Updated July 31, 2023
Published April 21, 2022
There are plenty of fabulously fun places in the UK to build sandcastles, paddle in the sea and eat fish and chips, but if you know where to look, you can also find Michelin-worthy restaurants specialising in seafood, striking artworks, and beaches with historic castles as a backdrop.
If you’d like a beach holiday with character, here’s a selection of the UK's best seaside towns.
1. Bamburgh, Northumberland
On the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh’s sandy beach is a fantastic spot to surf, build sandcastles and enjoy windswept strolls along the dunes. So much so that it's retained its top spot on Which?'s round up of the best seaside destinations in the UK for the third year running. One thing that really makes it stand out is the imposing Bamburgh Castle, 46m (150ft) above the beach. Explore its grounds and staterooms to discover more than 3,000 years of history, filled with battles and rebellions.
Bamburgh is also likely to be quieter than other seaside hotspots in the UK, allowing you more space to explore attractions such as its RNLI Grace Darling Museum, which tells the story of a Victorian heroine who risked her life to rescue survivors from a wrecked steamship in 1838. And, there are plenty of places to refuel, whether you’re looking for locally-sourced seafood, high-quality takeout burgers or a cup of tea and a slab of cake.
2. St Ives, Cornwall
The popular Cornish town of St Ives has long attracted artists due to its natural good looks. It’s home to galleries, studios and cultural attractions galore; two big hitters are Tate St Ives, which overlooks surfers' favourite Porthmeor Beach, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, where you can see carvings and sculptures in the artist’s former home and gardens kept as she designed them.
In the town itself, wander the narrow, cobbled streets, popping into independent shops for gifts and sussing out lunch options, where you’ll be able to find everything from bakeries selling pasties and swish spots serving seafood to cafes and tearooms. The Sloop Inn is on the harbour and has a terrace with views over the water. Don’t forget to allow some time to relax on one of the town’s three lovely beaches, whether you’d like to try watersports or simply sit back and gaze across the twinkly water.
3. Filey, Yorkshire
Filey Beach came 18th in Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards for the best European beaches, and on a visit to this seaside town, you can stroll down its 8km (5 miles) of golden sand, admiring its colourful beach huts, and looking down on the town from the Filey Brigg peninsula. Make sure you also wander along the promenade next to the sand, looking at its Seafront Sculpture Trail by artist Russ Coleman, then potter in Crescent Gardens where you may catch a brass band playing in the bandstand.
The town isn’t as built up as its neighbour Scarborough, which adds to its appeal if you’re looking for a quieter break. Other attractions include Filey Dams, a freshwater marsh popular with migratory birds, and the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, where you can go on a tour or treat yourself to afternoon tea in its Pot Still Coffee Shop.
4. Ilfracombe, Devon
This pretty Devon harbour town has pastel buildings, art and craft galleries, and Damien Hirst’s Verity, a 20m (66ft) bronze statue of a pregnant woman holding a sword. There’s also the fascinating Tunnels Beaches – tunnels that were hand carved in the 1820s that lead to a tidal Victorian bathing pool and beaches.
In the town centre, you’ll find independent shops in 19th-century buildings and plenty of places to eat. One stand-out restaurant is Michelin-recognised The Antidote, located in the heart of St James Place. Here you can try its thoughtfully prepared set menu, which centres around local and seasonal ingredients, and enjoy wines to match every plate.
5. St Andrews, Fife
Known as the home of golf, Scotland’s oldest university town and the end of the Fife Pilgrim Way, there’s plenty to discover in St Andrews away from its beaches – but do allow plenty of time to visit its white-sand stretches, too. On a visit to the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, look at medieval sculptures that were found on the site then climb St Rule’s Tower for a knockout view.
St Andrews Castle is another historic spot, which was the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews in medieval Scotland. And, golfer or not, you’ll enjoy a guided walk of the Old Course to walk in the footsteps of some golfing greats.
6. Margate, Kent
A cool Kent seaside town, Margate has the British seaside staples of a sandy beach, fairground rides and fish and chips, but complements these with an art scene and vintage shops in its old town. Its seafront Turner Contemporary gallery turned ten in 2021 and has been credited with turning the town into a cultural destination for art lovers. The Dreamland Margate theme park has classic vintage rides and hosts performances by big-name bands.
For something unique, visit Margate’s Shell Grotto. Discovered in 1835, it’s a fascinating attraction because no one really knows who built it or why its chalk walls are decorated with more than 4.6 million shells. You can debate this puzzle afterwards over a craft beer in a hip bar or cosy pub.
7. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
On Wales’ southwest coast, Tenby has a pretty harbour backed by pastel-hued townhouses and the lovely Harbour Beach, which is perfect for families. If that wasn’t enough, there are also three further fantastic sandy stretches, and coastal walks with memorable views from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Away from the sea, there’s an old town to explore within medieval walls, the ruins of a 13th-century castle, and the Tudor Merchant’s House, a National Trust property that will transport you back to Tudor Tenby. Wildlife enthusiasts can also take boat trips to spot grey seals, while Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest independent museum in Wales. If you’d like to dine in one of the trendiest spots in town after exploring, head to Upper Frog Street where you’ll find venues such as Sandbar, which serves craft beer and street food.
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