For the Best UK Seaside Breaks, Our Guide Reveals the Top 20 Spots

The UK’s coastline is a knockout mix of golden sands, towering cliffs and character-packed seaside towns. From classic bucket-and-spade getaways to windswept hikes and seafood feasts by the shore, there’s a coastal escape for every kind of traveller. Whether you crave surf lessons, solitude or a splash of culture, these 20 seaside spots offer the perfect dose of sea air and adventure.

Set on the rugged North Yorkshire coast, the small town of Whitby is steeped in maritime history and literary intrigue. Dominated by the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula, the centre is a labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with independent shops and traditional pubs. After a day of exploring the sandy beaches or nearby North York Moors, refuel with a generous helping of the town's renowned fish and chips.

• Best for: History buffs, foodies and Gothic literature fans
• Getting there: Train to Whitby or drive along the scenic A171 road

Picture this: white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and an art scene that’ll have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a masterpiece. St Ives is a gorgeous seaside retreat that attracts creatives from far and wide. The winding streets are dotted with galleries, including the iconic Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. The beaches are pretty special, too, whether you’re catching waves at Porthmeor or basking in the sun at Porthminster.

• Best for: Art lovers, surfers and beachgoers
• Getting there: Train via St Erth or by car via the A30 road. The nearest airport is Newquay

If you're after an old-school UK seaside break, look no further than Southwold. With its picturesque pier and colourful beach huts lining the seafront promenade, the town exudes a nostalgic charm. Take a tour of the historic Adnams Brewery to taste some award-winning beer, enjoy a performance at the Southwold Arts Centre or relax on the sandy shores of Southwold Beach. The town's working lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coast.

• Best for: Relaxation, boutique shopping and craft beer lovers
• Getting there: By car via the A12 road or by train to Halesworth, then a bus
• Where to stay: The family-friendly Mercure Norwich Hotel is a short drive from Southwold, and even closer to the beautiful Broads National Park

Tenby, with its pastel-coloured Georgian houses, medieval town walls and bobbing fishing boats, is one of Wales's most picturesque seaside towns. Set around a pretty curved harbour, it boasts four glorious sandy beaches making it a popular spot with families. History enthusiasts can explore the Tudor Merchant's House and the remains of Tenby Castle. In summer, boats run to unspoiled Caldey Island to visit the peaceful Cistercian monastery.

• Best for: Families, photographers and coastal walkers
• Getting there: Train to Tenby or drive via the M4 motorway and A477 road

Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Isles," Oban is a bustling port town on Scotland's west coast. The town gazes out towards the Hebridean islands and is famed for its seafood, with restaurants serving fresh catch of the day. Tour the Oban Distillery to sample local whisky or take a ferry to explore nearby islands such as Mull and Iona. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife including dolphins, whales and seals along the way.

• Best for: Island hopping, whisky aficionados and wildlife watchers
• Getting there: Train from Glasgow, or drive via the A82 road

On the windswept Causeway Coast, Portrush is the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s surf scene. The lively resort town is also the gateway to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site of hexagonal stone columns. Whether you’re hanging ten on the waves, hitting the golf course or exploring the rugged coastline, Portrush offers a UK seaside break with adventure at every turn.

• Best for: Surfers and golfers
• Getting there: Train from Belfast (1.5 hours) or drive via the A2 road

Prepare to be enchanted by Bamburgh, where history meets the stunning Northumberland coast. The mighty Bamburgh Castle looms majestically above the village, while the unspoiled golden sands below are ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic. History buffs will love the castle’s fascinating stories, and nature lovers can escape to the nearby Farne Islands, home to puffins and seals.

• Best for: History enthusiasts and nature lovers
• Getting there: Drive via the A1 road or catch a train to Berwick-upon-Tweed and hop on a bus

Falmouth, on Cornwall’s southern coast, is a bustling seafaring port set around one of the world's deepest natural harbours. With laid-back beaches like Gyllyngvase and Swanpool, it’s ideal for swimming, kayaking or watching the tide roll in from one of the charming waterfront cafes. The National Maritime Museum is well worth a visit, while boat trips run along the coast from April to October.

• Best for: History buffs, sailors and foodies
• Getting there: By train via Truro or by car via the A39 road

Brighton is the UK’s ultimate seaside city - lively, eclectic and a little bit quirky. The famous pebble beach and historic pier make for a traditional day out, but it’s the buzzing streets, independent shops and street art that give the city its electric atmosphere. From historic landmarks like the Royal Pavilion to the numerous bars and clubs, Brighton offers a UK seaside break like no other.

• Best for: Nightlife, independent shops and street art
• Getting there: 1-hour train from London Victoria
• Where to stay: The ibis Brighton City Centre - Station is close to everything, while the Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel offers rooms with a sea view

Set on a tranquil peninsula in Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia), Portmeirion is a weird and wonderful seaside utopia. Designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925, this fantastical collection of colourful, Italian-inspired buildings is nestled within lush gardens overlooking the Welsh coast. With its winding streets, coastal paths and estuary views, the town is part dreamscape, part architectural masterpiece.

• Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photography fans
• Getting there: By train via Penrhyndeudraeth or by car via the A487 road

St Andrews, on Scotland's east coast, is the official birthplace of golf and home to the UK's third-oldest university. Delve into the ancient ruins of St Andrews Cathedral or the crumbling medieval castle, or take a ghost tour to uncover the town's haunted past. The town also has some fantastic sweeping beaches, including West Sands Beach, which featured in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.

• Best for: Golfers, history lovers and students
• Getting there: Train to Leuchars, then a short bus ride
• Where to stay: Splash out at the Fairmont St Andrews, a cliff-top estate featuring a world championship golf course

A cute coastal town tucked into the banks of a picturesque estuary backed by rolling hills, Salcombe is ideal for a relaxing UK seaside break. Known for their azure waters and sandy shores, North Sands and South Sands are ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. It's a popular spot with sailors too, who drop anchor in the sheltered bay and step ashore to visit top spots like the Crab Shack and the Salcombe gin distillery.

• Best for: Boating enthusiasts, beach lovers and nature seekers
• Getting there: By train via Kingsbridge and bus, or by car via the A381 road

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis has long been popular for its sand and pebble beaches, fossil-rich cliffs and historic Cobb harbour. It was the birthplace of palaeontologist Mary Anning, one of the most famous fossil-hunters of all times. You can find out more about the area's geology at the Lyme Regis Museum, and even join an expert-led fossil excursion to make some discoveries of your own.

• Best for: Fossil hunting and coastal walks
• Getting there: Train to Axminster, then a 20-min bus ride

Lyme Regis Museum

• Bridge St, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA
• Open daily except Mondays, 10am–4pm

Durness, the UK’s northwestern frontier, is where wild beauty reigns. This remote Scottish village is all about untamed landscapes – think towering cliffs and vast white-sand beaches battered by the North Atlantic. Wander Sango Bay’s golden shores, take a bracing dip at Balnakeil Bay or simply soak up the solitude. Rugged, windswept and utterly breathtaking, Durness is a hidden gem for those who like their UK seaside breaks raw and remote.

• Best for: Adventure seekers and solitude lovers
• Getting there: Drive via the A838 road

The "Queen of the Welsh Resorts", Llandudno is a Victorian-era seaside town boasting a wide promenade and a historic pier. The Great Orme, a limestone headland, offers cable car rides and tramway journeys to its summit, providing panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Families can enjoy traditional seaside attractions, while the nearby Venue Cymru hosts a range of cultural events. Llandudno is a short drive from Liverpool, making it an ideal beach day trip.

• Best for: Families and nostalgic seaside charm
• Getting there: Train to Llandudno Junction, then a short bus ride

This classic British seaside resort town has been popular since the 19th century, and is even mentioned in Jane Austen's novel Emma. It remains a popular place today for a UK seaside break, with its towering church, clifftop lighthouse and crab fishing off the pier. In summer, you can watch a traditional end-of-the-pier variety show, while Cromer Carnival in August is one of the largest in the country.

• Best for: Seafood enthusiasts, history buffs and carnival fans
• Getting there: By train to Cromer

Bude is Cornwall’s laid-back surf haven, where golden beaches, craggy cliffs and rolling waves set the scene for a classic UK seaside break. Hit the South West Coast Path for epic views, take a dip in the iconic tidal pool or wander along the charming canal. With buzzing pubs, indie cafés and surf schools aplenty, there’s no shortage of adventure – whether you’re catching your first wave or diving into the thrill of coasteering.

• Best for: Surfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families
• Getting there: By train via Bodmin Parkway and bus, or by car via the A39 road

A smuggler’s haunt turned seaside gem, Robin Hood's Bay is wild, atmospheric and endlessly appealing. Its steep, cobbled streets tumble down to a sweeping bay, where golden sands meet dramatic cliffs. Hikers can tackle the breathtaking Cleveland Way, history buffs can delve into its clandestine past and everyone can warm up in a cosy pub after a bracing beach walk.

• Best for: Hikers, history enthusiasts and beachcombers
• Getting there: By train via Scarborough and bus, or by car via the A171 road

This once-faded Kent resort has reinvented itself, with the Turner Contemporary leading an art-fuelled revival. Dreamland’s retro rollercoasters bring pure nostalgia, while indie galleries, vinyl stores and hip cafés are attracting a new generation of beach-goers. Golden sands and sea breezes still steal the show, but there’s a new buzz in the air. From hunting for vintage treasures to sipping craft cocktails, Margate delivers a stylish UK seaside break.

• Best for: Art lovers, beachgoers, thrillseekers
• Getting there: By train via Ramsgate or by car via the A28 road

The Isle of Wight is shaking off its sleepy seaside image. Classic beach huts and promenades still line the shore, but a fresh indie vibe is taking over – think festival beats, quirky seafood cafés and glamping in yurts and vintage vans. Whether you're relaxing on the award-winning beaches of Sandown and Shanklin, exploring the rugged beauty of Compton Bay or taking in the views from the famous Needles, the island is perfect for an adventure-filled holiday.

• Best for: Scenic beaches, watersports, family-friendly fun
• Getting there: Ferry from Southampton, Portsmouth or Lymington

Whether you're visiting with family, enjoying a romantic getaway or embarking on a solo adventure, these stunning UK seaside breaks are guaranteed to captivate your heart and provide you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your picnic, grab your shades and let the waves work their magic. What are you waiting for?