Harbor Villager Motel : Where to stay on a budget that’s walkable to everything in town, with spacious, updated rooms.

Here are some more of my guides on Acadia and Bar Harbor you may find helpful:

• The BEST Acadia National Park Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Day Options!)
• Best Places & Towns To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park
• Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
• Day Trips From Bar Harbor
• Bar Harbor, Maine In The Winter

7. Block Island, Rhode Island

Located just off the coast of Point Judith, Rhode Island, Block Island is such a beautiful destination to visit when exploring this area. I first came here years ago with my husband to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and I loved it so much that I continue to go back.

At only about 9 square miles, this island is pretty small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for it with beautiful beaches, gorgeous views, a quaint downtown, and wonderful nature trails.

When you arrive on Block Island, the ferry terminal is located in the heart of town, so you won’t have to go far to explore the lovely shops and restaurants. But the real beauty of the island is in the surrounding areas. I highly recommend checking out the views from the Mohegan Bluffs staircase, visiting the unspoiled Mansion beach, grabbing lunch with a view of the harbor at The Oar, and walking out to North Lighthouse.

Where To Stay on Block Island :

→  The 1661 Inn : Where to stay close to shops and restaurants, with awesome views of the water.

→  The Atlantic Inn : Where to stay close to shops and restaurants with a cozy inn vibe.

→  Ballard’s Beach Resort : Where to stay in town that’s right on the beach, and best for those who want a party scene.

Psst! I have an entire guide on taking a Block Island day trip , which includes a lot of helpful information for your visit 😉

8. Camden, Maine

Located along Maine’s Midcoast, the small town of Camden is incredibly picturesque and one you’ll definitely remember. Built around a beautiful harbor and known for its sailing tours, this quaint town is filled with maritime charm, and also offers lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Walking down Main Street in town feels a bit like an escape from reality, and you’ll find wonderful independent shops and eateries to choose from. It’s also just a few steps over to the harbor, where you can sit and relax while admiring the sail boat bobbing in the water.

Camden is backdropped by Mount Battie, which is located inside Camden Hills State Park . If you’re looking for adventure, the park offers tons of hiking trails to enjoy, and it also has an easy auto road you can drive to the top of Mount Battie for an incredible bird’s eye view of the harbor below.

Where To Stay In Camden :

→ Camden Harbour Inn : Where to stay that’s walkable to town, and wonderful dining right on-site!

→ 16 Bay View : Where to stay in the heart of town with an awesome rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor.

9. Lubec, Maine

Located in the northeast corner of Maine, Lubec is a pretty far drive for most people exploring the New England coastline. But if you’re willing to make the drive, it’s so worth it.

Lubec is a small and authentic fishing town along the coast, and it’s just a few minutes from the Canadian border. In fact, you can see Canada pretty clearly when you walk around town! With its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery, it feels miles away from the rest of Maine.

Lubec is also home to a gorgeous lighthouse, and even more stunning nature trails to explore, too. West Quoddy Lighthouse is an iconic red and white striped lighthouse that sits overlooking the Quoddy Narrows, and is nestled in Quoddy Head State Park . There are absolutely amazing nature trails just a short walk from the lighthouse, so be sure to spend some time exploring during your visit.

Also in Lubec is even more hiking that I personally think is almost as beautiful as some of the views you’ll find in Acadia. I think you’ll be especially impressed by the Boot Head Preserve and the Hamilton Cove Preserve trails. Both of these offer views of the dramatic Maine coastline – have your camera ready!

Where To Stay In Lubec :

→ Inn On The Wharf : The best place to stay with ocean views! Casual vibe with an on-site restaurant.

Psst! I have an entire guide on why Lubec, Maine is worth visiting for even more ideas on what to do!

10. Rockport, Massachusetts

Located in the North Shore region of Massachusetts near Gloucester, Rockport is a town you really don’t want to miss along the region’s coastline. Made famous by Motif 1, which is the iconic red fishing shack known as the most painted building in the U.S., Rockport’s unique atmosphere and fishing village scenery makes this town worth a stop.

While small, Rockport is filled with lots of things to do, including the wonderful Bearskin Neck. This street is the heart of town, and is lined with colorful independent shops and art galleries that feature handmade, artisanal gifts and unique finds. At the end of Bearskin Neck is the beautiful breakwater, which you can walk out onto, and enjoy views of the harbor from a different perspective.

There are also beaches, Halibut Point State Park, boat tours, and kayaking adventures to enjoy during your visit!

Where To Stay In Rockport :

→ The Cove at Rockport : Modern coastal vibe that’s also cozy, and right on the water!

→ Addison Choate : Boutique hotel just a short walk to town, and includes breakfast and afternoon treats!

Psst! I have en entire guide on things to do in Rockport, MA to help you plan your visit!

11. Newport, Rhode Island

Known as the City by the Sea, Newport is famous for its impressive Gilded Age mansions and history, which is only one of the reasons it makes my list of the best coastal towns in New England.

Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is still accessible by car via Newport Bridge. And once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with beautiful maritimes scenery, historic streets and architecture, opulent mansions, an incredible culinary scene, and wonderful shopping.

During your visit, exploring downtown is a good place to start. Bowen’s Wharf is a must for shopping and iconic Newport views, and then head over to Thames Street for awesome shopping. Before leaving, be sure to walk Cliff Walk, which is a stunning pedestrian path along the coast which offers some of the best water views in town, and cruise along Ocean Drive at sunset.

Where To Stay In Newport :

→  Castle Hill Inn : Where to stay for luxurious seclusion with all the amenities, and walkable to Castle Hill Lighthouse.

→  Chart House Inn : Where to stay right in Newport that’s historic, walkable to everything, and loaded with charm (plus a great breakfast is provided!).

→  The Brenton : Where to stay right in Newport that’s walkable to everything, and offers harbor views and a newly renovated, modern vibe.

Psst! I have an entire guide on taking a Newport, RI day trip , which includes a lot of helpful information for your visit 😉

12. Mystic, Connecticut

Sitting along the Mystic River and Mystic Harbor, this adorable little town is so much more than the movie 😉 With coastal vibes at every turn, it really appeals to everyone with history, a charming downtown, idyllic scenery, wineries nearby, and lots more.

The Mystic Seaport Museum is a leading maritimes museum in the U.S., and here, you can climb aboard tall ships and feel as though history has come to life. Much of the museum is outdoors along the river, which makes for a wonderful afternoon during your visit.

The Aquarium is another popular attraction that’s worth your time, and the only place in New England to see Beluga whales!

Just outside of town, you can hop over to Olde Mistick Village, which is a unique shopping destination packed with charm and whimsy, and then drive to Stonington and explore the beautiful wineries.

Where To Stay In Mystic :

→ Whaler’s Inn : The best hotel that’s walkable to everything in town, and offers a mix of modern and traditionally-decorated rooms. Fantastic restaurant on site, too!

→ Taber Inne & Suites : A more affordable option just outside of town center that’s very cozy.

Psst! I have an entire guide on visiting Mystic, CT for even more fun things to do when you’re there!

13. Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Whenever I drive along Maine’s coast, I always have to stop in Boothbay Harbor. This quaint town showcases quintessential coastal Maine scenery, and has a unique atmosphere that will probably make you fall in love with it as much as I have 😍

Boothbay Harbor is pretty small, which is part of the appeal. Most everything is walkable around town, which is built around the beautiful harbor, and connected by a lovely little pedestrian walking bridge that provides wonderful views of the water and town.

But my favorite thing about this destination is the opportunity for lots of different boat tours. Departing from the harbor, you head head out for sunset sails, day charters, wildlife tours, and lobster trap cruises. And having done boat tours around Boothbay, I can attest to how gorgeous the New England coastal scenery is once you head out onto the water.

Just a short drive outside of town, you can also explore the beautiful Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which is most definitely worth a visit!

Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor :

→ Harborage Inn on the Waterfront : Right on the water with some rooms offering panoramic views of the harbor. Very short walk to downtown.

→ Spruce Point Inn : Where to stay outside of downtown for a more secluded resort feel that’s very relaxing.

Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor during your visit 😉

14. Marblehead, Massachusetts

A truly underrated town along the New England coast, Marblehead is a quaint and cozy historic destination lined with cobblestone streets, and is home to a beautiful harbor, a charming downtown, and lots of nostalgic nautical vibes.

Rooted in seafaring history, you’ll find lots of 17th-century architecture in the historic district, which is such a treat to explore. But even if history isn’t your thing, Marblehead some something that appeals to everyone. You’ll find beaches, waterfront parks, cute shops, and great restaurants to enjoy during your getaway.

A few of my favorite things to do when visiting is taking in the sunrise from Castle Rock, enjoying the views from Chandler Hovey Park, walking through Old Burial Hill (where scenes from Hocus Pocus were filmed!), and shop on Main Street and at Shubie’s market.

Where To Stay In Marblehead :

→ Harbor Light Inn: One of my all-time favorite New England inns! Historic, cozy, upscale but relaxed, and is walkable to most everything in Marblehead. Just a very short walk to shops and dining on Main Street.

Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Marblehead, MA during your visit!

15. Provincetown, Massachusetts

I wanted to end this list with one of my absolute favorite towns along the New England coast, which is located at the verrrrrrrry tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts – Provincetown.

Of all the places on this list, I’ve visited Provincetown the most, as I’ve been coming to Cape Cod since I was a kid. Provincetown, even in my earliest memories, continues to stick out as one of the most unique and beautiful places in the northeast. It’s vibrant and lively, while simultaneously relaxed, beachy, and casual. It’s also home to two Cape Cod National Seashore beaches , which are some of the best in the area.

Known as a haven for artists and the LGBTIQA+ community, Provincetown has a very welcoming and special atmosphere that I’ve never found anywhere else. It’s also packed with coastal charm around every corner, and offers fantastic dining, shopping, and art galleries to explore.

Where To Stay In Provincetown :

→ Crown Point Hotel & Spa : Where to stay in the heart of town that’s adults-only, and has a pool, hot tub, and spa, with breakfast included.

→ Salt House Inn : Where to stay that’s walkable to town, but tucked away on a quieter, residential street. Both historic and modern, they also offer a wonderful breakfast with your stay.

→ White Porch Inn & Art Hotel : Walkable to everything in town, this beautiful inn is a wonderful option. Breakfast is included and delivered to your room each day, and they also host seasonal wine hours on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer.

Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Provincetown during your visit 😉

Honorable Mentions!

While exploring the New England coast, you’ll also want to see if you can swing over to these towns because I think they’re very much worth your time, and many of them are close to the the places I mentioned above:

• Lots of towns around Cape Cod, including Chatham, Wellfleet, and Harwich Port
• Salem, Massachusetts
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• York, Maine
• Plymouth, Massachusetts

What’s The Best Way To Explore New England’s Coast?

To explore the New England coast, you’ll need to have a car, as public transportation around this area is not conducive for tourism. If you’re sticking to cities like Boston or Portland, you’ll be able to get around with public transportation, but once you’re outside the cities, a car is necessary.

If you’re flying in, I recommend flying into Boston Logan International Airport, and renting a car directly from the airport. If you’re planning to spend some time in the city, fly into the airport and make your way into the city without the car, and then pick it up on your way out.

Best Time Of Year To Explore The New England Coast

The New England coast is best explored June – late September, as this is when you’ll experience the best weather, and all the seasonal businesses like seafood shacks and boat tours will be open.

The busiest time along the coast in this region is July and August, which is considered the high season. During these months, you’ll find the biggest crowds, and the highest prices for accommodations. Do I think it’s worth it? Yep! I love visiting the coastline this time of the year, especially the beach towns, because as mentioned, everything is open, and the weather is perfect for swimming.

That said, if swimming isn’t a priority, and you’re hoping to avoid some of the crowds, I love to recommend visiting late May, June, and after Labor day until mid-October. It’s good to know that there are many places along the coast that are seasonal, so boat tours and some restaurants may not open until Memorial Day or early June, and boat tours usually begin to run mid to late May through Indigenous People’s weekend in October.

Best New England Coastal Towns To See In The Fall

Planning a fall visit? I love it! And as mentioned, October is a nice time to visit the New England coast, while saving some money on hotels, and avoiding a lot of the crowds. There are some really great coastal towns that put on stunning displays of fall foliage, so you can get the best of both worlds. Here’s where I recommend visiting along the New England coast in October where you can also see fall foliage:

• Camden, Maine
• Boothbay Harbor, Maine
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Newburyport, Massachusetts
• Marblehead, Massachusetts
• Kennebunkport, Maine

The Best Beach Towns Along The New England Coast

Just because it’s along the coast doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great town for beaches, so that’s something to keep in mind! Maine, for example, has some beautiful beaches, but much of the coastline is very rocky, and the same can be said for parts of Massachusetts.

In my opinion, these are the absolute best beach towns along the New England coastline that offer great beaches for sun, sand, and swimming:

• Ogunquit, Maine
• Provincetown, Massachsuetts
• Nantucket, Massachusetts
• Edgartown, Massachusetts
• Block Island, Rhode Island

Which New England State Has The Prettiest Coastal Towns?

While most of the New England states have beautiful coastal towns (except Vermont, since it doesn’t border the Atlantic!), I personally think Maine and Massachusetts have the prettiest towns along the water. Additionally, these two states have the most options when it comes to exploring idyllic towns along the coast, as well as top things to do in all of New England.

Tips For Planning A Trip To New England’s Coast

→ Cell phone service is generally reliable, but I still recommend off-lining Google Maps before your trip, as there are places along the coast that are cell phone dead zones. Better safe than sorry!

→ Even if you visit in the summer, be sure to pack some lightweight, warm layers like sweaters or jackets for the evenings, and plan to take these with you on any boat tours. It’s always chillier by the water, especially if you’re out on a boat.

→ Know that New England is generally more expensive than a lot of other areas around the U.S., so hotel rates are often more than people realize. During July and August, there’s a pretty high risk of sticker shock! But know that it’s all worth it.

→ If you get seasick, be sure to pack Dramamine, or whatever you use, if you plan to hop on a boat.

More posts you may enjoy:

• Summer In New England: Where To Go & What To Do!
• Incredible Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
• Fun Stops To Make Driving Boston To Portland, Maine
• The Most Perfect 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Places To Visit In New England

That’s A Wrap On The Best Towns On The New England Coast

And there you have it! That’s the inside scoop on the best towns to visit when exploring the New England coast. Needless to say, there are so many gorgeous places in this area that are incredible charming, offer tons of things to do, and will provide you with some of the best scenery this region has to offer. Happy planning!

You might also enjoy

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This pretty Northumberland spot has been voted the best seaside town in the UK

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The worst – and best – seaside towns in the UK for a staycation have been revealed, with a small village in the North East of England winning the top spot.

Bamburgh in Northumberland beat more than 100 other beachfront destinations to win best seaside town for the fourth consecutive year, in a survey voted for by the public.

With its commanding castle and miles of sandy beaches, Bamburgh received full five-star ratings for its beach, seafront, scenery tourist attractions and peace and quiet in the Which? survey.

Which? spoke to more then 4,700 travellers, asking them to rate their experiences of UK coastal towns, judging nine criteria including the quality of the beach and seafront, food and drink, and value for money. This led to a total score presented as an overall percentage of how satisfied customers were with the destination.

Bamburgh’s overall score was 86 per cent, with only the shopping letting it down. It received just one star in the shopping category, perhaps because the town with a population of only 400 residents does not have a variety of outlets, and its only retail outlets are a butcher’s shop and a post office.

The Welsh town of Portmerion came closely behind Bamburgh with an overall score of 83 per cent, despite getting two stars for shopping.

However, the popular Welsh town did receieve a full five-star rating for its beautiful scenery, seafront, tourist attractions, and parking, and four stars for its beaches. Some of the survey respondents called the scenery and the lush sub-tropical forests around the area “idyllic”. Others praised the “beautiful” mediterranean-inspired architecture and colourful buildings of the town.

The top seaside location in Scotland was St Andrews , which scored 82 per cent. Visitors were impressed with its beautiful historic tourist attractions and long beachfront.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: “From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.

“While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems in every corner of the UK.”

The top 10 seaside towns in the UK according to Which? consumers are:

• Bamburgh, Northumberland
• Portmerion, Gwynedd
• St Andrews, Fife
• Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
• St David’s, Pembrokeshire
• Dartmouth, Devon,
• Rye, East Sussex,
• Southwold, Suffolk
• Llandudno, Conwy
• Swanage, Dorset

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Why the ‘serene’ village of Bamburgh is the UK’s best seaside destination

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Perched on the Northumbrian coast is the quaint little village of Bamburgh, nestled just back behind the protection of its sprawling sand dunes.

With a population of just a few thousand, it’s a peaceful respite for any staycationer looking for vast sandy beaches and stunning walks.

There’s no doubt you’ll be drawn to the lone historic castle that sits atop an outcrop, overseeing those ambling about the singular main street below.

Bambrugh has all the makings of a quintessential British holiday, and it seems Which? readers agree, voting the coastal village the UK’s best seaside destination for the fourth year in a row.

It beat the likes of Portmeirion in North Wales and Scotland’s St Andrews, so we’ve got the low down on the wealth of things this tiny little village has to offer…

Things to do in Bamburgh

We’ll start with the obvious here – Bamburgh castle. It’s one of the largest inhabited castles in the country.

Wherever you’re staying in the village, you won’t be able to miss the royal fortress which juts up above the landscape.

What was once a Norman stronghold spans nine acres and has a history dating back more than 1,400 years. It’s even believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot’s fictional castle, Joyous Garde.

It’s had kings like Henry IV and James I walk its halls and it was a fixture in the War of the Roses.

You can tour the entire castle, looking at the state rooms, King’s Hall, the armoury and the keep. Adult entry costs £17 while children (five to 16) are charged £8.50. Kids under the age of four go free, or you can buy a family ticket for two adults and up to three children for £47. There are activities to do for children while you visit.

Right next to the castle is another huge attraction and one of our favourites – Bamburgh beach.

There’s a small free car park to leave your car in, where you’ll be greeted by a little truck which sells hot drinks for your long walk ahead.

You’ll wander down through the sand dunes (which can be a little steep) and you’ll end up on pure white, soft sand. It’s a sprawling flat stretch of coastline perfect for long, windswept walks, no matter the time of year.

The beach is also dog friendly, and in the summer it’s a great place to sit and build sandcastles with children.

If you pay attention you may spot dolphins just a few metres from shore, leaping through the air and back into the waves.

It’s also been voted one of the best surf spots in the North East if you like to catch the waves, and it’s also great for kite surfing, horse riding along the beach, and body boarding.

Surf and hire lessons are available if you feel like giving it a go.

If you walk north on the beach you’ll reach Stags Rocks (because of the white stag literally painted on the rocks). This is a great patch for rock-pooling with younger kids, and you’ll be sure to find all manner of crabs and little fish.

If you’re looking for something more educational, near the top of the main street in the village is the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, which is free to visit.

It follows the story of local heroine Grace Darling, who risked her life to rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire.

If you’re a golfer, then Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is a great scenic course, boasting views of Lindisfarne, where the vikings raided. There’s also the nearby 18-hole Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course too.

If you want a good bite to eat The Potted Lobster is a family favourite, with portion sizes that are way too large, but taste almost too good. We even asked the chefs why they make the plates of food so big, they simply said they won’t be changing their ways.

So if you want a lovely meal that’s value for money, you’ll be very satisfied. It offers locally sourced fresh seafood like haddock, prawns, mussels, trout, and of course lobster.

If fish isn’t your thing, then don’t stress. A favourite of ours is the sirlion steak or the butternut squash and sweet potato curry – although you probably won’t be able to finish it.

Where to stay in Bamburgh

With such a small population, the village relies on tourism, which means there are plenty of places for you to stay.

There are many independent holiday homes for families small and large, with many situated down The Wynding – a road just off the main street, right next to the beach.

You’ll want to do a food shop before coming to stay in the village though. While there’s a wonderful butchers and village shop, if you like branded snacks and supplies, then you’ll want to stock your own fridge.

If a hotel is more your speed then there’s the Victoria Hotel or The Lord Crewe.

The Victoria, a three-star hotel, is dog friendly but only for pets with ‘very well behaved owners’.

The hotel also has a cluster of self-service holiday cottages, known as the Point Cottages, which are just 40 yards from the beach (and right next to the golf course).

If you’re bringing your dogs to one of the cottages, you’ll be charged an extra £7.50 per dog, per night. You’ll need to book both the hotel or the cottages very far in advance to ensure you aren’t disappointed.

The Lord Crewe has a five-star AA rating but has very limited rooms – seven, to be exact. If you get in early you may just bag yourself one of the lovely unique bedrooms, then you can wander down to the delightful restaurant below, which serves oyster, lobster and steak (as well as scrumptious cocktails).

The perfect day trip from Bamburgh

If you want to do any of the numerous day trips from Bamburgh, you’ll need a car.

Our personal favourite is but a 30 minute drive from the village. Holy Island, or The Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

You’ll need a car to drive over the causeway, as the tide comes in at certain times, completely cutting off the island. The crossing times can be found here , but always allow at least half an hour leeway for safety.

The island itself is wonderful, with the stunning ruins of Lindisfarne priory and Lindisfarne castle.

It’s rich with history. In 635AD Saint Aidan travelled from Iona and founded his monastery on the island, making it a centre point for Anglo-Saxon Christianity.

The saint is buried here, and there’s a museum which will tell you all about the history of the priory.

Following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, the Castle was built in the 1550’s using stones from the demolished Priory.

Sandham Bay and Coves Haven are two of the beaches which you can indulge in, and there’s a wealth of pubs and food spots for you to enjoy. Although they do get busy.

When walking on Bamburgh beach you’ll be able to see the Inner Farne Islands from the shore!

How to get to Bamburgh

Driving to Bamburgh is your best option – that’s how we’ve done it every time, and it makes day trips easy.

There’s free parking everywhere so you needn’t worry about costs.

If you would prefer to get there by train, it’s a bit of a trek. Chathill is the nearest station to Bamburgh but there’s only a very early morning train or a late evening train.

It’s likely you’ll need to get the train to Berwick or Alnmouth. An LNER train from London, Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Newcastle and Scotland will call at both stations.

There’s no uber, so you’ll have to rely on there being a taxi at the station and it can sometimes be a bit of a wait.

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Or you can catch the Arriva X18 bus to Bamburgh from Berwick, or the Arriva X20 and then the northbound X18 or X15, if you’re arriving into Alnmouth.

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Visitors name Northumberland seaside town Britain's best for fourth year in a row, survey finds

Consumer group Which? surveyed more than 4,700 people about their trips to Britain's coastal towns over the past year, and named a northeastern town the best once again.

By Dylan Donnelly, news reporter

Friday 19 July 2024 16:12, UK

A seaside town in Northumberland has been named Britain's best for the fourth year in a row.

According to a Which? survey, Bamburgh in the North East of England is once again the UK's favourite beachfront town.

The consumer group surveyed 4,744 people about their experiences visiting Britain's coastal towns over the past year.

The results say Britons found the Northumberland village to be the best again, with a destination score of 86%.

Boasting the Bamburgh Castle above miles of white beaches, Which? quoted a visitor who said the structure is "probably the most impressive castle in the British Isles".

The survey also saw the town - which has a population of just over 400 people - receive five stars for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attractions, and peace and quiet.

Bamburgh also finished first place in the Which? survey in 2023, 2022, and 2021. It also took top spot in 2019 .

This year, the town ranked above Portmeirion, in Gwynedd, Wales , and St Andrews in Fife, Scotland , which placed second and third respectively.

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Wales has taken three spots in the top 10, with St Davids and Llandudno, and no town in Cornwall has ranked in the top 15.

However, a Welsh town also props up the bottom of the table: Bangor in Gwynedd took last place with a destination score of 42%.

Portstewart in Londonderry/Derry, Northern Ireland , has also featured in the top 20.

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20 best places to live by the sea in 2024 revealed

The coastal spots that should be on your radar...

It’s also safe to say that we’re spoilt for choice with brilliant beaches in the UK , but The Times has whittled down the very best coastal hotspots for 2024.

Their list of the best places to live by the sea features a wide range of commuter towns, seaside suburbs, arty spots and others known for their scenic beauty.

It also covers all areas of the country from the Scottish Highlands to the belly of Cornwall and has average house prices, according to Savills data, to go with them.

Read on for the top 20…

Best places to live by the sea in 2024:

Tynemouth, tyne and wear.

One of the region's most popular seaside villages, Tynemouth offers things to do all year round with sand, surfing and seafood on the agenda – thanks to a Blue Flag beach (Longsands) and Riley’s Fish Shack. The 35-minute Metro to Newcastle means it’s the perfect seaside suburb, too.

Average price: £320,276

Cromer, Norfolk

Often hailed as the gem of Norfolk's coast, this spot is known for its Blue Flag beaches, famous crab and Banksy's Great British Spraycation artwork. It’s also home to the country’s only remaining traditional end-of-the-pier variety show, the sell-out Seaside Special.

Average price: £292,494

The Witterings, West Sussex

Hugely popular with day trippers and holidaymakers, thanks to its large expanse of firm golden sand and shallow waters, West Wittering has also attracted A-List residents over the years – including Kate Winslet and Keith Richards.

It’s a lovely place to live too with the village itself boasting flint houses, quaint lawns and winding roads. The twin village of East Wittering is a much more practical affair – with friendly pubs, a fisherman’s hut on the beach and independent shops.

Average house price (East and West): £537,897

North Berwick, East Lothian

Not only is North Berwick one of the top spots to live by the sea, but it’s one best places to live in the UK generally. The Scottish town, in East Lothian, topped a list of 72 locations in The Sunday Times' annual report , becoming the first Scottish winner in its 12-year history. Its community spirit, connections to Edinburgh, independent shops, and two beautiful beaches helped secure the win.

Average price: £460,16

Shaldon, Devon

It’s not hard to see why this idyllic little fishing village of quaint thatched cottages, period houses, and contemporary homes has been selected for the shortlist. The shingle and red sand beaches gently slope into the calm Teign estuary waters – meaning it's a good spot for paddle boarding and kayaking .

Just be sure to check the tides before you head through the old smugglers’ tunnel to Ness Cove Beach as it disappears at high water.

Average price: £516,087

Ballycastle, Co Antrim

Game of Thrones fans will recognise the stunning scenery at Ballycastle, which offers breathtaking coastal views across the wild Atlantic to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. The small seaside town is on the northeasternmost coastal tip of Ireland and is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ with impressive surrounding mountain ranges, lakes, glens, forest and parks.

Average price: £249,667

Folkestone, Kent

Earlier this year, Folkestone in Kent was named the best place to live in South East England. While it’s undergone significant regeneration, many have noted how this seaside spot has managed to do so in a respectful way - retaining its historic charm and natural beauty. Nevertheless, art radiates across this port town, with the Creative Quarter (which houses over 100 artistic enterprises within its cobbled centre) at the heart.

Average price: £300,448

Portobello, Edinburgh

This coastal suburb of Edinburgh lies three miles from the city centre and attracts regular swimmers and sunbathers with its 2-mile-long beach. Several bars and cafés sit on the promenade, with further options on Portobello’s bustling high street. It’s also a rising property spot, with The Times hailing the area as "one of Edinburgh’s most fought-over addresses."

Average price: £303,208

Arnside, Cumbria

This modest and unspoilt spot on the edge of Cumbria , offers shops, galleries, great accommodation, and pubs and cafes with spectacular views. The town itself, which overlooks the estuary, is home to a Victorian promenade and an arching railway bridge across the River Kent. There’s plenty to explore in the surrounding countryside too, which is a sanctuary for rare birds, butterflies and plants.

Average price : £367,629

Penzance/Newlyn, Cornwall

The largest fishing port in England, Newlyn lies on the shore of Mount's Bay. It’s very much the heart of the Cornish fishing industry – and attracts a hubbub of activity because of it – but it has an interesting creative history, too. In the late 1800s, Newlyn welcomed the arrival of a creative artists colony that became known as the New School. These artists were inspired by the day-to-day life of the harbour and their work can now be found at Penlee House Gallery.

Average price: £302,328

Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

This small seaside resort between Tenby and Amroth is home to the wide sandy Saundersfoot Beach – making it an ideal place for sea swimming, canoeing, sailing and fishing. The Blue Flag Beach was also named one of the three most sustainable in the world in a TripAdvisor survey earlier this year.

Average price: £370,537

St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

With so many Londoners moving here, this arty seaside spot has been given the nickname 'Dalston-on-Sea'. And just like its East London counterpart, you’ll find natural wines, sourdough microbakeries, small plates menus in the cafes and restaurants in St Leonards-on-Sea. The area is even said to have inspired the work of Turner and Tracey Emin.

Average price: £313,289

Amble, Northumberland

Fish shacks and pastel-painted beach huts line the harbor at Amble and this seaside town is a real year-round tight-knit community – unlike other coastal towns that shut down over the winter months. It even has its own hyperlocal town paper, called Ambler.

Average price: £209,709

Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire

It may be a more modest seaside spot compared to others on this list, but that doesn’t stop beach huts at Sutton on Sea selling for upwards of £20,000. However, there are no fun fairs or arcades at this resort, instead a golden Blue-Flag beach, independent shops and community spirit are at its heart.

Average price: £248,495

Arisaig, Scottish Highlands

While the turquoise sea and sparkling sand are more reminiscent of a European destination, this is very much in the UK – on Scotland’s west coast no less. The village is incredibly remote but it does have a pub, Post Office , school and golf course.

Average price: £240,313

Exmouth, Devon

Where the river Exe meets the sea, this buzzing town is one of Devon’s oldest and prettiest seaside resorts. It also boasts two miles of sandy beach that sits alongside the Sideshore community development - an eco-friendly complex that features a watersports centre, coffee shops, restaurant and art gallery.

Average price: £358,924

Mumbles, Glamorgan

The gateway to the Gower Peninsula’s coastline, The Mumbles has history and charm at every turn; from the Victorian pier and the 1974 Lighthouse to Oystermouth Castle. The town is brought to life with small independent shops and boutiques as well as numerous pubs and seafood spots overlooking the beach.

Average price: £412,524

Southbourne, Dorset

This bustling and thriving coastal suburb has plenty in its arsenal, from its Beach Blue Flag award-winning sandy beach and colourful huts to the Boscombe Pier and town centre.

Average price: £474,486

Nairn, Highlands

Being one of the sunniest and driest corners of Scotland, it’s not hard to see why Nairn has made it onto this list. It’s home to two beaches, two championship golf courses and a resident pod of dolphins – plus plenty of walking and mountain biking opportunities at your fingertips.

Average price: £250,435

Waterloo, Merseyside

Waterloo's South Road – and the area surrounding it– is fast becoming one of the most sought-after spaces outside of the city centre for food and drink. At one end you'll find the picturesque Crosby beach and the community-led old school cinema the Plaza at the other.

Average price: £213,198

Lizzie is the Daily Editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy UK staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. Previously, she’s written for Metro , Evening Standard , Ideal Home , Woman & Home and various other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at University of Liverpool, where she also was a writer and editor for her uni paper.

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TUI launches 2025 winter sun holidays with loads of free kids places – including Cape Verde, Thailand and Egypt

• Ryan Gray , Travel Reporter
• Published : 10:48, 19 Jul 2024
• Updated : 10:48, 19 Jul 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

LOADS of winter holidays are set to go on sale this week, with extra flights loads of free kids' places.

TUI’s winter 2025 holidays launch on July 18, featuring thousands of resorts in more than 41 different destinations.

The holiday company is offering an extended booking window too, meaning holidaymakers can book their trips as far in advance as Easter 2026.

This will provide them with both more time to plan their trip and to spread the cost.  

The holidays include exclusive, direct TUI charter flights from various regional UK airports to places like Senegal , Cape Verde, Goa and Thailand.

New 10 and 11-night trips to Thailand are available for next winter, with additional TUI flights from both London Gatwick and Manchester to Phuket.

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There will also be new flights to Cancun in Mexico , from Newcastle and Cardiff airports.

They include a new fortnightly service running from Cardiff, as well as additional flights from Newcastle on selected dates in March and April 2026.  

TUI has added more free kids' trips to its holiday offerings, describing it as "its biggest ever winter for free kids’ places".

Families can make the most of those offers in places like the TUI Blue Sensatori Atlantica Dreams in Greece, and the TUI Magic Life Africana in Tunisia.

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Other popular hotels have been made available in the winter, including the Holiday Village Red Sea , which will start its season earlier than ever to include the Easter holidays. 

Meanwhile, TUI's Santa day trips will also be available for winter 2025, with an extra flight added from Newcastle to Kittila in Lapland to bolster the existing programme. 

Included in the package are taster experiences, from reindeer sleigh rides to snowmobiling and a meet and greet with Santa. 

Elsewhere, in the Indian Ocean, a trip to the brand-new hotel  RIU Palace Mauritius  has been added to TUI's portfolio, for anyone interested in some winter sun.

The adults-only property is situated on a palm-fringed beach in the south-west of the island, perfect for some much-needed sun during the cold months.

TUI’s Tours Programme has also been expanded for winter 2025, with the introduction of exciting new itineraries in Senegal, Malaysia, Goa and Egypt Nile tours.

The best deals on TUI holidays you can book right now

If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.

TUI offers 14-night holidays to Cancun, Mexico staying at the 4T+ Bahia Principe Grand Tulum on an all-inclusive basis from £1,995 per person based on two adults sharing, flights departing from London Gatwick Airport on 23 March 2025 with transfers.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt staying at the 4T+ Holiday Village Red Sea on an all-inclusive basis from £844 per person based on two adults and two children sharing, flights departing London Stansted on 8th October 2024 with transfers.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Boa Vista, Cape Verde staying at the 5T Riu Palace Boavista on an all-inclusive basis from £1149 per person based on two adults sharing, flights departing from Manchester Airport on 10 December 2024 with transfers.

TUI offers 7-night holidays to Fethiye, Turkey staying at the 5T Sensatori Akra Fethiye on an all-inclusive basis from £850 per person based on two adults and two children sharing, flights departing from London Gatwick on 31 March 2025 with transfers. Price is based on 1 x free kids’ place included.

A total of 42 tours are on sale for winter, making the TUI Tours programme twice the size it was last year.

Phillip Iveson, Commercial Director for TUI UK, comments: “We’re delighted to have an incredible range of holidays for winter 2025 going on sale up until Easter 2026.

"This year we have more free kids’ places for winter than ever before, low deposits and direct debit options which we know are so important in helping customers plan and budget.  

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"We have exclusive direct flying to Asia and North and West Africa, a multitude of beach hotels available from the Balearics to Bali and guided tours and winter breaks to Lapland and Iceland .

"Whatever kind of getaway customers are after they’ll find it with TUI.”  

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What We Know About the Global Microsoft Outage

Airlines to banks to retailers were affected in many countries. Businesses are struggling to recover.

• Share full article

By Eshe Nelson and Danielle Kaye

Eshe Nelson reported from London and Danielle Kaye from New York.

Across the world, critical businesses and services including airlines, hospitals, train networks and TV stations, were disrupted on Friday by a global tech outage affecting Microsoft users.

In many countries, flights were grounded, workers could not get access to their systems and, in some cases, customers could not make card payments in stores. While some of the problems were resolved within hours, many businesses, websites and airlines continued to struggle to recover.

What happened?

A series of outages rippled across the globe as information displays, login systems and broadcasting networks went dark.

The problem affecting the majority of services was caused by a flawed update by CrowdStrike , an American cybersecurity firm, whose systems are intended to protect users from hackers. Microsoft said on Friday that it was aware of an issue affecting machines running “CrowdStrike Falcon.”

But Microsoft had also said there was an earlier outage affecting U.S. users of Azure, its cloud service system. Some users may have been affected by both. Even as CrowdStrike sent out a fix, some systems were still affected by midday in the United States as businesses needed to make manual updates to their systems to resolve the issue.

George Kurtz, the president and chief executive of CrowdStrike, said on Friday morning that it could take some time for some systems to recover.

How a Software Update Crashed Computers Around the World

Here’s a visual explanation for how a faulty software update crippled machines.

What was affected?

It is more apt to ask what was not affected. Everything from airlines to banks to health care systems in many countries was hit.

In Australia, passengers were stuck in long lines at Sydney airport as information screens went blank, and programming was disrupted at the national broadcaster. Airports in Britain, Germany and Taiwan had long delays at check-ins and flights were delayed or canceled. At an airport in South Korea, handwritten boarding passes were being slowly handed out.

How the airline cancellations rippled around the world (and across time zones)

Share of canceled flights at 25 airports on Friday

50% of flights

Ai r po r t

Bengalu r u K empeg o wda

Dhaka Shahjalal

Minneapolis-Saint P aul

Stuttga r t

Melbou r ne

Be r lin B r anden b urg

London City

Amsterdam Schiphol

Chicago O'Hare

Raleigh−Durham

B r adl e y

Cha r lotte

Reagan National

Philadelphia

1:20 a.m. ET

Flights continued to be disrupted at some U.S. airports into the morning because of the cascading effect of flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that ground stops and delays would be “intermittent” at some airports as airlines grapple with residual technology issues.

The outage affected emergency 911 lines in multiple states, the U.S. Emergency Alert System said on social media — but most if not all of the emergency system problems appeared to be resolving themselves by midmorning.

A few hospitals in Germany said they would cancel elective procedures; and in Britain, some doctors in the National Health Service were unable to gain access to systems. Kaiser Permanente, a medical system that provides care to 12.6 million members in the United States, said all of its hospitals’ systems were affected, and it activated backup systems to keep caring for patients.

At some banks, including JPMorgan Chase, there were delays in processing trades because bankers could not log into their work systems. TD Bank, the 10th largest in the United States, said customers complained that they could not access their online accounts.

But the problems were not uniform. London’s Heathrow Airport said that its flights were still operating. The London Stock Exchange said that it could not publish news updates but the exchange, where trades take place, was working as normal. The auction system at the Norwegian central bank was briefly interrupted, but other major central banks, the European Central Bank and Bank of England, said there was no effect on their systems.

In some cases, issues were resolved relatively quickly. In Ukraine, Sense Bank and the mobile operator Vodafone reported brief problems with their services. At Dubai International Airport, two airlines switched to alternative systems, allowing operations to resume.

Major grocery chains in the United States appeared largely unaffected, with most stores operating as usual. But the world’s biggest logistics companies, including United Parcel Service and FedEx, did report disruptions, causing delivery delays in some regions. A spokesman for UPS said the company’s computer systems in the United States and Europe were affected.

Who’s to blame?

Mr. Kurtz said CrowdStrike took responsibility for the software bug, sent in a system update, that caused the outage. He said in a post on X that Mac and Linux users were not affected.

The incident was not a cyberattack, Mr. Kurtz said, adding that customers remain “fully protected.” But Mr. Kurtz warned on NBC’s “Today” show that the fix could take some time to put in place.

“We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption,” Mr. Kurtz said. Microsoft offered suggestions to users to help resolve the issue, including restoring backup systems.

While CrowdStrike is at fault for the software bug, J.J. Guy, chief executive of cybersecurity company Sevco, said poor resiliency of Microsoft’s operating system is to blame for extent of the damage.

“Bugs happen all the time and are unavoidable, the result of business complexity and technology,” Mr. Guy said. “But this became a catastrophic incident because of the remediation procedures. The resiliency of the operating system was not sufficient to mitigate the risk of that.”

Microsoft did not immediately respond to requests for comment on its operating system. The company’s chief executive, Satya Nadella, said in a post on X that Microsoft is working with CrowdStrike to offer customers technical guidance and bring systems back online.

Eshe Nelson is a reporter based in London, covering economics and business news for The New York Times. More about Eshe Nelson

Danielle Kaye is a business reporter and a 2024 David Carr Fellow, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Danielle Kaye