With miles of scenic beaches and an abundance of fish and chips, these seaside towns in the UK are unbeatable for a summer holiday.
If the weather hits right the UK’s seaside towns are a dream for sandy beach walks, local seafood and homemade ice cream. Travelling with kids? You’ll be spoiled with classic beachside entertainment like fairground rides, arcades and maybe even a dip in the sea.
Best seaside towns and beach holidays in England
Home of Victorian promenades and quintessential seaside towns, England has some stunning waterfront towns perfect for a UK beach holiday. From beachside funfairs to bucket and spade paradises, these are the best seaside towns to visit in England.
Southport, Merseyside
- Must try: Grab a traditional British fry-up at The Hideaway near Southport Pier.
- Where to stay: Waterfront Southport Hotel
If you love a classic beach holiday, Southport in Merseyside is for you. Southport Pier is one of the longest piers in the UK and has striking views across the Irish Sea.
For a fun seaside experience get the mini train to the end of the pier or stroll on the vast sandy beach at low tide. The pier and seafront have an old-school arcade with a bunch of retro attractions – including the Hall of Mirrors – that are great fun for kids.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, the Splash World Waterpark is a short walk from the promenade. After, enjoy some classic British food at the Whistle Stop Café or at Southport Market.
Margate, Kent
- Must try: Fresh local produce at Angela’s Seafood Restaurant or a shellfish at the Buoy and Oyster.
- Where to stay: The Albion Rooms
Just a short train ride from London, Margate in Kent is the perfect seaside escape from the city. Margate is reminiscent of seaside resorts, such as Brighton, with its glitzy seafront promenade and colourful local characters, but is slightly quieter and less expensive.
If you’re heading to Margate with kids don’t miss Dreamland Funfair, which has a ton of thrilling rides and attractions. Do not miss the Scenic Railway, the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster.
Margate also has a beautiful sandy beach that’s perfect for kids to play on and great historical attractions nearby, like Margate Old Town and the Margate Caves.
St Ives, Cornwall
- Must Try: Sample some shellfish at the Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar.
- Where to stay: The Western
Located on the Cornish coast, St Ives is the perfect seaside spot for art lovers and for anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful getaway.
The town has a thriving art scene and was historically the home of the St Ives School, which included many famous artists. This legacy continues today, with exhibits like the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and St Ives Museum. The town is also a hotspot for surfers, with plenty of sandy beaches and incredible waves at Porthminster.
The Cornish coast is also famous for its stunning clifftop walks and delicious Cornish produce. Try the Lakeside Cabin Café for beautiful cakes made with Cornish butter and cream.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
- Must try: Little Colonel and Cranborne cheeses
- Where to stay: Rock Point Inn
Lyme Regis in Dorset is known for its fossils and is a particular favourite of mine when planning family holidays.
The area lies along the Jurassic Coast and is a World Heritage site due to the many fossils found here. The town has lots of brilliant museums, like the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, that can help kids engage with nature in a fun, interactive way.
There are plenty of activities to engage in with sandy beaches, fossil walks and a visit to the local brewery being only some of the ones I highly recommend.
Lyme Regis is also one of the best coastal towns in the UK for fish restaurants. Some of my favourites include The Eddy by Millside or Seagulls Restaurant.
Best seaside towns and beach holidays in Scotland
Scotland is famed for its rugged coastline and beautiful islands. These seaside towns in Scotland are the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere north of the border.
Rothesay, Isle of Bute
- Must try: Excellent Polish cuisine at the Waterfront Rothesay Bistro.
- Where to stay: The Glenburn Hotel
Bute is one of several islands located just off the West Coast of Scotland. From Skelmorlie, you can get the ferry to Bute’s seaside town of Rothesay, which has plenty of nice places to stay on the seafront.
Rothesay also has a gin distillery, where you can sample some unique cocktails. Do not miss the great historical attractions, like Rothesay Castle and Ardencraig Gardens.
Bute is also a great place to stay if you want to explore the surrounding islands. For example, you can get from Bute to the coastal town of Largs in around an hour, and then take a short ferry ride over to islands such as Arran and Cumbrae, which is a nature reserve and it will take you about 3-4 hours to walk around..
Plockton, Kyle of Lochalsh
- Must try: Seafood at Fisherman’s Kitchen or Hector’s Bothy.
- Where to stay: Plockton Inn
Plockton is a beautifully remote seaside town that gives you a true taste of Scotland’s rugged north coast. The picturesque town is located around a 2-hour drive from Inverness and is connected to the Isle of Skye by the Skye Bridge.
If you love to swim or explore the coast, you can head to unspoiled beauty spots, like Coral Beach. Water sports, like kayaking and paddle boarding, are also popular. Alternatively, take a boat tour with Calum’s Seal Trips and see some local wildlife.
Given its out-of-the-way location, Plockton is an ideal place to drive to. Having a car in Plockton will give you plenty of freedom to explore and means you won’t have to rely on local bus timetables, which can be slightly erratic.
Best seaside towns and beach holidays in Wales
Wales has acres of green coastline where you can enjoy a seaside break. Check out these beautiful Welsh towns by the ocean.
Aberystwyth, West Wales
- Must try: A plate of fish and chips at the Seabreeze
- Where to stay: Richmond Hotel
Aberystwyth is a seaside university town and offers a lively blend of live entertainment, nightlife and rural beauty. When you go to Aberystwyth, you can stroll on the sandy shore or ride the Cliff Railway up to Constitutional Hill and take in the views from the top.
Nature enthusiasts will love walks at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre. The town also has a great high shopping street with plenty of up-market shops. If you’re a hiker, you’ll enjoy the challenge of the nearby Ceredigion Coastal Path, which takes you past many scenic bays. It’s quite a tough walk, so make sure you’re fully kitted out before you set off.
Tenby, South Wales
- Must try: Cake and a cocktail at Westgate House.
- Where to stay: Farnham Hotel
Tenby is probably the best seaside in the UK if you love visiting medieval historical sites. This seaside town in South Wales still has its original medieval walls and is home to a 15th-century church and a medieval gatehouse.
Once you’ve seen the medieval sites, enjoy a stroll or build a sandcastle on Castle Beach. Tenby is also located right in the middle of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, making it a great destination for hikers.
Tenby also has a great range of classic pubs where you can enjoy local food. Try The Brewery Inn for a pub lunch roast or The Stone Crab for seafood delicacies.
Best seaside resorts and beach holidays in Northern Ireland
If you love epic coastal scenery, a trip to Northern Ireland is something you should consider. Northern Ireland has some of the best seaside towns in the UK for an unforgettable trip.
Newcastle, County Down
- Must try: Enjoy a few pints of Guinness at Quinn’s Bar.
- Where to stay: Slieve Donard Hotel
Located inside the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Northern Ireland’s East Coast, Newcastle in County Down has everything you want from a seaside town in the UK.
Newcastle Beach boasts sandy shores and incredible views of the hills that surround the town. For a unique stay, try the Slieve Donard Hotel, which is a converted country house with views over the bay. Staying in Newcastle also gives you great access to hiking areas, like the Silent Valley and Murlough National Nature Reserve. If you fancy shorter walks, then you might prefer a stroll by the Tollymore Forest.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, the Mariner Bar & Restaurant Newcastle has quality seafood and a beachside location.
Portrush, County Antrim
- Must try: Grab an ice cream at Morelli Ice Cream.
- Where to stay: Inn on the Coast
Portrush in County Antrim is Northern Ireland’s most northerly region, and the grand and rugged scenery certainly lives up to expectations.
Situated on a crag that looms into the Atlantic, Portrush is unlike any other seaside town in the UK. Take a stroll along the East Strand Seafront or visit the Portrush Countryside Centre, which is located right on the edge of the sea. The Countryside Centre has information and exhibits about local wildlife and is a great place for a day out with kids.
A hike along the cliffs to Magheracross Viewing Point will reward you with ocean views and looks across the ruins of an ancient Celtic castle. If you’re hungry after all that hiking, Kiwi’s Brew Bar is a great place to grab a bite.
Get more beach holiday inspiration in KAYAK’s guides to the best beaches, coastal walks and nude beaches in the UK, or check out the KAYAK Travel in the UK section for staycation ideas.
