39 Best Seaside towns in the UK to visit

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most picturesque seaside villages in the world. From quaint fishing villages to bustling seaside resorts, there’s no shortage of coastal communities that offer stunning scenery and a laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation, these charming towns have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best seaside towns in the UK and what makes them so special.

We always went to the seaside when I was a kid, from the beaches of Northern Ireland to the Kent coast. It was all buckets and spades, fish and chips and a 99 ice cream cone. Living in Britain it didn’t matter if it was rainy, cold or a beautiful golden day, by god we were going on a seaside vacation.

From beach huts to penny arcades to fantastic surfing beaches Britain’s seaside villages and towns have long endured waves of visitors, tourists and locals flocking in to enjoy their offerings.  From the bright lights and illuminations in places like Blackpool to the quieter more delicate sensibilities of beach towns like Hastings Brits love their seaside vacations.

There is nothing better than road trips in Europe and in the UK there are many to choose from particularly when you need a #staycation and a #beachholidayUK. 

Kings and Queens alike have all enjoyed a British holiday by the seaside and these British beaches make for a perfect staycation when you can’t travel far. You might not believe that Britain could have such brilliant seaside villages and beaches but it does.

Rain or shine the best coastal towns in the UK from Essex to Ireland put on some fine entertainment and are some of the best in the world and it doesn’t matter if their Victorian charms are becoming faded, or they don’t have fancy watercraft or banana boats to mess around in English beach towns have something for everyone.

English coastal towns and villages include everything from historic villages to loud and brash hyper-entertainment centres.  The England coast is either heaven or hell depending on the type of beach vacation you are looking for.

What are Blue Flag Beaches?

The Blue Flag award is a prestigious, international award scheme that aims to provide an assurance to tourists that a beach has met a minimum standard. To collect a Blue Flag any United Kingdom beach must achieve the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

How many Blue Flag Beaches are in the UK? There are 104 Blue Flag beaches across the UK.

These are the greatest seaside towns in Britain visited and written by those who have travelled the world (and explored at length their own areas of Britain). These are 39 of the best and prettiest seaside villages in the UK to explore and enjoy.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can read my privacy policy here.

39 Seaside towns in the UK

Best seaside villages in Scotland

St. Andrews, Scotland

When you think of St. Andrews Scotland, most people think of golf. Yes, this is where the game of golf was created and to play on the Old Course is a golfer’s dream.  Especially, if said golfer gets to take an infamous photo on the Swilcan Bridge located at the 18^th hole.

However, there is a lot more to this town that is located on the east coast of Scotland. One of the most interesting things to do is roam the graveyard located right at the ruins of St. Andrews Castle.  These ruins overlook the North Sea and have a dungeon and lots of old, old gravesites to explore.

As you walk the street more towards the centre of town, don’t pass up North Point Café.  If you are a fan of Kate and William like I am, this little café is where they frequently had coffee together.

In town, there is a good amount of shopping and of course delicious food.  A must is to try a cheese scone, yum!  There is also the Golf Museum, of course, and plenty of golf gifts to buy.  Take a walk along their seaside beach, West Sands Beach. A two-mile-long stretch of pretty sand to view the sea and the golf course. from Sherrie from TravelbyaSherrieaffair25.

Footdee, Scotland

‘Footdee is an old fishing village on the east coast of Scotland and despite its spelling, it is actually pronounced ‘Fittee’ by the locals. Although it sits on the edge of the city of Aberdeen, it is still a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away on its own at the head of a little peninsula.

Those that do discover it are in for a treat as it is unlike any historic fishing village I’ve been to before.  There are the usual rows of charming little cottages dating to the mid-19th century, some with brightly painted doors and nautical ornaments adorning their exterior.  However, it is the colourful and quirky outhouses in the village square that make this place so unique today.

The community was originally built to provide better quality accommodation for nearby fishing families and Footdee is now deemed a conservation area.  The eccentric structures in the village centre were originally constructed on the common green to provide extra space for the residents as the cottage interiors were so small and often home to multiple families.

The outside sheds historically had a practical use as washhouses and storehouses for fishing gear and wet clothes.  Today they are a jumble of rustic and uniquely decorated buildings that are more akin to something you would find in an artists’ colony.

Footdee has a lovely wide, sandy beach with a seawall and pedestrian walkway for cyclists, skateboarders and walkers.  The beach is very popular with bathers in the summer and there are information signs on water temperatures and quality. In some months you may get lucky and spot seals, dolphins and whales out in the water. by Suzanne of Adventures Around Scotland

Ullapool, Scotland

Ullapool is a small, picturesque, highland coastal town situated on Loch Broom in northwest Scotland. It has always been associated with fishing, ever since its birth as a herring port in 1788. Despite being located so far north, it benefits from the effects of the North Atlantic Drift which brings a degree of warmth to the surrounding air and ocean. The neighbouring lush tropical gardens of Inverewe are evidence of this.

Ever since the North Coast 500 route became popular, this town has been a must-see for tourists and an ideal place to lunch amongst breathtaking scenery. And because of this, it has long been on our bucket list. This summer we were given the opportunity to do just this, and we were not disappointed.

The approach through the wild Wester Ross landscape, with its stunning combination of mountains and lochs, is already impressive. We park and head down to the harbour area where all the action is. There is real energy with both tourists and locals concentrated around the ferry terminal that serves the Western Isles. The pretty waterfront is blessed with a choice of cafes and restaurants that overlook the loch dotted with colourful boats and a dramatic backdrop of distant heather hills.

We opt for locally caught fish and chips, which is eaten alfresco on a sunny terrace. Ullapool is famous for its seafood and this is some of the best fish, I have ever had. Lunch is followed by a stop at Gelato which sells the most amazing artisan ice cream.

Exploring the little whitewashed town further we discover an array of craft shops, galleries and an interesting antique shop. But this town is not just about lunch and shopping, it’s the raw natural beauty that really makes it a special place to visit. Contributed by  Jonathan of ScotlandBucketList

Oban, Scotland

Oban is my favourite wee (= small) town in Scotland. Its location on the west coast of Scotland also earned it the name Gateway to the Isles and it’s the perfect location for a seaside getaway with island hopping in Scotland.

The town has a picturesque harbour with a colourful waterfront and houses dotting the hills behind it. I love going for walks along the waterfront and all the way to Dunollie Castle, which lies about 1 mile up the shore. Along the shore, there are little boats offering day trips to local seal colonies, wildlife tours to see basking sharks or puffins or island-hopping around the smaller islands off the coast.

For bigger adventures, the Calmac ferry port in town operates connections to the isles of Mull, Tiree, Colonsay, Coll, Lismore and even the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. You can bring your car across, or board as a foot passenger to explore the islands on foot or by bike. You could easily base yourself in Oban and discover a different island every few days.

Back on the mainland, there is a lot more to see and do in Oban. The best view over the town, the Sound of Kerrera and the Isle of Mull is from McCaig’s Tower high above the harbour. You can drive there or reach it on foot after a 20-minute walk up the hill. Another highlight is the Oban Distillery where you can learn everything about making whisky and have a dram (= a drink) yourself! Contributed by Kathi from Watch Me See

You might also like

The 13 most Interesting Things to do in Inverness, Scotland

The perfect Ireland and Scotland Itinerary

Journey to the Black Isle of Scotland the amazing mysterious isle

Scottish foods –  53 Scottish favourites

Visit Edinburgh – the historic heart of Scotland

Best seaside villages in England

Dartmouth, Devon

When travelling, there are times when you stop, stare and smile at the beauty you see. We were house-sitting four adorable rabbits in Dorset and decided to spend the day in the seaside town of Dartmouth.

Winding our way down the two-lane roads to Kingswear and the River Dart, we kept pace at times with the impressive Dartmouth Steam Train. But it was a picture-postcard view of brightly coloured houses and fishing boats of Dartmouth, that had us entranced.

Dartmouth Passenger Ferry from Kingswear across the River Dart is the best way to get to Dartmouth. It’s a quick trip across arriving at Dartmouth embankment where you can begin with a stroll along the water’s edge. Here you can find beautiful cafes and restaurants, with a view of the impressive Britannia Royal Naval College.

Next stop if you love shopping is to stroll along Foss Street with its old English boutique shops with charming bay windows.

If you are up for a walk, Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of River Dart is well worth a visit. The walk to here has wonderful views, and the castle holds a history back to 1388. You’ll also enjoy the Dartmouth Museum where you can learn more about the maritime history of Dartmouth when it was a trade port.

One of the best things to do in Dartmouth is to buy yourself some delicious fish and chips. Yum, yum, yum. Then head to the Royal Avenue Gardens to enjoy eating them.  The gardens are another highlight of Dartmouth.

And before you leave, why not enjoy a cruise along the River Dart to see Sir Walter Raleigh’s boathouse and Agatha Christie’s estate. Contributed By TravelKiwis – Rediscovering Travel at 50

Brighton, Sussex

Brighton is a seaside city situated on the south coast of England. It is nestled between Eastbourne and Worthing and is within driving distance of Portsmouth, Southampton, and Hastings.

Brighton is most famous for its impressive pier and pebbled beach, located just 10 minutes away from the central train station. But over the recent years, Brighton has become a popular tourist destination for more than its beach. It’s now known as one of England’s most diverse cultural hubs.

One of the many fun things to do in Brighton is to take a ride on Volk’s Electric Railway. This is the oldest electric railway in the world dating back to 1883. The train runs along the seafront today and gives passengers an authentic ride between Aquarium Station (near Brighton Palace Pier) and Black Rock Station (near the Marina).

With 1 restaurant for every 250 people in Brighton (that’s more eateries than anywhere else in the country!), Brighton is one of the best places to eat vegetarian or vegan food and enjoy some of Brighton’s best Craft Beer Breweries. And most of those restaurants are located on the famous Lanes.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Located in the Northwest of England visiting Blackpool used to be the height of a seaside holiday back in the day. These days though visiting Blackpool is an either-love-it-or-hate-it kind of holiday. There are plenty of things to do in Blackpool and it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.

So we set out to find the best things to do in Blackpool there is a lot to see and do and it seems to be aimed towards families with not a lot of money so it is good for the budget. We have friends from Glasgow who bring the grandkids down every year and they just love it here. 

One of Blackpool’s truly redeeming features is the absolutely beautiful unspoilt sandy beaches.

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire

There are many picturesque beaches on the North Yorkshire Coast one of the best is Robin Hood’s Bay is what you picture when you think of British seaside villages. There’s a lovely beach where you can play in rock pools, dig for crabs and have a great ice cream while wandering the village.

Robin Hood’s Bay is a walk down the hill from the top. Parking is in several lots as cars are not allowed in the village. It’s a great walk down but a bit of a hike up. There is a wide range of pubs, restaurants and cafes to grab a cup of tea and a great crab salad sandwich.

Dovercourt, Essex

Dovercourt is a great beach town in Essex. It works really well as a day trip from London. You can get there by train from Liverpool Street with a change at Manningtree.

The journey takes about 1,5 hours. Dovercourt Beach is lovely to have a picnic, go for a walk or swim if it’s a hot day. You can also fly a kite if it’s windy. There are several cute beach huts as well. We had some time to pass and visited a cute little family-run cafe called The White Coffee House. They had delicious cakes and a different selection of teas.

My favourite activity in Dovercourt, however, was kayaking. Nomad Sea Kayaking organises eco-seal colony kayak trips. We covered 13 km by kayak, which took about 5 hours with a short snack break. We were absolutely knackered by the end, as we had challenging conditions. But we had a lot of fun and it was an unforgettable experience. Kayaking is not difficult and it’s a great way to explore areas you may not see from land, here’s a link that will teach you more about what is the best kayak for beginners.

We saw seals in their natural habitat. Our guide told us how to behave around the seals, so we won’t disrupt them. We had to be quiet and not approach them. The seals were very curious. I loved how they popped their head out of the water and stared at us. A truly unique experience for any nature and wildlife lover! Contributed by Eniko from TravelHackerGirl

You might also like

Great Reasons to visit Chelmsford in Essex

Short breaks in Jersey: The Perfect Long Weekend in Jersey

Things to do in Leicester England where the middle-ages ended

All the best things to do in Salisbury England

Easy getaways from London

Best 24 City Staycations in the UK

Scarborough, Yorkshire

Scarborough is a popular seaside town on the North Yorkshire coastline. It is set on a hill with the main town and shops at the top of the hill and everything you expect from a seaside resort down on the lower level. It is a very picturesque town and every visit can bring something new to see or do. It is hard to run out of things to do in Scarborough.

If you don’t fancy the steep walk up or down the hill head on down to the far south of the south beach and take the vintage tram up or down. On the promenade, you will find restaurants galore including fish and chips, seafood and more. Most of the restaurants here look out to the beach or harbour.

The main road is lined with amusements and there’s a mini fairground up at the top end. If boats are your thing there are plenty of boat cruises from the harbour from speed boats to pirate ships and wildlife spotting trips to sea fishing boats.

High up on the cliffside you will find the ruined, English Heritage run, Scarborough Castle. It’s a great place to explore and well worth a visit. From the top, you can look out over to the north or south beach.

The north beach is being rapidly developed with new 5* holiday apartment lets, the popular Peasholm park with a Chinese theme and boat hire on the lake. Plus you can take a steam train up to the Scarborough Sealife centre. Another fun place to visit is the massive water Park, Alpamere. If you visit as the tide is going out be sure to take your fishing net as it’s really easy to catch crabs in the rock pools of the north beach. Scarborough is a multi-generation resort. Contributed by Suzy of OurBucketListLives

You might also like

Helmsley Castle an atmospheric ruin in North Yorkshire

16 Evocative Ruined Abbeys in Yorkshire

Yorkshire Market Towns & Prettiest Yorkshire Villages

Rievaulx Abbey a haunting ruin in North Yorkshire

Yorkshire Coast – 9 seaside places to visit

Bournemouth, Dorset

Bournemouth is a coastal British seaside town. Located on the Southern coast of England, and with 7 miles long beaches, Bournemouth is a very popular holiday destination. Bournemouth offers busy nightlife, great food, and amazing beaches. Amongst other touristy sights in Bournemouth there is the Old Harry Rocks, which is a unique formation of rocks on the coast, and as well as the Bournemouth Lower Gardens to walk around for a perfect day out.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach or looking for sport or water activities- Bournemouth has all of that to offer; Visitors can rent a beach hut and spend the day chilling at the beautiful sandy beach. Alternatively, there are also opportunities to hike such as at the Hengistbury Head to enjoy panoramic views.

Indeed, Bournemouth is the perfect holiday destination whether you are looking for a romantic gateway with your partner, or even looking for a family holiday with kids. Contributed by Hadas of TheFashionMatters

Hove, East Sussex

Hove is far more than Brighton’s other half. In fact, when it comes to the salty air of the seaside and a spot to pop down your deck chair, I’d say Hove had the most to offer.

On the hunt for iconic beach huts? They’re here. Dancing and musical performances in the open air? That’s Hove Bandstand. Wide lawns and beaches where you can have a BBQ in the summer? That’s what makes Hove special.

You can’t go wrong on a sunny day with a trip to Hove Lawns Cafe, where you can watch the whole world go by and grab an ice cream. After that, walk past the rows of roller skaters and walkers on the promenade to picnic by the seafront on soft lawns. Bring a blanket and a book. Next, you can explore the world of days gone by at Hove’s Regency Townhouse.

When the sun starts to set you’ll get gorgeous shots of the waves, or selfies in front of those iconic beach huts in a warm sunny glow. After dark, the best stargazing in the city with the least light pollution starts from the furthest end of the row of huts. The moon has never looked brighter. Contributed by Danielle of Live in 10 Countries

Lyme Regis, West Dorset

Small winding streets, lead to the most charming shops. Shacks, selling fresh cockles and oysters over ice. Fish battered just right, served with chips and malted vinegar on every street corner. And endless shops filled with excavated dinosaur bones. The seaside villages of West Dorset are outstanding and Lyme Regis is one of the most picturesque.

These were our first impressions of the beautiful, and very English, seaside town of Lyme Regis. Situated in West Dorset, also known as the Jurassic Coast, this resort town is filled with all the quintessential British coastal hues and flavours.

Beach huts painted in pastel colours to brighten up the grey skies, seagulls hovering over to see if they can score a bit of the chip that may have fallen out of your paper cones, and families scouring the beach for some artefacts from long ago. Not to be missed is a dip in the cold waters. This in itself will liven up any day.

There is, of course, ice cream and arcades for the kids, and for the adults, the most charming thatched-roof pubs that serve good British fare and pints upon pints of lager. Lyme Regis to us encapsulates storybook images of what a day on the English seaside would be like. Contributed by Brenda of Dish Our Town

Polperro, Cornwall

Polperro is everything you want a British seaside town to be: friendly, quaint and a little bit quirky. Not only does it have plenty of traditional British favourites – including the best Cornish pasty in the world and incredible Cornish ice cream – but it somehow mixes them all with a very modern vibe.

Hiking trails, beautiful beaches and rolling hills are only a short walk away from the town of Polperro. Whether you’re looking for a little bit of adventure, a complete escape from modern life or a lazy day at the beach, Polperro makes a fantastic base. It’s perfect for a very British family getaway or even for a couple’s holiday. Contributed by Jodie of  Alajode

Ilfracombe, North Devon

Ilfracombe on the north Devon coast is a picture-postcard seaside town famed for its ‘curious coastal charm’, craggy scenery, stunning beaches and rolling hills. The small, but perfectly formed harbour is lined with fishermen’s cottages, quaint buildings, shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants.

Fresh locally caught fish, seafood, crabs and lobster are sold each day from the quayside. The town has a network of winding alleys and lanes which all head down to the pretty little harbour.

For me, the best thing about Ilfracombe is its beaches. Head to this quaint little town and you’ll be spoilt for choice. Tunnels hewn into the cliffs will lead you to calm bathing pools at Tunnels Beach. Beautifully sheltered and sandy with shallow bathing pools Tunnels Beaches are perfect for families with small children. If like me, you like your beach craggy and wild then you have a few to choose from. Nearby Woolacombe with its swathes of golden sand has been rated by Trip Advisor as the fourth-best beach in Europe.

Coastal walks with stunning Devon scenery are a few steps away and for the energetic, the rugged coastline of the South West Coastal Path passes right by the town. Capstone is the perfect place to catch a sunset and the views from Lantern Hill are more than worth the climb. Contributed by Suzanne of The Travelbunny

Broadstairs, Kent

Broadstairs is a small seaside town on the tip of Kent.  Well-known as a family-friendly town it has an interesting history and a small-town feel to it.  Viking Bay is the main beach with a large sandy beach which slopes gently at high tide and rock pools for exploring at low tide.  There is also a saltwater pool to explore when the tide is out. Perfect for family holidays.

Above the beach is the small harbour and Bleak House.  Built in 1801 this impressive house (now a B&B) was once the home of Charles Dickens and his influence is felt through the numerous celebrations of his life in the town.  The Dickens Festival in June is unique, celebrating his life and times.

As with all seaside towns, there are small shops, arcades, a cinema and the best ice cream from Morelli’s.  As a child, I remember the taste of the ice cream and returning with my own children the knickerbocker glories are still amazing. Contributed by Suzanne of  Meandering Wild

Torquay, Devon

Torquay is an old seaside town in Devon that is a part of the English Riviera. The weather there is milder and sunnier than in most parts of Britain. This traditional fishing and agricultural town has become a chic seaside resort for the rich and the fashionable during the 19th century. Nowadays, Torquay still remains one of the best places to visit in the United Kingdom because of its relaxed vibe, idyllic coasts, traditional buildings, and historic attractions.

Torquay offers various water sports such as sailing, waterskiing, Ringo rides, wakeboarding, and fishing. National and international sailing competitions occur in its beautiful horseshoe-shaped Tor Bay while luxurious yachts can be admired from the stunning Torrey Abbey Sands. It is one of the best places for learning about sailing or enjoying other watersports in the United Kingdom because of its mostly calm waters.

Another awesome thing about Torquay is its very vibrant night scenes. There are three main theatres in Torquay: the Babbacombe Theater, Princess Theatre, and the Little Theatre. The Victorian theatres offer nightly musicals, concerts, ballets, shows, and even comedies.

The relaxed atmosphere and long stretch of the stunning promenade of Torquay also make it ideal for strolling, especially along the South West Coast Path with its picturesque cliff views. While you’re at it, take the path to the Seafood Coast of England and make a stop at one of their traditional restaurants that serve fresh catch every day.

The seaside town of Torquay is also home to Britain’s most important archaeological site, Kent’s Cavern which was home to ancient humans from 40,000 years ago. The medieval Torrey Abbey is also a popular historic site with galleries and a children’s playground overlooking the seafront. Contributed by Karolina at KarolinaPatryk

Bryher, Scilly Isles, Cornwall

My favourite British seaside town or village is Bryher. It is located on the gorgeous Isles of Scilly, just off the Cornish coast in the southwestern part of England. It is quite an isolated seaside town I dare say!

In general, the Isles of Scilly are known to have stunning scenery, as well as being home to sub-tropical plants, sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the ocean. They are a perfect idea for a getaway vacation to spend some quality time with yourself away from all the city craziness!

Bryher has been long discovered by our English ancestors. In fact, Bryher is home to the infamous Hell Bay. Have you ever heard of it? Simply put, Hell Bay is every sailor’s nightmare. Facing the Atlantic, it is known for being one of the most notorious places for shipwrecks. In the old days, almost every ship whose destination was Hell Bay at Bryher never actually made it. Apparently, it still is home to some shipwrecks from the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Besides this interesting historical fact, you can find varied accommodations on the island. Whether you prefer to book a guesthouse, a hotel or stay in a seaside cottage, the choice is entirely yours. The island is easily accessible by boat. Sometimes, you might even be able to walk from Bryher to another town called Tresco if the tide is low enough. What’s best, the island has a shop, a café and a bar, so there is no need to worry about getting bored. Nothing beats a coffee with a lovely view.

All in all, I highly recommend visiting Bryher and experiencing the impeccable scenery only found on the Isles of Scilly. Contributed by Michelle of Greedy Gourmet

Southwold, Suffolk

Southwold, on the Suffolk Coast, is one of our favourite seaside towns. It’s a charmingly old-fashioned place, with brightly-coloured beach huts, Punch and Judy shows and a great fish and chip shop beside the sea.

The award-winning beach here is ideal for families and you might even find some amber on the sand – some of the stones are 30 to 40 million years old.

We also love Southwold Pier, with its funny mechanical water clock and eccentric slot machines where you can play games like Whack-a-Banker or Frankenstein, the wind-up monster. Wander to the end of the pier and you might be able to spot a seal or a porpoise in the North Sea.

If you walk all the way past the beach huts towards the lighthouse you’ll eventually come to the harbour. Take a ride on the rowing boat ferry across the water to the delightful village of Walberswick. This is the place to go crabbing or have a cream tea in one of the pretty cafés on the village green.

The Suffolk Coast is a fabulous place to take the kids and full of family-friendly pubs with great places to grab some refreshments and good food. Contributed by Clare of, Suitcases and Sandcastles

Appledore, Devon

Nestling into the estuary on the north coast of Devon, you’ll find the fishing village of Appledore.   bursting with seafaring traditions, the village has a maritime museum filled with tales of smuggling, Viking invasions and voyages to the New World.  When you first arrive, you’ll find a village sign depicting all that Appledore has to offer; it’s a piece of art in its own right.  Wander a little down the Quay, and you start to see why this is no ordinary village.  Brightly painted cottages have wild and extravagant door knockers, depicting life lived close to the waves.  Then you have the galleries, vibrant with local artwork.

There’s a fine deli, crammed with local produce and well-designed for making a picnic to fuel exploration.  Grab yourself a spot on the Quay, or if the tide is out, wander down to perch by the water.  You should find a van selling locally-made ice cream to finish up your lunch.  Afterwards, take a wander down the narrow lanes, filled with more intricately decorated cottages, one-off shops and some rather lovely pubs.  There’s a tiny ferry to take you across to Instow on the other side of the river, with broad sands ready to enjoy, spotting all kinds of watercraft as you go.  There’s sailing here too, and you might spot boats racing in the estuary.

Visit in September and you’ll be treated to the Appledore Book Festival.  Full of talks from internationally renowned authors such as Michael Palin and with a collection of great activities including ghost walks, the Festival’s a good time to visit.  But whenever you take that spectacular journey to Appledore, you’ll find it a great place to recharge, challenge your mind and celebrate the beauty of the coast. Contributed by Bernadette of A PackedLife

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Located on the North East Coast in the County of Northumberland, Bamburgh hosts one of the most glorious beaches in England.  Period.  Miles of golden untouched sand, the bracing winds from the North Sea and sand dunes that are completely unsullied provide a backdrop for the most magnificent of castles.  The village of Bamburgh is dominated by Bamburgh Castle, and rightly so.  This seat of the Kings of Northumbria was also the home of the First Lord Armstrong – who designed and built the first house in Britain to be lit by hydroelectricity as well as building the famous armament company – is a truly magnificent castle to visit.

Bamburgh is also famous for being the home of Grace Darling, Victorian Britain’s greatest heroine following the 1838 rescue she performed with her lighthouse man father, of survivors of the wreck the SS Forfarshire.  There’s a museum here about her life and the rescues.  You can also visit her grave in the nearby St Aidan’s Churchyard and take a trip to the Longstone Lighthouse where she lived with her family.

Stay in the local bed and breakfast or hotels, or rent a cottage nearby to Bamburgh, it is a truly magical British town.  If that’s not enough magic for you, then the Harry Potter Town of Alnwick lies just down the road. Contributed by Sarah of Northumberlands Best

Croyde, North Devon

Famous for its world-class surf, the tiny village of Croyde, tucked away on the dramatic North Devon coast, is the perfect coastal getaway.

Hugged by sand dunes and flanked by rock pools Croyde’s impressive sandy beach has something for everyone. Pounding waves attract the UK surfing elite, whilst Baggy Point, an impressive headland jutting out into the Atlantic is a walker’s delight. With crashing waves and dramatic cliffs, this National Trust headland has a well-trodden coastal path with spectacular ocean views. Wrapped up in Winter it’s the perfect wild walk to blow out the cobwebs.

The quaint village of Croyde houses charming thatched cottages and hearty welcoming pubs whilst cool cafés The Stores and Blue Groove churn out delicious fodder.

GoldCoast Oceanfest, an award-winning surf & music festival takes place here in June every year, small enough to be family-friendly but big enough to boast top UK headline acts.

Don’t miss a thrilling beach ride with local riding stables, Roylands or if you join the crowds in Summer, get in line to taste the delicious stone-baked pizzas from pop-up pizzeria ‘Stoned’ outside Croyde Stores every night throughout peak season.

Jammed in the summer months, like every other seaside village in the UK – my advice is to visit Croyde on the shoulder seasons of May or September when the crowds dwindle but none of the village’s charm.

Good to know: Accommodation a stone’s throw from the beach in Croyde is hard to come by but Ruda Holiday Park, expensive during peak summer months, do bargain deals come low season. Contributed by Mags of theFamilyFreestylers

Fowey, Cornwall

Fowey (pronounced Foy) is a tiny fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall.  Its historic streets are full of tiny, whitewashed cottages, but be prepared for a steep climb up many of the paths as the village stretches high up the hillside.

Fowey is a pretty little place to spend half a day or so walking around.  Its narrow streets have plenty of craft shops that appeal to tourists.  Head down to the harbour for views across the river and to see the colourful fishing boats, or perhaps take a peek in the little aquarium which is full of native species. There are plenty of tea shops and several restaurants so you can have your fill of cream tea.

As well as walking through the streets you can take a boat trip up the estuary, which is a pleasant and relaxing cruise, or take the chain ferry across the river to Polperro, a slightly larger village which sits opposite Fowey.  An alternative trip is to visit Mevagissey which is across the bay and serviced by ferry.

Fowey makes a great base to explore more of the surrounding area.  Close by, highlights include the Lost Gardens of Heligan; a botanical garden that was forgotten for decades until it was found by accident and transformed into one of the best gardens in the UK.  The much more famous Eden Project is only a short drive away too; this revolutionary site has two giant biomes filled with tropical rainforest and Mediterranean gardens.  Further afield you could visit St Michael’s Mount (a smaller but just as interesting version of Mont St Michel) or even get down to Land’s End.

Best seaside villages in Wales

Tenby, West Wales

One of the prettiest seaside towns I’ve had the pleasure of visiting is Tenby in West Wales. Situated on the Pembrokeshire coastline on the western side of Carmarthen Bay, this beautiful little-walled town is the ideal place for a stroll around. It is both a harbour town and a popular seaside destination thanks to the stretches of sandy shoreline.

Tenby is a town dating back over one thousand years and still retains much of the 13th-century medieval town walls along with the Five Arches Barbican gatehouse, St Mary’s Church dating back to the 15^th century and the National Trust’s Tudor Merchant’s house, a popular tourist spot and the oldest standing building in Tenby. Aside from these, you can also visit the ruins of Tenby Castle and, if the tide is low, you could visit St Catherine’s Island with its 19th-century fortification, although the fort itself is closed to the public.

Tenby is a mixture of streets and little lanes containing high street shops alongside arts and crafts stores often selling handmade, locally produced items. You are guaranteed to find some beautiful souvenirs in these types of shops. If you are hungry, you have a wealth of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from.

While you are in Wales you absolutely have to try a real Welsh Rarebit this is not just cheese on toast trust me. Contributed by Cath at Passports and Adventures

Newquay, Wales

Newquay is my favourite British seaside town. I’ve been a couple of times but it was my most recent visit that really captured my heart.

What’s to love? Well, it’s no secret that Newquay isn’t short on a beach or two – but you have to see the scale and beauty of them in person. Fine sand, and warm waters (well in the summer at least) – when the sun is out and shining, it’s one of the best places to be in the UK.

Of course, Newquay is one of the stops on the South West Coast Path hike. I’d recommend strapping on your hiking boots and setting off for a hike along the coast to nearby villages and beaches such as Crantock Beach, which is framed by huge coastal dunes.

But hanging out on beaches isn’t the only thing to do in Newquay – in recent years a proliferation of cool independent shops, restaurants and bars have popped up all over town, ready for you to explore. The Tom Thumb cocktail bar is one of my faves – you have to pop in for a cocktail or two to round off your day.

In short, it’s the perfect British seaside getaway. Contributed by Julianna,  of The Discoveries Of

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Just off the Welsh mainland on the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Skomer Island is home to tens of thousands of seabirds during the spring and summer nesting seasons. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales manages this stunning destination and has made visiting this incredible site easy and fun for visitors. Few seaside villages feel as wild as Skomer Island, and you can spend the day seeing all kinds of nesting birds, including Atlantic Puffins, as well as harbour seals basking on the rocky shores.

Visit in June and early July to see the windblown hills covered in all rainbow colours of wildflowers – keep in mind that by the end of July, many of the nesting birds will be out to sea again for the season. If you book well ahead of time, you can stay on the Island in the Trust’s self-catering accommodation to experience the island after the last ferry has left for the day. You’ll have the sunrises and sunsets nearly to yourself, and as dusk hits, you can see the largest colony of Storm Petrels in Europe come alive under the cover of darkness.

Please be careful about staying on the designated pathways and not disturbing the birds as they pass (nearly) underfoot. Skomer is only accessible from 1 April to 30 September, and it is closed on Mondays.

An organized boat ferries people to Skomer from Lockley Lodge Visitor Center three times per day – be sure to arrive at least an hour before opening time to ensure yourself a spot! Pack your layers, including a raincoat, and plenty of snacks and water to prepare you for a day walking around the island – don’t miss the opportunity to experience this one-of-a-kind destination in beautiful Wales! Contributed by Christa from Expedition Wildlife

Conwy, North Wales

Off the coast of North Wales lies a sleepy little seaside village called Conwy. There are many things that set Conwy apart from other sleepy seaside villages, but the one you cannot miss is the enormous 13th-century castle looming high over the walled village.

One of the best things to do in Conwy is to steal a bird’s eye view of the Conwy Suspension bridge built in 1826 by Thomas Telford. The suspension bridge is one of the earliest suspension bridges ever built and is designed to blend in with the medieval look and feel of the castle. Don’t forget to stop by St. Mary’s church while you’re in Conwy. The church is even older than the castle and dates back to 1190 when it was part of the Cistercian Abercony Abbey.

Conwy is also curiously home to the tiniest house in Britain! Make sure to stop by and explore all 6 feet of the house which was once home to a 6’3” tall fisherman. Of all the whimsical things to do in Conwy, my favourite part was soaking up the atmosphere of this quaint little seaside town by ordering a basket of fish and chips accompanied with some steamed mussels and eating them along the banks of the Conwy Estuary with views of sailboats and the castle walls mysteriously looming in the background. Contributed by Jess Drier of unearththevoyage.com

You might also like

27 Utterly awesome things to do in Wales

11 Best Castles in Wales

 North Wales Coastal Path the famous Pilgrim’s Way Route

7 of the most beautiful beaches on the Pembrokeshire Coast Wales

25 Traditional Welsh food dishes

Best Seaside Villages Northern Ireland

Portstewart

Northern Ireland probably isn’t the first place you think of for seaside towns, but it actually has some incredible beaches. My favourite spot is Portstewart.

I discovered it on a Northern Ireland road trip and completely fell in love. Located in County Londonderry, the small town has, in my opinion, Northern Ireland’s best beach – Portstewart Strand  – two miles of glorious golden sand, great surf and stunning scenery. The blue flag beach is protected by the National Trust and is one of the few beaches in NI that you can drive your car onto, making it even easier to have a seaside picnic.

Situated right on the sand is a great seafood restaurant called Harry’s Shack, perfect for a post-surf beer or a romantic dinner watching the sunset. You can also see Mussenden Temple (the strand featured in Game of Thrones) from the strand, an iconic cliff-top temple built in 1785. The main town of Portstewart has a lovely little harbour, promenade and great cafes and restaurants. It’s right up there as one of my favourite seaside towns and I can’t wait to go back! Contributed by Hayley of a Lovely Planet

Portrush

Portrush, Northern Ireland is a small seaside town whose reputation is almost mythical in my family. While my grandfather was serving in the Canadian Navy during World War 2 he heard a hot tip that Portrush was a great place to spend a shore leave. Indeed, Portrush used to be a place where many people in the UK vacationed.

With that, he and a friend headed there and within a few days, he had met the love of his life, my grandmother Margaret. By the time his leave was over, the two were already engaged and were married during his next leave. He wore his Navy uniform and she wore a stylish wool skirt and suit jacket.

Over the years many of my family members had visited Portrush and I was eager to do the same. While it’s no longer a popular vacation spot in the UK as most people jet off to Spain now, Portrush remains a charming place to visit.

Situated along the gorgeous Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, the relaxed coastal town serves as a great base to explore unmissable sights like the Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Rathlin Island, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. It also features one of the country’s most popular nightclub complexes, Kelly’s, which spans over multiple floors and attracts famous DJs from all over the world.

If folk music is more your style,  the Atlantic Sessions music festival takes place every year in November and features an eclectic mix of free North Coast artist performances spread out over the beautiful backdrop of coastal towns such as Portrush and Portstewart. There you can enjoy your coffee or Guinness with a side of local music.

So while it may be tempting to pass by small Northern Ireland towns without stopping, places like Portrush have a lot to offer travellers and should not be missed. Contributed by Thea of Zen Travellers

Benone Beach 

With seven miles of sandy shoreline from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone Beach forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches and it’s a Blue Flag beach perfect for families. On a clear day, you can see the Binevenagh Mountain whilst exploring the sand dunes. 

Ballintoy Harbour Beach

Game of Thrones® fans will recognise Ballintoy Harbour as the filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands. On the Causeway Coastal Route, you can also visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, The Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle. 

Ballintoy Harbour Beach features secluded bays, rock pools and sandy coves there are no beach facilities here, no shops or cafes just picture-perfect Irish views and peace. Head to Ballintoy Village for a refreshing afternoon tea or check it out for dinner.

Castlerock Beach

A Blue Flag beach, Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 miles) long stretch of beach you can access the beach via the dunes by means of 4 new boardwalks. Cars are permitted on the eastern portion of the beach all year round. This is a tricky beach, to be honest as the winds come up very strongly and the breakers can take you by surprise so take care when visiting. The beach and dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. 

The perfect beach for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboards, walks, building sandcastles, sunbathing and even pony trek on the clear sands.

Downhill Strand

Downhill Strand is situated within the Bineveagh area of outstanding natural beauty and is set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes and the stunning Mussenden Temple. Downhill was also a part of the Game of Thrones filming sites.

With the walk done, make for The Point Bar and Restaurant to replenish your energy levels, or venture a little further to Frank Owens Bar in Limavady and catch one of the iconic Doors of Thrones while you’re at it. 

Rathlin Island 

Rathlin Island is the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast and is one of Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation due to its large bird colony. This is where you come to see puffins.

Rathlin Island has endless beaches, it’s six miles long and one mile wide and you’ll enjoy finding out more about the shipwrecks.

The shoreline is dotted with benches and other spots to enjoy your fresh fish and chip supper whilst you watch the seals, kittiwakes and gulls. There are a few good beaches on the island and plenty of excellent walks too.

To get to the island, you’ll need to take the ferry from Ballycastle, once on the Island you have cafes and restaurants.

You might also like

101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland

44 of the best things to do in Belfast

60 Best Northern Ireland tourist attractions

There you have it 38 of the best seaside villages in Britain. From Scotland to the north of Ireland and all around England the great British seaside holiday has a vast selection of locations to choose from. Which seaside village is your choice for your British seaside holiday?

You might also like

17 of the Prettiest Cotswolds Villages

Visiting the extraordinary Chiltern Hills of England

Great British Gifts for North Americans

Pin it to save it

You might also like

Cotswolds Villages 16 of the best and prettiest in 3 days

35 of the best beautiful towns & villages in Ireland

22 of the Best English cities to visit

16 Things to do in Manchester

Scottish foods –  53 Scottish favourites

27 Utterly awesome things to do in Wales

47 Awe-Inspiring Historical places in the UK to visit

22 Historic Towns in Wales You Should Visit Now