Discover the Charm and Beauty of the UK’s Top Coastal Destinations
The UK might not be known for its tropical climate or palm-tree-fringed beaches, but our shores still have a lot to offer. We are made up of several islands, after all. From the chalky cliffs of the southern English beaches to the brooding, wind-whipped Scottish coast, there is a lot of ground to cover.
Our handpicked roundup of the UK’s best seaside towns features fascinating museums and acclaimed restaurants, as well as quintessential arcades and ice cream parlours. Here are the 20 best coastal towns in the UK.
20. St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Sitting on the east coast of Fife, St Andrews is a mix between a historic seaside haven and an eclectic university town. With its range of galleries, independent restaurants, gothic architecture, student hangouts, theatres, and tonnes of historical sights, St Andrews is similar to a mini-Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is around a 90-minute drive away, so it’s a wonderful coastal respite for city dwellers. Considering its fairly small size, there’s plenty to do. It’s also considered the home of golf, with several coastal golf courses offering gorgeous teeing-up scenery.
19. Dartmouth, Devon, England
Strictly speaking, Dartmouth isn’t a coastal town. It’s a town on the River Dart, with all the waterfront scenery and charm you’d want from a seaside town. And the coast is only a couple of miles away. Several walking trails take you straight out to the sea, with the South West Coast Path on your doorstep. Plus, with exquisite seafood, historic pubs, and views of fishing boats bobbing in the blue waters, Dartmouth certainly feels like a coastal town. A refined (read: posh) one at that.
18. Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, Wales
This small seaside village is a quiet little gem – the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for a relaxing coastal getaway. Treaddur Bay is the name of the village and its main beach, and the beach is one of the most beautiful in Anglesey. Head further south to Porth Diana Beach for a sheltered sandy cove, popular with boats and the local yacht club, making it a great spot for watching boats come and go. Trearddur Bay perfectly encapsulates maritime charm, topped off with an atmospheric lighthouse on the tip of South Stack Island. It’s a gorgeous walk to the lighthouse, with the foamy sea lapping up the cliffs on either side.
17. Rye, East Sussex, England
Once a bustling seaport, Rye combines medieval history with a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s one of the oldest towns in the UK, with beloved pubs such as the Old Bell Rye dating back to 1150. The town might not be directly on a beach, but Camber Sands, one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, is just a 10-minute drive away. Or, you can walk along the River Rother to the beach – the river flows past Rye, and the walk takes around 1 hour one-way. The super-soft sand dunes are covered in windbent pampas grass, and horses gallop by twice daily. Back in the town, locals and newcomers embrace its ancient past, breathing new life into 14th-century monasteries and mills.
16. Staithes, Yorkshire, England
A quaint fishing village with a long maritime history, Staithes embodies rural seaside charm. It’s just 10 miles from the ever-popular Whitby, which is known and loved for its retro-kitsch arcades, fairgrounds, and ice cream parlours. But if you’re looking for the complete opposite of that, you’ll find it in Staithes. The peaceful North Yorkshire village is full of narrow alleyways – Dog Loup Alley is the world’s most narrow alleyway at just 18 inches – cosy pubs, art galleries, and historical sights. Discover the area’s many coastal paths, and walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook.
15. Bamburgh, Northumberland, England
This popular filming location is loved for its far-stretching flat soft beach, historic Bamburgh Castle, and grass-covered dunes. In low tide, you can walk across the seabed to the 11th-century castle, which engulfs a basalt rock. It’s a scenic and tranquil town, but there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Take to the wild waters of the North Sea and explore the nearby Farne Islands and Longstone Lighthouse by boat. Look out for wildlife, too – colonies of Atlantic seals call this area home, as well as occasional pods of dolphins.
14. Broadstairs, Kent, England
Broadstairs is a charming Victorian beach town overlooking the golden sands of Viking Bay. It’s not far from Margate, one of the UK’s most popular beach towns, but we think Broadstairs piques it for its old-school seaside charm. Viking Bay can get crowded, with cafes, arcade rides, and plenty of deck chairs to rent. However, there are seven bays in the area. Joss Bay is particularly popular for surfing, Stone Bay has a backdrop of gorgeous chalk cliffs, and Dumpton Bay is the only dog-friendly beach in the area. Take the Viking Coastal Trail and pass by several golden bays. As well as beautiful sandy stretches, Broadstairs keeps visitors entertained with pubs, retro arcades, ice cream parlours, and fish and chip shops.
13. Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Ballycastle is located on the most northeastern point of Ireland – on clear days, the Scottish isles come into view. Ballycastle Beach might not have palm trees and warm seas, but it has soft sands, verdant green cliffs, and calming windswept beach walks. There are regular kite displays, too. The 18th-century harbour offers more coastal charm – you can watch the boats come and go with some excellent fish and chips. Boats in the harbour take passengers over to Scotland and Rathlin Island. The latter is a popular day trip from Ballycastle, where you can watch waves crashing into craggy rocks, and look out for puffins and dolphins.
12. Cullen, Moray, Scotland
Stretching along the Moray Coast, Cullen is a quaint, impossibly cosy seaside town. The crescent-moon-shaped beach mirrors the towering viaduct and leads to atmospheric flat-topped cliffs. You can follow the cliffs and along the Moray Coastal Path – look out for the dolphins. The Moray Coast is one of the least visited Scottish coastal regions, so you won’t have to push through hoards of tourists to get through the town and to the beach. You might have the beach all to yourself, with the kind of quiet that could be eerie if it wasn’t punctuated by friendly locals. If that sounds perfect to you, then you’ll particularly love Sunnyside Beach, which feels deserted in the best way.
11. Weymouth, Dorset, England
Weymouth is the epitome of a picturesque British coastal town. Its golden sands are lined with colourful beach huts and backed by Georgian manors, and its pretty harbour is the picture of Ye Olde English times. Walk along Trinity Terrace, past pastel-coloured harbourfront houses, and enjoy the view with some excellent fish and chips. Weymouth is a part of the Jurassic Coast – a craggy, wild coastal region – and the famous Durdle Door is just a 30-minute drive from the town. Lulworth Cove is nearby too, with its sparkling turquoise waters and white pebble beach.
10. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Noughties kids might recognise the colourful waterfront as the cottages from the kids’ TV show, Balamory. Tobermory is every bit as delightful as Balamory and the tiny town has plenty to do. Visit the whisky distillery, eat freshly caught seafood, catch a local show at the An Tobar art centre, and visit the Mull Museum for an insight into the island’s mysterious heritage. Soak up more of the wind-whipped, salty coast by taking a walk to the Rubha nan Gall lighthouse. If you’re desperate to get out on the water, but the Scottish weather didn’t get the memo, you can head out on a sailboat – regular trips depart from the harbour to catch sight of basking sharks, dolphins, and minke whales.
9. Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
With a deep, sandy beach, Portrush has long been one of Northern Ireland’s favourite coastal destinations. There’s something for all the family here – one of the world’s hardest golf courses, Curry’s Fun Park, and Dunluce Castle, which is surrounded by dramatic plunging scenery. And the equal parts fascinating and photogenic Giant’s Causeway is around 15 minutes away by car. If you can’t get enough of the crashing coastal views, several walking trails from Portrush let you explore the Causeway Coast Route on foot, such as the walk from Portrush to Portstewart.
8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tenby is one of Wales’s most popular seaside towns, but with gorgeous sandy beaches, technicolour cottages, and a delightful harbour, it deserves its recognition. The working harbour sees fishing boats come in and out, and the crisp scent of the salty sea is always hanging in the air. Its maze-esque streets offer plenty for visitors, including top-notch restaurants, independent boutiques, and galleries. There are also three Blue Flag beaches nearby, and Tenby Castle Beach is a favourite. After exploring Tenby Castle, which sits atop Castle Hill, you can meander back down to the beach for a well-earned ice cream.
7. Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Skye is adored for its far-flung, atmospheric, and wild natural beauty, constantly hailed as one of the UK’s most beautiful places. Its main town, Portree, is surprisingly cosmopolitan, with a thriving artsy community. The historic harbour is fringed with colourful cottages, the town is sprinkled with artisan bakeries and brunch spots, and there is plenty of handicraft, independent shops to rifle through. But those who come to Skye aren’t all about mimicking city living, they usually come for nature. The famed Old Man of Storr is just a 15-minute drive from the town and Fairy Glen is 25 minutes away, and plenty of scenic walks begin in Portree.
6. Lyme Regis, Dorset, England
Pastel-hued beach huts line the seafront, which forms part of the famed Jurassic Coast. The coastal region is known for its showstopping beauty and connection to prehistoric findings. Not only can you soak up classic British seaside charm – think fish and chips shops, arcades, and fishing boats bobbing in the harbour – but you can also learn about fossils and dinosaurs. The Lyme Regis Museum is a great one-stop-shop for all things prehistoric. The Undercliffs Nature Reserve is another place to connect with a time gone by – the thick vegetation is home to 40+ bird species, and if you continue along the trail you finish with a beautiful coastal view from the cliff tops of Seaton.
5. Barmouth, Gwynedd, Wales
As well as charming quintessential seaside town tropes – fresh doughnuts, fish and chips, arcade games, and ice cream parlours – Barmouth is a place of stunning natural beauty. The lively town is backed by soaring limestone rolling hills, which can be traversed via various hiking trails. The Barmouth Panorama Walk takes in the scenery of the beach, estuary, Mawddach River, and Cader Idris – the second-largest mountain in Wales. On clear days, you can see Cader Idris from the beach. The juxtaposition of lying on a soft-sand beach while taking in views of a nearly 3,000 ft mountain is very special indeed.
4. Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire, England
Tumbling down a sloping hill, Robin Hood’s Bay is the picture of an old English fishing village. The steep, narrow streets meander down to a sheltered bay of golden sands, brooding cliffs, and the wind-whipped North Sea. Robin Hood’s Bay might not offer a sun-soaked getaway, but it certainly delivers on a cosy coastal retreat, marked by windswept walks, honey-coloured cottages, and excellent pubs. It might be a little tricky to navigate the maze of narrow, steep streets, but getting lost is all part of the fun. If you do manage to catch Robin Hood’s Bay on a sunny day, then a Mr Whippy on the water’s edge is the only way to commemorate the moment.
3. Looe, Cornwall, England
Cornwall is not short of beautiful coastal towns, and Looe might be one of the most popular, but it’s a firm favourite for good reason. It is loved for its picturesque working harbour, where you can watch the boats come and go. Head to East Looe for a sun-soaked sandy beach and lively promenade. It’s a popular watersports spot, with paddleboarders and kayakers bobbing along the calm blue seas. For a chance to catch waves, nearby Whitsand Bay is the best bet. When you’re not enjoying the sun and sea, you can tuck into incredibly fresh seafood at local restaurants and explore independent boutiques.
2. North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
Just a 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a wonderful coastal retreat. A gannet colony calls the famous Bass Rock home, the high street is buzzing with independent shops and artisanal cafes, the seafood is ultra-fresh, and the natural beauty is in spades. It feels like an extension of artsy, culture-rich Edinburgh, only by the sea. North Berwick even hosts The Fringe by the Sea, in conjunction with the famous comedy Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. But really, the town’s wide-stretching, vast, and windswept beaches are worth the visit anytime.
1. New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales
Victorian terraced houses tumble down to New Quay’s main sandy bay, which is typically dotted with kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, and families building sandcastles. But if a wilder beach sounds more like it, then Traeth Gwyn Beach and Cei Bach Beach are just the thing.
New Quay is a small but buzzy town, yet not completely overrun with tourists, so it’s a happy medium for those who seek relaxation but not isolation. The harbour is a popular boat trip jumping-off point, with sailboats taking visitors out on dolphin-spotting, seal-spotting, and fishing trips. Days end with spectacular over-the-water sunsets and, of course, fish and chips.