Last updated on October 23, 2023
Truth be told, the UK is home to some of the most beautiful beach towns and seaside village anywhere on earth. In fact, when the sun’s shining and tide is high, there’s really nowhere I’d rather be.
Living in a coastal destination – the glorious Gower peninsula in south Wales – means that I have a habit of staying close to home. But I’m ever more aware of how many more UK beach destinations there are to explore. It fills me with warmth and wonder to think of all the exciting new seaside worlds I could visit within just a short drive from home.
With this in mind, I asked my fellow UK travel bloggers for their recommendations on their favourite beach towns and seaside villages in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but if you live in the Britain and want to get to know her a little better, or if you’re visiting the UK from afar and wondering where to go other than London, this is probably the perfect place to start.
Mumbles, South Wales
By Ben Holbrook from driftwoodjournals.com
Mumbles (or Mwmbwls in Welsh) is an ancient fishing village that tumbles like an open tin of biscuits into the sea. It’s an ideal place to laze and saunter, to sip and swirl and swim and… well, to shift down a few gears and indulge in the slow life.
Things to Do and See in Mumbles: Take a stroll up Newton Road, Mumble’s main artery, to explore the cutesy little shops and cafes – Cafe Valance is an old favourite. At the top you’ll spot the 12th century Oystermouth Castle, which offers sweeping views over the rooftops below. Stroll along the promenade from the foot of Newton Road towards the famous Mumbles Lighthouse at the far end, finishing at Victorian pier with a visit to the old and new lifeboat houses.
Walk (or drive if you’re in a hurry) to the ever-lively Langland Bay – one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gower peninsula. Or if you’re a more seasoned walker, park up at Castellamare and follow the Wales Coast Path, taking pitstops at Limeslade Bay, Rotherslade Beach, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay. If you’re having too much fun to stop, carry on to the infamous smuggling beaches of Brandy Cove and Pwll Du.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Mumbles: Life in Mumbles revolves around eating and drinking, so you don’t have to go far to find somewhere to treat yourself. Start with coffee and ice-cream at Joe’s ice-cream parlour, Verdi’s, Castellamare and/or Forte’s, and enjoy the views over the Mumbles Lighthouse while you dig into your lushious scoops. Verdi’s and Castellamare are great options for lunch too, and there’s always the legendary White Rose pub, as well as countless cosy spots to explore.
Where to Stay in Mumbles: The Langland Road B&B is an extremely convenient option (strolling distance to Newton Road and walkable to Langland Bay) with very reasonable prices. The Coast House, and Tide’s Reach Guest House, are also great options.
Charlestown, Cornwall (England)
By Heather Cole from conversanttraveller.com
If you’re looking for quirky places to visit in Cornwall, Charlestown ticks all the boxes. This historical seaside village just a few miles from St Austell Bay was once an 18th-century port, trading in China clay. Today the Grade II listed harbour is a draw for visitors looking for more than just a beach.
Things to See and Do in Charlestown: Your first point of call should be the Shipwreck Centre, which has a fascinating exhibition about perilous sea voyages and the sailors who braved the big blue ocean. The best part is the real-life ‘pirate ships’ docked in the harbour, which you can visit and pretend to be swashbuckling buccaneers as you stroll around on deck. The harbour and these ships have often been featured on the big screen as Charlestown is a popular filming location for historical dramas. You might recognise scenes from the Poldark series.
Make sure you take a walk on the small beach and enjoy a paddle in the clearest sea for miles. The water quality here is incredible, and you can often see fish swimming around in the shallows. Then head up to the coastal path for a longer walk, towards Mevagissey in the south, and Fowey to the north. The views out along the coast are worth the effort, and you’ll discover several hidden coves along the way.
What/Where to Eat and Drink in Charlestown: When it comes to eating, you’re spoiled for choice. For juicy steaks and some of the freshest seafood in town, head to The Longstore – the squid ink linguine is a popular choice. The Pier House is a good bet too, situated right on the harbour serving traditional pub favourites. If you don’t want to sit in, there are plenty of takeaway fish and chip spots, and as much ice-cream as you can handle.
Where to Stay in Charlestown: You can book a room at the Pierhouse Hotel too if you want to stay right in the heart of town, or for self-catering try Harbourside Cottage which overlooks the dock.
Mousehole, Cornwall (England)
By Jackie from joujoutravels.com
Mousehole is a fisherman’s village in Cornwall and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in the area. Mousehole is a really fun place to visit and hopefully, this short guide has inspired you to stop by next time you’re in Cornwall.
What to See and Do in Mousehole: Mousehole Harbor is the main area to explore and is full of things to do. Here you can participate in water sports such as paddle boarding or kayaking, or even helicopter rides. It is a great place to visit in the summertime so you can enjoy these outdoor activities. There are also many nice shops nearby such as the Mousehole Shop where you can grab a souvenir. Up the path from the Mousehole Shop, you can take a short hike to the top and see wonderful views from above.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Mousehole: If you’re looking for some places to eat try the amazing crab sandwiches at the Rock Pool Cafe which overlooks a really cool sea pool. Another dining option is 2 Fore Street Restaurant for seafood. Finally, Jessies Dairy is a tea room where you can enjoy a scone and tea.
Where to Stay in Mousehole: Staying in Mousehole is a must as the area is so nice and there’s so much to explore. The Old Pilchard Works is a great boutique hotel and is in a convenient location.
Llandudno, North Wales
By Bec from wyldfamilytravel.com
Llandudno is a gorgeous seaside town in north Wales. There are many things to do in north Wales, though most people flock to Llandudno during the summer months to enjoy the beach vibes and the good weather.
Things to See and Do in Llandudno: The pier is one place that comes alive during these months. You will find families enjoying the 2p machines and all the atmosphere of a carnival with ice cream and fairy floss for all. The beach although rocky is also busy with people socking up the sun and the cool calm water. While some people book hotels along the esplanade you will find many people have a caravan in one of the parks close by and many are fully booked months in advance.
What/Where to Eat and Drink in Llandudno: For many nothing beats a good dose of fresh fish and chips right by the seaside. There are so many little shops to choose from along the esplanade. For others travelling on a budget, they will opt for a good pub meal at a local pub. Visiting the Great Orme for epic views and a scone with a view from the observatory is a must. A ride on the cable car gives you some of the very best views as well. If you are travelling with kids to Llandudno a visit to the Great Orme mines is a brilliant learning experience.
Where to Stay in Llandudno: In the winter months, visitors use it as a base to do some amazing day trips from Llandudno. You can easily visit Conwy to see the famous castle and Great Britains smallest house. As you venture on your day trips from Llandudno the options of what you can see are limitless. You can go castle hunting to some amazing ruins, visit the Llechwedd Slate mines to see how important the slate mining industry was to Wales, you can visit the Snowdonia National park for the mountain railway, epic hiking and breathtaking scenery.
Lerwick, Shetland Islands (Scotland)
By Suzanne from meanderingwild.com
Lerwick is the capital of the Shetland Islands and for this reason alone is the most remote town in the whole of the UK. Located closer to Norway than Edinburgh or London, Lerwick is the heart of this small collection of islands.
Things to See and Do in Lerwick: Lerwick has a strong Viking history, and this can be seen throughout the town and is celebrated by the January Festival of Up Helly Aa where a Viking longboat is taken through the town before being lit in a spectacular night time display. This display is only beaten by the northern lights which can be seen in the night sky over the town on a regular basis in the winter months.
Even before the Vikings arrived on Shetland, it was inhabited and the 2400-year-old Broch of Clickimin tells part of that story. The ruins of this Iron Age settlement sit within walking distance of the town centre on an island on Clickimin Loch
Shetland is well known for its sea life and a boat trip to the small island of Noss will allow you to hike the sea cliffs and see the amazing gannet colony that spends the summer months nesting on the cliffs. If hiking isn’t for you then it is possible to cruise around the cliffs and see the birds fishing in the surrounding waters.
What/Where to Eat and Drink in Lerwick: No visit to Shetland would be complete without a visit to the Shetland Fudge Company or picking up some Shetland Reel Gin, both made on the islands. The Dowry on Commercial Street has beautiful local food or for a more international feel No88 Kitchen and Bar a short distance away is the place to go for something a bit different. While there are fish and chip shops in the town, the best on the island can be found at Frankie’s Fish and Chips in Brae.
Where to Stay in Lerwick: If you are a fan of the Shetland detective series, then a stay at the Queens Hotel on the waterfront is perfect. From here it is a few paces to The Lodberry, the home of Perez, the key character in the series.
Whitby, Yorkshire (England)
By Sophie and Adam from wedreamoftravel.com
Things to See and Do in Whitby: Sat majestically atop East Cliff, Whitby Abbey is the most iconic sight in Whitby, dating back to the 13th century. As well as providing a unique glimpse at a medieval abbey, many of which were destroyed by Henry VIII, it is also renowned for being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.
For the history buffs, Whitby also offers many great museums to find out more about the area. One of the most popular is the Captain Cook Memorial Museum which is housed in the 17th century building where young Royal Navy captain James Cook served as an apprentice.
Whitby also provides a great base from which to explore the North York Moors. Those that are truly adventurous should consider hiking the Cleveland Way Trail, or at least part of it! The 109-mile trail traverses a variety of spectacular landscapes from Filey, through Whitby up along the coast then through the North York Moors National Park.
Where to Stay in Whitby: Abbotsleigh of Whitby offers a quaint, traditional B&B experience conveniently located within 2 minutes walk of Whitby Beach. They are known for their award winning breakfast and luxury rooms.
Oban, Scotland
By Rachel from averagelives.com
Undeniably, Oban on the west coast of Scotland is one of the best seaside towns in the UK. It is famous for being the gateway to the islands, and the scenery surrounding the town is out of this world.
Things to See and Do in Oban: Interestingly, Oban town was built around a distillery, and therefore, one of the best things you can do in Oban is to visit on tour. The distillery is the smallest but the oldest in Scotland, and it is here you can try the famous Oban Whisky.
Another impressive thing to do in Oban is to walk to McCraig’s Tower, which overlooks the town and offers fabulous views over the islands and beyond. You can also go on a boat trip to the islands, explore Oban’s harbour and walk along the esplanade to Dunollie Castle.
There is also another unique viewpoint if you hike south from the town to Pulpit Hill. The hill is 239ft above sea level, and you will be able to enjoy outstanding views over the harbour and Kerrera Island.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Oban: An excellent café to visit is the one belonging to Oban Chocolate Company to sample their chocolate made in the small factory. Alternatively, if you fancy some seafood from around the local area, head to Coasters, a friendly bar on the harbour front, which offers fish and chips and west coast scallops.
Where to Stay in Oban: For accommodation, The Scot is a fabulous choice, located in the town centre, with excellent breakfasts, parking, friendly staff and clean and spacious rooms.
Tenby, West Wales
By Cath from waleswithkids.co.uk
Tenby in west Wales is one of the best seaside towns in the UK. This Pembrokeshire town has been a popular seaside destination for families and couples for decades and it’s easy to see why.
Tenby lies approximately two hours west of the capital Cardiff and is best reached by car. Tenby was once a medieval walled town and some of those walls remain as Grade I listed medieval defenses, with one gatehouse remaining.
Things to See and Do in Tenby: Aside from the walls and gatehouse, there is plenty to see and do in Tenby. The town is perfect to wander around while browsing some of the small shops, which include local craft shops. Don’t miss the Tenby bookshop and the Nook. The Tenby Royal Lifeboat Institute is interesting to visit as well as the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. There is also a Tudor Merchant’s House to visit, believed to be the oldest building in Tenby, which gives visitors a glimpse into like at the start of the 16th century for merchants and their families.
For lovers of the outdoors, Tenby has a long sandy beach, perfect for swimming or simply for walking along while taking pictures of the colourful houses. Visitors to Tenby can also take a boat trip to Caldey Island where you will find a community of Cistercian monks. Tenby is also located along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and following it east from there will take you to Saundersfoot, another lovely Pembrokeshire beach.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Tenby: For foodies, Tenby has plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Tenby’s Traditional Fish and Chips, located close to the multi-storey car park, is the best place for your seaside fish and chips. The Lounge is great for a coffee and a cake, and the Plantagenet House serves great seafood.
Where to Stay in Tenby: If you’re looking to stay in or around Tenby, the Atlantic Hotel has some nice views out to sea. If you’re looking for a lodge in an amazing setting, the Bluestone Resort is just a short 22-minute drive from Tenby and is a great place to stay in west Wales.
If you are looking for one of the best seaside towns in the UK, Tenby is one of the best to visit.
Cromer, Norfolk (England)
By Anisa from twotravelingtexans.com
Cromer may be most famous for its crabs but this Victorian seaside resort has so much more to offer visitors of all ages. It has a beautiful blue-flag award winning beach, historic pier, and plenty of fun attractions. Keep in mind that some activities are seasonal.
Things to See and Do in Cromer: When you visit Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast, you need to try your hand at crabbing from the pier. With a bit of luck and the right bait, you should be able to catch at least one. You will need to return any crabs you catch. Then when it’s low tide, take some time to enjoy the beach. You could hire a beach hut or even go on a search for fossils. Some people like to go surfing.
There are also many things to do in Cromer away from the sea. St. Peter’s and St. Pauls, Cromer’s Parish Church, has the tallest bell tower in Norfolk and is home to a pair of peregrine falcons. There is no charge to step inside and see the impressive organ, beautiful stained glass, and intricate ceiling. During the summer, you can also catch the last surviving end of the pier show in Europe.
cIt’s also worth going to the Henry Blogg Museum to learn about one of the most decorated lifeboatmen in history. It’s free to visit and child-friendly too. Alternatively, if you want to do something fun, check out the arcade, the mini-golf course, or one of the
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Cromer: Grab some fish & chips from Galton Blackiston’s No 1 Cromer. There are also plenty of great local pubs, like The Wellington or Red Lion. Also be sure to try the crab sandwich at the Crab Pot Cafe.
Where to Stay in Cromer: If you plan on spending more than just a day in Cromer and want to treat yourself, stay at the Cliftonville Hotel.
Bournemouth, Dorset (England)
By Angela from exploringdorset.co.uk
Bournemouth is the largest town in Dorset. Situated on the south coast of England, the town is home to over 7 miles of stunning beaches and scenery.
Things to See and Do in Bournemouth: Whether you’re visiting with friends or family, there’s plenty on offer for all ages. From the thrill seeking Pier Zip on the end of the pier, to a stunning pleasure boat cruise around Poole and Bournemouth Harbour. You’ll be leaving wondering when you can return to fit even more activities in.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Bournemouth: Whilst enjoying the sights and activities in the heart of Bournemouth, a must visit is to Key West restaurant. Situated right on the end of the pier, you can enjoy stunning views across the water. Alternatively there are plenty of kiosks, and eateries nearby, including the UK’s largest fish and chip restaurant. Harry Ramsdens is located on the edge of the beach, the perfect choice for takeaway chips to enjoy on the sand.
Where to Stay in Bournemouth: If you’re planning to stay in the area, there is accommodation to suit every budget. From one of the hotels near Bournemouth beach, or the budget priced Travelodge nearby. You’ll find fantastic holiday apartments to rent with renthero.co.uk, and you could even opt to stay in the Bournemouth beach lodges just a short walk away.
Weymouth, Dorset (England)
By Alice from adventureswithalice.com
Weymouth is a beautiful seaside town in Dorset. It has one of the best climates in the country and the fact that it’s right by the coast makes this place a very popular holiday destination. In fact, most of the money this town gains is due to tourism.
Things to See and Do in Dorset: The harbour itself is absolutely beautiful and has a display of many painted houses and an absolutely gorgeous quay. That being said, Weymouth Harbour is one of the best places to visit whilst in Weymouth, the colourfully painted buildings are absolutely stunning and there are many places to eat, so you can enjoy the view whilst you have a meal.
Another “must-do” Whilst in Weymouth is an activity that I hope you already plan on doing – going to the beach. Weymouth beach continues for 3 miles so there will be plenty of space for you to pick your favourite spot, sit down and relax. The sand is golden and the water is fairly shallow making it a perfect place for both adults and children.
Where/What to Eat and Drinking in Weymouth: If you are looking for places to eat in Weymouth, there are multiple options. If you want to have a nice lunch by the harbour then I would highly recommend “Ebike Cafe” they cater for families and have a lovely healthy selection of breakfasts and lunches to choose from plus you also get to enjoy the view. Another fantastic place to eat, and also located right on the harbour front is “Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles” the cuisine is mostly French and seafood. They serve lunch, dinner and snacks.
Where to Stay in Weymouth: For accommodation, I would recommend staying at Bay View Hotel, situated just a few yards from the waterfront. It looks fantastic both on the inside and the outside, some rooms have sea views and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are both included in the price.
Cowes, Isle of Wight (English Island)
By Zoe from togetherintransit.nl
One seaside town worth visiting in the United Kingdom is to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Located at the very south of the UK, Cowes is easily reachable with a short 45min boat from the city of Southampton. It’s a great place to visit all year round, however in the spring and summer is best for the weather.
Things to Do and See in Cowes: Once you staying in Cowes, the most popular sport to do is sailing on the water. Cowes is the perfect place for getting out on a yacht and sailing around the island and water channel. If you have the chance to visit in the first week of August, there is also an official Cowes Week sailing event, with yacht racing all week long. For something fun to do on land instead of water, head over to East Cowes for a royal walk at Osborne House. Here you can explore the house and grounds where Queen Victoria and family used to spend their summers. It’s a beautiful spot for relaxing too.
What/Where to Eat and Drink in Cowes: If you get hungry, head along Cowes main high street until you reach Corries Cabin – here you can eat the best fish and chips in the town! Else if you fancy something sweet, head to Graces Bakery something freshly baked. Both options are great to take away and eat along the sea front.
Where to Stay in Cowes: For a place to sleep during your visit, book a few nights at The Caledon B&B. Here you can sleep amazingly comfy with your own bathroom and sitting area. It’s a short walk from the main town centre and has views to the sea. The breakfast is also very nicely served by the owners, perfect to start the day exploring with.
New Quay, West Wales
By Bernadette from apackedilfe.com
In West Wales, you’ll find the small village of New Quay, not to be confused with its Cornish counterpart Newquay, which is also famous for its surf life. No motorway ventures anywhere near New Quay, but that’s entirely part of its charm. Bracketed distantly by the seaside resort of Aberystwyth to the north and the town of Cardigan to the south, New Quay has three pristine beaches to explore, one with a Blue Flag.
Things to See and Do in New Quay, West Wales: With a small resident population of just 1,200, you might be asking what there is to do in such a tiny place. Firstly, there are the pleasures of observing marine life, with bottlenose dolphins and porpoises being visible from the harbour wall. There’s a dolphin research project here, and you can take the Ermol or its sister ships from Dolphin Spotting Boat Trips for a sensitive tour of the coast, finding dolphins, seals and birdlife to observe. The crew’s detailed knowledge of the marine environment and the individual mammals in the area is fascinating.
There’s also the opportunity to get in the water as well as on it, although there are many sailing opportunities if that’s your pleasure. SUP and surf seem to be a way of life here, so bring your boards. If your pleasures are more of the mind, then don’t miss the Dylan Thomas trail, featuring the landscapes of the Welsh bard. New Quay is said to be the inspiration for Llareggub (reading backwards may help), although that’s a remarkably harsh judgement of this lovely place.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in New Quay, West Wales: For a tiny village, New Quay has plenty of dining delights. You might want to set yourself a personal challenge to work your way through the ice cream flavours at Creme Pen Cei. maybe finishing with the delectable bitter chocolate orange. This home of handmade gelato will test your willpower throughout your stay, and there’s a good selection of vegan and gluten free choices too. Dine at the Blue Bell, the Pepper Pot (with small but perfectly formed two bedroom accommodation above) and the Sea Horse (believed to be the Sailor’s Arms in Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood), or join the friendly queue at the Lime Crab for a magnificent portion of crispy, fragrant fish and chips to eat on the beach.
Want to expand your horizons? Nearby Cardigan is an interesting and dog-friendly town, should you have paws in tow. Aberystwyth has the charms of the old-fashioned seaside. But if your heart is made glad by the coast, be sure to walk some of the Wales Coast Path during your stay. Add in some time at beautiful Poppit Sands, surely one of the most spectacular beaches you can imagine. Head left when you arrive at the wide expanse of truly golden sands, and you can sit shaded by a small wood, explore the nearby rock pools, and then benefit from all kinds of water activities. This is a place where your soul can breathe.
Where to Stay in New Quay, West Wales: The Pepper Pot is gorgeous two-bedroom apartment situated above the Pepper Pot restaurant, and a mere two minute walk from the beaches and harbour. Its casual seaside vibe is perfectly suited to New Quay.
Whitstable, Kent (England)
By Jessie Moore from pocketwanderings.com
Whitstable is a small fishing town filled with one-of-a-kind shops, incredibly fresh seafood, and rich art culture. Located in Kent in the South East of England, you may even recognise it for its colourful beach huts on the beachfront. If you’re looking for things to do in Kent, Whitstable should be on your bucket list of places to visit.
1. Visit the Tankerton Slopes
Curious about those colourful huts? You can enjoy viewing them in all their glory on a cliff-top. You’ll be greeted with stunning views of the bay where you can enjoy a picnic or let the kids run free. We highly recommend getting there early to take in some peaceful views before it gets busy!
2. Cycle through Crab and Winkle Way
Whitstable isn’t known for hiking or mountain climbing, but it certainly is known for its gorgeous bike rides (which are still great for a challenge!). It’s a lesser known cycle route that winds down from Whitstable to Canterbury. Expect tree-lined views, beautiful neighbourhoods, and wide open cycling space.
3. Shop the Harbour Market
This is a must-do when you’re visiting Whitstable. Harbour Market is a small but open-air market with a unique variety of boutiques and artists selling their masterpieces. You can also enjoy fantastic food and – if you’re lucky – a spot of live music!
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Whitstable: This fishing town is famous for its oysters. The Wheelers Oyster Bar was founded in 1856 and considered a landmark by the locals, thanks to its striking exterior. Enjoy their locally sourced Oysters, seafood platters, tempura, and their array of desserts – including tarte tatin with blue-cheese ice cream!
If you’re after some fine-dining with a cosy atmosphere, Samphire is a self-proclaimed “Kentish Bistro” that offers local seasonal vegetables, stunning seafood, Sunday roasts and a large choice of international wines. Plus, they pride themselves in their fun cocktail menu, including drinks like the Samphire’s Bloody Mary and Lemon Sherbert.
Where to Stay in Whitstable: Seafront accommodation is highly sought after. You can enjoy stunning views, the sound of the ocean and the sound of boats. The Fishermans Huts offer mid-luxury with stunning views of the beach. All linen is provided and you’ll have easy access to the harbour.
Bangor, Northern Ireland
By Allan Wilson from bangorni.com
Bangor is a popular seaside tourist town in Northern Ireland located just 30-minutes down the train lines from the capital city of Belfast.
Things to See and Do in Bangor, Northern Ireland: The main focus of the town is on the seafront marina and promenade including the Eisenhower Pier and there is Pickie Funpark for entertaining the kids. The town also marks the start of the famous North Down Coastal Path, a 16km coastline walk that incorporates various local attractions including Crawfordsburn Country Park and Helen’s Bay. The same path also follows the Bangor – Belfast train line which makes the return journey much easier. The town otherwise centres around its Christian heritage and the ancient abbey in town a which is showcased in the North Down Museum located Bangor Castle. This is the ideal start to exploring local history and culture.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Bangor, Northern Ireland: long the seafront which is dotted with hotels and restaurants, and couple of popular spots include the Jamaica Inn for drinks, dining at the Salty Dog, fish and chips (or a Pastie Supper) at Cafe Cod, and maybe some ice cream from Capronis. For breakfast, an Ulster Fry is also a must at the many seafront cafes.
Where to Stay in Bangor, Northern Ireland: Boutique hotel stays include the Salty Dog overlooking the main pier, and then Cairn Bay Lodge and various guesthouses along the seafront.
Lyme Regis, Dorset (England)
By Claire from talesofabackpacker.com
Lyme Regis is known as the Pearl of Dorset, and this cute little town has more than enough to justify the name.
Things to Do and See in Lyme Regis: One of the best things to do in Lyme Regis is fossil hunting on the beach, where you can find ammonites and other fossils just lying around amidst the sand and rocks. Lyme Regis was the birthplace of Mary Anning, legendary palaeontologist who dedicated her life to finding and preserving fossils on the Jurassic Coast.
The Lyme Regis Museum is a must for anyone interested in fossils; it is built on the site of Mary Anning’s old home and is filled with fascinating fossils as well as other historical artefacts from Lyme Regis. The museum also hosts regular fossil walks, when one of their experts explains why Lyme Regis is so good for finding fossils, before heading down to the beach to seek out your own to take home. Aside from the fossils, Lyme Regis is a lovely town to explore on foot, or you can just head to the beach and relax.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Lyme Regis: Trying some of the local seafood is a must, from the excellent chippy Lyme’s Fish Bar to the more extravagant Millside restaurant, it doesn’t get much fresher than here. If you’re not keen on fish, try The Town Mill Bakery for locally-sourced ingredients and simple, tasty meals.
Where to Stay in Lyme Regis: As for where to stay, The Old Monmouth is a beautiful period property in Lyme Regis, close to everything in town and perfect for couples, or for family get-togethers the sea-front holiday home Sundial House gets rave reviews.
Lulworth Cove, Poole/Weymouth (England)
By Mal from rawmalroams.com
Lulworth Cove is a charming coastal town situated on the southern coast of England between Poole and Weymouth. The whole area known as Jurassic Coast is famous for its unique geology and pristine nature, and for that, it carries a UNESCO World Heritage Site title.
Things to See and Do in Lulworth Cove: Lulworth Cove is a perfect destination for a UK staycation especially for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The village is small and has access to a picturesque beach where you can kayak or go paddle boarding on its calm waters. Boat excursions also leave from this point and can take you to see more of the fascinating coast. Hike the trail that extends around the bay from west to east for an epic view of the entire cove. West of Lulworth Coast, there is the iconic Durdle Door arch. The hike to the arch is a must-do. It takes around 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level, and the views are absolutely gorgeous. Don’t forget to visit the majestic Lulworth Castle dating back to the 17th century.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Lulworth Cove: Lulworth Cove Inn is a cosy pub with a beautiful sunny patio, excellent for al fresco dining. Try their delicious fish and chips. For some sweet treats such as traditional cream tea or homemade fudge, visit The Dolls House.
Where to Stay in Lulworth Cove: The Lulworth Cove Inn is also an ideal place to stay, located just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Portmeirion, North Wales
By Kerry Hanson from veggtravel.com
Portmeirion, North Wales, is an enchanting village on the Welsh coast that could easily be mistaken for an Italian town. Envision yourself rambling through the Snowdonia National Park and after that showing up in a vivid Mediterranean heaven the next. Portmeirion has the charm and beauty of a quaint village, as well as a slice of seaside in stunning surroundings. It makes a great day trip or longer weekend away.
Things to See and Do in Portmeirion: Aside from its clear beauty, there are many things to do in Portmeirion that vary from woodland to coastline walks or enjoying the castle and village grounds. Take a stroll through the pet cemetery and to the ghost gardens, or take a light hike to the viewpoint across the hills and coastline of Wales.
Portmeirion even has its own ‘seaside’ with the attractive sands and rock formations that frame the Dwyryd Estuary. This exclusive coastline is so private that it feels like it has been placed there particularly for you.
What/Where to Eat and Drink in Portmeirion: After an adventurous day exploring, head to the Hotel Portmeirion for a refreshing drink or a full meal. Grab a seat looking out to the coast or even sit within an igloo-like dome. If you’re just looking for a snack, stop by one of the gelato stands in the village or pick up some fish and chips from one of the colourful cafes.
Where to Stay in Portmeirion: Portmeirion has several colourful houses made in unique and interesting styles. These are actually boutique hotel rooms, each with a spectacular view.
Newburgh, Scotland
By Victoria from guideyourtravel.com
Newburgh is a tiny village located in north eastern Scotland around 35 minutes north of the city of Aberdeen. The town is very small and life here is quaint so it’s the perfect escape to enjoy the rough but stunningly beautiful coastline of this area.
Things to Do and See in Newburgh: Newburgh is known for its popular beach, which is one of the best spots in Scotland to see seals. Thousands of them gather on the sandy shores and can be observed from a sheltered cove. While it will be too cold for swimming the Newburgh Seal Beach is a great spot to go for a walk or sit in the sun with a picnic when the weather is nice. There are also lots of hiking paths and trails located near the town so you can enjoy the scenery while you explore.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Newburgh: Newburgh is also located just a quick drive from the larger town of Ellon which is home to the world-famous Brewdog Brewery. This is the birthplace of the Uk’s most famous craft beer so stopping by for a tour is an absolute must-do. The Brewery has an inhouse restaurant with incredible pizzas and burgers.
Where to Stay in Newburgh: If you’re planning on visiting Newburgh make sure to stay in the Newburgh Inn which serves traditional pub cuisine including the best bangers and mash in the area.
Tobermory, Isle of Mull (Scotland)
By Anuradha from countryhoppingcouple.com
Tobermory is often called as the capital of Isle of Mull. Being the largest settlement in the island and a busy coastal town, Tobermory does take its pride as one of the prettiest towns in Scotland. Brightly coloured houses along the promenade makes it one of the most photographed places.
Things to See and Do in Tobermory: Explore the vibrant town, visit The Mull Museum, or take a 3 mile Rubha nan Gall hike that takes you to Tobermory Lighthouse. Alternatively, take a walk to Aros Park to enjoy the woodlands, waterfalls and sweeping views.
Isle of Mull is also a paradise for wildlife watchers. Take a boat ride or go on one of the wildlife tours from Tobermory, and you can spot golden eagles, otters, puffins and seals. Be sure to grab your binoculars.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Tobermory: An Tober Veggie Cafe is a warm and cosy cafe inside the Mull Theatre. The cafe is located on top of a steep hill, slightly off the centre of the town, but offers lovely views, and good choice of vegetarian and vegan food.
Where to Stay in Tobermory: To get a perfect concoction of luxury and comfort, stay in Glengorm Castle, located near Tobermory. Offering sweeping views over Outer Hebrides, the castle was built in 1860 and is a perfect choice for couple and families alike.
Seahouses, Northumberland
By Tracy from uktravelplanning.com
The pretty seaside village of Seahouses is located within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North East of England. Surrounded by stunning beaches, historic castles, market towns and Roman ruins for which the county is famous and it is the perfect base for a stay in Northumberland.
Things to Do and See in Seahouses: There is also much to see and do in Seahouses for all the family. Popular activities include taking a boat tour to the Farne Islands. The islands are a few miles from shore and can be seen from the village. Home to a large colony of Atlantic seals plus a Sea Bird Sanctuary with colonies of puffins and Arctic Terns catch one of the regular boat trips which depart Seahouses harbour. The best time of year to visit is from May to late July just be sure to wear a hat to protect yourself from Artic Terns who protect their eggs and young by dive-bombing anyone in the vicinity!
Seahouses is also located on the Northumberland Coastal Path which runs for 100 miles from Creswell in the south to Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north. If you are feeling energetic walk the fourth stage of the route from Seahouses to Belford. This 11 miles stretch passes through the historic villages of Bamburgh with its impressive castle and onto Belford. If sandy beaches appeal head south of the village. For rock pooling head north. Horse riding tours also available for 1 hour along the beach.
Where/What to Eat and Drink in Seahouses: There are lots of eateries to choose from in Seahouses including the Black Swan pub which is particularly well known for their pies and the Olde Ship which offers tasty food and great views from the beer garden.
Where to Stay in Seahouses: There are a number of coastal cottages located in the village for those looking for accommodation including Sunnieside Cottage which has 3 bedrooms and sea views.
