.jpg)
There is nothing quite like a holiday spent at the seaside–especially in the United Kingdom. Every year, all across the country, warm sun, gently churning water, creaky docks and speckled, golden sand greet holidayers seeking to trade in their jeans and dress shoes for linen shirts and swimming costumes. So wonderful it is that almost no matter where you are on the British Isles, you are never too far from patches of beautiful coastline and the lovely towns nestled behind it. Whether you crave the remoteness of Wales' Llyn Peninsula or the hipster hustle and bustle of Margate in Kent, there is a seaside town awaiting your arrival. We've rounded up the prettiest among them, so suit up and dive in!
How many beaches are in the United Kingdom?
There are 1,500 beaches across the UK and Ireland according to The Beach Guide.
The best beaches in the UK
Wales
The short cliff top walk from Stackpole Quay is well worth it to get to this South Wales gem that so often tops ‘prettiest beaches in the UK’ lists. It has it all, from soft, golden sand to aquamarine waters that are shallow enough for a relaxed paddle or swim. The beach is backed by dunes and trees and is owned and managed by the National Trust. Thanks to its remote location and slightly steep step access, it's rarely overcrowded. It’s a great pit stop to Tenby. Tal Dekel-Daks
On the remote Llyn Peninsula sits the teeny town of Nefyn. With the sandy Morfa beach on one side and many a charming pub and whitewashed cottage on the other, Nefyn is a hidden jewel perfect for those seeking to leaving behind the mess and madness of their daily lives. Indeed, a proper beach holiday is one spent wandering between bed, town, sand and sea on repeat–and Nefyn is the perfect setting to do just that. Those hiking in Snowdonia will be keen to call Nefyn their temporary nest: the town is a mere stone's throw from some of the region's best trails. Antonia Bentel
Western Scotland
There is something epic about the fishing village of Ullapool on the West Coast of Scotland. Just an hour north of Inverness, it's situated on the shores of Loch Broom, with many mountains and rocky paths to explore. The waterfront was designed by Thomas Telford in 1788 and today the village has a small selection of excellent shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels. Locals and tourists stick out the queue for delicious seafood from the Sea Food Shack, as well as The Dipping Lugger boutique hotel and restaurant and Ceilidh Place hotel, which all have prime positions on the harbour front. Book a boat trip around the nearby Summer Isles to see local wildlife, and if you’re lucky you’ll see White-Tailed Sea Eagles. Those wanting to explore Lewis in the Outer Hebrides can catch the ferry which pulls into the modern pier three times a day. Ticky Hedley-Dent
The beautiful Scottish Inner Hebrides is home to perhaps the world's most colourful fishing village, Tobermory. Utterly charming, this seaside town is home to fantastic eateries, a wonderful malt whiskey distillery and a well-regarded art centre, Tobar, which hosts trad Scottish music evenings as well as art shows. Enjoy strolls along the harbour, taking in the pleasant views over the Standing Stones at Baliscate, where many fishing boats glide to and fro and – if you're lucky – you might spot the fin or tail of a minke whale or basking shark. When the sun begins to melt into the distant horizon, enjoy a lovely cone of fish and chips bought from the nameless (but nevertheless famous) seafood van parked at the end of the pier – guaranteed pure seaside bliss. Antonia Bentel
Cornwall
The poet Dylan Thomas described this pretty fishing village as ‘quite the loveliest village in England’ and he wasn’t wrong. Situated 2.5 miles south of Penzance this is a place worth travelling to. There is a rugged charm to Mousehole, pronounced “Mowzal”. Granite fishermen's cottages set the backdrop to the small harbour where colourful boats bob on the water and children play on the sheltered beach. The harbour entrance is so tiny that it provides the basis of one theory for the provenance of the village’s charming name. Artists flock to this part of Cornwall for the light and the legend surrounding C16th fisherman Tom Bawcock, the inspiration behind the popular children’s book, The Mousehole Cat. The legend lives on and every 23rd of December locals take part in a lantern procession through the village and Stargazey pie is served in the Ship Inn. The village is something of a culinary destination with excellent food to be found at 2 Fore Street and at The Old Coastguard Hotel. Ticky Hedley-Dent
.jpg)
Situated on the Western side of the Camel Estuary, Padstow is a Cornish coastal town that packs a punch. For many it is synonymous with celebrity chef Rick Stein, who established his empire down here and helped put Padstow back on the map. The bustling harbour is at the centre of things, where fishing boats bump up against pleasure craft and the ferry to nearby Rock. There is an array of excellent cafés, galleries and shops as well as a Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. For superb fish and chips, head to Stein’s Fish and Chips then cycle them off on the 18-mile Camel Trail, which is an easy ride along a disused railway. The National Lobster Hatchery is well worth a visit too. This marine conservation charity rears over 50,000 young lobsters a year and releases them onto the seabed with the help of dive clubs and local fishermen. The harbour is a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by whilst nibbling on a pasty or Cornish ice cream. Ticky Hedley-Dent
For a picture postcard village, head to Portloe in the parish of Veryan on the Roseland Peninsula. Situated in a remote Area of Outstanding Beauty this tranquil and unspoilt village doesn’t attract the crowds of other spots. A couple of fishing boats still work out of the harbour and the scattering of charming cottages make it a great place to hunker down and relax. Make sure to stop at The Lugger Hotel, a smugglers inn during the 17th century, for a spot of lunch or overnight and walk it off whilst enjoying the views on this impressive part of South West Coast Path. Ticky Hedley-Dent
The combination of three fabulous hotels, a charming waterfront made up of pastel and white washed cottages and amazing sailing conditions make St Mawes one of the most popular fishing villages in Cornwall. Sailors come for the regular regattas and races, which culminate in the highly popular Falmouth Week in August. David and Karen Richards breathed some much needed life into the village with The Idle Rocks in 2013 and the more low key St Mawes Hotel in 2015 - perfect places to kick back with a sundowner after a day on a boat or the beach. Olga Polizzi’s Tresanton Hotel at the other end of the village has a high-end, Mediterranean vibe and has a wonderful view of St Anthony’s Lighthouse on St Anthony’s Head across the water. Those who don’t sail can catch the Plaice Ferry and walk to St Anthony’s Lighthouse or the St Mawes Ferry to Falmouth. The tiny St Mawes Castle has an excellent array of gift shops, and galleries provide other distractions for landlubbers. Rock poolers can stroll to Summers Beach and Tavern Beach. Ticky Hedley-Dent
Sussex
A hop, skip and a jump from the lovely, teensy village of Camber is perhaps one of the most glorious beaches in the UK. With its fortified sand dunes rolling into Poole Bay, the vast beach is truly magical, a spot which has sparked immense inspiration for many a creative. Films Dunkirk (1958), The Monuments Men, The Theory of Everything and television programmes Afterlife and Doctor Who were partly filmed at Camber Sands; Fat Boy Slim's 2002 EP single was named after the beach. No matter who you are, expect to be awestruck by the beach's sheer wildness and the majesty of the Sussex coastline. Antonia Bentel
Just 47 miles south of London is the famed seaside town of Brighton. With its lovely esplanades, famous pier, sandy beaches and myriad restaurants and chip shops, a wonderful time is guaranteed here (Brighton was even named the UK's ‘happiest place to live’ in 2015). A well-established resort town, you will be hard pressed to leave disappointed. Want a poolside cocktail overlooking Brighton beach? Head to Soho House's beachside outpost. On the hunt for all things quaint? Take a peek into many of the independent shops and cafés dotted throughout the resort. Are you a history buff? Brighton is covered with traces of the region's Bronze Age, Roman and Anglo-Saxon ancestors, all of which truly bring history to life. Antonia Bentel
Kent
With a vibrant community of creatives, the tiny town of Deal is a must visit, if only for the sheer joy which radiates from behind every whitewashed cottage door and flower-boxed window. Often overlooked in favour of the larger, more popular Margate, Deal is a perfect seaside destination. Stroll along the pebble beach and hunker down for truly excellent food and wine. We like Le Pinardier for its small bites and generous pours, and Smugglers Records for a good drink and a boogie (though you won't be hard-pressed to find a classic basket of fish and chips, should you have a hankering for a spot of tradition over hipsterdom). Antonia Bentel
At the southernmost tip of Kent is the remote town of Dungeness, whose wind-whipped shingle cottages fight against the area's wild landscape. The town, home to the coveted Dungeness crab, is full of shops selling some of the UK's finest seafood. The Snack Shack (pictured above) is a local favourite, serving seafood caught just hours earlier on a warm, homemade bun. Aside from eager foodies, birdwatchers will especially be drawn to the town, too, heading down the two-mile RSPB Dungeness trail in the hopes of spotting some of the country's rarest seabirds. Of course, some of the town's gorgeous coastline is loomed over by the Dungeness Nuclear Power Station. However, the station's imposing nature contrasts well with the eerie yet charming abandoned fishing boats and lighthouses. Antonia Bentel
What Hackney is to London, Margate is to Kent. Indeed, this seaside town is a bohemian harbour-side haven, full of great chip shops, cool bars and independent shops. It also has quite an impressive history, having been a seaside destination since the early 18th century. Those hoping for a windswept and salty weekend are sure to find it here, from Margate's storied seashell grotto to its sandy beaches and pale blue waters. Expect plenty of quirky independent shops, cafés and restaurants, the latter more frequently headed by young, hip London defectors in search of a calmer existence by the sea. A quick train ride from London makes a day trip possible, but with Margate's growing number of charming boutique hotels you'll want to stay a bit longer. Antonia Bentel
Norfolk
With its striking cliffs and sprawling bay, Hunstanton is as scenic as it gets. It is impressively unique as the only place in eastern England from where both the sun's rise and set can be seen in one day. With lovely trails and gardens, which are at their best in summer, horticulturalists will be keen to wander through each. The town's quaint green is home to its abundant market stalls and plenty of events, and its tiny streets are lined with idyllic stone cottages and lovely pubs, including the local favourite, The Neptune, which serves delicious, simple pub food alongside perfect pints and wines. Antonia Bentel
Devon
Though a few miles from the sea - Dartmouth rests beside the freshwater River Dart - Dartmouth still manages to pack in the charm and whimsy of a great seaside town. Expect charming jewel-toned shops, legendary pubs, forest walking trails, and plenty of boats hauling back fresh crabs and cuttlefish. Aside from crustaceans, Dartmouth is also teeming with fine restaurants, from snazzy waterfront establishments to traditional chip shops, this Devon town is a true destination for those seeking a waterfront getaway, sea salt or not. Antonia Bentel
With its secluded beaches, rolling hills and wild swimming spots, Salcombe is a wonderful representative of Devon's natural beauty. Between its chic boutiques, glitzy restaurants and more-glamorous-than-usual high street, Salcombe is an ideal holiday destination. For quieter moments, however, do not miss a visit to Overbeck House and its National Trust garden – the sea views are unparalleled.
Hampshire
Lymington is a town so charming, so perfect, you'll wonder if you've stepped into a 1950s postcard. With its high streets lined with colourful shops, lovely cafés and quirky pubs, a stroll through Lymington is about as wholesome and cheerful as it gets. The town's harbour is picturesque, full of sailboats and fishing boats at the ready to whisk you away for an afternoon out at sea. For those who salivate at the thought of steamed mussels and crisped-up cod, Lymington is the finest destination for seafood lovers. Every August, the town is host to the Seafood Festival, where jazz and blues musicians play great tunes from every street corner, shops remain open late into the night, chefs slinging some of the freshest, best seafood to the hungry masses. Antonia Bentel
Dorset
.jpg)
With its charming cottages, beaches, bakeries and antiques shops, it is safe to say that Lyme Regis is one of the loveliest towns nestled in the West Country. It is also one of the most historic, boasting long and storied ties to not just only the Regency period, but the days when dinosaurs roamed the British coastline. Fossils can still be found on the beach for those wanting to turn their beach holiday into an archaeological exploration. After a morning spent digging through Lyme Regis' sands, enjoy a leisurely stroll along The Cobb, the historic harbour wall featured in both Jane Austen and John Fowles novels. For those travelling with children, don't miss the aquarium. Antonia Bentel
Yorkshire
The smart harbour town of Whitby serves as a dramatic contrast to the jagged Yorkshire coastline. From the high vantage point of the 1,360-year-old Whitby Abbey (the inspiration for Bram Stoker's novel, ‘Dracula’), it sometimes seems as though the town could be swept into the sea with a single gust of wind. Those with a taste for the darker side of life will perhaps be interested in making the pilgrimage to the bi-annual Goth Weekend Festival. Dressed in all black, hundreds of participants come together to dance and visit the fossilised ‘Whitby Jet’. Those less keen on ruminating on the blackness of the unknowable abyss can sun themselves on the sandy beach in the town's cove, surrounded by plenty of excellent chop shops and cafés. We recommend the Magpie Café. Antonia Bentel
Northumberland
England's northernmost region is home to miles of beautiful coastline dotted with pretty towns, and Seahouses is perhaps the most picturesque. A quaint fishing village, Seahouses is bursting with activity, from hardworking fishermen to independent shopkeepers. After a morning spent strolling the town's pretty stone promenade overlooking the harbour and sand dunes, enjoy a scenic boat trip to the wild Farne Islands, a safe haven for puffins and grey seals. Whether you wish to spend your days fishing off the pier, paddle-boarding or exploring the nearby Bamburgh and Lindisfarne Castles, there is plenty to do here, all in the majesty of one of northern England's charming of towns. Antonia Bentel
