With over 6,000 miles (10,000km) of coastline, the UK is blessed with some incredibly beautiful towns and villages along its shores. Whether you prefer a quaint Cornish fishing village or the Victorian seaside resorts in Yorkshire, it's time to pack your bags as we take a look at some of the UK's most charming coastal spots.
In our opinion, these are the UK's prettiest seaside towns and villages. Click through this gallery to discover how we've ranked them...
The colourful beach huts are just one of the attractions of West Mersea, a town on Mersea Island in Essex. Families flock here for sandcastle-building, while paddle-boarding and kayaking along the shoreline are ideal for the more adventurous. Boat trips around the surrounding creeks are also available – look out for skylarks, woodpeckers and even owls. Don’t leave without sampling Mersea’s most famous produce – oysters – which have been cultivated in the creeks since Roman times. Try them at The Company Shed.
With two non-operational nuclear power stations prominent on its skyline, Dungeness might not seem like an obvious contender for the UK’s prettiest seaside town. As visitors to this tiny hamlet, scattered across a seemingly endless shingle headland on the Kent coastline, will attest though, there’s something strangely beautiful about this place. The rustic boats, the Grade II-listed Old Lighthouse, the amazing architecture of its Airbnb properties and the Dungeness National Nature Reserve – with its rich array of birdlife – combine to make it a totally unique seaside destination in the UK.
The Suffolk seaside town of Aldeburgh is not only easy on the eye, it's also known for having some of the country’s best fish and chips. It has two award-winning chippies – Aldeburgh Fish and Chips and The Golden Galleon – both run by the same family since 1967. Eat on the sea wall, watching out for persistent seagulls, then head to The Red House to discover the musical magic of Benjamin Britten.
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Pastel-coloured dwellings and quaint fishermen’s cottages rub shoulders with elegant Georgian townhouses in Deal, on the Kent coast. The promenade overlooks a pebbly beach with views across the English Channel, and the buildings that line the shore have remained unchanged for more than a century. History buffs will enjoy visiting Deal Castle – one of England’s finest Tudor artillery castles – while the annual Deal Braderie is a fun street market with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to antiques.
There is beauty in the bleakness of Gardenstown, a windswept fishing village on Scotland’s northeast coast. Stone cottages cluster around the wave-lashed bay, with more recent buildings dotted on the cliffs. Soak up the solitude by strolling around the harbour, once a busy fishing port, or get a fascinating insight into the history of the area at the seasonal heritage centre. The coastal path links with the charming village of Crovie. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seabirds en route.
Cornwall has a wealth of scenic seaside villages, but Mousehole (pronounced 'Muzzle') is one of the most beautiful. Cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and a harbour dotted with colourful boats make this tiny fishing village picture perfect. It’s known for its Christmas illuminations and Tom Bawcock’s Eve, an annual festival to celebrate the ending of a famine in the 16th century. During the festivities, people tuck into Stargazy pie (a dish made with baked pilchards). St Michael’s Mount is just 20 minutes away by car.
With its thatched cottages, traditional pubs and gold sandy beach, Shanklin is straight out of a storybook. You’ll find plenty of classic seaside shops selling everything from scones to sticks of rock, and family-friendly activities include crazy golf and cycling the Sunshine Trail, a 12-mile (19km) loop along some of the island’s old railway lines. Small Hope Beach is a good choice for families, with beach huts that can be hired, good swimming spots and numerous places to buy ice cream.
With a shoreline dotted with dinosaur fossils, rock pools filled with marine life and excellent walks all around, Lyme Regis is aptly dubbed the 'Pearl of Dorset'. It’s a great choice for families – children will love fossil hunting or heading out on a sea adventure, with fishing trips departing regularly from Cobb Harbour. Local events range from an annual beer festival to the annual fancy dress Christmas Day sea swim in aid of the RNLI.
For a quintessentially British seaside break, head to Hastings. It has everything you need for a traditional escape by the sea, from fish and chip shops to an amusement park with rides. There’s also a long promenade and a new reconstructed pier that opened in 2016, complete with a viewing platform and a glass-fronted restaurant. Adventure lovers can head to Source Park, the world’s largest underground skate and BMX park, while Old Town has a great selection of antique shops and boutiques.
Just a half-hour train journey from Edinburgh, North Berwick has striking views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony. Explore the beaches, take a boat trip around the local islands or tee off at a world-renowned golf course. You’ll also find seaside staples, from fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours to quirky tearooms and trendy coffee shops. Try Buttercup Cafe for fresh scones and sandwiches or Osteria for fancy Italian fare.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the beauty of Blakeney, a village on the Norfolk coastline, even more than most. Thousands of birds come to breed here, along with seal colonies that can be seen on Blakeney Point. Catch a closer glimpse of them on a boat trip to the Point. Alternatively, walkers can also reach it by hiking seven miles (11km) along the coast. Explore the 14th-century Guildhall or drive 15 minutes to Holkham for bucket-and-spade days.
One of the most historic towns in Wales, Cardigan offers more than just a seaside break. As well as the sea being within easy reach, it’s packed with ancient history, beautiful landscapes and fine food. Standing proudly over the River Teifi, Cardigan Castle was the first stone castle built by a Welshman. Peckish? Run by four brothers, Pizzatipi serves wood-fired pizza with river views. Poppit Sands is three miles (5km) north for beach days, while Cardigan Bay is a 30-minute drive away.
St Andrews may be best known for its golf course – and the fact that Prince William and Kate Middleton met here as students – but its idyllic gold sand is also a draw. The seaside town has three main beaches. West Sands is the largest – spanning two miles (3.2km), it featured in the Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire. The north end is popular with kitesurfers and overlooks the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve, where you can spot birds, otters, dolphins and seals.
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This colourful, Italian-style village has a Mediterranean flavour – but its backdrop is distinctly Welsh, courtesy of lush green mountains, a river estuary and Cardigan Bay just beyond. The spectacular architecture – including the clock tower, tiled rooftops and cottages with colourful shutters – was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976. It sits in a scenic spot, at the foot of Snowdonia National Park. The retro-style Angel Ices sells authentic gelatos to complete your Italian coastal holiday experience (in Wales).
Carved in two by the River Esk, Whitby is laden with pretty features including 18th-century fishermen's cottages clinging to the cliffside and an atmospheric ruined abbey that watches over the town. It has a traditional seaside resort feel, complete with a sandy beach, amusement arcades and a promenade thronged with holidaymakers. The town itself has plenty of good restaurants and cafes. Get yourself to Trenchers, The Magpie Cafe or Hadley's for fish and chips.
The beach at this coastal town, just seven miles (11km) from Liverpool, features a striking army of iron statues looking out to sea. Another Place – a work by British artist Antony Gormley – consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures that are dotted along two miles (3km) of coastline. Grab a coffee from town and watch the statues as they are submerged and revealed by the fast-changing tides. Continue up the coast to Formby National Trust coastal reserve, home to red squirrels.
Though it’s technically part of Swansea, Mumbles lies on the western edge of the city and has a small-town feel. Once named as the best place to live in Wales, it’s brimming with seaside shops and cafes, and is the ideal base for exploring the Gower peninsula. For ice cream, try Ripples, Joe’s and Verdi’s on the waterfront. The promenade – revamped in 2023 – is lined with great places to eat, such as Gower Seafood Hut, serving delicious fried whitebait and dressed crab.
Most visitors to Cumbria make a beeline for the Lakes, but Grange-over-Sands is a coastal town worth visiting in its own right. Overlooking the vast expanse of Morecambe Bay, the Edwardian seaside resort has a traditional promenade, picturesque gardens and plenty of quaint cafes. The 12th-century Cartmel Priory lies a couple of miles (3km) away, while walkers can hike to the top of Hampsfield Fell for panoramic views. Refuel on sausage rolls from award-winning butchers Higginsons of Grange.
Tucked away on the southern edge of the New Forest, yet easily accessible from London, this Georgian sailing town has a picture-perfect high street with cobbled streets, cosy pubs and traditional tearooms. The boat-filled marina is just as attractive and makes for a scenic waterside stroll. Discover more on a tour led by volunteers, who regale stories of the town’s smuggling, salt and sailing history. Walkers can embark on the Solent Way, a coastal path that passes through Lymington.
Located on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic, Portrush is one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic seaside towns. You’ll find good old-fashioned bumper cars and theme park rides, plus traditional shops selling ice cream (head to Morelli’s in nearby Portstewart to sample the best). This is also one of Ireland's top surf spots, and home to the prestigious Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of the 2019 Open Championship. Legendary landmark Giant’s Causeway is a 20-minute drive away.
Tucked away in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Fowey (pronounced 'Foy') is a small port town that hugs its own river on Cornwall’s beautiful south coast. Expect captivating views across the estuary and towards Polruan, an ancient fishing village that you can reach via passenger ferry. Fowey has a maritime history dating back to the 12th century, plus links to novelist Daphne du Maurier. Fore Street is a vibrant hub of independent shops, restaurants and seafood bars selling Fowey mussels.
With a tranquil harbour flanked by majestic hills and gold sandy beaches, Salcombe is charming to a tee. It has an upmarket feel – this is where the well-heeled come to enjoy East Portlemouth’s secluded sandy coves and seafood platters at The Winking Prawn. End on a sweet note with ice cream from Salcombe Dairy, where flavours include banoffee, honeycomb and stem ginger. Salcombe is also a shopper’s paradise, with retro sweet shops and art galleries.
This Victorian seaside town really is picturesque, retaining many of its original characteristics. The Saltburn Cliff Lift – the original funicular that has transported visitors down from the town to a vast sandy beach since 1884 – is temporarily closed following a fire but the historic pier here has lost none of its charm. Soak up the town’s foodie spots, growing surf scene and vibrant nightlife (try a pint in the cosy, 150-year-old Alexandra Vaults pub).
With an east-facing beach, the sunsets at this cool little seaside town can explode with colour. Located just nine miles (14km) east of Newcastle, it blends city cool with good coastal fun – you’ll find quirky bars and local coffee roasters alongside a thriving surfing scene and outdoor activities like Hadrian’s Cycleway. Choose from three white sandy beaches, head to a craft beer spot or tuck into seasonal seafood on the beach at Riley’s Fish Shack.
There’s a cool, artsy feel to Falmouth on the south coast of Cornwall. That’s in part thanks to its university, which specialises in art, design and media. Expect to see students cycling between lectures and Blue Flag beaches – Gyllyngvase Beach’s clean waters are perfect for sea swimming, while children will love rock-pooling at Castle Beach. The high street is dotted with hip bars and health food shops, like The Natural Store, which has a cafe overlooking the pier.
With its heady cocktail of lovely coastal walks, independent shops, good transport links, great restaurants and delicious seafood (the town is famous for its oysters), it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to Whitstable. The Old Neptune, one of the country’s most iconic pubs, is situated on the beach in the heart of Whitstable Bay and is an excellent spot for a sundowner or two.
There’s a Scandinavian feel to the colourful houses that line the harbour in Tobermory, the main town on the Isle of Mull. Painted in shades of yellow, red and blue, they look like they belong in a Norwegian fjord. You might also recognise them from the famous British children’s TV show Balamory. Discover the history of the bay in the Mull Museum (including the legend of a sunken Spanish Armada ship) or tee off at the nine-hole golf course and enjoy its superb views.
Couched in a cliff on the North Devon coastline, the ancient village of Clovelly is as picturesque as it is tiny. Its steep, cobbled streets are lined with 18th-century cottages with flower-strewn walls and sweeping views to the harbour below. Vehicles are not allowed in the village – donkeys used to be the main form of transport, and sledges are still used. Annual festivals include the Gig Regatta in August and a Lobster and Crab Feast in September.
In 2024, consumer magazine Which? named Bamburgh as the UK's best seaside town for the fourth year in a row. This idyllic spot on the Northumberland coast has a five-star beach stretching for three miles (4.8km), backed by dunes and the dramatic backdrop of Bamburgh Castle. It was once home to Grace Darling, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter who risked her life to rescue others in a terrible storm in 1838. The lighthouse where she lived is still there, and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum tells the story in full.
Nestled on the Causeway Coastal Route, sandwiched between the ever-popular Giant’s Causeway and Ballycastle, Ballintoy is small village with a population of just under 200 people. The incredibly picturesque fishing harbour here will be recognisable to Game of Thrones fans as the spot where Theon Greyjoy – played by Alfie Allen – returns to his homeland (the ‘Iron Islands’). Whether you’re a fan of HBO fantasy or not, the chance to soak up a sunset in this beautiful part of the world should not be missed.
The colour of the water in St Ives rivals that of the Caribbean. Sugar-soft sand beaches, old-world pubs and an artistic flair complete this charming town, which lies north of Penzance. Little wonder it was once voted the best family holiday destination by Coast magazine and one of Tripadvisor’s top 10 European beaches. Surf at the Blue Flag-rated Porthmeor Beach, explore the maze of cobbled streets and visit Tate St Ives for a taste of contemporary art.
Perched on a headland, surrounded by Blue Flag beaches and with streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, Tenby is a sight to behold. There’s also plenty on offer culturally, from the medieval castle walls to Wales’ oldest independent museum, the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. Nature lovers will enjoy the 20-minute boat trip to Caldey Island, which is often surrounded by seals and seabirds. The island’s resident Cistercian monks make and sell luxurious soaps and perfumes using the island’s wild herbs.
Topping our ranking for the UK's prettiest seaside towns is Portree on the Isle of Skye. The beautiful and bustling port is a hit with families thanks to activities such as pony-trekking and boat cruising on offer. Set around a natural harbour and flanked by high cliffs, it has a pier designed by Thomas Telford and is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island. Many head for incredible rock formations nearby, such as the Old Man of Storr and the extraordinary pinnacles of the Quiraing.
Now take a look at the UK's prettiest Victorian seaside towns