10 Best Beach Towns in the UK
What is the Most Popular Beach Town in the UK?
From arcades and fairgrounds to fish and chips and sandcastles, these best beach towns in the UK are the embodiment of wholesome seaside fun. People have been holidaying at these coastal towns since the 1700s when doctors would prescribe a trip for various ailments. Today is no different, with millions flocking to UK resort towns every year for their own dose of fresh sea air.
Maybe you enjoy chasing prizes in 2 pence pushers at Teignmouth or combing the sands for hidden fossils at Lyme Regis? Or perhaps you prefer exploring hidden mysteries at Margate or gazing at nature’s miracles at Ballycastle? Whatever your ideal holiday, you’ll find it using our trusty guide to the UK’s best beach towns.
1. Brighton, East Sussex
The home of seaside kitsch
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Brighton, East Sussex has been a holiday hotspot since the 18th century, and it shows no signs of stopping. This creative and free-spirited town will welcome you with open arms, no matter what kind of holiday you’re after. If you want to party with friends, relax by the sea with family or celebrate the Pride festivities, Brighton will provide fun in abundance.
It’s impossible to list all the best things to do in Brighton in one small paragraph, but there are 2 highlights you simply can’t miss. Make sure you marvel at the spectacular Royal Pavilion with its blend of Regency and Asian styles. Then, go wild with seaside arcades and fairground attractions at the traditional Brighton Palace Pier.
Brighton, East Sussex
2. St Ives, Cornwall
The jewel in Cornwall’s crown
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Cornwall is known for its lovely seaside towns, but the pinnacle must be St Ives. This historic town is lined with cobbled streets, quaint fishermen’s cottages and charming boutiques and eateries. There’s a thriving arts and culture scene waiting for you too, as well as a quartet of golden, sunny beaches.
Once you arrive in St Ives, you’ll never want to leave thanks to its array of activities and welcoming ambiance. The perfect day might include a trip to Tate St Ives for inspiring artworks or to the Harbour Amusements for traditional 2 pence pushers. Be sure to squeeze in surfing at Porthmeor Beach and indulging in the area’s famous treats: the Cornish pasty and the cream tea.
St Ives, Cornwall
3. Margate, Kent
Where resort-town traditions meet 21st century fun
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Visit Margate in Kent and you’ll find a timeless seaside charm that blends age-old holiday traditions with modern attractions. Standing on the historic golden beach, your senses will be delighted by the mouthwatering scent of fish and chips and the jaunty fairground music coming from the vibrant beachside amusement park.
You can’t miss Kent’s greatest mystery. No one knows how the fascinating Shell Grotto originated, but everyone loves traversing the winding passages decorated with 4.6 million shells. Fans of Scalextric and Hornby should stop by The WonderWorks for immersive model railways and cars, as well as exciting building workshops and gaming nights. After a busy day, why not relax on the beach and take in one of Margate’s famous sunsets?
Margate, Kent
4. Teignmouth, Devon
One of Devon’s oldest seaside resorts
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Devon is the go-to destination for many, and when you take a trip to Teignmouth, you’ll see why. The epitome of a beautiful British resort-town, it’s also surrounded by lush countryside that’s perfect for hiking. Take a trail along the South West Coast Path with family, friends and the dog and you’ll experience gorgeous coastal views like no other.
Back in town, you’ll be charmed by the classic Victorian promenade with its tempting arcades and crazy golf. Don’t worry about rainy days because the Teignmouth Pavilions host a whole range of events like films, live theatre and creative workshops. When the sun shines, hit the beach for sunbathing and water sports before venturing on a seal-spotting safari.
Teignmouth, Devon
5. St. Andrews, Scotland
A seaside town brimming with history
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Northeast of Edinburgh lies the cosmopolitan seaside town of St Andrews. While famous for its iconic Old Course golf, St Andrews has many other delightful features that appeal to tourists from around the globe. You’re not the only one who will fall in love with its ancient streets and historic buildings.
The West Sands beach is almost 2 miles of sandy shoreline that’s perfect for a day of sunbathing followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. Entertain yourself with kite flying over the grassy dunes or an energetic game of volleyball. If you’re a keen explorer, roam the cathedral ruins and see medieval relics or delve into the eerie catacombs of the desolated castle.
St. Andrews, Scotland
6. New Brighton, Merseyside
The Brighton of Merseyside
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For a taste of the seaside in Merseyside, make New Brighton your next holiday. This thriving resort town is situated where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea, which results in a beautiful ¾-mile stretch of golden sands, good quality waters and mesmerising views of the Liverpool skyline. It’s a tourist hotspot brimming with opportunities to make lasting memories.
Discover maritime and aviation history at Fort Perch Rock before taking epic photographs of the iconic landmark that is the New Brighton Lighthouse. If you’d like to sprinkle some culture into your holiday, take to the Victorian Quarter where you can find vinyl shops, independent boutiques and incredible street art. You might even spot a mermaid.
New Brighton, Merseyside
7. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
Castle and coastal town rolled into one
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The name ‘Berwick-upon-Tweed’ strikes up a quintessential British image of cobbled streets, verdant Northumberland countryside and delicious afternoon teas. And that’s exactly what awaits you at this border town, alongside a dash of fresh sea air and sandy beach. There’s evidence of Berwick’s often ferocious history in its medieval castle walls, eerie prison cells and ancient barracks.
Once you’ve walked the ramparts enclosing the town, either of the 2 beaches make an ideal rest stop. You won’t find them heaving with kitschy tourist attractions, but you will find coastal rock pools hiding fossils and picturesque sunbathing spots. You could spend hours building a replica of the majestic Berwick Castle.
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
8. Lyme Regis, Dorset
The ‘Pearl of Dorset’
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The pretty pastel huts along Front Beach are iconic, and they’re not the only pretty sight in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Often nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, you’ll be hard pressed to find a lovelier UK beach town. As well as the sandy and romantic Front Beach, there are another 3 beaches framed with nature reserves and dramatic cliffsides.
The area is famous for its wealth of ammonite fossils, and the intrepid palaeontologist within you will love scouring the limestone rock for treasures from the early Jurassic period. Pay a visit to the seafront Langmoor and Lister Gardens for crazy golf and an imaginative sculpture trail featuring works by local upcoming artists.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
9. Llandudno, Conwy
Wales’s largest resort
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Representing the gorgeous North Welsh coast, Llandudno in Conwy is the perfect choice for this list. It has 2 amazing beaches, one of which is the award-winning North Shore, which is also home to a magnificent Victorian pier complete with traditional seaside amusements. Treat yourself to a donut and win prizes from a 2 pence pusher before a refreshing dip in the sea.
Llandudno also has its share of culture and history. Discover Welsh history and archaeological wonders at the Llandudno Museum and peruse contemporary art at MOSTYN. While wandering the Llandudno streets, you might be lucky enough to glimpse one of the infamous goats who made headlines when they roamed the town during the 2020 lockdown.
Llandudno, Conwy
10. Ballycastle, Co Antrim
For Northern Irish charm
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The small but charismatic town of Ballycastle, Co Antrim is somewhat of a hidden gem when it comes to beach towns in the UK. While you’re lazing underneath the sun on a stretch of golden sand framed by crystal waters, it’s easy to forget you’re in Ireland and not a tropical paradise. The scenic marina offers boat trips and water sports, as well as attractive photos come sunset.
History lovers can visit the town’s museum to study amazing Spanish Armada artefacts, including coins and cannons. You can explore the intriguing ruins of Kinbane Castle or venture to the nearby Giant’s Causeway, a natural marvel of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, and to the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and its breath-taking views.
Ballycastle, Co Antrim
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