Britain’s Best Coastal Towns for a Seaside Stay
As island dwellers, us Brits are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to our extraordinary coastline. Few places in the world are as richly blessed by the sea as Britain, where the coast is never far away and promises shores so varied and beautiful.
In a single journey we can be filling our lungs with sea air on wild cliffs, golden sands, quiet coves or historic ports. Yet many of us forget how lucky we are and how easy and restorative a beach escape can be.
There are well over a thousand coastal destinations in the UK unique in character, history and rhythm: boasting beachfront cottages where you can walk straight onto the sand before breakfast, watch the tide as you linger over seafood lunches and fall asleep to the sound of waves.
Below are ten coastal towns that stand out, not just for their beauty, but for the way they make you feel: relaxed, fulfilled, inspired, and gently reconnected to the wholesome pleasure of being by the sea.
1) St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives may seem like an obvious choice, but it has long been one of Britain’s most seductive seaside towns and there’s a reason for this. Wrapped around turquoise bays and palm fringed beaches, the town delights with its mix of classic Cornish heritage, fine dining and artistic spirit. Picturesque, cobbled lanes hide Cornwall beach cottages, galleries and boutiques behind a happening harbour social scene that spills onto the seafront.
St Ives’ three beaches evoke a “wow” at every angle: Porthminster, for its palm-fringed turquoise water and pristine sand; Porthmeor for its spectacular views from the Tate Gallery of surfers riding teal waves, and Porthgwidden for its sun-trap sands, crystalline water and rock pools. The surrounding headlands frame all of this and provide mesmerising coastal walks to more turquoise seas at Carbis Bay.
The vibe is relaxed but dynamic with the Tate and Barbara Hepworth’s Museums anchoring the town’s cultural status. If you want a more relaxed experience then visit outside peak summer when its less crowded and perfect for romantic, creative breaks.
2) Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole still retains every bit of its authentic Cornish fishing heritage, which feels totally intimate and romantic. The moment you enter the weaving lanes of granite cottages that cluster around the fishing harbour it feels timeless and deeply traditional. There’s no need for museums or attractions here, because Mousehole delivers more than enough character and charm from the terrace of one of its friendly cafes or pubs, especially enjoyable outside peak season.
The surrounding coastline is raw and beautiful with hidden coves appearing beneath spectacularly scenic coastal paths that are so blissful that they awaken your spirit and sense of romance. One of the many reasons for visiting Cornwall, this place is less about lounging on beaches and more about natural beauty and the quiet magic of being by the sea.
3) Whitby, Yorkshire
Whitby is a proud monument to all British fishing towns. Carved into the North Yorkshire coast during the 7th century, it carries fascinating seaside drama and a rich history starting with the ruins of Whitby Abbey guarding over its steep old streets and ancient harbour.
The main beaches are broad and ideal for long walks, especially towards Sandsend, ending with a treat at one of the lovely beach cafés. Cliff top walks offer amazing coastal views, from which you’ll discover some idyllic secluded coves, namely Tate Hill and Saltwick.
Whitby’s links to Dracula add Victorian intrigue, as does its Jurassic Jet heritage, while its fish and chips and welcoming pubs are unrivalled. This Yorkshire gem is authentic, fascinating and stunning, particularly outside summer, when the moody North Sea crashes around fishing boats and greedy gulls.
4) Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire
Former smuggling port, Robin Hood’s Bay is Whitby’s exquisite little neighbour and is famous for the semi-precious gemstone “Whitby Jet” which can be found in the exposed cliffs along the coast. It looks like a fairytale village with red-capped cottages tumbling down the cliffs into the sea and still retains a secretive feel from within its narrow lanes. Cosy pubs tuck into corners near the sea enticing visitors with smugglers tales, pub grub and delicious ales.
At low tide the Dock area reveals a perfect beach of sand, rock pools and fossils surrounded by imposing cliffs as far as the eye can see. Clifftop walks promise breathtaking, uninterrupted sea views that make worries drift away and time slows down. Heading south to Ravenscar reveals some fabulous beaches in Yorkshire with seal colonies sometimes found below the cliffs. Either way you’ll finish with a warm welcome at a Yorkshire inn.
5) Lyme Regis, Dorset
Considered the jewel in the crown of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Lyme Regis offers medieval history, Jurassic geology and an artistic seaside charm. This elegant pastel coloured jewel is famed for fossil hunting, golden cliffs and the 13th century harbour known as The Cobb but it is much more than just its harbour and a few fossils. It has a creative culture and has long attracted artists, writers and thinkers offering an impressive foodie/social scene.
The water next to its Blue Flag awarded beach is transparent thanks to a mix of sand and shingle, which also forms the best rock pools and fossil beds where you can lose yourself for hours in the bliss of mother nature. The coastal paths climb into some of southern England’s most striking coastal scenery and lush river walks showcase local treasures. It’s ideal for those who want their seaside stay to feel enriching as well as restorative.
6) Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is effortlessly stylish with its faded maritime architecture, sandy coves and an undeniable chic sailing vibe. It nestles into the sparkling Kingsbridge Estuary with spearmint clean water lined with trees and dotted with boats, paddleboarders and swimmers. It’s impossible not to relax here, surrounded with green, sunlit hills that create a lost-in-the-woods feel. That said, the town buzzes with boho boutiques and waterfront dining.
There are various idyllic beaches such as South Sands and Mill Bay, which are accessible by boat or footpath. Then there is the easy to reach North Beach with its cool beach café. A charming ferry crosses to East Portlemouth to explore a string of gorgeous coves, which offer unforgettable views back across the Estuary towards Salcombe.
There is plenty of things to do in Salcombe, and a holiday here feels indulgent without breaking the bank. The town is ideal for beach breaks filled with lazy picnics, lots of swimming and long evenings.
7) Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Aldeburgh in the East of England is quietly sophisticated with an artistic heritage and blessed with a long, picturesque shingle beach strewn with boats and lined with refined pastel houses. The seascapes feel expansive and the skies are enormous, helped by Suffolk’s dry climate.
Thanks to composer Benjamin Britten’s musical legacy, music and art are woven into everyday life in Aldeburgh, culminating in a yearly festival. Coastal walks are divine and serve up wonderful wildlife along the Alde estuary which is enhanced by the ever-changing light. Towards Thorpeness you can relish fun landmarks and dramatic coastal scenery.
Aldeburgh is easily one of the best seaside towns in Suffolk and a short stay here is all about understated elegance, serene walks and fine dining with evenings that end with the sound of waves rather than a buzzing bar scene.
8) Bamburgh, Northumberland
Bamburgh in Northumberland is perhaps the most visually dramatic coastal town in Britain. Nothing compares to that immense, pristine sandy beach framed by that awe-inspiring Bamburgh Castle. The beach feels endless, lined with huge dunes like a desert, but if you keep walking it opens onto breathtaking sea views over the fortified Farne Islands.
In contrast to this powerful seascape, Bamburgh village is surprisingly sweet with very friendly pubs, tearooms and neat little cottages. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers a deeply rewarding experience that blends history, visual splendour and northern charm, with walks that feel meditative and extremely fulfilling. Dogs are of course very welcome here as this is one of the many dog-friendly beaches in Northumberland.
9) Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby, the historic “little fortress of the fish” is one of the most popular seaside towns in Pembrokeshire and is bursting with colour and character. Pastel houses decorate the medieval harbour, while sprawling golden beaches curve around the town like sashes at every side.
There are four outstanding sandy beaches, all of which are equally beautiful: North beach is the most sheltered and ideal for swimming and sunbathing, South beach offers 2 miles of golden sand with dunes and both Castle beach and Harbour beach are central, sheltered and picturesque. Surrounding these beaches is the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path delivering gob-smacking sea views while just beyond the town lies more beaches laden with caves.
Tenby’s medieval walls contain layers of history, shops and a hip social scene that add an intriguing energy. Tenby in West Wales is a joyful place to spend time by the sea, promising equal measures of relaxation and recreation.
10) Aberdovey (Aberdyfi), Gwynedd
Aberdovey couldn’t be anything but stunning, facing Cardigan Bay at the foot of Snowdonia where the mountains meet the sea. This pretty Victorian resort has it all; golden beaches, dunes, forest, rolling hills and the Dyfi Estuary. The vibe is understated bohemian sophistication and is popular with walkers, sailors and nature lovers.
There is one massive beach, stretching more than 6km from the estuary to Twyn offering the most magical walks, clear water swims and prefect picnics in the dunes.
Visitors staying in this fairytale North Wales village will want for nothing. With unspoiled beaches, the estuary and Snowdonia on their doorstep, you can enjoy beach walks and water-sports in the morning before heading-off to the cliffs and hills for an afternoon adventure.
With our Coastal Cottages, you’ll be Spoiled for Choice
These coastal towns are but a handful of what the UK has to offer. There is literally a sea of possibilities when it comes to beautiful coastal towns with outstanding accommodation in every corner of the UK, each providing a different version of seaside life, some more rustic, some more elegant and some just wild.
They all offer something increasingly precious: space to breathe, time to slow down, and the chance to reconnect with simple pleasures and nature’s rhythm. Whether you’re in the mood for golden sands, windy cliffs or harbour-side cafés, check out the wonderful collection of coastal cottages by the sea listed with us, many that enjoy sea views.