The 10 Best Seaside Towns In The UK To Visit This Summer

As summer approaches, many Britons are looking to escape to the coast for a refreshing break from city life. With over 11,000 miles of coastline, the UK is home to some of the most charming and picturesque UK seaside towns to visit. From Cornwall’s golden beaches to Yorkshire’s rugged cliffs, these coastal gems offer everything from traditional seaside fun to cultural experiences and outstanding natural beauty.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer summer holiday, our guide to the 10 best seaside towns in the UK will help you discover the perfect coastal destination for your next adventure.

1. St Ives, Cornwall

When discussing the best seaside towns Cornwall has to offer, St Ives consistently tops the list. This picturesque fishing town has transformed into an art lover’s paradise, home to the Tate St Ives gallery and numerous independent art studios scattered throughout its narrow, winding streets.

The town boasts not one but four stunning beaches, each with its own distinct character. Porthmeor is popular with surfers, while Porthgwidden offers a more sheltered spot for families. The harbour beach comes alive during low tide, and Porthminster provides golden sands with views across to Godrevy Lighthouse.

Beyond the beaches, St Ives offers excellent dining options, with seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch and traditional Cornish pasty shops lining the streets. The town’s microclimate often delivers warmer and sunnier weather than many other parts of the UK, making it an ideal summer destination.

As one of the best seaside towns in the UK, St Ives can get busy during peak season, but its charm and beauty make it well worth visiting even during the busier months.

UK Seaside Towns To Visit: The South Coast Gems

The south coast of England is dotted with charming coastal towns that offer a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, historic sites and vibrant local culture. Let’s explore some of the best beaches south coast destinations that deserve a spot on your summer itinerary.

2. Brighton, East Sussex

No list of the best seaside towns in the UK would be complete without Brighton. This vibrant city has been a popular seaside resort since the 18th century when it became fashionable among the aristocracy.

Today, Brighton offers a unique blend of traditional seaside charm and contemporary culture. The iconic Brighton Pier provides classic amusements, while the shingle beach stretches for miles along the seafront. For a more modern attraction, take a ride on the British Airways i360, a moving observation tower offering panoramic views across the city and the English Channel.

The Lanes, a maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, offer a shopping experience unlike any other. Brighton is also known for its diverse food scene, with options ranging from traditional fish and chips to innovative vegan cuisine.

With excellent transport links to London, Brighton makes for an ideal day trip or weekend break for those based in the capital. Its lively atmosphere, cultural attractions and beautiful seafront make it one of the most popular UK seaside towns to visit year-round.

3. Salcombe, Devon

Nestled in the South Hams district of Devon, Salcombe is often described as one of the most beautiful seaside towns with sandy beaches in the UK. This upmarket town sits on the banks of the Salcombe Estuary, providing sheltered waters perfect for sailing and water sports.

The town itself features colourful buildings housing boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants serving locally caught seafood. Just a short ferry ride away, you’ll find East Portlemouth beach, with its fine sand and crystal-clear waters that could easily be mistaken for the Mediterranean on a sunny day.

Salcombe is particularly popular with sailing enthusiasts and the harbour is often filled with boats of all sizes. The annual Salcombe Regatta in August transforms the town into a hub of activity with races, fireworks and festivities.

While it’s one of the more exclusive coastal destinations in the UK, Salcombe’s natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it well worth the visit for those seeking a more refined seaside experience.

4. Lyme Regis, Dorset

Known as the “Pearl of Dorset,” Lyme Regis sits at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its fossil-rich cliffs and geological importance. This historic town combines natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most interesting traditional British seaside towns to explore.

The town’s most famous landmark is the Cobb, a curved stone harbour wall dating back to the 13th century, which featured prominently in Jane Austen’s novel “Persuasion” and the film adaptation of “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” From the Cobb, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the coastline in both directions.

Lyme Regis is a paradise for fossil hunters, with regular guided fossil walks available for those interested in discovering their own prehistoric treasures. The town also hosts an annual fossil festival celebrating its unique geological heritage.

Beyond fossil hunting, visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, browse independent shops and galleries or sample local seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea. With its combination of natural wonders, historic charm and seaside attractions, Lyme Regis offers something for every type of traveller.

Family Friendly Seaside Towns Across the UK

For those travelling with children, finding the right balance of entertainment, amenities and safe beaches is essential. These family friendly seaside towns offer plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages happy and entertained throughout their stay.

5. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Perched on the Yorkshire coast, Whitby is a fascinating seaside destination that combines maritime heritage with literary connections and stunning natural scenery. The town is divided by the River Esk, with the East Cliff home to the haunting ruins of Whitby Abbey that inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”

The town’s connections to Captain Cook, who served his apprenticeship here, are celebrated at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Whitby is also famous for its jet, a fossilised wood that was popularised as jewellery during the Victorian era after Queen Victoria wore it during her mourning period.

Whitby’s beaches offer something for everyone – the West Cliff beach is sandy and perfect for traditional seaside activities, while Tate Hill beach is smaller but allows dogs year-round. The town hosts the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend, drawing visitors from around the world who share an interest in gothic culture.

Fish and chips are a must when visiting Whitby, with several award-winning shops competing for the title of the town’s best. After a day exploring, climb the 199 steps to the abbey for breathtaking views across the town and coastline – the perfect end to a day in one of the best coastal towns Yorkshire has to offer.

6. Tenby, Pembrokeshire

With its pastel-coloured houses, medieval town walls and stunning beaches, Tenby is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Wales. This charming town manages to preserve its historic character while offering all the amenities expected of a modern seaside resort.

Tenby boasts three gorgeous sandy beaches – North Beach, South Beach and Castle Beach – each offering safe swimming and plenty of space for families to spread out. The harbour, filled with colourful fishing boats, adds to the town’s picturesque appeal and is the departure point for boat trips to nearby Caldey Island, home to a community of Cistercian monks.

The town’s historic centre, still partially enclosed by 13th-century walls, features narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours. The Tudor Merchant’s House, now managed by the National Trust, offers a glimpse into 15th-century life in this bustling port town.

Tenby’s popularity as a holiday destination dates back to the Victorian era when it became fashionable for its therapeutic sea bathing. Today, it continues to attract visitors with its perfect blend of history, natural beauty and classic seaside charm, making it one of the top UK seaside towns to visit for families.

7. Southwold, Suffolk

Southwold epitomises the charm of an English seaside town with its pristine beach, traditional pier and rows of colourful beach huts. Located on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, this unspoiled town has maintained its character and avoided excessive commercialisation, making it one of the most appealing seaside towns for holidays in the east of England.

The town is almost surrounded by water – the North Sea to the east, the River Blyth to the south and west and Buss Creek to the north – giving it an island-like quality. Southwold’s beach is mainly sandy with some shingle and is backed by a promenade lined with the town’s famous beach huts, which are among the most sought-after in the country.

Southwold Pier, unlike many British piers, focuses on quirky entertainment rather than amusement arcades. The Under the Pier Show features eccentric hand-built slot machines created by inventor Tim Hunkin, offering a unique alternative to traditional seaside amusements.

The town is also home to Adnams Brewery, which has been brewing beer in Southwold since 1872. Visitors can tour the brewery, distillery or enjoy a pint in one of the Adnams pubs scattered throughout the town. With its independent shops, quality restaurants and relaxed atmosphere, Southwold offers a refined seaside experience away from the crowds.

Hidden Coastal Treasures Worth Discovering

While some seaside towns receive all the attention, the UK coast is dotted with lesser-known seaside resorts that offer authentic experiences without the crowds. These hidden gem coastal towns provide all the charm of their more famous counterparts but with a more relaxed atmosphere.

8. Deal, Kent

Deal might not be as well-known as some other seaside towns near London, but this former smuggling hub on the Kent coast offers a compelling mix of history, culture and seaside charm. Just over an hour from London by train, Deal provides an authentic coastal experience without the overwhelming tourist crowds found in more popular destinations.

The town centre features well-preserved Georgian architecture, independent shops and a growing number of excellent restaurants and cafes that have earned Deal recognition as one of the UK’s culinary hotspots. The pebble beach stretches the length of the town, backed by a flat promenade perfect for walking or cycling.

Deal Castle, built by Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal defences, offers insights into Tudor military architecture and provides panoramic views from its battlements. The town’s maritime history is celebrated at the Deal Maritime and Local History Museum, housed in an old sail loft.

Deal Pier, the last fully intact leisure pier in Kent, extends 300 metres into the sea and is a popular spot for fishing or simply enjoying the coastal views. The pier’s modernist café at the end serves quality food with uninterrupted sea views. With its authentic charm and growing reputation as a cultural destination, Deal represents one of the best affordable seaside town breaks within easy reach of the capital.

9. North Berwick, East Lothian

Located on Scotland’s east coast, North Berwick combines stunning coastal scenery with small-town charm to create one of the most appealing dog friendly seaside towns in Scotland. Just 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh, this elegant town offers a perfect escape from city life with its beautiful beaches, wildlife and outdoor activities.

The town is dominated by North Berwick Law, a 187-metre volcanic hill that provides spectacular views across the Firth of Forth to Fife and beyond for those willing to make the climb. The beaches – Milsey Bay to the east and West Bay to the west – offer golden sands and rockpools perfect for family exploration.

North Berwick is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with the Scottish Seabird Centre offering boat trips to the nearby Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest northern gannet colony. The town’s position on the Firth of Forth also makes it an excellent spot for watching passing dolphins and whales during certain times of the year.

The high street features an array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, with many serving locally caught seafood and produce. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to world-class courses, including the famous North Berwick Golf Club with its stunning coastal views. Combining natural beauty, wildlife and Scottish charm, North Berwick offers a refreshing alternative to more commercialised seaside destinations.

10. Rye, East Sussex

Just two miles from the sea at Camber Sands, the medieval town of Rye is one of the prettiest coastal villages UK has to offer. Though technically not directly on the coast, its historic connection to the sea as one of the ancient Cinque Ports and its proximity to stunning beaches make it a worthy addition to our list.

This former island sits perched on a hill, with cobbled streets like the famous Mermaid Street lined with timber-framed houses, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time. The town’s rich history of smuggling and maritime trade is evident in its architecture and museums.

Nearby Camber Sands offers one of the best beaches in southeast England, with vast expanses of golden sand and dunes that contrast with the typical shingle beaches of the region. The beach is popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing when conditions are right.

Rye has become something of a gastronomic destination in recent years, with excellent restaurants serving seasonal local produce, particularly the famous Rye Bay scallops celebrated in the town’s annual Scallop Week each February. For history buffs, literary fans and food lovers alike, Rye offers a unique coastal experience that combines the best of best seaside towns England has to offer with exceptional historic character.

The Best Seaside Towns in the UK for Your Summer Holiday

The UK coastline offers an incredible diversity of seaside towns, historic harbours, cultural attractions and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic getaways, outdoor adventures or simply a peaceful spot to relax by the sea, there’s a coastal town to match your preferences.

The best seaside towns in the UK combine authentic local character with quality amenities and access to beautiful beaches. While popular destinations like St Ives and Brighton continue to attract visitors in large numbers, don’t overlook lesser-known gems like Deal and Staithes, which offer equally rewarding experiences often without the crowds.

From the rugged drama of Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast to the subtropical gardens of Cornwall, Britain’s seaside towns showcase the remarkable diversity of our island nation. Each has its own distinctive character, shaped by centuries of maritime history, local culture and the unique landscapes that surround them. Whether you prefer the traditional delights of donkey rides and pier amusements or seek the simple pleasures of wild coastal walks and hidden coves, the perfect seaside escape awaits your travels this summer.