Britain’s best coastal towns for the summer holidays
Date published: 7 Jul 2026
Whether your idea of a summer holiday involves long days on golden sands, harbourfront strolls or fish and chips eaten straight from the paper, Britain's coastline has plenty to offer. From colourful fishing ports to elegant seaside resorts, some destinations just seem to have a knack for capturing everything we love about summer by the sea.
The nicest seaside towns in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. Some are famous for their beaches, others for their history, food scene or spectacular coastal scenery. What they share is an atmosphere that makes it easy to switch off, slow down and make the most of every sunny day.
If you're looking for the best coastal towns to visit this summer, these beach towns deserve a spot on your shortlist. Just make sure those buckets, spades and rockpool nets are all packed.
St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives has a habit of making people question whether they're still in Britain. One look at the pale sands and sparkling water and you'll see why. But there's more to this Cornish favourite than its photogenic beaches.
Narrow streets weave between galleries, independent shops and excellent places to eat, while surfers and paddleboarders make the most of the waves. Whether you're browsing artwork, hopping between coves or simply settling in for a long lunch with a sea view, St Ives makes summer feel special.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby wears its history proudly. The ruined abbey looms above the town, fishing boats bob in the harbour and centuries-old streets tumble down towards the sea. Yet it never feels stuck in the past.
Families flock here for beach days and arcade fun, walkers come for the dramatic coastline, and food lovers arrive hungry for what many claim are Britain's best fish and chips. Add in a healthy dose of Dracula folklore and you've got a seaside town with plenty of character.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
If summer holidays had a colour palette, Tenby would probably have invented it. Bright harbourfront houses overlook golden beaches, while medieval walls wrap around one of Wales' most charming seaside towns.
The atmosphere is lively without feeling hectic, making it just as appealing for family adventures as it is for relaxed weekends by the coast. Boat trips, beach days and waterside dining all come as standard here. It's the sort of place that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is often associated with sailing, but you don't need to own a boat to appreciate its appeal. Set on a beautiful estuary, this South Devon hotspot blends coastal scenery with a laid-back atmosphere that encourages you to slow down.
Spend your days exploring sandy coves, hopping on ferries across the water or wandering the boutique-lined streets. The food scene is another major draw, with fresh seafood featuring heavily on menus. Summer arrives in style here.
Southwold, Suffolk
Southwold does things its own way. The pier mixes seaside nostalgia with a healthy sense of humour, the colourful beach huts brighten up the shoreline and independent businesses still thrive throughout the town.
There's a relaxed feel to life here that's difficult to resist. Mornings might be spent strolling along the beach, afternoons browsing local shops and evenings watching the sun sink into the North Sea. It's a destination that proves quieter seaside breaks can be every bit as rewarding.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Some coastal towns have a landmark. Bamburgh has a castle that dominates the skyline and one of the most spectacular beaches in the country to match. Together they create a setting that's hard to forget.
The beach stretches for miles, giving walkers, families and dog owners plenty of room to spread out, while the village itself remains pleasantly low-key. Whether you're exploring Northumberland's coastline or simply soaking up the views, Bamburgh delivers big scenery without the crowds of bigger resorts.
Cromer, Norfolk
Cromer has all the ingredients of a classic British seaside holiday, but it never feels trapped in a bygone era. Its Victorian pier remains the centrepiece, while the wide sandy beach provides plenty of room for sandcastle-building, paddling and family fun.
Then there's the famous Cromer crab, which gives the town a foodie edge many seaside resorts lack. Throw in cliff-top walks and a friendly atmosphere, and it's easy to see why Cromer remains one of Norfolk's favourite coastal escapes.
Llandudno, Conwy
Llandudno is the sort of place that reminds you why Victorian holidaymakers fell in love with the British coast. The grand promenade curves around the bay, the historic pier stretches out to sea and the Great Orme rises dramatically above it all.
Yet there's plenty beyond the traditional seaside attractions. Take the tramway to the summit, explore nearby castles or venture into the mountains of Eryri. Few places combine coast, countryside and heritage quite so effortlessly.
Oban, Argyll
Known as the gateway to Scotland's islands, Oban offers a summer holiday with a distinctly different flavour. Ferries come and go throughout the day, seafood restaurants overlook the harbour and wildlife encounters are never far away.
It's an excellent base for exploring the west coast, but the town itself deserves plenty of attention too. Climb to McCaig's Tower for panoramic views, sample freshly landed seafood or simply watch life unfold along the waterfront. Oban feels adventurous without trying too hard.
Padstow, Cornwall
Padstow may be famous for its food scene, but arriving with an appetite is only part of the story. This bustling harbour town combines coastal beauty with plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.
Walk or cycle sections of the Camel Trail, hop aboard a boat trip or head for one of the nearby beaches when the weather plays ball. Back in town, independent shops and waterside eateries keep the atmosphere buzzing. It's lively, scenic and packed with reasons to linger a little longer.
Of course, these are just a handful of the coastal gems scattered around Britain. From lively resorts packed with summer entertainment to quiet stretches of shoreline where the loudest sound is the sea itself, there's no shortage of places to enjoy a beachside escape. Whether you prefer harbour views, clifftop walks or easy access to the sand, the coast is full of cottages perfectly placed for making the most of summer.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
