10 Enchanting Beachside Towns to Visit in the UK: Your Ultimate Coastal Getaway Guide

As the sun-dappled waves kiss the shore and seagulls cry overhead, the allure of the UK’s beachside towns beckons travelers from far and wide. From the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the tranquil coves of Scotland, these coastal gems offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and quintessential British charm. Whether you’re seeking artistic inspiration, Gothic intrigue, or simply a peaceful seaside retreat, the UK’s beachside towns have something for everyone. Join us as we explore ten of the most enchanting coastal destinations that promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

1. St Ives, Cornwall: An Artist’s Haven by the Sea

Nestled on the southwestern tip of England, St Ives is a picturesque haven that has long captivated artists and tourists alike. With its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming cobblestone streets, this Cornish town is a true seaside jewel.

St Ives boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Porthmeor Beach, with its azure waters and soft sand, is a favorite among surfers and sunbathers. The sheltered Porthminster Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, while the smaller Porthgwidden Beach provides a more intimate setting for relaxation.

The town’s rich artistic heritage is evident at every turn. The Tate St Ives, a stunning modern gallery overlooking the Atlantic, showcases an impressive collection of British and international modern art. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors.

For food enthusiasts, St Ives is a paradise of fresh seafood and local delicacies. From quaint cafes serving Cornish pasties to upscale restaurants offering gourmet seafood platters, the town’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor freshly caught fish at the Harbor Fish Bar or indulge in a cream tea at one of the charming tearooms dotting the town.

2. Whitby, North Yorkshire: Gothic Charm and Maritime History

Perched on the rugged North Yorkshire coast, Whitby is a town steeped in history and legend. With its dramatic clifftop abbey, winding medieval streets, and connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby offers visitors a unique blend of Gothic atmosphere and seaside charm.

The imposing ruins of Whitby Abbey, standing sentinel over the town, are a must-visit attraction. Climb the famous 199 steps to reach this iconic landmark and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the North Sea and the town below. The abbey’s Gothic architecture and eerie atmosphere inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, adding a touch of literary intrigue to the town’s allure.

Whitby’s maritime heritage is equally fascinating. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in the 17th-century building where the famous explorer once lived, offers a fascinating insight into his voyages and discoveries. The Whitby Museum showcases an eclectic collection of local artifacts, including fossilized dinosaur footprints and items related to the town’s whaling history.

No visit to Whitby is complete without sampling its world-famous fish and chips. The Magpie Cafe, a local institution, serves some of the best in town. For a unique dining experience, try Fortune’s Kippers, a traditional smokehouse that has been producing delicious smoked fish since 1872.

3. Brighton, East Sussex: The Ultimate Seaside Resort

Brighton, often dubbed “London-by-the-Sea,” is the epitome of a British seaside resort. With its iconic pier, vibrant culture, and eclectic mix of attractions, Brighton offers a perfect blend of traditional seaside charm and modern urban cool.

The Brighton Palace Pier, with its fairground rides, arcades, and food stalls, is the centerpiece of the town’s seafront. Take a stroll along the pebble beach, enjoy an ice cream, or try your hand at the various amusements on offer. For a bird’s eye view of the coast, take a ride on the British Airways i360, a futuristic observation tower offering panoramic views of Brighton and beyond.

The Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace built for King George IV, is a testament to Brighton’s flamboyant history. Its striking Indo-Saracenic architecture and lavishly decorated interiors make it one of the town’s most popular attractions. Nearby, the narrow alleyways of The Lanes are perfect for shopping, with a plethora of independent boutiques, antique shops, and jewelry stores.

Brighton’s food scene is as diverse as its population. From vegan cafes to seafood restaurants, the town caters to all tastes. The Brighton Food Festival, held twice a year, is a celebration of local produce and culinary talent. As night falls, Brighton comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering everything from traditional pubs to cutting-edge clubs.

4. Tenby, Pembrokeshire: A Welsh Coastal Gem

Tenby, with its pastel-colored houses, medieval town walls, and golden beaches, is often described as the jewel in Pembrokeshire’s crown. This picturesque Welsh town offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and seaside fun.

The town’s three beautiful beaches - North Beach, South Beach, and Castle Beach - each have their own unique charm. North Beach, with its iconic Goskar Rock, is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. South Beach, stretching for over a mile, offers plenty of space for beach games and leisurely walks. Castle Beach, overlooked by the ruins of Tenby Castle, is ideal for rock pooling at low tide.

Tenby’s well-preserved medieval town walls and Tudor Merchant’s House offer a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Wander through the narrow streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. For a unique perspective on the town, take a boat trip to Caldey Island, home to a community of Cistercian monks and known for its beautiful beaches and locally made perfumes and chocolates.

Food lovers will delight in Tenby’s culinary offerings. Fresh seafood is a staple, with local specialties including Tenby crab and Pembrokeshire mackerel. The town also boasts several excellent ice cream parlors, perfect for a sweet treat after a day at the beach.

5. Southwold, Suffolk: Quintessential English Seaside Charm

Southwold, a small coastal town in Suffolk, epitomizes the traditional English seaside resort. With its sandy beach, colorful beach huts, and charming pier, Southwold offers visitors a nostalgic glimpse of seaside holidays past.

The town’s beach, backed by a long line of brightly painted beach huts, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sandcastle building. The Southwold Pier, unlike many of its counterparts, has eschewed noisy arcades in favor of quirky attractions like the Under the Pier Show, a collection of eccentric homemade arcade machines.

Southwold’s brewing heritage is celebrated at the Adnams Brewery, which has been producing beer in the town since 1872. Take a tour of the brewery or visit the Adnams shop to sample and purchase their range of beers, wines, and spirits.

For a dose of culture, visit the Southwold Museum to learn about the town’s history, or catch a film at the Electric Picture Palace, a beautifully restored 1930s cinema. The Southwold Lighthouse, standing proudly in the center of the town, offers tours with stunning views of the Suffolk coast.

6. Salcombe, Devon: A Yachting Paradise

Salcombe, nestled in the South Hams area of Devon, is a haven for sailors and beach lovers alike. This upmarket resort town, with its stunning estuary setting and beautiful beaches, offers a taste of the good life by the sea.

The town’s sheltered harbor is a hub of activity, with yachts and boats of all sizes bobbing on the crystal-clear waters. For those who want to get out on the water, there are plenty of opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary is also a haven for wildlife, with guided boat trips offering the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.

Salcombe boasts several beautiful beaches within easy reach of the town center. North Sands and South Sands, both Blue Flag beaches, offer safe swimming and stunning views. For a more secluded experience, take the ferry to East Portlemouth and explore the hidden coves and beaches across the estuary.

The town itself is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of upscale boutiques and galleries lining the narrow streets. Salcombe is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants, many of which offer stunning views over the estuary. Don’t miss the chance to try some locally caught crab or the famous Salcombe Dairy ice cream.

7. Portmeirion, Gwynedd: An Italian-style Village in North Wales

Portmeirion, a whimsical village nestled on the coast of North Wales, is unlike any other seaside destination in the UK. Created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion was designed to resemble an Italian coastal village, complete with colorful buildings, ornate architecture, and exotic gardens.

The village’s unique architecture and stunning coastal setting have made it a popular filming location, most famously for the 1960s TV series “The Prisoner.” Visitors can explore the village’s quirky buildings, including the iconic Hercules Hall and the Gothic Pavilion, and discover hidden statues and ornamental ponds tucked away in unexpected corners.

Portmeirion’s gardens are equally spectacular, with a mix of formal landscaped areas and wild coastal woodland. The Gwyllt, a 70-acre sub-tropical forest, offers scenic walking trails and stunning views over the estuary of the River Dwyryd.

While Portmeirion doesn’t have a traditional beach, it does offer access to a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline at low tide. The village also has several cafes and restaurants, including the high-end Hotel Portmeirion, which serves locally sourced Welsh cuisine with an Italian twist.

8. Cromer, Norfolk: A Victorian Seaside Resort

Cromer, perched on the north coast of Norfolk, is a classic example of a Victorian seaside resort that has retained much of its period charm. Known for its wide sandy beaches, historic pier, and famous Cromer crab, this town offers a delightful blend of traditional seaside attractions and natural beauty.

The Grade II listed Cromer Pier, home to the Pavilion Theatre, is the town’s most iconic landmark. It’s one of the few remaining end-of-pier theatres in Europe, still hosting variety shows throughout the year. The pier is also a popular spot for crabbing, a favorite pastime for visitors of all ages.

Cromer’s wide, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The town is also the starting point for the Norfolk Coast Path, offering beautiful walks along the cliffs with stunning sea views. For those interested in maritime history, the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum tells the story of Cromer’s most famous lifeboatman and the town’s longstanding connection to sea rescue services.

No visit to Cromer is complete without sampling the town’s namesake delicacy - Cromer crab. Known for its sweet flavor and high meat content, Cromer crab can be enjoyed in many of the town’s restaurants and cafes. For a traditional seaside treat, try the fish and chips at No1 Cromer, owned by celebrity chef Galton Blackiston.

9. Lyme Regis, Dorset: The Pearl of Dorset

Lyme Regis, located on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, is a town where history and natural beauty collide. Known as the “Pearl of Dorset,” this charming seaside resort offers a unique blend of stunning coastline, fossil-rich beaches, and literary connections.

The town’s most famous landmark is the Cobb, a curving harbor wall dating back to the 13th century. Made famous by its appearance in Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” and John Fowles’ “The French Lieutenant’s Woman,” the Cobb offers spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast and is a popular spot for a scenic walk.

Lyme Regis is renowned for its fossil-rich beaches, earning it the nickname “the birthplace of palaeontology.” Visitors can join guided fossil hunting walks or try their luck at finding their own prehistoric treasures on the beach. The Lyme Regis Museum, built on the site of paleontologist Mary Anning’s birthplace, offers fascinating insights into the area’s geological importance.

The town’s literary connections extend beyond Jane Austen. The annual Lyme Regis Fossil Festival celebrates the town’s geological heritage, while the Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week in August offers a week of family-friendly entertainment.

For food lovers, Lyme Regis offers a range of excellent restaurants and cafes, many specializing in locally caught seafood. The Town Mill, a restored 14th-century watermill, now houses a working mill, art galleries, and a microbrewery, offering a glimpse into the town’s industrial heritage.

10. Tobermory, Isle of Mull: A Scottish Island Gem

Tobermory, the main town on the Isle of Mull, is a picture-perfect Scottish seaside destination. With its colorful waterfront buildings, scenic harbor, and surrounding wilderness, Tobermory offers visitors a taste of island life at its most enchanting.

The town’s most striking feature is its waterfront, lined with brightly painted houses in shades of red, yellow, and blue. This iconic view has made Tobermory instantly recognizable, even featuring as the setting for the popular children’s TV show “Balamory.”

Tobermory’s natural harbor is a hub of activity, with fishing boats and yachts coming and going throughout the day. The Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland, offers tours and tastings of its single malt whisky. For a deeper dive into local history, the Mull Museum provides fascinating insights into the island’s past.

The waters around Tobermory are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Boat trips offer the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and sea eagles. The nearby Aros Park provides beautiful woodland walks and waterfalls, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Seafood is a highlight of Tobermory’s culinary scene, with several excellent restaurants serving fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish. For a unique dining experience, try the Cafe Fish, housed in an old ferry terminal building overlooking the harbor.

From the artistic enclave of St Ives to the colorful Scottish charm of Tobermory, the UK’s beachside towns offer a diverse array of coastal experiences. Each town has its own unique character, shaped by its history, landscape, and local culture. Whether you’re seeking dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches, traditional seaside amusements, or tranquil island retreats, these ten enchanting destinations showcase the very best of Britain’s coastal allure. So pack your bags, feel the sand between your toes, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of the UK’s most captivating seaside towns. Your perfect coastal getaway awaits!