The UK offers an extensive coastline with many seaside towns rife with picturesque sights and incredible destinations. This makes the British seaside holidays a perfect idea for travelers.
Here is my list of the best UK seaside towns to help you plan your itinerary. You won’t want to miss it!
1. Deal, Kent
With its main vibe being great food and a warm community, Deal, Kent is a tourist gem you should visit.
This small coastal town is sandwiched between the English Channel and the North Sea. It has a lot to offer, from family picnics on its pebble beaches to beautiful places to shop to a rich culture.
Additionally, there are lots of indoor and outdoor things to do in Deal. Book yourself into the Waterfront Hotel and enjoy its proximity to the town center.
Your time in this town will be all about making memories and having fun as you walk or cycle through its trails, beholding the stunning landscapes.
2. Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe, Devon is a beautiful resort town located in South West England that’s famous for its outstanding beauty and sun-soaked coastlines.
You will love Salcombe’s British look and feel!
There are countless attractions and things to do in this seaside town. Don’t end your visit without visiting Salcombe Harbour for the breathtaking ocean and sunset views.
The town is also a unique place to shop and enjoy a variety of dining experiences thanks to the many restaurants scattered about.
If time allows, take the young artists in your family to Gallery 5 Salcombe and let the paintings and artworks inspire them.
3. Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth, Cornwall, is a port and a civil parish with unmatchable tranquility.
It is among the best seaside towns in the UK with many attractions such as the Trebah Garden and Pendennis Castle.
There are many ways to get around this town, including buses and car hire. Still, your adventure would be more interesting if you took a ferry to experience the beauty and tranquility of the River Fal.
4. Barry Island, South Wales
Barry Island is a coastal town in South Wales with an atmosphere of eternal vibrance.
The town is known for its fascinating museums, beautiful parks, and leafy gardens. It is the perfect destination for families looking for ocean air thanks to the golden and colorful beaches that abound.
You can also participate in other exciting activities, including fairground rides and train journeys. Golfers will have a lifetime moment at the Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.
5. Tobermory, Isle of Mull
If you need a reason to escape the city and visit the UK, then Tobermory should be that reason.
Although small, this port town on the Isle of Mull makes a statement with its brightly-colored houses.
Tobermory is also a perfect place to enjoy activities like whale-watching, cruising, and viewing wildlife.
Your kids should certainly appreciate a visit to the harbor front, especially after seeing the exhibits of water mammals at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.
If you love whisky (adults only, of course), remember to taste some at the Tobermory Distillery Visitor Center.
6. Dartmouth, Devon
Whether you want a short break or an extended family vacation, Dartmouth in Devon could be just what you’re looking for.
This seaside town sits on the River Dart’s banks and offers everything you want in a vacation. The sunkissed town has plenty of festivals and fun-filled events, including the famous Dartmouth Food Festival and Dartmouth Regatta.
The Dartmoor National Park will be a perfect escape for you if you are an outdoor person.
You can also head to the local beaches, which are a walk away from the town, and bond with your loved ones as you swim or play in the sand.
7. Lyme Regis, Dorset
There is no dull moment in the seaside town of Lyme Regis located in West Dorset.
Lyme has breathtaking scenery, a rich history, and beautiful beaches.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Cobb, a harbor wall built in the early years to protect the city from water breaks.
You can also experience the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, where visitors interact with sea creatures and make memories by holding the starfish or feeding the mullets.
Additionally, the town has terrific eat-out places where you can enjoy seafood with a side of panoramic sea views.
One of the most must-visit restaurants in Lyme Regis is the Oyster and Fish House, which overlooks Cobb Harbor. Make sure you capture some photos of the Jurassic coast before leaving the town.
8. St. Ives, Cornwall
Your visit to the UK isn’t complete without visiting St.Ives in Cornwall.
This seaside town is a famous destination popularly known for its art scenes and surf beaches. Take some time and enjoy surfing on the gentle waves of Porthmeor Beach.
You can also take a boat ride to Seal Island and forget the city’s hustle and bustle for a moment. On your sea safari to the island, you will appreciate the gorgeous views of Porthmeor and wildlife.
While on the island, you can interact closely with Atlantic grey seals.
Apart from the island adventure, you can spend your afternoon in St. Ives by visiting Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Here, the artist in you will be inspired by the over 30 bronze, wood, and plaster works.
9. Hunstanton, Norfolk
Hunstanton is a pretty seaside town resting in the county of Norfolk in Eastern England.
This charming town is perfect for holidaymakers thanks to its magnificent sunshine, impressive cliffs, and clean and safe beaches.
Your outdoor moments in this town will be fulfilling since you can walk on the clifftops or spend your lazy afternoon picnicking at the Hunstanton Heritage Gardens.
The town boasts many other attractions, including the Princess Theatre, Courtyard Farm, Old Lighthouse, and the Hunstanton War Memorial.
You can also water ski, canoe, or windsurf, as the town has a perfect coastline for these activities.
Once done, treat your family to a chicken burger at Joe’s Family Restaurant!
10. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Make most of your holiday time in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
This harbor town has gorgeous beaches that usher visitors to spend the day.
To enjoy an authentic Tenby experience, a visit to the Tenby Harbor, where lots of fishing is done, would be a perfect plan.
You can also take a boat from the harbor, head to Caldey Island, and get lost in the tranquility of its beach.
Plan to take your kids to Manor Wildlife Park or Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
Don’t forget to taste the town’s best ice cream at Tenby’s Ice Cream Shop on 4 Tudor Square.
11. Broadstairs, Kent
Another excellent seaside town in the UK is Broadstairs.
This town in the East Kent district is packed with seven beaches, all of which are perfect for families that want to rediscover the satisfaction of having quality time together.
While in this town, set some time aside to visit Viking Bay.
Once done with the beach, explore the city’s parks and gardens, including Balmoral Gardens, Victoria Gardens, and Pierremont Park.
Do you love good food? Of course you do!
Broadstairs has many eateries, including cafes, ice cream parlors, and fabulous restaurants so you don’t have to deal with hunger-related tantrums.
The town is also full of events and festivities, with the Broadstairs Dickens Festival being the most popular.
12. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby is a small town in Northern England boasting a stunning coastline and a picturesque port.
Although this seaside town is small, it has an overflow of culture and history and many unique attractions that are worth your time.
The beaches here are full of unspoiled sand and beautiful views, and they will offer you the vitamin D you need after a long winter.
You will find some of the tastiest award-winning fish and chips in Whitby, which explains why the restaurants are usually full of visitors.
Don’t forget to visit the Whitby Abbey, a historic attraction with a small museum located in Abbey Lane that offers many adventures for visiting and local families.
The other must-visit places in Whitby include Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall, RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum, and 199 Steps.
If you are in this town for an extended vacation, the best accommodation options would be Raithwaite Sandsend Hotel or Stables Whitby Inn.