If you’re searching for the best coastal towns to visit in the UK, you’ll find everything from sandy beaches and charming harbours to historic promenades and cliffside walks. These seaside gems are perfect for family holidays, romantic escapes, and relaxing getaways.
🌊 1. St Ives, Cornwall
Arguably the most picturesque coastal town in the UK, St Ives is renowned for its artistic heritage, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters.
✨ Highlights:
- Porthmeor and Porthminster Beaches
- Tate St Ives (modern art by the sea)
- Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden
- Charming old fishing harbour and narrow cobbled streets
🏨 Travel Tip:
Book accommodation early, especially in summer. St Ives is extremely popular and fills up quickly.
🐚 2. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Famous for its gothic abbey, connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and traditional fish & chips, Whitby is a coastal gem with a spooky twist.
✨ Highlights:
- Whitby Abbey & 199 Steps
- Captain Cook Memorial Museum
- Fresh seafood at the harbour
- Scenic cliff-top walks along the Cleveland Way
🏨 Travel Tip:
Try the famous fish & chips at Magpie Café — it’s legendary (and worth the queue!).
🐠 3. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
This colourful walled town in southwest Wales offers beautiful sandy beaches and postcard-perfect scenery.
✨ Highlights:
- Castle Beach and North Beach
- Boat trips to Caldey Island
- Coastal walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- Historic town walls and harbour
🏨 Travel Tip:
Tenby is ideal for families and great in both summer and early autumn for quieter stays.
🏖️ 4. Southwold, Suffolk
A charming Victorian town on the east coast, Southwold is peaceful, stylish, and full of vintage seaside character.
✨ Highlights:
- Southwold Pier with quirky amusements
- Colourful beach huts
- Adnams Brewery tour & tasting
- Lighthouse and coastal walks
🏨 Travel Tip:
Perfect for romantic breaks or a quiet weekend — it’s more relaxed than larger resorts.
🐬 5. Portree, Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Although not a traditional “beach resort,” Portree is the picturesque coastal capital of Skye, offering rugged landscapes and a gateway to Scottish adventure.
✨ Highlights:
- Colourful harbour and local seafood
- Boat trips for dolphin, seal, and whale spotting
- Gateway to the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Pools
- Art galleries and Scottish crafts
🏨 Travel Tip:
Pack for all weathers — Skye is beautiful but often unpredictable!
🐚 6. Broadstairs, Kent
One of Charles Dickens’ favourite retreats, Broadstairs combines sandy beaches with literary heritage and family fun.
✨ Highlights:
- Viking Bay beach
- Dickens House Museum
- Ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato (founded in 1932)
- Clifftop walks to Ramsgate and Margate
🏨 Travel Tip:
Broadstairs is great for day trips from London — just 1.5 hours by train.
🌅 7. Oban, West Coast of Scotland
Known as the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban is a peaceful harbour town with stunning sunsets, seafood, and whisky.
✨ Highlights:
- Oban Distillery tour
- Ferry trips to Mull, Iona, and Staffa
- McCaig’s Tower (a coliseum-like viewpoint)
- Seafront dining with fresh oysters and mussels
🏨 Travel Tip:
Visit in late spring or early autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.
🐳 8. Llandudno, North Wales
A Victorian seaside resort with a long promenade and great views, Llandudno mixes charm, nature, and accessibility.
✨ Highlights:
- Great Orme cable car and tramway
- Llandudno Pier and Punch and Judy shows
- Alice in Wonderland-themed walking trail
- Beaches and pebble coves
🏨 Travel Tip:
Stay near the promenade for easy access to everything — many hotels have sea views.
🌊 9. Brixham, Devon
A working fishing port with colourful hillside homes, Brixham is authentic, welcoming, and ideal for seafood lovers.
✨ Highlights:
- Brixham Fish Market tours
- Replica of the Golden Hind ship
- Rockfish and other top-rated seafood restaurants
- Berry Head coastal nature reserve
🏨 Travel Tip:
Book a seafood dinner overlooking the harbour for a scenic meal experience.
🏄 10. Newquay, Cornwall
Known for its surf culture and lively vibe, Newquay is a top choice for younger travellers and beach lovers alike.
✨ Highlights:
- Fistral Beach for surfing
- Blue Reef Aquarium
- South West Coast Path hikes
- Bustling beach bars and nightlife
🏨 Travel Tip:
Great for group trips or adventurous travellers — plenty of surf schools and campsites.
🧭 Honorable Mentions
- Filey, Yorkshire – Ideal for peaceful seaside retreats
- Dunbar, East Lothian – East coast Scottish escape
- Aldeburgh, Suffolk – Artsy town with boutique vibes
- Saltburn-by-the-Sea – Quirky Victorian resort with cliff lift
✅ Planning Your Coastal UK Getaway
Each coastal town in the UK offers a unique slice of life — whether it’s surfing in Cornwall, hiking cliff paths in Wales, or exploring historic harbours in Scotland.
Before you go:
- Book seaside accommodation early, especially in July–August
- Check tide times and local events
- Consider train travel or scenic coastal drives
- Pack layers — UK weather can change quickly, even by the sea!
🧳 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in search of a romantic escape, family beach holiday, or a weekend of seafood and sunsets, these UK coastal towns deliver charm, character, and unforgettable experiences.
📌 Ready to explore more? Stay tuned for our next post covering the UK’s most scenic train routes — no car needed
👉 Planning group travel in the UK? Choose Luxury Minibus Hire for a stress-free journey with modern, comfortable minibuses—perfect for families, friends, school trips, or corporate events.
