As summer approaches, Britain's coastline transforms into a wonderland of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and charming seaside towns. While Brighton and Blackpool might feature prominently in tourist guides, the UK's true coastal gems are often the smaller, more characterful towns that have maintained their authentic seaside charm through the centuries.
From the dramatic cliffs of North Cornwall to the peaceful coves of Suffolk, these picturesque coastal towns offer the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life. After exploring dozens of seaside communities around Britain's 7,723 miles of coastline, I've selected five of the most captivating towns that promise an unforgettable summer escape.
1. St Ives, Cornwall
With its maze of narrow cobbled streets, fishermen's cottages, and no fewer than five golden sand beaches, St Ives is perhaps the jewel in Cornwall's crown. This former fishing village has reinvented itself as an art hub while retaining its traditional maritime charm.
The quality of light in St Ives has attracted artists for over a century, leading to the establishment of the Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Wander through the town's winding lanes to discover independent shops, seafood restaurants, and traditional pubs, or simply relax on Porthmeor Beach and watch surfers ride the Atlantic swells.
Don't Miss: The view from "The Island" (actually a peninsula) provides a stunning panorama of St Ives Bay. Time your visit for sunset when the town's white-washed buildings take on a golden glow against the darkening sea.
Where to Eat: Porthminster Beach Cafe combines spectacular views with Mediterranean and Asian-influenced seafood. Their crab linguine, made with locally caught Cornish crab, is legendary.
Where to Stay: The Pedn Olva Hotel sits on a rocky promontory with panoramic sea views from most rooms. Its clifftop pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploration.
2. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Divided by the River Esk as it flows into the North Sea, Whitby blends maritime heritage with Gothic romance. The town captivated Bram Stoker so completely that he set key scenes from "Dracula" here, and the brooding ruins of Whitby Abbey still stand sentinel on the East Cliff, reached by a legendary 199 steps from the old town.
Whitby's connection to Captain Cook (who trained here as a seaman) and its whaling history are celebrated in excellent museums, while the town's jet industry—using the local black gemstone favored by Victorians for mourning jewelry—offers unique shopping opportunities.
The bustling harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats, leads to a magnificent stretch of beach where the bracing North Sea provides a refreshing (if chilly!) summer swim.
Don't Miss: Time your visit to coincide with the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend (usually April and October) when thousands of elaborately dressed gothic visitors create a spectacular living tableau against the town's historic backdrop.
Where to Eat: The Magpie Cafe serves what many consider to be the best fish and chips in Britain from its harbourside location. Be prepared to queue – it's worth the wait.
Where to Stay: The Gothic splendor of La Rosa Hotel, where Lewis Carroll was a regular guest, offers individually themed rooms filled with vintage curiosities and stunning sea views.
3. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
The pastel-colored houses that line Aldeburgh's shingle beach create one of Britain's most distinctive seafronts. This refined coastal town on Suffolk's Heritage Coast has long attracted artists, writers, and musicians, most notably composer Benjamin Britten who founded the Aldeburgh Festival.
Unlike many British seaside towns, Aldeburgh has no pier, promenade, or amusement arcades. Instead, its charm lies in its understated elegance: fishermen's huts selling the morning's catch directly on the beach, independent boutiques lining the high street, and the landmark Scallop sculpture on the shore – a tribute to Britten created by local artist Maggi Hambling.
The town's unspoiled character is complemented by the surrounding Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering scenic walks along windswept beaches and through peaceful marshlands.
Don't Miss: The concert hall at Snape Maltings, a few miles inland, hosts the annual Aldeburgh Festival and year-round performances in a stunning converted Victorian maltings complex.
Where to Eat: Aldeburgh Fish & Chips has achieved national fame for its traditionally prepared fish fried in beef dripping. The queues that form outside are a testament to its quality.
Where to Stay: The White Lion Hotel offers rooms with panoramic sea views and a restaurant specializing in locally sourced seafood and Suffolk produce.
4. Portmeirion, North Wales
While not a traditional seaside town, Portmeirion deserves its place on this list as one of Britain's most extraordinary coastal settlements. This whimsical village was created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 as a demonstration of how development could enhance rather than spoil a beautiful site.
Inspired by the colorful fishing ports of Portofino and the Italian Riviera, Portmeirion is a fantasy of pastel-colored buildings, ornamental gardens, and Mediterranean-style piazzas overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales. The village gained international fame as the filming location for the 1960s TV series "The Prisoner" and continues to enchant visitors with its dreamlike atmosphere.
While wandering the village streets feels like being transported to Italy, the surrounding woodland gardens with their exotic plantings and the beautiful beaches at low tide firmly root Portmeirion in the Welsh landscape.
Don't Miss: The central piazza with its central pond, gothic pavilion, and campanile creates a perfect photo opportunity, especially when bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.
Where to Eat: Caffi Glas serves contemporary Welsh cuisine using locally sourced ingredients in a glass-fronted building with spectacular estuary views.
Where to Stay: For the full Portmeirion experience, stay within the village itself at either the landmark Hotel Portmeirion or in one of the quirky self-catering cottages converted from the village's most distinctive buildings.
5. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
The rainbow-colored buildings that line Tobermory's waterfront create one of Scotland's most recognizable vistas. This picturesque fishing port on the Isle of Mull is the epitome of a charming Hebridean town, where fishing boats bob in the harbor and the surrounding hills create a dramatic backdrop.
Established in the late 18th century as a fishing port, Tobermory (which means "Mary's Well" in Gaelic) retains its seafaring character while embracing its role as the main town on Mull. Its multi-colored buildings house artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants serving the island's abundant seafood.
While younger visitors might recognize Tobermory as the setting for children's TV show "Balamory," the town's appeal extends to all ages with its authentic Scottish island atmosphere, whisky distillery, and position as a gateway to exploring Mull's stunning landscapes and wildlife, including sea eagles, otters, and offshore whales and dolphins.
Don't Miss: A boat trip from Tobermory harbor offers the chance to spot marine wildlife including minke whales, dolphins, and basking sharks during summer months.
Where to Eat: Café Fish, located in the old ferry terminal building on the upper floor of the harbor building, serves seafood landed directly below the restaurant. Their menu changes daily depending on the catch.
Where to Stay: The Western Isles Hotel, perched on the hillside above the harbor, offers Victorian grandeur and spectacular views across the Sound of Mull to the mountains of Morvern.
Planning Your Coastal Escape
- When to Visit: While these towns are at their liveliest in July and August, consider a June or September visit for fewer crowds but still-pleasant weather.
- Getting Around: Public transport connections to coastal towns can be limited, particularly in more remote areas. Consider renting a car for flexibility.
- Accommodation: Book well in advance for summer stays, especially for properties with sea views which are always in high demand.
- Coastal Walking: All these destinations offer access to spectacular coastal paths. Pack good walking shoes and waterproofs regardless of the forecast – British summer weather is notoriously changeable!
- Tide Times: Check local tide times before planning beach activities, especially in areas with significant tidal ranges like Portmeirion where the beach is only accessible at low tide.
Britain's coastline offers an extraordinary diversity of seaside experiences, from the subtropical microclimate of Cornwall to the dramatic cliffs of Scotland. These five towns represent some of the finest coastal destinations the UK has to offer, each with its own distinctive character and charm. Whether you're seeking artistic inspiration, historic exploration, culinary delights, or simply a place to relax by the sea, these picturesque communities provide the perfect setting for summer memories. As Britain's coasts become increasingly recognized for their outstanding beauty and cultural significance, these authentic seaside towns offer a refreshing alternative to generic beach resorts – places where local traditions, natural beauty, and warm hospitality combine to create truly special destinations.