The UK's best seaside towns
The best places for buckets, spades and adventures
Posted on 06-08-25, updated on 23-01-26By: Lauren M. | 14 minute read
Which seaside towns are worth the trip?
Whether you're after a full week away or a quick coastal escape, there’s a UK beach break to suit every style. We’ve combined Hoseasons booking data, real reviews and expert picks to spotlight the seaside towns people truly love. Think classic arcades, scenic trails and dog-friendly shores – perfect for families, couples and four-legged friends alike.
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Our most popular seaside towns
The internet's most popular seaside towns
Our most popular seaside towns
First up, we’ve taken a deep dive into our booking trends and customer data to uncover the UK’s most-loved seaside towns—based on where our guests are actually going year after year. From classic family favourites to rising coastal stars, we’ve used real holiday habits to spotlight the destinations people can’t get enough of. Whether it’s beach days, arcades, fish and chips or clifftop views you’re after, we’ve done the holiday homework so you can spend less time researching and more time packing.
Skegness
Skegness is everything you want from a classic British seaside – wide sandy beaches, a proper promenade and that fresh sea air that makes everything feel lighter. It’s perfect for families, with donkey rides, crazy golf and more ice cream flavours than you can count. It’s great value too, offering a full day of fun, from fairground rides to beach games, without breaking the bank. What really sets Skegness apart is its unpretentious charm. It’s not trying to be trendy, instead it’s proudly retro, buzzing with fish and chips, candyfloss, bingo and the glow of arcade machines. You won’t find boutique tea rooms or history tours here, just good old-fashioned fun that’s loud, lively and totally loveable.
Our favourite holiday insight from Skegness?
Skegness was home to the UK’s very first Butlin’s holiday camp, which opened in 1936! Billy Butlin chose Skegness as the launchpad for his revolutionary idea: an all-inclusive seaside escape where working families could afford fun, food and entertainment all in one place. It kickstarted the golden age of British holiday camps and changed the face of UK staycations forever. We might be a bit biased, but we think seaside escapes like these should be on everyone’s agenda.
Here’s a Skegness holiday park we love, perfect placed for peace and quiet, whilst being close to main attractions: Skegness Fields
Newquay
Perched on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, this surf-loving town delivers that holiday feeling as soon as you arrive. With sweeping sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and some of the UK’s best waves, it’s a favourite for families, surfers and anyone chasing sea views. There’s a relaxed, easy-going vibe, with beach cafés, coastal walks and surf shacks rather than arcades and candyfloss. It’s got a polished edge too, with fresh seafood, sea safaris and boutique shops adding to the mix. Somewhere between trendy and traditional, Newquay strikes the perfect balance for a breezy, beachy break.
Our favourite holiday insight from Newquay?
Newquay is widely known as the surfing capital of the UK, and for good reason! Fistral Beach regularly hosts international surf competitions, including Boardmasters, which attracts top surfers from around the world, but here’s a breakdown of all the best beaches in Cornwall (for watersports and sunbathing too!) Even if you’ve never touched a board, Newquay's surf schools offer beginner lessons, making it one of the most accessible places to catch your first wave!
Looking for the perfect lodge to rest your head after a day out on the waves? We love Newquay Holiday Park, because it’s spacious, stylish and makes the most of its country and coastal position.
Bude
Tucked into North Cornwall’s wilder edge, this coastal gem combines laid-back charm with natural beauty in spades. Bude is all about big skies, rugged cliffs and tide-filled sea pools that invite lazy swims or salt-sprayed adventure. It’s a hit with families and walkers alike, offering golden beaches, scenic trails and a friendly, unhurried pace. There’s a touch of retro to its beach huts and independent shops, but it never feels stuck in the past. Less showy than some Cornish hotspots, Bude wins people over with its authenticity. It’s relaxed, welcoming and just the right amount of wild.
Our favourite holiday insight from Bude?
It’s home to the UK’s very first sea pool, built in the 1930s! The Bude Sea Pool, tucked beneath the cliffs of Summerleaze Beach, was created to give swimmers a safe place to enjoy the sea—without the waves. It’s still free to use today and remains one of Cornwall’s most iconic, Instagram-worthy swim spots. Perfect for a dip with a view! This area is much loved by dog-walkers too, and there’s plenty more canine coastal walks where that came from, in our guide to Cornwall’s dog-friendly beaches.
You and your four-legged friend can make the most of Bude by staying at Bude Coastal Resort, just a hop, skip and jump away from Bude’s turquoise waters.
Hornsea
Wrapped in Yorkshire’s coastal charm, Hornsea offers a relaxed seaside escape. With its peaceful promenade, clean sandy beach and timeless atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to switch off and soak up the slower pace. Families love the old-school amusements, while walkers are drawn to the wide-open skies and wildlife around Hornsea Mere. There’s no need for flash or fuss here, just proper fish and chips, breezy beach days and a warm, down-to-earth welcome that keeps people coming back.
Our favourite holiday insight from Hornsea?
Hornsea is home to Yorkshire’s only seaside promenade lake, Hornsea Mere, and it’s also the largest freshwater lake in the county!
Just a short walk from the beach, Hornsea Mere offers rowing, sailing, birdwatching and gentle lakeside strolls. It was once a fashionable boating spot for Edwardian holidaymakers and still adds a peaceful, inland twist to a classic coastal day out. For lakeside accommodation, check out our stunning Hornsea Lakeside Lodges!
Whilst if coastal days are more your bag, make sure to check out our favourite Yorkshire beaches for inspo.
Rhyl and Prestatyn
Looking for a seaside break that mixes classic fun with coastal space to roam? Rhyl and Prestatyn have you covered. Set along North Wales’ golden coastline, these two neighbouring resorts offer wide sandy beaches, long promenades and plenty of family-friendly ways to spend the day, from paddling and sandcastle competitions to arcades and mini golf. There’s a nostalgic charm to both towns, but recent updates like new lidos, theatres and walking routes have added a fresh feel. Whether you’re after easy beach days or a base to explore further afield, Rhyl and Prestatyn tick all the right boxes.
Our favourite holiday insight from Rhyl and Prestatyn?
In the early 1900s, Rhyl was dubbed the 'Blackpool of North Wales' thanks to its grand attractions, including one of the UK’s earliest amusement piers, a miniature railway, and even a pavilion ballroom that rivalled those in larger resorts. Does the mention of Blackpool get you excited for rollercoasters? Make sure to check out our round-up of the best theme parks stays then!
For one of our best rated stays, we’d recommend Golden Sands Holiday Park
The internet's most popular seaside towns
When it comes to planning the perfect coastal break, we believe the research should be on us, not you, and we don’t want to miss a beat. So, along with analyzing our own booking data, we also asked Reddit Answers to tell us which seaside towns in the UK really stand out. From classic resorts to underrated spots, we’ve gathered real opinions from the web to help you find the seaside spot that suits your style.
Brighton
Beyond the buzz of the pier and the pebbly beach lies a creative, coastal city full of unexpected finds and feel-good energy. The famous Lanes twist and turn through a maze of independent shops, jewellers and vintage boutiques, while North Laine serves up a more bohemian vibe with its colourful street art, record stores and eco-friendly cafés. At the seafront, you’ll find everything from fish and chips on the beach to beachside yoga, paddleboarding and quirky pop-up bars.The diverse range of food options is what makes Brighton so popular with reddit users, they especially loved that there are a number of vegan options to peruse!
Brighton’s alternative spirit shines through in its year-round events – from food festivals and Pride to open-air theatre and indie film nights at Duke of York’s Picturehouse. The Royal Pavilion adds a splash of exotic elegance, while peaceful spots like Queens Park and Preston Manor’s gardens offer a quiet retreat just minutes from the action. It’s a place where you can go from watching live bands in a basement bar to sipping cocktails by the sea, all in one afternoon.
Explore our places to stay in Brighton
Bournemouth
Often overlooked in favour of bigger-name resorts, Bournemouth quietly delivers one of the most fun seaside escapes in the UK. Its seven miles of golden beaches are some of the cleanest and best-kept in the country, perfect for paddling, sunbathing or a windswept walk along the shore. The town is also home to a network of subtropical gardens, where you can stroll among palm trees and exotic plants just minutes from the beach.
For more adventurous visitors, the clifftop Zig-Zag paths and coastal trails lead to panoramic views and peaceful, tucked-away coves like Alum Chine and Durley Chine. The iconic pier hosts everything from vintage arcades to live music and adventure zones, while the town centre is packed with shops, galleries and a buzzing café culture. From kayaking and paddleboarding to comedy nights and food festivals, Bournemouth blends coastal charm with a lively, laid-back spirit that keeps visitors coming back. To make the most of the Jurassic coastline, Reddit users suggested getting the bus from Bournemouth to Swanage.
A place to stay that won't disappoint: Sandhills Holiday Park
Whitby
Set on Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, Whitby is a seaside town packed with character, history and just the right amount of mystery. Towering over the town, the ruins of Whitby Abbey set the scene for windswept walks and gothic tales – famously inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Down below, cobbled streets like Church Street are lined with quirky shops, cosy pubs and traditional sweet shops, and this olde-worlde charm is one of the main reasons why Reddit users say they love Whitby.
Spend the day crabbing off the quayside, browsing local art in hidden galleries, or hopping aboard a boat trip along the coast. There’s proper fish and chips to be had, and they’re best enjoyed on a bench overlooking the North Sea. From fossil hunting and beach strolls to ghost tours and steam train rides on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Whitby serves up seaside days with a twist of the unexpected.
For a stand-out stay near Whitby, we’d recommend Applegrove Country Park
Scarborough
Scarborough blends classic seaside nostalgia with the kind of variety that keeps every generation happy. With two sweeping bays split by the castle-topped headland, it’s a place where you can build sandcastles in the morning and explore centuries of history in the afternoon. The South Bay buzzes with arcades, donkey rides and seafront cafés, while the quieter North Bay offers clifftop walks, rockpooling and panoramic views from the dramatic Cleveland Way. Ride the cliff lift, catch a show at the open-air theatre, or visit the SEA LIFE centre for a day out with the kids. There’s also a growing arts scene, with galleries, indie shops and live music adding creative flair to this proud Yorkshire town.
Whether you’re here for ice cream and amusements or heritage and hiking, Scarborough serves up a proper British coastal break with charm, character and plenty to explore. Reddit users really enjoyed how close Scarborough is to the North York Moors too, providing plenty of access to wild, green space as well as coastal scenes.
Our best lodges in Scarborough? Check out Scarborough Lodge Retreat
Llandudno
Llandudno captures the charm of a bygone era while offering all the ingredients for a relaxing coastal break. With its elegant Victorian architecture, wide promenade and sweeping views across the bay, this North Wales gem is as graceful as it is inviting. Take a stroll along the pier (the longest in Wales!) or hop on the Great Orme tramway for a scenic ride up to the summit, where walking trails and even wild goats await. Users on Reddit suggest that you’ll only need trainers to enjoy the Great Orme save your suitcase space for souvenirs!
Llandudno’s town centre is full of independent shops, tearooms and traditional sweet shops, while nearby beaches at West Shore and North Shore offer space to paddle, picnic or simply take in the sea air. Family favourites like the Llandudno Cable Cars, Alice in Wonderland Trail and Bodafon Farm Park add extra reasons to linger. Blending natural beauty with seaside tradition, Llandudno is a peaceful, well-kept resort that rewards unhurried exploration.
You’ll sleep easy after a soak in the hot tub at Tan Rallt Holiday Park and Spa
Hidden gems
To really get under the skin of the UK’s best seaside spots, we combined insights from across the board. Real booking data from our customers, conversations on Reddit Answers, and tried-and-tested recommendations from the Hoseasons team. By blending travel trends with genuine guest favourites and local know-how, we’ve uncovered not just the big names, but the lesser-known gems that deserve a spot on your holiday radar. Because finding the perfect coastal break shouldn’t be a guessing game—it should feel like a well-kept secret you’re in on.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is a coastal treasure that feels like it’s been quietly doing its own thing for centuries. Set on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, it blends natural beauty with historic charm, from fossil-rich beaches and dramatic cliffs to its cobbled old town and iconic harbour wall known as The Cobb. You can spend your day fossil hunting on Monmouth Beach, browsing independent shops, or just soaking up the views with fresh seafood in hand. There’s a slower, more thoughtful pace here, no big arcades or flashy seafront rides, which makes it perfect for anyone craving a peaceful, nature-led escape.
Wondering why this gem isn’t more popular? That’s partly its superpower. Lyme Regis doesn’t shout for attention. It’s a little harder to reach than big-name resorts, and its appeal leans more towards walkers, families and nature lovers than the bucket-and-spade brigade. But for those in the know, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression - quiet, characterful and full of coastal magic.
A slice of unspoilt valley at Seadown Park
Southwold
Southwold is the kind of seaside town that feels like stepping into a perfectly framed postcard, think pastel beach huts, independent shops and old-fashioned charm. Set on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast, it has a timeless elegance that makes it a favourite for those in the know. The sandy beach is backed by a tidy promenade, and the pier (complete with a quirky water-powered clock!) adds a touch of eccentricity to its genteel feel. There’s a working lighthouse, Adnams brewery right in the town, and a high street full of bookshops, delis and tearooms that lean more artisanal than touristy.
In Southwold you won’t find any chain stores, neon amusements, and there’s certainly no pressure to rush. It attracts a quieter, slower kind of visitor, namely couples, families and solo wanderers who want quality over noise. It’s a bit more refined, a little tucked away, and that low-key charm is exactly what makes people fall in love with it.
The luxury lodge you deserve at Hill Farm Retreat
Deal
Deal is one of those rare seaside towns that manages to feel both undiscovered and utterly welcoming. Tucked along the Kent coast, it’s full of character with its pebble beach and pastel-painted seafront homes, plus vintage shops, bookshops and independent cafés. The historic pier is refreshingly unfussy, offering simple sea views and bracing breezes, while the town’s two castles (yes, two!) remind you of its rich maritime past. It’s a brilliant base for walking and cycling, especially along the coast to Sandwich or Walmer, and the creative scene is quietly thriving with galleries, makers and monthly markets.
Deal flies under the radar partly because it doesn’t try too hard to impress. There are no big attractions or flashy amusements, just a confident sense of place and a slower pace that appeals to those looking for something more authentic. It’s the kind of town people stumble upon once and end up returning to again and again.
Set in an enviable position, stay at St Margaret’s Bay
Cromer
Cromer captures everything people love about the British seaside but with a distinctly Norfolk twist. Perched on the edge of the North Sea, this clifftop town is known for its wide beaches, colourful beach huts and the iconic Cromer Pier, home to one of the UK’s last traditional end-of-the-pier shows. There’s a proper sense of place here with its Victorian architecture, a bustling town centre, and, of course, the famous Cromer crab, freshly caught and served in everything from sandwiches to seafood platters! Beyond the beach, you’ll find scenic cliff walks, coastal paths and the family-friendly Amazona Zoo, making it a well-rounded spot for all ages.
Cromer has stayed true to itself. It’s traditional without being tired, busy without being brash. There are no mega attractions or high-rise hotels, just a warm, local feel and a steady stream of families, walkers and foodies who prefer their seaside holidays with a side of authenticity.
North Norfolk coast luxury at Mundesley Holiday Village
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood's Bay is one of the Yorkshire coast’s most enchanting secrets. Here you’ll find a tumble of red-roofed cottages, narrow cobbled streets and sea views that stop you in your tracks. Built into a steep hillside, this former smuggling village spills down towards a small, sandy beach that’s perfect for rockpooling and fossil hunting. It’s a place made for pottering whether that’s browsing the local art gallery, stopping for cake in a tucked-away café, or tracing winding paths through timeworn alleys that haven’t changed in generations. For walkers, the surrounding clifftop trails offer some of the most dramatic stretches of the Cleveland Way. We can’t make any promises, but it’s a great spot for seal spotting too.
Often overlooked because of its more famous neighbour Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay has kept its magic quiet. There are no big-name shops or seafront amusements, just rugged charm, coastal beauty and a deep sense of history. It’s the kind of destination that rewards curious travellers and slow explorers, those looking for something a little wilder.
Stay out in the countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors and day trip into Robin Hood’s Bay, from Cropton Lodges
The UK’s seaside charm is calling
Whether you’re planning a full week of seaside adventure or a quick coastal escape, there’s a UK beach break to suit every style. In this blog, we’ve combined real Hoseasons booking data, insights from Reddit Answers, and expert picks from our own team to spotlight the coastal towns people truly love. From lively piers and classic arcades to quiet coves and cliff-top trails, these seaside spots offer something for everyone - families, couples and four-legged friends included. Take the stress out of planning and dive into our full range of UK beach holidays, explore our hand-picked summer holiday breaks, or browse our dog-friendly beach holidays for getaways the whole family can enjoy.
