Explore Charming Coastal Towns

I love the smell of salt on a crisp morning and the way a simple pier can slow time. This list blends my food-first instincts with practical tips so you can pick the right seaside place for a short holiday or a longer escape.

I choose spots that are easy to reach, have great eats and give you space to wander. Expect small cafés, fishermen’s huts, art-led harbours and a few lively city-by-the-sea options.

What I look for: quick trains or short ferries, sandy or rugged beaches, relaxed pubs and memorable plates by the water. I’ll flag when to visit for fewer crowds, what to pack for blustery promenades, and simple day routes that save time and fuss.

Key Takeaways

• Find towns with easy access and memorable food for the best seaside breaks.
• Mix classic names and quiet places for varied holiday moods.
• Packing light and checking train times makes day trips simple.
• Look for local cafés and seafood shacks to lift any outing.
• Plan for wind and sunshine — both shape how you’ll enjoy the beach.

How to choose your seaside escape right now

Want a quick escape by the sea that feels effortless? I keep decisions simple: pick the right time, travel smart and pack for the changeable weather.

When to go for fewer crowds and warmer days

Aim for late spring or early autumn if you want warmth with space. Bournemouth’s Alum Chine and Weymouth’s sands fill fast in peak season, so those shoulder months are quieter and still pleasant.

Brighton and Margate swell on hot weekends—arrive early (9–10am) to find a spot on the promenade before day trippers flood the place. Always check tides and the forecast the night before; on-shore winds can make a summer visit feel cool.

What to pack for a breezy British coast day trip

Essentials I never forget:

• Light windproof, soft jumper, sunglasses and SPF.
• Swimwear, microfibre towel and sandals; add walking shoes for clifftops and cobbles.
• Reusable bottle and a small tote for snacks; families might pack a pop-up shelter and a big towel.

If you’re short on time, pick one highlight—oysters in Whitstable or the Pavilion in Brighton—and build the rest of your day around that place. A short list of cafés near your chosen beach saves stress when hunger hits.

Coastal Towns in England: my curated list of must-visit places

I’ve put together a short list of seaside towns I return to again and again. Each place earns its spot for something distinct — oysters, piers, cliff-top ruins or sheltered sands.

Quick route idea: start with Kent and East Sussex for easy London escapes, then head west through Dorset to Cornwall for bigger coastline adventures. Pairings work well — Margate and Rye make a simple two-day loop with little travel between cities.

• Whitstable — seafood shacks and beach huts; best for oysters and a short day trip.
• Brighton — Royal Pavilion, pier and lively city energy; arrive early on summer days.
• Rye — cobbles and history; perfect for slow walks and cosy inns.
• Margate — Main Sands and Harbour Arm; family-friendly and artsy.
• Dungeness — raw shingle and RSPB reserve; for wild sunsets and quiet nature.
• Staithes & Whitby — sheltered sands and dramatic abbey views for fossil hunters.
• Cornwall (Mousehole, St Ives, Kingsand) — picture-perfect coves and ferry-friendly harbours.
• Dorset (Bournemouth, Weymouth) — long sands and the Jurassic Coast gateway.
• Falmouth & Salcombe — beaches-in-town, ferries and turquoise bays.

Whitstable, Kent: oysters, beach huts and easy London getaways

An hour from the capital and full of flavour, Whitstable makes for a perfect day escape. I head there for fresh shellfish, a slow High Street stroll and the gentle rhythm of the sea.

Where to eat and drink

The Lobster Shack is my first stop for Whitstable Rock Oysters and a grilled lobster with a view. The Oyster Shed is great for a lighter, wine‑and‑shuck moment.

I time a pint at the Old Neptune around golden hour — the pub spills onto the shingle and the light on calm days is lovely.

What to do on a day trip

• Wander the High Street for cafés, vintage finds and Wheelers’ candy‑pink frontage.
• Walk along Tankerton Bay to see the pastel beach huts and benches with sweeping views.
• Arrive early on busy weekends if you’re driving; by train it’s a short walk to the water.

Where to stay

For a seaside night, book a converted fishermen’s hut and wake to gulls and tide sounds. The Marine in Tankerton offers a smarter base if you want comfort after long days by the beach.

Brighton, East Sussex: culture, pier vibes and big-city energy by the sea

Brighton’s mix of bold architecture and pierside noise feels like a city that learnt to love the sea. It sits about 87km south of London with frequent trains, so a day trip is easy if you book an early service.

• Start at the Royal Pavilion — its ornate exterior still surprises me every time, then loop towards the Pier for classic seaside fun.
• Pause on the pebbles with coffee and watch paddle boarders; the big-city energy meets the sea here.
• For lunch, pick from independents across The Lanes and the seafront — vegan plates, fresh fish and honest pubs all compete for attention.

Insider tip: book an early train from London and aim to be on the beach by 10am in summer. The pebbly shore fills fast, and arriving early changes the whole rhythm of your time.

Rye, East Sussex: cobbles, history and a dreamy coastal detour

Rye feels like a story you can walk through — narrow lanes that whisper of long ago. I think of it as a small village with a big heart, perfect for slow days and gentle discovery.

Must-sees: start on Mermaid Street — that timbered lane is the most photographed stretch here. Pop into The Mermaid Inn where cellars date back to 1156 and the beams hold tales from after the 1420 rebuild. Ghost stories and history sit beside a fireside drink.

• I wander independent shops for ceramics, books and edible treats — lovely presents for home.
• If you have a few hours, Tillingham vineyard is a 12-minute drive — expect pizza, salads and natural wines with views.
• Bring comfy shoes; peeking down side lanes reveals tiny gardens, secret doors and artist windows — Rye has a gentle art scene worth a look.
• Pair Rye with nearby places such as Camber Sands for wider sand or a late harbour stroll to round the day.

Want more underrated picks like this? See other underrated UK coastal towns for extra inspiration.

Margate, Kent: sandy beach days and a fresh art scene

If you want sand, simple food and a splash of contemporary art, Margate delivers in one easy day. I show you how to balance sea-and-sand with plain food joy and a touch of culture — easy to do on a relaxed day.

Best for families: Margate Main Sands and Harbour Arm strolls

Margate Main Sands is ideal for families. Facilities are close by and rockpools keep kids busy.

Arrive early, set up on the sand, then stretch your legs along the Harbour Arm for big skies and salty air. Keep an eye on the tide for safe paddling and a roomy patch of beach as the afternoon rolls on.

Eat well: Dory’s, Sargasso and Bottega Caruso

Book Dory’s for small seafood plates. If it’s full, Sargasso on the Harbour Arm is my go-to for a perch dish, parmesan fritters and a spritz.

Craving pasta? Bottega Caruso’s simple, soulful dishes are worth the short wait — fresh greens, beans and hand-made shapes that feel honest and satisfying.

Where to stay: Fort Road Hotel or No.42 Margate

For a design-forward night try Fort Road Hotel. No.42 Margate brings boutique comfort right by the sea.

When the beach gets lively, loop up to Cliftonville — Sete for something crisp and Streets for punchy street food. Margate does contrasts well: art spaces, retro arcades and plenty of places to grab an ice cream between dips.

• Kids love the sands and rockpools — bring a bucket, a towel and a relaxed plan.
• Book meals ahead in summer weekends to avoid waits.
• Mix a gallery visit with beach time for balance — there are plenty of places to explore.

Dungeness, Kent: wild shingle, lighthouses and modern nature

There’s a strange calm at Dungeness that arrives with the first crunch of shingle underfoot. I go there for a quiet, restorative few hours—perfect if you need a reset.

Highlights: Prospect Cottage, the RSPB reserve and long sunset wanders. Europe’s largest shingle beach feels raw and very alive—weather‑boarded cottages, boat skeletons and wildflowers shape the view.

• Park near the old lighthouse then wander the shingle—houseboats and driftwood make a stark kind of beauty.
• Pause at Prospect Cottage—black timber and yellow windows read like a small, wild garden artwork.
• Bring binoculars for the RSPB reserve; marsh birds and big skies lend a deep coastal calm.
• Time a late lunch at Snack Shack for scallop baps or crab with house tartare.
• Wear sturdy shoes and a windproof—this place has a weather of its own.

Staithes and Whitby, North Yorkshire: harbours, fossils and gothic drama

For a day that pairs gentle fossil hunts with gothic cliff-top drama, head north to Staithes and Whitby. I map a two-stop route that’s family-friendly, quick to do and full of local character.

Staithes essentials

Start in Staithes — duck into Cobbles café for coffee, then wander down to the sheltered sandy beach where kids love hunting fossils and skimming stones.

Circle the harbour and bookend your stroll at the Cod and Lobster for a post-walk pint; locals swap storm stories by the bar. If you’ve time, Aunt Dolly’s tearoom serves retro scones that taste like holidays used to.

Whitby wonders

Drive or catch the bus to Whitby for the afternoon. Climb the steps to the Abbey for sweeping sea-and-coastline views — a dramatic spot that rewards a steady pace.

Walk the harbour and out to the piers to watch fishing boats come in and gulls wheel overhead. Read a little Dracula lore before you go — the ruined abbey and churchyard feel deliciously eerie at dusk.

• Plan: park early in Staithes and make Whitby your late-light stop for fish and chips.
• Packing: bring a light layer and sturdy shoes for clifftops and cobbles.
• Tip: this route makes a brilliant day out — easy to take a day trip and full of seaside charm.

Cornwall’s coast: from Mousehole’s harbour to Kingsand’s beaches

A morning coffee beside a bobbing quay sets the tone for the kind of restful days Cornwall does best. I like slow harbour breakfasts, a short coastal stroll and an afternoon dip if the sea looks inviting.

Mousehole moments: slow mornings, harbour lunches and coastal strolls

Start in Mousehole with fresh bread from the deli and watch fishing boats bob in the tiny harbour. Book 2 Fore Street for a crab salad with harbour views and plan a cosy evening at The Ship Inn.

Stay local if you can — The Old Coastguard or Penzance’s Artist Residence make a good base for slow days and easy evening pubs.

Kingsand to the South West Coast Path: ferries, views and golden hours

Take the Plymouth–Cremyll ferry, walk through Mount Edgcumbe and drop down to Kingsand. Grab a pastry from the Stores and follow the South West Coast Path for sunlit coves and long views.

Make time for St Ives and picture-perfect coves

Save a half-day for st. ives — galleries, turquoise water and those postcard beaches make it one of the best seaside places to slow down. Time a cliff walk for golden hour and you’ll understand why photographers love this area.

• Quick plan: Mousehole morning, Kingsand walk, st. ives late-afternoon.
• Tip: pick one place and linger — Cornwall’s villages reward slow days.

Dorset days: Bournemouth sands and Weymouth by the Jurassic Coast

When I need a reliable beach day, Bournemouth and Weymouth always come to mind for space and easy logistics. Both towns work well for families and make a neat base for exploring the jurassic coast without fuss.

Bournemouth: Alum Chine’s long sandy beach and family-friendly seafront

Alum Chine is a soft, long sandy beach with play areas and cafés that make family logistics simple. Lifeguarded zones and clear signage help parents relax while kids paddle.

For a classic pier-and-ice-cream moment, walk the seafront early on warm weekends. Arrive outside peak summer months for easier parking and a calmer promenade.

Weymouth: golden sands and gateway to Durdle Door

Weymouth’s wide golden sands often rank among the best and serve perfectly as a jurassic coast base. Use the harbour for a late lunch, then drive to Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove for dramatic cliff views.

Wear sturdy shoes for the cliff paths and pack water—shade is limited on those rolling chalk hills. If you want quieter stretches, walk ten minutes from the main piers and the beach thins out.

• Family-ready plan: easy parking, clear swim spots and a simple itinerary that fits a relaxed day trip.
• Choose late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds and nicer time on the sand.
• Both towns have lifeguards, cafés and facilities that make days with kids low-stress.

South Coast charm beyond the obvious: Falmouth and Salcombe

A good seaside day can be made of coffee, a short ferry and a slow walk with the tide for company. I show two flavours here—a buzzy harbour city and a calm village with glassy bays.

Falmouth: beach-in-town energy, ferries and craft food spots

I start with coffee at Beacon, then stroll Gylly Beach where swimmers greet dawn and ferries chop across the bay. Take the short ferry to St Mawes for castle views and harbour pottering.

Dig into local food—Verdant Brewing for a relaxed pint, Mine for a refined plate or Culture for a tasting menu. For an overnight, St Michaels Resort offers spa downtime; Merchants Manor brings hot tubs and tropical gardens.

Salcombe: turquoise waters, North Sands and South Sands

Salcombe is the slow-and-sparkly option. North Sands suits families; South Sands makes for that soft arc of calm water. A seasonal ferry (Apr–Oct) hops between beaches and cafés—perfect for quick swims or paddleboarding.

If you can, pair them as a short trip—buzz and boats in Falmouth, turquoise swims in Salcombe the next day. For a coast drive, aim for golden hour—bays glow and the sea looks like glass.

• Quick plan: Beacon coffee, Gylly walk, ferry to St Mawes, late lunch in town.
• Slow day: Hop Salcombe’s ferry, wander cafés, swim the shallows.
• Why go: two different areas that stack well for a longer escape.

Conclusion

When you need a reset, a short trip to the water often does the trick.

If you’re looking for an easy start, pick a nearby beach town—Whitstable or Margate make for a lovely day trip. For cliffs and coves, Dorset or Cornwall will satisfy that urge to wander the coastline.

If you’re looking for history and harbour walks, Rye or Whitby fit the bill. Northern Ireland brings a different kind of wonder — think Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and the Giant’s Causeway.

Book early for a summer seaside holiday, pack light layers, plan one great meal and give yourself space to wander. Choose one place from this list, set a date and go — home will feel calmer after a salt-air reset.