If you are planning a vacation to the UK, chances are that your coastal destinations will be in U.K.’s beautiful coastline. From Cornwall to Wales and north of Scotland, there is no shortage of beaches, seaside towns, and beautiful landscapes to explore. While most of us enjoy our beach getaways with friends or family, there is a huge amount of history and beauty behind these coastal towns. So, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends and family, we promise the journey is worth it. Here we talk about 15 of the best coastal towns in the UK that you can visit.
Coastal Places to Visit UK – Top 15 Seaside Areas
Tourists in the UK and abroad love to visit coastal towns for their beautiful sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns, and majestic lighthouses. However, with so many places to explore, it is hard to narrow down the list. Here is a list of ten of the best beaches in the UK for you to try out this summer.
1. Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand is a beautiful seaside town on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. With its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, this town is a paradise for beach lovers. There are several attractions in the town, including the National Trust’s Portstewart Castle and Heritage Centre. The town also has a lively nightlife with several bars and nightclubs. Aside from beaches and clubs, you can also find some of the best restaurants in the area, such as The Pier House and The Shore House. If you’re interested in exploring the town’s seaside towns, just a short drive away is Whitehead Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its crystal clear waters. This place is perfect for photography enthusiasts as it provides excellent photo opportunities of the coastline and beautiful sunsets. Overall, Portstewart Strand is a beautiful seaside town with many things to do for everyone.
2. Sandwood Bay
Sandwood Bay is a beautiful seaside town located in the north of Scotland. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, it is a great place to visit any time of year. The town has a vibrant harbor and several shops and restaurants as well as pubs and cafes. It is a great place to spend some time exploring its stunning dunes, sandy beach, and sandy harbor.
There are various walking and cycling trails that wind through the surrounding rural countryside. Sandwood Bay is also close to popular seaside towns such as Dawlish and Lyme Regis, making it easy to explore the area on foot or by bike. You can get a train from Laxford Bridge Junction, which will take you to towns such as Exeter with ease. Overall, Sandwood Bay is an ideal seaside town for everyone to visit.
3. West Lulworth
West Lulworth is a picturesque coastal town located in Dorset. The town has a variety of attractions, such as the Lulworth Cove National Nature Reserve and the Jurassic Coast. The area has a number of beautiful beaches, coastlines, and villages that make it an ideal vacation destination. The town is only 10 minute drive from Weymouth, which is known for its beaches and seaside resorts. This town is also home to the West Lulworth Castle, which is open to the public for tours.
In the winter, West Lulworth offers a variety of outdoor activities such as ice skating, skiing, roller skating, and snowboarding. The town is also popular among families with children, who will love exploring the numerous attractions available in the area. If you are looking for a holiday in an idyllic setting, then West Lulworth should be at the top of your list of places to visit in the UK!
4. Bamburgh
Bamburgh is a town in Northumberland, England. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning location and history. The town is best known for Bamburgh castle, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the UK. The castle was built in 1485 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town of Bamburgh is just a short drive from Newcastle, which makes it an ideal place to visit if you’re in the area. There are a variety of shops and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a day or two. Whether you’re looking for seaside fun or historic adventure, Bamburgh has something for everyone.
5. West Wittering
West Wittering is a seaside town in the south of England. It is located on the South Coast of England, just north of Worthing, and has a population of around 10,000 people.
The town has a long history, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Today, West Wittering enjoys a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of amenities for visitors. The town has a wide range of shops and restaurants, as well as some beautiful beaches. It is also close to many other attractions such as Brighton and Hove. So if you’re looking for a seaside town with plenty to see and do, West Wittering is an excellent choice.
6. Tresco
Tresco is a small island on the coast of Cornwall in the United Kingdom. It is best known for its dramatic coastline and beautiful views. Tresco is also a popular tourist destination, with plenty of attractions to explore, including its own casino. The town of Falmouth is located on the mainland near Tresco and is a popular stop on the Cornwall itinerary. Penzance is another coastal town located near Tresco and is home to some of Cornwall’s best restaurants and pubs. It is also close to the Bodmin Moor National Park, which features a rugged coastline and rolling hills. St David’s Town is located in the heart of historic Cardiff and is known for its lively nightlife and vibrant shopping district. Pembrokeshire is a county in Wales that features stunning scenery, including sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. The Cinque Ports are five towns situated along the coast of Kent that are known for their maritime history and thriving port economy.
7. Shanklin
Shanklin is a seaside town located on the Isle of Wight in Hampshire, England. The town has a long history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Shanklin is well-known for its pier, which is known as ‘The Hope Pier’ and is one of the longest in England and was once home to the world’s largest pleasure boat, ‘the Queen of Sheba’.
The town has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a wide range of leisure activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. The area is well-serviced by transport links including motorway access and rail links. Shanklin is also close to other popular coastal towns including Bognor Regis and Godshill. Shanklin has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The town is home to the Shanklin Museum which showcases the town’s history and artistry from around the world. In 2013, Shanklin was awarded Fairtrade Town status by Fairtrade UK. Overall, Shanklin is a great seaside town with plenty to do for everyone.
8. Whitstable
Whitstable is a charming town located on the eastern coast of Kent. It is known for its sandy beaches and picturesque harbor. Whitstable has a variety of shops, pubs, and warm and cozy restaurants to explore. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, Whitstable is the perfect place to visit. It is well connected by train and bus services and is easy to get to from London or other major cities in England. If you are looking for an active holiday, Whitstable has plenty of golf courses and climbing centers to choose from. Finally, if you are looking to explore the countryside, Whitstable is only a short drive away from some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside. Overall, Whitstable is an ideal destination for anyone seeking an exciting vacation on the east coast of England.
9. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay is a picturesque seaside town located on the east coast of England. The town is known for its sandy beaches, shops, and pier. It is a buzzing town with a variety of attractions, including a sandy beach, several shops, and a pier. The town is also home to the Watergate Bay Golf Club and Watergate Bay Marina, which provide beautiful views of the bay. Visitors can explore the surrounding area by bike or on foot. The town’s lively nightlife is perfect for those who want to enjoy some fun in the sun. Watergate Bay is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to get to from anywhere in England. There are plenty of accommodation options for visitors ranging from cheap B&Bs to luxurious hotels and resorts. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended stay, Watergate Bay won’t disappoint!
10. Seven Sisters
Located on the sandy beaches of the South Downs in Kent, Seven Sisters is a small town with a population of around 2,500. The town is best known for its sandy beaches and seaside resorts, such as Margate, Worthing, and Broadstairs. However, it is also popular for its sandy bays, sandy dunes, and clay pigeon shooting. The town is home to the Seven Sisters pub and several restaurants and shops. It is within easy reach of several other popular coastal towns and attractions such as Dover and Broadstairs. Visitors to Seven Sisters can enjoy walks along the cliffs, fishing in the River Darent, or taking a boat trip downriver to the Isle of Grain. The area around Seven Sisters is also well known for its clay pigeon shooting facilities and horse-riding facilities. If you are planning a trip to either Kent or Sussex, be sure to include Seven Sisters on your list of destinations!
11. Walberswick
Walberswick is a coastal town located in the Southwold, Suffolk provides the to explore beautiful beaches and peaceful. The town is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy its many recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and walking. Walberswick has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. There are many interesting attractions in and around Walberswick including the Devil’s Dyke and Beachy Head Lighthouse. Tourism, agriculture, and catching fish are the mainstays of the local economy. The town has a number of schools, businesses, and services catering to the needs of visitors and locals alike. The population is around 2,000 people.
12. Dungeness
Dungeness is a small seaside town located on the beautiful coastline of the Romney Marsh in Kent, England. The town is best known for its stunning views of the English Channel and the surrounding coastline. The town is home to a number of tourist attractions, such as the Dungeness Lighthouse and the Dungeness Wildlife Reserve. These attractions attract visitors from all around the world, making it a popular spot for sea-based activities such as fishing, sailing, and windsurfing.
Dungeness is also accessible by rail and road, making it an easy destination for travelers from around the world. The town is only an hour’s drive from London, making it a worthy stop for any adrenaline-seeking tourist. Besides these activities, there are shops and restaurants to explore and a vibrant pub scene to enjoy. Overall, Dungeness is an ideal place for people of all ages looking to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty.
13. Sandsend
Sandsend is a seaside town located on the northeastern coast of the English county of North Yorkshire. It is known for its traditional fishing and maritime industries, as well as its sandy beaches and beautiful scenery. The town is home to a variety of retail and leisure outlets, as well as a number of public attractions, such as beach huts, promenades, and piers. Two railway stations serve Sandsend – Sands End and Westcliff on the Tilbury and Southend Line. The nearest airport is London City Airport, about 30 miles away. The town is also accessible by motorway junction the M25 motorway, about 18 miles away. The climate in Sandsend is milder than most places in the UK due to its location near the sea. Summers are usually warm and sunny, with occasional showers. Winters are mild, with average temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit).
14. Porthcurno
Porthcurno is a picturesque coastal town located in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales. The town has a long and rich maritime history dating back to the 16th century. Porthcurno is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The town is also home to several museums, including the Maritime Museum and the Porthcurno Beach Museum. Porthcurno is a popular tourist destination and can be reached by train or car. There are several restaurants and bars in Porthcurno, as well as a variety of shops and galleries. There are also a number of bed and breakfasts in town. Porthcurno has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs. Porthcurno is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and coastline. The town has a lively nightlife with plenty of places to go out for dinner and drinks.
15. Rhossili
Rhossili is a seaside town in south-eastern Wales. It is bordered by Porthcawl to the north, Ynyslas to the east, the Afon Region to the south, and Swansea to the west. The town is known for its wide range of maritime activities, including fishing, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and surfing. Rhossili has a number of attractions, including Rhossili Bay Wildlife Reserve and St Mary’s Church. The town is also home to the Rhossili Hotel and the Rhossili Golf Club. The town has a number of restaurants and pubs as well as a range of shops and services. The population of Rhossili fluctuates between around 2,500 and 3,000 people. It is within easy reach of several other coastal towns in southeast Wales such as Porthcawl and Ynyslas.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you see that there are plenty of amazing coastal places to visit in the UK. From sandy beaches, historic towns, and villages to rugged cliffs and spectacular views – the United Kingdom has full of great seaside destinations for a weekend away. So why not start planning your next adventure by researching the best coastal spots in the UK.
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