7 of the best seaside towns in Britain
Where to enjoy a classic day out at the coast…
Piers, peeling paint, funfairs and seagulls snatching your fish and chips… who doesn’t love a day out at the British seaside?
Brighton, East Sussex
Top of the list has to be Brighton – where I studied at university. Although it’s got a whole lot more expensive than when I was there, it’s still a great day out, or weekend away, with its piers, OTT Royal Pavilion and the newer i360 observation tower. It’s full of great restaurants and cafes, plus lots of boutiques and antique shops. What are you waiting for? visitbrighton.com
Broadstairs, Kent
Never mind neighbouring Margate, which gets all the attention, with its Turner Contemporary gallery and funfair, I really like pretty Broadstairs, with its lovely beaches and many eateries. The main beach is great for families, but go along the coast for even more stunning coves. Special mention also goes to Deal, which I have written about before, here. visitthanet.co.uk
St Ives, Cornwall
How do you pick one seaside town over another, in Cornwall? You are spoilt for choice in this gorgeous county, one of the most popular destinations for Brits to staycation, and for good reason. However, I reckon St Ives is a must-visit, for its restaurants, art galleries and wonderful hotels such as five-star Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate. I mean, just look at it! Visitcornwall.com
Southwold and Aldeburgh, Suffolk
It’s very difficult to choose between the two, as Southwold and Aldeburgh in Suffolk are charming seaside towns and I love both. Southwold has a sandy beach, whereas Aldeburgh’s beach is pebbly, but both towns are packed with great shops and cafes and generally have a lovely feeling. Plus, one of my best friends lives in Aldeburgh. Check out pretty Walberswick, in-between the two, as well. Visitsuffolk.com
Aberystwyth, Wales
If you want a classic seaside town, you can’t get a better one than Aberystwyth, with its promenade, pier, beaches, castle, cafes and famous university, bringing lots of life. However, special mention also goes to the unique Portmeirion Italianate village in North Wales, which is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever seen. visitaberystwyth.com; portmeirion.wales
North Berwick, Scotland
The Sunday Times this year voted North Berwick as the best place to live in the whole country, which is high praise for the seaside town near Edinburgh, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. It has a beautiful seafront, lots of shops and eateries, great fish and chips and lots of festivals, including its own Highland Games. Visiteastlothian.org
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire
Apologies to Whitby and Scarborough, but Saltburn has been voted one of the best seaside towns in England, thanks to its clifftop views and eye-watering funicular which take you up and down the slope. It has a pier, tea rooms, fish and chips and a miniature railway. Hopefully, it doesn’t have any murder on the dance floor. Yorkshire.com
Brighton is the only one I've been to. Love Brighton for a fun weekend. Recently discovered Saltdean Lido for a great outdoor swim and quietr vibe, just outside Brighton - have you been there?