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10 of the UK's best seaside towns

The UK coast boasts more beach towns than you can shake a stick of rock at. Authors share their favourites for sun-kissed memories of summer

Falmouth, Cornwall

Politicians and entrepreneurs, pirates and outlaws, Falmouth’s founding family, the Killigrews, lurched over the centuries between respectability and infamy. And though they’re long gone, Falmouth retains something of the Killigrews’ dual nature. From the town’s three beautiful beaches the dirty smudge of tankers can be seen on the horizon. Commercial ships in the harbour tower over the sails of picturesque Falmouth working boats.

The best views are from the water, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the sheltered Carrick Roads (the Fal estuary) by kayak, paddleboard, dinghy or on the small ferry that links Falmouth with St Mawes. Landlubbers can watch the boats from the back windows of the Star and Garter on the High Street and enjoy excellent nose-to-tail dishes from the kitchen’s wood-fired oven.

The town has an fiercely independent streak and is home to some exceptional food and drink enthusiasts. Dolly’s Tea Room and Wine Bar stocks more than 200 gins; Espressini (two branches) takes its coffee more seriously than most; and tucked away in a small courtyard, Beerwolf combines dark wood and pale ale with an excellent selection of books.

You may have to search for it but the Killigrews’ maverick spirit persists. Falmouth is lively, rough round the edges in all the right ways and still not quite respectable, and for those reasons alone, I love it.

Stay On the quayside, the 17th-century Chain Locker has doubles from £95 B&B. Wyl Menmuir, author of Man Booker prize-longlisted novel The Many

Rothesay, Isle of Bute

What you must do, straight off the boat, is go to Zavaroni’s on Argyle Street and buy a Top Hat – an ice-cream cone topped by a marshmallow snowball. Rothesay is not a place where pleasure ought to be deferred, and in any case, it will give you something to walk off. While eating, wander over to Fraser Gillies, the gents’ outfitters at 30 Montague Street, and admire the window display with its Ivor Cutler-ish signs: “Socks for feet”, “Cavalry twill trousers – must supply own horse”, and so on.

Rothesay, the main settlement on the Isle of Bute, is the archetypal Scottish seaside town from the days when Glaswegians went “doon the watter” for their summer holiday, and some of that gaudy atmosphere persists. It’s beautiful, though. The view across the bay to the Cowal hills is the best seaside panorama in Scotland.

You get there by ferry, a 35-minute crossing from the terminal at Wemyss Bay railway station. This a wee marvel in itself, its Edwardian canopy a swirl of steel and glass. Make sure and leave enough time to pick up something to read from the secondhand bookshop in the former first-class waiting room.

That’s a trip to Rothesay: a day of Top Hats and tales. Stay Chandlers Hotel in nearby Ascog Bay has views over the Clyde to the Ayrshire coast, and doubles from £110. Peter Ross, author of The Passion of Harry Bingo: Further Dispatches from Unreported Scotland

Herne Bay, Kent

I fell in love with beach huts at Herne Bay. Watching their pointed shadows march along the shingle back in 1998 inspired me to pursue a career as a seaside historian. Though Herne Bay has long played second fiddle to neighbouring Whitstable, on a recent visit I see it has undergone some impressive improvements.

The Georgian clock tower that dominates the promenade is looking spruce, and the playground next to the beach is a hit with my children. Stepping into the enclosed bandstand felt like stepping back into the 1930s and amid the art-deco details, Makcari’s ice-cream parlour is the perfect place to stop for refreshment.

The pier was once the third-longest in the country but these days its seaward end is an island of iron marooned in the Thames estuary. Its landward end, however, has been revived, with beach hut-style retail and craft units, and its railings yarn-bombed with a joyful parade of nautical knits. The Oyster and Chop House on the High Street specialises in locally caught lobster, or for a touch of London-on-sea, try the Herne Bay Traditional Pie and Mash (72 Central Parade).

Stay: Evening Tide Guesthouse on the seafront, opposite the bandstand, has doubles from £79 B&B. Kathryn Ferry, author of Sheds on the Seashore: A Tour through Beach Hut History

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

I have bittersweet memories of Saltburn. Yes, it’s a charming seaside town, designed by a Victorian philanthropist, on a sandy stretch of coast. Yes, it has a genuine 16th-century smugglers’ tavern, the Ship Inn , which still echoes with the ghosts of the past. And yes, it has a pretty pier, untroubled by tourist tat, where I surfed by moonlight one clear November night, in head-high waves that shimmered as they broke.

But my memories are clouded by the 17-day flat spell I sat through as I attempted to surf every beach in Britain. That’s 17 days staring out to sea from Saltburn’s brief-but-charming promenade; 17 days sitting in various delightful tea houses (until I was ejected for vagrancy). Living in a van, I used the Sitting Room , a cosy cafe by the station, as, well, my sitting room. It does a good line in mismatched 1970s furniture, delicious cakes and interesting cocktails.

Most of the time, Saltburn feels like a proper surf town, where you can fall out of bed, pad through the streets, grab a board at the surf shack and dive straight in to its beginner-friendly waves. Add this to its charm and friendliness, and the great fish and chips at the Seaview Restaurant , and Saltburn could almost claim to be the Biarritz of Britain.

Stay If you can’t sleep in your van, Brockley Hall Hotel , a neo-gothic mansion overlooking Skelton Beck, is a short walk from the station and has doubles from £95 B&B. Jonathan Bennett, author of Around the Coast in Eighty Waves

Portstewart, County Derry

Whenever there’s a blink of summer sun in these parts, Portstewart Strand, the two-mile Blue Flag stretch of sand west of town, is transformed into a pleasure ground, jam-packed with daytrippers. My preferred route (the dog’s, too) takes us off the beach, up one of the “sand ladders” into the dunes, where the wind immediately drops and the Atlantic roar softens to a purr. I can spend hours in there over a carpet of pansies and wild thyme, hunting for fritillaries and bee orchids or watching at the Barmouth, where the Bann river empties into the sea, as the sanderlings do their comic dance at the water’s edge. The more energetic carry in their boogie boards and surf down the tallest dune. (I’m told that in the 1950s, locals used to do the same on tea trays.)

There’s fresh seafood on offer at Harry’s Shack at the head of the beach, from where you can take the coastal path up into town. For a lighter bite, stop off at the Paper Fig , just before the Fisherman’s Cottage at The Berrins on Berne Road. By the time you reach the prom you’ll be ready for a “poke” (ice-cream cone). Try the salted caramel from Morelli’s , which also does dairy- and gluten-free versions, or, closer to the harbour, Roughan’s does a delicious mango and passion fruit ice-cream. Further along the prom, stock up on Young Buck blue cheese and Corndale Farm chorizo to bring a taste of the local fare home at Warke’s Deli .

Stay Saltwater House has doubles from £110 B&B, is within easy reach of the coastal path and has views along the coast to Mussenden Temple and the hills of Donegal. The National Trust’s next Orchid Walk on Portstewart beach is on 18 June, and its next Butterfly Safari is on 14 July (adult £2, child £1, booking essential, nationaltrust.org.uk ) Bernie McGill’s latest novel, The Watch House , is set on nearby Rathlin Island

Appledore, Devon

At the end of a short peninsula on the north coast of a long one lies a village on the road to nowhere – and for that I love it.

My first sight of Appledore, three miles north of Bideford, was eight years ago when the Beaver Inn emerged from the swirling December mist like the world’s last hostelry. Inside, most customers seemed to be playing a strange local card game. Observing from the bar, I had no idea this would soon be my local – at least for the duration of every visit.

Mist rolling up the Torridge estuary to Appledore Quay is a regular feature, but when the sun comes out, the village looks a different place. With views of dunes and the open sea, it’s a time capsule from a 1950s summer: children rock-pooling, parents sampling Mr Hocking’s local ice-creams.

Other pubs include The Champ , for local real ales and The Beaver for live music. You’re spoilt for choice of cafes: both the Market Street Kitchen and the award-winning Coffee Cabin do excellent cappuccinos. The nearest sandy coastal beach is a couple of miles away but what keeps bringing me back is the ever-changing river scene. Stay The Seagate is a 17th-century waterfront pub with doubles from £85. Richard Guise , author of Over the Hill and Round the Bend, and Two Wheels Over Catalonia

Barmouth, Gwynedd

At first glance, Barmouth is a shabby fairground arcade, a candyfloss-and-Carling type of town. It can feel tacky, inflated dinghies bobbing on shop walls above stacked displays of plastic paraphernalia. But it’s also the seaside town of my childhood, and layers of repeated visits have distilled down into memories of a pure and perfect sunny beach holiday – running past the rock shop and over the railway line down to the sand, the elation of sunshine on bare legs, digging sand near a cluster of folding chairs carefully set out behind striped windbreakers. The beach has wide flat sand at the estuary mouth, then turns to half a mile of dunes before splitting into short stretches between groynes. The hills and edges of the mysterious Llŷn peninsula lie far away across the water.

Look inland and you see mountains: both Cadair Idris and the Rhinogs are easy to reach for days out in wilder land. South of town, the wooden planked railway viaduct offers a wonderful view over the Mawddach estuary. From the bridge you can bike the 16-mile loop of the spectacular Mawddach Trail between Barmouth and to Dolgellau.

The arts centre and coffee shop in the Ebeneezer Chapel on the High Street has nice gifts and cakes but for a good meal head towards the harbour. The Last Inn on Church Street is good for local fish or black beef. And the Mermaid Fish Bar on nearby Jubilee Street does the best chips in town. Stay Beautiful Wales has luxury self-catering barn conversions with wonderful beach views in Llanaber, a mile or so just up the road from Barmouth, from £290 for two nights (sleeps two). Ursula Martin, author of One Woman Walks Wales

Southport, Merseyside

Visiting every pleasure pier in England and Wales was a fine way to see our coastal resorts, from the grottiest to the greatest. Southport had just the right combination of modern town bustle and buckets and spades to make it one of the best.

The huge beach is great for walks and wildlife, although walking to the sea itself might take a while. Even the second-longest pier in the UK doesn’t, for most of the time, reach the water: Southport has one of the biggest tidal ranges in the world, and the sea is often away in the distance. Even the locals get excited when there’s a high tide.

The pier itself is the hub of seaside activities, a fab retro arcade at the pier head, with love testers, penny falls and a terrifying automaton called Laugh with Jolly Jack . At the land end, there’s a great hall of mirrors, which doesn’t reflect badly on the town at all.

Just along the prom, with views across Marine Lake to the beach, is the Lakeside Inn, once Britain’s smallest pub.

The Bottle Room a short walk away on Lord Street is a cosy craft beer haven with live music every weekend, while A Great Little Place behind the Town Hall combines the warm glow of good food with the warm glow of a social enterprise helping people with autism. A cumberland sausage bap with beer-braised apples and mushrooms is filling for around a fiver.

Stay The Grade II-listed Bold Hotel has just had a multimillion pound refurb and has doubles from £68 room-only. Jon Bounds, co-author of Pier Review , A Road Trip in Search of the British Seaside

Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear

I first heard of Tynemouth when a friend explained why there was a surfboard in his room at Newcastle University: “We’re just down the road from Longsands, the best surfing beach in north-east England.” I was intrigued, so we took the metro out to the coast, where I rented a board from Tynemouth Surf Co and caught my first North Sea wave. I also caught the surfing bug that autumnal afternoon, and it happened in the right place at the right time: as winter draws in, the swells start pumping. Deepest, darkest January is my favourite time in Tynemouth – not just for the waves, or the camaraderie among cold-water surfers, but for the shocked expressions from dog walkers as they watch you dive into the ice -cold water. Little do they know we’re toasty warm in head-to-toe neoprene.

As winter eases into spring the swells calm down and activities in Tynemouth change. Surfing is replaced by swimming in the cove, barbecues in the old tidal pool and beers in the Gibraltar Rock pub overlooking the ancient castle and priory. These immaculately maintained ruins are on a cliff-edge at the end of Front Street, which is packed with places to eat. My favourite dish is scampi from Longsands Fish Kitchen , devoured in our campervan on the hill overlooking the mouth of the Tyne. From there, you’re surrounded by exciting places to explore – from the glittering lights of Newcastle upriver, to the wild expanse of Northumberland up the coast. Stay: Tynemouth’s Grand Hotel overlooks Longsands Beach, with doubles from £98 B&B. William Thomson , author of The Book of Tides and The World of Tides

Ventnor, Isle of Wight

A freshly grilled bacon sandwich on the top deck of the ferry heralded my childhood holidays to the Isle of Wight. Zipped up in cagoules as the wind gusted around us, my brother and I had tasted nothing finer. Our destination was Ventnor, a seaside town with everything a six-year-old could desire: a huge paddling pool with a 3D map of the island rising from its centre, a muddyish beach to splash about on, and bags of chips to eat as my feet dangled from a deckchair.

They’ve stopped serving bacon sandwiches on the top deck of the Red Funnel, but pretty much everything in Ventnor is reassuringly the same. The hairpin bends of the Cascade Road – actual name Shore Hill, which pitches visitors into the Victorian seaside town – still slaloms past colourful municipal bedding and steadfast granite villas. Much of the architecture survives from Ventnor’s 19th-century heyday as a health resort, and original bathing machines (without wheels) are now available to hire as beach huts.

Chips are still the snack of choice at Haven Fishery on The Esplanade, although these days they are accompanied with inventive crab options (samosas, croquettes). A 20-minute walk along the seafront takes you now, as then, to the subtropical Botanical Gardens, a safe place to get lost in, much like Ventnor itself.

Stay National Trust cottage Little Chert is an annex to a modernist house in St Lawrence, about a mile to the south. It’s furnished in 1970s style – the orange Formica kitchen is a highlight – and sleeps two from £323 for three nights. Clare Gogerty, author of The National Trust Book of the Coast , and National Trust guides to the Tin Coast, Gower Peninsula and Brownsea Island

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The 20 loveliest British islands

By Lisa Drewe and Sophie Campbell

I still remember when, as a 12-year-old on a holiday in Cornwall , the tide came in and we were stranded on Asparagus Island, off Mount’s Bay. Our picnic supplies were diminishing, my parents were panicking, but all I felt was a rush of excitement at being cut off, with our own lump of rock to explore. Even now, in my 50s, part of the thrill of crossing onto a tiny island at low tide is that it’s exactly what my mother would have told me not to do.

It took me a while to realise I am an islomaniac – a sucker for that ‘indescribable intoxication’, as the novelist Lawrence Durrell put it – and that Britain is the most exhilarating place on the planet to find hard-to-reach islands. At the start of my career as a biologist for the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence, I was a regular traveller, albeit one inexorably drawn to lumps of sand and rock: Italy was mainly a race to the Aeolian islands; in India I was distracted until I finally made it to the Andamans ; in North Carolina I longed to get to the isles off Cape Hatteras. When I set foot on larger islands, I’d often gaze wistfully at smaller atolls.

Another epiphany came 12 years ago, when my husband and I kayaked around the Isles of Scilly for two weeks. The wind and rain were so violent that our tent – the kind people take to Everest – actually rotted. But we would kayak out to the easternmost ends of the islands, exploring Samson and the Eastern Isles, where seals would drift under our kayaks and the sense of wilderness was complete.

It became a mission to circumnavigate as many of the British islands as I could. I bought a huge map and created a system of sticker dots denoting which of the roughly 6,000 isles were accessible. My scientific system became a mess of dots but formed the basis of Islandeering, my website, and now book, charting routes around the 150-plus smaller islands I have visited, many of which are only accessible at low tide.

I now live part-time on Skye , facing the little tidal island of Oronsay. When I come back to Wiltshire , I struggle with the fact that the land is so managed; that the grass is fertiliser-green, as opposed to the wild sandy-green of Hebridean machair. The feeling of being surrounded by sea still brings me a certain kind of peace; I think there’s something primal in us that longs to see the horizon and swim in wild water . The foreshore is where we see a different world reveal itself at low tide; perhaps the last true wilderness in the British Isles. I also love island communities, where people have become reliant on one another. In the Hebrides , many don’t really see themselves as Scottish, let alone British. Their often quirky identity is bound up in each other.

For me, though, the Britishness is part of the appeal. This is the land I come from, and yet it continually surprises me. I no longer tend to travel abroad, partly for environmental reasons but mainly because I don’t feel the need to. Just recently, my husband and I cycled around the Summer Isles, off the coast near Ullapool. There was one view, overlooking the rocks and skerries near Althandu, that caused us to slam on the brakes. It was that intoxication again. That islomania.

These are the best of Britain's islands

Isle of Arran, Scotland

This is Scotland in miniature – or so say many who come to Arran, cast off the country’s west coast. Because the island is made up of both geological highland and lowland areas, the north is wild and rocky, while inland you’ll find forests and varied wildlife such as red squirrels and deer. On the coast, you might spot otters and seals among the windswept caves and bays. Epic walks include the hike from Whiting Bay to Glenashdale Falls, which winds through a glen and arrives at a double cascading waterfall spurting through the woods. Just over 5,000 people live on Arran full time, and most of those are scattered around the south-east – which means the craggy north of the island has been left unspoilt. Sarah James

Anglesey, Wales

Anglesey is the biggest island off the coast of Wales , which makes the fact that nearly all of its dramatic coastline has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty all the more impressive. The Anglesey Coastal Path traces some of the island’s – and the UK’s – best beaches. This walking route hugs craggy cliffs and overlooks pockets of golden sand, the crumbling ruins of old brickworks and one of the country’s prettiest lighthouses, the 19th-century Tŵr Mawr, set on a rocky outcrop in the south. Some of the most beautiful beaches here include Porth Wen, where you can snorkel through a great white rock arch, and Aberffraw, one of the UK’s top dog-friendly beaches . SJ

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Closer to Bergen than Edinburgh, Shetland , an archipelago, sits in the sea between Scotland and Norway . It’s the northernmost point of the British Isles, and the economy here relies more on fishing than tourism. But visitors still come, drawn to the Scandi-Scottish mash-up, and book rooms in the waterside Scalloway Hotel or elegant Belmont House to explore this UNESCO Global Geopark’s beaches, sea lochs and cliffs, on the lookout for puffins, otters and orcas. The Sands of Breckon is one of the prettiest beaches on the archipelago, while the tiny tidal isle of Uyea is connected to the mainland by a remote sweep of sand with sea on both sides. SJ

Eilean Shona

Arriving on car-free Eileen Shona off the west coast of Scotland , at the narrow entrance of Loch Moidart, is like entering the mind of JM Barrie, who holidayed here in the 1920s. It feels as if I was here as a child, though I never was. The island’s owner, Vanessa Branson, has managed the rare trick of creating a spot for pine martens and golden eagles, but also smart guests taking kayaks and dinghies from the wooden boathouse at Eilean Shona House in a fairy-tale forest. The Branson family’s legendary Book of Feats lists eating a raw jellyfish and swimming 10 hours to the Isle of Eigg, which gives a sense of the vibe. Baramore beach on the north coast, where I take a bracing dip followed by a walk up verdant Baramore Burn valley, is particularly beautiful, with clear streams, silver birches and wildflowers. Shoe Bay, on the south coast, is like a white-sand stretch of the Caribbean but with mussels on the beach, and the occasional otter.

Visit eileanshona.com for more information

Sarah James

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

Alderney is my favourite of the Channel Islands. It may be the proximity to France , or the horrors of its war-time occupation by the Germans, but there’s a real live-and-let-live ethos – locals refer to themselves as ‘two thousand alcoholics clinging to a rock’, and consider the island’s nine pubs their second sitting rooms. The beasts are wild, too: I’ve swum with bioluminescent plankton, and have been kept awake by obnoxiously grunting native blonde hedgehogs as bats swooped against a huge starry sky. It’s worthy of at least a weekend – stay at the smart Braye Beach Hotel, a row of old fisherman’s cottages overlooking the dunes in pretty St Anne, or take over Fort Clonque – a fortified island accessed via a causeway from one of my favourite beaches, where you can forage for samphire and shellfish at low tide.

Visit brayebeach.com and landmarktrust.org.uk for more information

Mersea Island

I love this island, across a narrow channel from Essex’s southern coast, for its mix of nature and traditional beach life. Walking around the place, you see Jurassic cliffs, mudflats dotted with migratory birds, pastel beach huts and a vineyard and microbrewery producing a stout made with oysters. On the west of the island, the main draw is The Company Shed , a wonderful wooden shack where you bring your own bread and booze and they’ll do the seafood, including a show-stopping platter. The Haward family who owns it has cultivated meaty native rock oysters since the 1700s, and also runs a stall at London’s Borough Market . Mersea scallops and oysters taste even better after a salty paddleboard or kayak, rentable at Mersea Island Watersports , just down the road.

Cei Ballast

Just a few hundred metres from the Welsh harbour town of Porthmadog, the little island of Cei Ballast was formed in Victorian times when trading ships from the bustling port would dump the rocks they used as ballast. Few visitors even know it’s there. The best way to get to it is to drop down from the Cob, right by the line for the old Ffestiniog steam train. On the way, there are tidal pools in the sands to dive into; then, after searching for pottery shards among the island’s industrial slag, head back towards the train dripping wet, while everyone wonders where you’ve been. I also like the tidal sand pools at Ynys Gifftan, in the middle of the Dwyryd Estuary in Cardigan Bay – where you swim in sun-warmed pools, with views across shimmering salt flats to Harlech Castle and Mount Snowdon, or the tributaries to the colourful Italianate spires of Portmeirion. That, to me, is happiness.

Pictured: mussels picnic on the beach, Eilean Shona

North Ronaldsay

Each of Orkney’s 20 inhabited islands feels different. Papa Westray, Bill Bryson’s favourite, is an upbeat, community-driven place, where I was invited to a coffee morning straight off the ferry. But I fell hardest for North Ronaldsay, where life for the 40-odd islanders revolves around its curious seaweed-eating sheep. I came during the summer sheep festival and was immediately employed building a wall to keep the sheep on the shore. On Orkney’s northernmost island, the locals are exceptional: such as Billy Muir, keeper of the huge lighthouse for 50 years, but also firefighter, air-traffic controller and handyman extraordinaire, who dances a mean eightsome reel and has a hundred tales of shipwrecks. There’s a B&B at the bird observatory, where you can accompany RSPB wardens catching and ringing birds, but the most elegant stays are the two renovated lighthouse keeper’s cottages, and the mutton pie at the café is divine. northronaldsay.co.uk

Visit northronaldsay.co.uk for more information

St Martin’s

I adore all the Isles of Scilly, but the little off-island of St Martin’s is the one I recall with the most fondness. I went there for the gig rowing festival on the May bank holiday , and had been swimming in rock pools and crystal-clear waters all day when I found myself drawn to the hum of sea shanties in The Seven Stones Inn, a traditional guesthouse with one of the great pub lawn views. I went in, wet and bedraggled, and only left for the last boat back to St Mary’s, the rowers still drinking cider and singing as the sky turned pink . There’s a great bakery, a vineyard and seal snorkelling, but also a certain island spirit that I love. Had I missed the ferry that night, someone would have given me a ride. stmartinsscilly.co.uk

Visit stmartinsscilly.co.uk for more information

When I first took the ferry from Mallaig to the Inner Hebridean isle of Muck, the little MV Sheerwater was accompanied by dolphins, basking sharks and sea eagles. On arrival, islanders appeared from nowhere to banter with the ferrymen and help with bags. Lawrence MacEwen, the popular Laird o’ Muck, will often join some of his 26 or so fellow islanders. I always order a crab sandwich in the crofthouse café at Port Mor, run by a couple collectively known as Sheddie, with the distinctive ‘krek krek’ of the rare corncrake ringing across the tables. It takes four-and-a-half hours to walk the dramatic coastline of basalt cliffs, often watched by doleful seals. I make like the locals and leap into the Mermaid’s Pool, a deep limestone-lined swimming hole at the south, near the Pigeon’s Caves. There are a few family-run B&Bs, a lodge and a Mongolian-style yurt with a wood-burning stove for £15 per person.

Visit isleofmuck.com for more information

The first time I tried to get to Oronsay from the Inner Hebridean island of Colonsay, someone told me that Keith the postman is the only person who knows exactly when low tide is, because he drives his salt-wrecked van across the sand to serve the eight residents. When I finally found the post office there was a little handwritten note with the tide times on it. I remember mountain biking across the Strand, with a few centimetres of water; fish sticking in my spokes, joyous at the exhilaration of it all. The second time I made the crossing, water up to my ankles, I was with a father searching for Irish Lady’s tresses white orchids, and his daughter, who was convinced she might find a mermaid. It’s that kind of island: a place of neolithic shell middens, grey seals in limpid waters and brown cows ambling across beaches.

For more details on these islands and walks, visit islandeering.com . Lisa Drewe's book, 'Islandeering', is out now (16.99, Wild Things Publishing )

Keep scrolling to read more about the best British islands, and where to stay on them, according to writer Sophie Cambell

St Michael's Mount, Cornwall

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR ROMANTICS

Who needs Mont St Michel in Normandy when we've got our own, robustly English equivalent? Bien sûr , it was monks from the former who first took possession of the island just off the Cornish coast in the 12th century, but it's been home to the St Aubyn family for most of the past 400 years. Wherever you are in the world, anything called 'St Michael' usually involves a steep hill, and sure enough the castle and the original priory church tower over wooded slopes and a cluster of houses occupied by around 35 islanders. To get there, cross by the causeway at low tide or get a boat from Marazion on the mainland. Just don't try on a Saturday, the islanders' day off, when you'll find them lobster potting and allotment tending. Stay on the sea-view side of the Godolphin Arms across the bay (it's still on the St Aubyn Estate) for perfect views of the island and its causeway, coming and going with the tides.

Stay: The Godolphin Arms sits looks out over the beach and has 10 ensuite rooms Price: Double rooms from £110 per night Website: godolphinarms.co.uk

Clare Island, Co Mayo

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR YOUR POSTURE

A triumvirate of life's pleasures - yoga, food and horses - are tended to at Macalla Farm on Clare Island, which sits in the mouth of Clew Bay, 25 minutes from the Mayo coast by ferry. The island also has a 12th-century abbey with original wall paintings, cliffs busy with seabirds, and a lighthouse-turned-smart-guesthouse, but this organic farm is the most soothing stay. Owned and run by Ciara and Christophe Mouze (she's originally from the USA ; he's from Paris ), who live here with their two children, the retreat has a cookery school and a yoga studio with views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick. Their sati yoga practice feeds into their mindfulness work with horses; they produce most of their own food using polytunnels, a vegetable garden and sheep, ducks and bees, and energy is largely supplied by solar panels. After all that virtue, head for the Sailor's Bar to listen to locals and 'blow-ins' making music. Open-mic night is every Thursday, if you dare.

Stay: Macalla Farm Price: Retreats from about £415, including food, tuition and ferry Website: macallafarm.ie

Herm, Channel Islands

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR TRADITIONALISTS

There's nothing quite as intriguing as a hermit. From October to March , Herm's 60 or so islanders keep themselves to themselves, with a reduced boat service and the main White House Hotel closed to visitors (cottages are still available). Even when the hotel does open, time stands still: it has no clocks, let alone TVs or phones, although it does have a mobile signal and Wi-Fi. Herm is old-school: this is where you take your children to scamper up cliff paths and wander along roads untouched by cars (there aren't any) or bicycles (ditto). Traffic is limited to a handful of quad bikes and tractors and in peak season there are eight ferries a day from St Peter Port in Guernsey. Bar the odd French and Dutch yachtie, you'll feel as if you've stepped off the edge of the world.

Stay: The White House Hotel Price: Doubles from about £105 (dinner, bed and breakfast) Website: herm.com/hotel

Skellig Michael, Co Kerry

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR HISTORY BUFFS

The force is strong on the rocky outcrop of Skellig Michael, whether you're seeking God (the beehive-shaped cells and oratories were occupied by monks from the 6th to the 12th century) or something more Jedi-like (the island stars in Star Wars : The Force Awakens ). The Skellig Islands are three rocky outcrops rearing out of the Atlantic eight miles off the coast of Kerry, and deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have to work for it, though: the winding path to the top of Skellig Michael is steep and exposed to the elements. The monks must have been as tough as old sandals. You can smell Little Skellig next door (it has one of Britain's biggest gannet colonies); the sea can be, let's say, lurchy; and you can visit only from May to September . As for staying there, forget it. But five minutes' walk from Bunavalla Pier, the jumping-off point for Skellig boats, the Hare family offers rooms and a studio flat with wonderful views in their salmon-pink house, Iskeroon.

Stay: Iskeroon, Caherdaniel Price: From £150 per night Website: iskeroon.com

Isle of Eigg, Hebrides

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR PEACE AND QUIET

How cool is Eigg? Not only did the residents pull off a pioneering buyout of their island in 1997, but they have also increased their population and set up Eigg Electric, the world's first stand-alone energy grid powered entirely by wind, waves and sun. It even has its own music label, Lost Map Records, putting out a host of folksy indie bands. The island is one of the four Small Isles, 10 miles off the west coast of Scotland in the turbulent Minch, with a towering lavaridge, breeding populations of eagles and Manx shearwaters, and a 'singing beach' of quartz sand. Artists may be seen at Sweeney's Bothy, an off-grid timber hut designed by artist Alec Finlay and named after a Gaelic hermit king - and watch out for Eigg Box, a creative collective of island artists and writers who maintain a programme of low-key events and projects, sometimes on the beach.

Stay: When there's no artist in residence, Sweeney's Bothy is one of three boltholes offered by Eiggtime Price: From £85 per night or £520 per week, minimum two nights. Website: eiggtime.com

Lundy, Devon

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR ALL THE GANG

This 400ft-high chunk of granite in the Bristol Channel is one of the Landmark Trust's longest-serving and most popular getaways. Go by boat (the trusty MS Oldenburg takes two hours) or chopper (15 minutes), and choose from 23 places to stay, which sleep from one to 14. There's also a campsite, which takes up to 40 people. Lundy feels properly remote, despite day visitors, especially when the generators shut down at night, leaving guests to manage with torches (romantics should take candles). While walks, diving and cute little puffins are all very well, one of the chief attractions is still the pub, the Marisco Tavern, which was converted from the old village stores, and which has a payphone (remember those?). There's no mobile signal, landlines, TVs or radios. Bliss.

Stay: At The Barn Price: Four nights from about £420 Website: landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland

Brownsea Island, Dorset

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR LASHINGS OF GINGER BEER

We can't prove this was the inspiration for Kirrin Island in the Famous Five novels, but Enid Blyton did own the golf course overlooking Poole Harbour, and Brownsea sits just inside the harbour's entrance. Here is a place for retro pleasures: jolly picnics, messing about in dinghies (no bikes or dogs allowed, because it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest), spotting red squirrels and birdwatching on the lagoon. In the 1920s a reclusive owner expelled residents and banned public access for four decades, giving Brownsea its aura of mystery. These days, take the brood to buy second-hand Blyton books at the Engine Shed shop, then to the Villano Café for Purbeck Ice Cream. Or escape via the chain ferry across the harbour mouth for Poole Rock oysters at Shell Bay or a day on Studland beach, staring across to the Old Harry Rocks.

Stay: There are two rental cottages: Custom House sleeps four and practically has water lapping at the front door Price: Three nights from about £330 Website: nationaltrust.org.uk

St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR TIME-TRAVEL

In 2015, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall rolled up in St Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, to sample the first wine made from the first harvest from its first vineyard, Holy Vale. Its owner, Robert Francis, also runs the Star Castle Hotel, housed in a star-shaped former fortress a stroll from the beach. Each morning Tim, captain of the Calypso, turns up at breakfast to tell guests which islands he's going to. There are rooms in the 16th-century garrison fort itself, but the best spot is one of the garden suites, preferably on a sunbed on the terrace with a glass of Holy Vale's Silver Carn Pinot Gris in one hand.

Stay: Star Castle Hotel Price: Garden suite from £215 (bed and breakfast) Website: star-castle.co.uk

Isle of Barra, Western Isles

BEST BRITISH ISLAND FOR GRAND ARRIVALS

Hebridean beaches are famously beautiful (on a good day): crescents of moon-white sand and ludicrously blue sea. But Barra's Cockle Strand has function as well as form: when the tide is out, it doubles as a runway. If the windsock's up, the beach is closed to allow Twin Otters to skitter in from Glasgow or private planes to land. Between flights, islanders pick cockles on the gleaming shoreline. For a less dramatic arrival, ferries dock at Castlebay, which does indeed have a castle, the sturdy Kisimul, on a rocky islet in the bay. On Barra (which has Catholic roots), pubs, music and other things actually happen on Sundays, as opposed to the more sober Presbyterian islands to the north - as befits the island where much of Whisky Galore! was shot.

Stay: Northbay House is a 19th-century schoolhouse converted into homely B&B Price: Doubles from £76 Website: isleofbarra.com

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Going coastal: 12 of Britain's best seaside spots

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With over 5000 miles of coastline on mainline Britain alone, it's no wonder the nation has an almost endless array of watery destinations to explore. Here's twelve spectacular spots that are very much worth a detour.

The North Norfolk coast

Tintagel: landscape of legends, the fife coastal path, the seaside in southwold.

• Guernsey's hidden coves

The seaside at Filey

Durdle door and lulworth cove, the white cliffs of dover.

• Llandudno's Great Orme

The Old Man of Hoy

The isles of scilly, cruden bay, scotland, tailor-made travel itineraries for ireland, created by local experts.

11 days  / from 1926 USD

Fascinating Ireland & North Ireland

Ireland is one of the most popular destinations for tourists: its rich cultural heritage, the beautiful landscapes and the laid-back lifestyle attract many travelers. Visit the famous Giant's causeway, fascinating Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and many more highlights.

8 days  / from 725 USD

Spectacular Ireland

This itinerary will give you a chance to discover the most spectacular places in Ireland within eight days. Visit the Killarney National Park and the South West Coast of Ireland. Travel back in time during your visit on the Aran Islands and cross the region of Connemara.

6 days  / from 486 USD

Game of Thrones – Northern Ireland

The Seven Kingdoms await you in this Game of Thrones adventure. The incredible landscapes of Northern Ireland make up an enchanting array of fortresses, heart-stopping cliffs and countless small villages steeped in history. A trip to the universe of Game of Thrones is about to begin!

The North Norfolk Coastal Path allows you to explore an unusual semi-watery landscape, and to access some of the quirkiest settlements in the country. At Wells next-the-Sea, the dinky narrow-gauge Wells Harbour Railway chugs back and forwards between the lively, rackety town and the shore every fifteen minutes in high season.

Next stop is the village of Stiffkey, a gorgeous little place with red-brick and flint houses, narrow streets, antique shops and the Red Lion , which serves Norfolk ales and seafood. Perhaps the high point of the route is the resort town of Blakeney, with its bobbing dinghies, canoes, and riotously competitive crab-catching contests. Take time off from the walk for a boat trip to view the common and grey seals. Just to the east, near Cley-next-the-Sea, you'll find excellent tearooms at Wiveton Hall, housed in a brightly painted wooden building with outdoor seating and PYO raspberries and strawberries in season. The end point of the walk, Cromer is a Victorian resort town with all the requisite attractions: a sandy beach, a pier, fish and chip shops and a carnival held in August.

See www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddarsway for further details.

Looking down from top of Tintagel Castle staircase onto the beach in Cornwall © Roman Fox/Shutterstock

The very name Tintagel is steeped in myth. Just about anywhere west of Wiltshire claims a connection with the legend of King Arthur, but since Geoffrey of Monmouth's twelfth-century Historia Regum Britanniae ( History of the Kings of Britain ) most Brits believe that it was in the island stronghold of Tintagel that the legendary sixth-century king was conceived. Excavations had already unearthed evidence of a powerful contemporary Celtic court here when, in 1998, archeologists discovered a tablet bearing the name "Artognou".

Clinging to a cliff above a sandy bay, the toothy remains of today's fort date from the thirteenth century. Catch it on a quiet day - or better still when an Atlantic gale lashes Barras Nose headland beyond the battlements - and it is impossibly evocative. The long-distance South West Coast Path tracks the shoreline above a fabulously fractured coastline. How far you follow it is up to you.

Tintagel Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk) is open daily year-round.

The coast of Fife, on a good day, is one of Britain's most postcard-perfect peripheries. And as an official way-marked route, spanning 65 miles from the Forth to Tay bridges, it's often thronged by day-packed ramblers.

On a cloudless late-autumn afternoon, however, you might just have it to yourself: suspended between sun-fired wheat stubble and a cobalt North Sea, it's a dreamscape of Scotland at its most benign. This is the polar opposite of the country's wilder stereotypes; the rolling geometry of a heavily farmed plain bound by successive swathes of Blue Flag beach, cliffs and golf courses is akin to a more rugged East Anglia, an impression compounded by the unlikely vision of an eighteenth-century windmill near the village of St Monans, a relic of a time when coal-fired pans evaporated sea water to produce salt.

The traditional, unfailingly picturesque fishing villages of Pittenween, Anstruther and Crail, have famously become a magnet for artists and musicians, inspired, perhaps, by the same boundless horizons as the ramblers, and braced by the same edge-of-Europe air that makes this coast so endlessly alluring.

See www.fifecoastalpath.co.uk for more.

Ranks of jolly beach huts, golden sands split by wooden groynes, a slender pier reaching into the sea... the little town of Southwold on the Suffolk coast has all the traditional British seaside enticements, plus a dash of vintage chic that's all its own.

Tilly's on the High Street is a temple to the English high tea, with staff in fetching 1920s maid's outfits serving lovely "layered teas" - tall tiers of scones, cucumber sandwiches and cakes. As well as kite-flying, fish and chip eating and very bracing North Sea swimming, Southwold is a great place for drinking: Adnams ales have their brewery in the town centre, and you can sample their renowned regular and seasonal ales at the cosy Swan or the Crown hotel pubs on the High Street.

Strolling the prom and the pier, whose uniquely inventive Under the Pier Show is not to be missed, provide good antidotes to high teas and beer, but there are scenic walks in all directions - not least around the town's backstreets and green spaces. Longer walks crisscross the unspoilt surroundings, including a three-hour route south across the River Blythe (via a little ferry) into the ancient village of Walberswick, where you can have a restorative pint at the 600-year-old Bell Inn .

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Guernsey's hidden coves

© haraldmuc/Shutterstock

Guernsey lives up to its reputation as a sleepy place of soft-eyed cows, warm scones, ripe tomatoes and rambling country lanes. But it does have a wild side, too.

South of St Peter Port, the coast of St Martin is edged by steep cliffs of ancient, granite-like gneiss, crinkled by time. Farmland and woodland flows down to the clifftops, to be met by a wilderness laced with more than 28 miles of glorious paths. The views are of lush coastal greenery and cornflower-blue sea; head out to the points - Icart or Jerbourg - to enjoy the full drama. Protected from development since the 1920s, this entire coast is a rambler's paradise to match the very best corners of Sussex, Dorset, Devon or Pembrokeshire.

Pick your way down one of the steep, rocky descents, and you'll find yourself on a perfect little scrap of beach, its pale sand washed clean by the sparkling tide. There's a string of these beauties, from those shown on the map - Petit Bôt Bay, La Bette Bay, Saints Bay, Moulin Huet, Petit Port - to the tiny, secret strands that only the locals and aficionados know.

See www.visitguernsey.com for more information.

There's something about the traditional British seaside (think Blackpool, Margate or Skegness) that encourages a back-to-basics hedonism of rowdy amusements, raucous entertainment and near-the-knuckle double-entendres. It's a winning format that's been exported to the Brits-abroad costas, and you either love it or hate it, but it turns out that not all seaside resorts are cut from the same gaudy cloth.

Filey - perched elegantly on the North Yorkshire coast between bigger, brasher Scarborough and down-to-earth Bridlington - is a little different. There's a long, wide sandy beach, but the promenade of houses and villas behind doesn't feature a single amusement arcade. Donkeys plod up and down the sands, a pristine paddling pool sits below the town's beautifully maintained Victorian crescent and gardens, while families explore the rocks and pools of nearby Filey Brigg coastal nature reserve. It's improbably wholesome and unexpectedly refreshing - the raciest the seafront gets is by the harbour where you can buy fish and chips and watch the kids trundle round on the carousel. The harbourside notice board, meanwhile, advertises the week's hot tickets - to an afternoon tea dance or a date with country and gospel singer Paul Wheater ("Yorkshire's Jim Reeves").

Filey Tourist Information Centre, John St, Filey, North Yorkshire, www.discoveryorkshirecoast.co.uk.

Durdle Door, England © C Jones/Shutterstock

It's easy enough to see how Durdle Door earned its name - but less straightforward to get to see it in the first place. From Lulworth Cove car park, the white chalk trail to the site stretches up a mile or so over the hills. Admittedly it looks a fair distance on first glance, but it's only when you're a third of the way along, huffing, puffing and drawing sympathetic glances from walkers on their way down, that you really begin to wonder if you're nearly there yet. Push on: the reward is worth it.

At the summit, the iconic door emerges below, carved out of the limestone by the unrelenting strength of the sea. A precarious set of steps, crumbling like cinder toffee from the cliff side, lead to the shore. The beach is typically brimming with families, picnicking, paddling and watching the surf crash through the arch. Some people attempt to "swim the door", but on all but the calmest days it's a fool's game - the waves, that will one day reduce the door to a stack of stones, fling swimmers around like so much flotsam and jetsam.

Back up on the clifftop track, the peaks of the ragged chalk hills stretch out like a giant dinosaur's spine - rather apt for such a famous area of the Jurassic Coast. It's easier heading down the path, and the views are glorious. The turquoise water of Lulworth Cove - another dramatic landform sculpted by the erosive power of the English Channel - shimmers at the foot of the trail. It should be your next stop.

See www.lulworth.com for more.

The full scale of the White Cliffs of Dover is best appreciated several miles out at sea, but to experience their dramatic views and sheer drops there's no substitute for striding out along the clifftops themselves. Head west, towards Shakespeare Cliff - named in honour of its starring role in Lear - and you can descend to the tranquil nature reserve of Samphire Hoe; constructed from the spoils of the Channel Tunnel, it's one of the newest parts of the kingdom.

Walking along the North Downs Way takes you though the fascinating Western Heights, a vast network of fortifications constructed to withstand the Napoleonic threat; part is given over to the ominously titled Dover Immigration Removal Centre, suggesting a purpose that's no more friendly today. From here, the panorama across the shimmering-green Dover Straits - and even to France on a clear day - is spectacular.

Shakespeare Cliff and Samphire Hoe, www.samphirehoe.co.uk .

Llandudno's Great Orme

Great Orme Llandudno © Gail Johnson/Shutterstock

Riding the train along the North Wales coast, try to imagine how the two-mile-long, 679ft-high hunk of limestone headland that is the Great Orme might have appeared to Viking raiders a thousand years ago. With its smaller acolyte, the Little Orme, you can just about picture them as a giant Nessie-style monster. An impossible-to-prove theory derives Orme from the Old Norse word for sea serpent - and is the root for the word "worm".

Whatever its etymology, the Great Orme ( Y Gogarth in Welsh) is inextricably linked with Llandudno, hunkered below its southern flank. As the Victorian middle classes flocked to this self-styled queen of the Welsh resorts for a little sea bathing and promenading, entrepreneurs devised ways to separate them from their holiday spending money, many of them involving the Orme. The views from the summit plateau across the Conwy Estuary to Snowdonia are just fabulous, and the Victorians have ensured that getting there is half the fun.

The essential tour is along Marine Drive, a four-mile circumnavigation via a wonderfully scenic one-way toll road, much of it cut into the limestone cliffs. Another lovely alternative is to take the Great Orme Tramway, a San Francisco-style cable car hauled up Llandudno's steep streets and then out onto the open plateau.

Great Orme Tramway Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, www.greatormetramway.co.uk .

The Old Man of Hoy, rising 137 metres from the waters off Hoy © David Woods/Shutterstock

There are no long-distance views; you'll come across it quite suddenly. A soaring column stabbing out of the frothy ocean, precariously balanced on a ledge just offshore, a bit like a chopping knife, blade down. Catch your breath and soak in the view, the occasional puffin and the inevitable gaggle of super-human climbers, clinging to the rock like tiny red spiders.

Few visitors make the pilgrimage to the Old Man, the 449ft-high sea stack of red sandstone that pokes out of the North Atlantic; it's not somewhere you can simply pull up in the car and take a photo. Hoy is a lonely, rugged place with a handful of inhabitants and a couple of hostels off the "mainland" of Orkney, accessible only by ferry. Once here, you'll have to get hiking. From the pier at Moaness you must troll up the pass that hugs Ward Hill, then down the South Burn to weathered Rackwick Bay. It's a wild and often bleak walk along the narrow "main" road, so don't feel bad about accepting a lift from one of the locals - ancient tattooed sailors in 1970s Ford Escorts, local fiddlers on their way to the pub, and old ladies with cakes...on their way to the pub.

Two ferries ( www.orkneyferries.co.uk ) serve Hoy from Orkney.

This unique archipelago 28 miles off the south coast of Cornwall boasts one of the mildest, sunniest climates in the country. And in a place where two-thirds of the jaw-dropping landscape is water, the best way to explore is by boat. Don't be fooled into leaving your waterproofs at home, however - this being Britain, unpredictable weather will decide whether you experience the islands in their sunniest glory or at the brunt of a wild Atlantic storm.

Each morning the quayside on St Mary's - the main island - is a frenzy of activity as visitors queue for inter-island boat trips and tours to uninhabited isles. Meanwhile ferries also depart from Bryher, St Martin's, Tresco and St Agnes, each heading for another slice of paradise where passengers can witness an abundance of wildlife, discover ancient sites and pad barefoot along white-sand beaches.

On board, there's a palpable sense of sea-bound adventure. Binoculars are at the ready to spot seals, puffins, rare sea birds, porpoises, sunfish and basking sharks. On inclement days hoods are pulled tight around weather-beaten faces and passengers huddled inside strain for a glimpse of the scenery through steamed-up windows. With its five inhabited islands and hundreds of uninhabited islands and islets, the view is one of intoxicating beauty.

Check www.simplyscilly.co.uk for general information and travel to the islands.

The ruin of Slains Castle at Cruden Bay © Targn Pleiades/Shutterstock

Look at a map of Scotland, towards the top, and you'll see a wedge of granite jutting east into the North Sea. This is Buchan, a hard, flat region that, for all that it's just next door to the Highlands, feels a world away. There are no lochs and glens here, no blur of heather and soft rain. Instead, farmland stretches under vast skies towards a savage coast where cliffs alternate with sweeps of wind-lashed sand. You feel the harsh beauty of this region most intensely at Cruden Bay. Bram Stoker certainly did: he stayed here while dreaming up Dracula .

The bay itself is a mile-and-a-half swoosh of stupendously white sand culminating at each end in jagged rocks. This is not a place for basking, then - the northeast does get an unfair share of Scotland's sunshine, but still, it only gets really hot for a few weeks of the year. This is a place, instead, for stirring walks. One particularly Gothic hike leads north of the bay, skirting the golf course and crossing a picturesquely rickety white footbridge, the Ladies Bridge, to the tiny village of Cruden Bay.

For local history and information, try the Cruden Bay Community Association ( www.visitscotland.com/info/towns ).

For hundreds more unique experiences, get a copy of Make The Most Of Your Time In Britain

Top image: The Old Man of Hoy, rising 137 metres from the waters off Hoy © David Woods/Shutterstock

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The 15 most beautiful places in the UK, according to travel writers who’ve seen them all

From the Forest of Dean’s moss-covered woodland to the cobbled streets of Oxford and the windswept coasts of the Inner Hebrides

For all of the stick we give the UK – the grey skies, the pigeons, the Greggs sausage roll packets littering the pavements – it’s actually a pretty gorgeous country. In London alone, you can be goggling over the Barbican’s brutalist beauty one moment, the next, you might be basking in the tranquility of Hampstead Ponds. Add the turquoise coasts of Cornwall , the rugged mountains of Snowdonia and the fairytale wonder of Scotland’s highlands and islands to the mix, and you’ve got a country which is as good looking as they come. 

When we set about curating this list of the most beautiful places in the UK, we called on our network of expert travel writers. These guys have have personally experienced the pinch-me moment of seeing every place on this list IRL – so we can guarantee you there is no catfishing going on here. Of course, you’ll find the usual suspects – you can’t argue with the magic of the Isle of Skye, after all – but you’ll also find some more surprising beauty spots to add to your travel bucket list. 

Chiara Wilkinson  is Time Out’s UK features editor, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our   editorial guidelines   and check out our latest   travel guides   written by local experts. RECOMMENDED: 🚂 The UK’s 12 most beautiful train stations 🇬🇧 The 35 best things to do in the UK 🏝 The 30 most beautiful places in the world

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The most picture-perfect places in the UK

1.  Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean

A forest so enchanting, it’s supposedly the blueprint for Tolkein’s Middle Earth, Puzzlewood is a dense green labyrinth within the Forest of Dean. The ancient woodland covers 14 acres, offering hidden caves, towering ravines, charming wooden bridges, moss-covered rocks and twisting roots. Its meandering path is the result of eroded underground cave systems which, over a few million years, became exposed to the surface. Now, it’s a regular on the silver screen, featuring in the likes of Harry Potter and Star Wars. Along the short, easy trail you’ll find nooks and crannies fit for fairies and elves around every corner. 

Time Out tip: After wandering Puzzlewood’s spellbinding track, enjoy some culinary magic at Tudor Farmhouse . The produce is locally sourced, dishes are fresh and if you’re feeling particularly bougie, go ahead and spend a night in one of its luxurious rooms. 

2.  Minack Theatre, Cornwall

It’s hard to believe this astonishing cliff-edge theatre is in the UK. The Minack looks looks like something from an ancient Greek epic, with the greco-esque structure jutting out from the craggy cliffs over the shockingly blue sea. One of the most exciting things about watching a play at the open-air theatre is the unpredictability of the weather. Come rain or shine, the show must go on, even if the audience has to get soaked to their underpants. Built in 1930, this amphitheatre usually has a dependable summer programme of musicals, Shakespeare and other classics, Cornish tales, kids’ performances, and gigs. Catching a show here is certainly one for the books.

Time Out tip: Walk the five-minute (slightly hair-raising) cliff path from the Minack to get to Porthcurno, one of the most stunning beaches in the country. And if naturism is your thing, there’s a nudie beach just round the corner called Pedn Vounder. The perfect recipe for a free-spirited day out.

3.  Barbican Estate, London

Look, I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. No matter how much I wax lyrical about its towering concrete curves, the Barbican is always going to have its detractors. There are plenty of people who don’t appreciate its peaceful vistas, towering greyness and general atmosphere of faded glamour. But to me, it’s stark, cool, imposing and utterly magnificent. Walking around its silent streets makes me feel like I’m in a Cold War era spy movie. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s also home to one of London ’s most celebrated arts venues, complete with a stunning verdant conservatory, plush auditoriums, chic martini bar and loads of quiet little nooks for working or gossiping in.

Time Out tip:  To whet your whistle, head round the corner to The Sekforde , a historic philanthropic pub which operates an educational charity – and does a mean Sunday roast. 

4.  Singing Sands, Isle of Eigg

Home to only around 100 people, the tiny community-owned Isle of Eigg on Scotland’s rugged west  coast is a fascinating experiment in off-grid sustainable living and one of the most unique  places in Britain. Trek or cycle northwest across the island to Laig Bay (you can hire  bikes by the ferry pier) and you’ll find a secluded white crescent beach of such unspoiled beauty it’ll  steal your breath away. The Singing Sands is so-called because its quartzite grains make a rasping or ‘ singing’ sound as you walk on them or when they’re brushed by the wind. Gaze out towards the  distant craggy mountains of Rùm, take a bracing Atlantic dip if you’re feeling bold, or simply slip off  your shoes and enjoy nature’s strange song as sand slips between your toes.

Time Out tip: Drop by the Isle of Eigg Brewery en route for a superb pilsner or IPA (also available at Galmisdale Bay Cafe  and Bar and the Isle of Eigg Shop ).

5.  Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

Ribbons flutter from the branches of ancient trees. Monumental hunks of stone appear to have pushed their way up through the grass. Sheep graze alongside them nonchalantly. I find the tiny village of Avebury captivating, in an otherworldly, magic kind of way. It’s the site of the biggest Neolithic stone circle in the world (as well as burial mounds, pathways and earthworks where you can feel the history beneath your feet). But, unlike Stonehenge, you can wander freely around the stones, and even give them a hug if, like me, you feel drawn to. At some point, somebody decided to build a village right through the middle of the henge, which adds to the area’s surreal feel.  There’s beauty in all of it: the rolling Wiltshire hills, the manmade secrets cut into them, and the fact that you can have a pint in the middle of a massive great big stone circle.  Time Out tip : Stay the night at The Farm at Avebury to have time to explore all the secrets of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The stylish former stables are all set around a pretty courtyard on a muddy working farm, a short walk from the mysterious mound of Silbury Hill.

6.  Medieval Shambles, York

Peering down York’s Shambles in 2024, with the road’s overhanging buildings, rustic wooden crossbeams and characterful row of twee shops, you’d have no idea of the road’s grim past. The name ‘Shambles’ literally refers to an open-air slaughterhouse, which is what this York street was back in the 1300s. These days all that blood and gore (and the street’s famed butchers, which stuck around until the 1800s) is long gone; leaving one of the UK’s best preserved medieval streets. There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles.

Time Out tip : You try walking past  Shambles Kitchen without buying one of the shop’s delicious smoked sandwiches. The wafts coming out of that place are irresistible.

7.  Seven Sisters, Sussex

Yorkshire has the dales and Cumbria has the lakes, but Sussex is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic, most beautiful cliffs. Enter the Seven Sisters, a succession of (you guessed it, seven) glistening peaks which sit between Seaford and Birling Gap. It’s one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shore on the south coast and is part of the South Downs National Park. But the chalky geology of the area (which is why the cliffs are so brilliantly white) doesn’t just make it beautiful, it’s also responsible for a remarkably diverse ecosystem – head here in the summer and keep an eye out for some of the 20 species of butterfly that flutter around.

Time Out tip: After the hilly walk from Seaford to Cuckmere Haven, a reward lies in the form of a brilliant beer garden at the Cuckmere Inn .

8.  Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

There’s something innately surreal about Skye: it’s the sort of place that makes you feel like fairytales could actually come true. The Fairy Pools – g listening  turquoise basins threaded together with a series of waterfalls, all set in the backdrop  of the imposing Cuillin mountains –  might well be a tourist trap, but they’re one of these rare places that actually live up to the hype. Legend has it that the pools attract selkies,  mythological creatures which turn from seals into humans at nightfall. Get to the pools early enough and you might be lucky enough to spot one – or at least beat the crowds. A  quick dip in those icy waters will help you melt away all sins. 

Time Out tip:  Make the most of the idyllic island by booking treat yourself a stay at the  4 AA Rosette-awarded  Edinbane Lodge , where you can fill up on an exquisite menu before resting your head in a renovated 16th century hunting lodge. And for a real Hebridean breakfast, head to the ever-trendy  Café Cùil . Where else are you going to get roast tattie hash with Scottish chorizo and caramelised cabbage?

9.  Whitstable Seafront, Kent

I’ve been going to Whitstable since I was little to visit my auntie, before my mum eventually moved there too. That means I’ve sat on Whitstable Beach probably a million times, and it has never felt any less magical. Its mile of pebbles is separated by wooden groynes, fading into a string of multi-coloured beach huts before eventually leading to Seasalter. But the crowning glory has to be the view of Whitstable’s sunset, which feels as though someone has peeled away the sky to expose it: all deep pinks and oranges reflected on little pools of sea water when the tide is far out. It feels as though the whole world goes still when it sets.

Time Out tip: T he best spot to watch this marvel is from the comfort of the Old Neptune ’s beer garden right on the beach, with a pint of Whitstable Lager in hand (and possibly a dozen oysters).

10.  Rydal Caves, Lake District

While there are plenty of beauty spots throughout the Lake District, none feel as mystical as Rydal Caves. Located between Grasmere and Ambleside, they’re the perfect place to visit if you don’t feel like a lengthy hike, with a car park just a 15-minute walk away.  The caves themselves are dramatic, with an almost mirroring effect from the water. Carefully wander across the stepping stones to the dry areas near the back of the cave to truly appreciate the beauty of the caves. It's little wonder that Netflix's The Witcher chose to film here for their second season.

Time Out tip: Once you arrive back in Ambleside, head to the Ambleside Tap Yard for a wide range of locally brewed pints and delicious pizza.

11.  Loch Lomond, Highland Boundary Fault

Loch Lomond has captured the hearts of even the most stoic Celts for centuries – it’s easy to see why. Set barely an hour away from the bustling metropolis of Glasgow , Scotland's southernmost national park is a complete haven from all evidence of the modern world. With the sort of peaks, waterfalls, and endless lakeland you usually only see in films or Keats’ poetry, a trip to Loch Lomond is restorative for the body and soul. Whoever you arrive as, you’ll leave feeling like a kilt-wearing bagpipe-wielding Scotsman, wind flowing through your locks, freed from any inhibition or worry. There are plenty of campsites spread across the loch, or if that’s a little too close to nature for you, opt for one of the more comfortable lakeview hotels or lodges. 

Time Out tip: Head to nearby village Luss and find the Coach House Coffee Shop for a homemade sandwich and signature hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire with a view to boot.

12.  Central Oxford

It may be an antiquated, elitist academic institution, but you’ve got to hand it to the University of Oxford: it’s responsible for one of the most beautiful bits of urban landscape in Europe. Even for jaded students, the stretch of central Oxford between Broad Street and the High Street is just jawdropping, its medieval lanes and olde-worlde cottages, pubs and bookshops contrasting with the grandiose, honey-coloured stone buildings of high academia. You don’t even have to pay for a single college tour to appreciate the dreaming spires (or should that be ivory towers?) from the outside.

Time Out tip:  Grab a coffee from The Missing Bean and sip it in the sun on the recently-pedestrianised sweep of Broad Street  or stop for a pint at the Grade II-listed Turf Tavern , tucked away between the ancient stone walls.

13.  Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

Got a head for heights? Head to the pretty area of Clifton in Bristol to take in the Georgian architecture before heading to see the icon of the city: Clifton Suspension Bridge. Designed by legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864, the bridge spans the breathtaking Avon Gorge and towers a whopping 75 metres above the River Avon, so you can take in views of the city, surrounding countryside – and maybe even a hot air balloon or two if you time it right. The visitor centre is free to visit should you want to learn more.

Time Out tip :  While The White Lion is the best-known places to get a great view of the bridge and gorge, for an equally good view and fewer crowds, head to the terrace at Clifton Observatory for 360-views to enjoy with a cocktail.

14.  Portmeirion, North Wales

Portmeirion is like something out of a dream. That is intentional, as the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis set out to bring the peace and pace of the Mediterranean to the northwest of Wales. Don’t scoff: the two are more alike than you might first assume. Since its completion in 1975,  this unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales. Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion? 

Time Out tip:   For the full ‘Mediterranean in Wales’ experience, pick up a gelato from Caffi’r Angel and set up shop on the piazza for a spot of people-watching.   

15.  Benone Strand, Causeway Coast

The first time I visited world-class Benone Strand, this vast seven-mile stretch of beach was deserted apart from a single horserider galloping through the clear shallows. Yep, just like in the movies. You can walk along the sandy shore towards Downhill Strand, where ‘Game Of Thrones’ was filmed, passing the rush of the Dunne waterfall, one of the tallest in Northern Ireland. And just past this, perched high up on the cliff-edge, is the area's crowning glory: much-photographed Mussenden Temple, once the library of the 18th century Bishop of Derry, who also built nearby Downhill House, now a wonderfully atmospheric ruin.

Time Out tip :  Warm up at Finnish-style Hotbox sauna on Benone Strand before coffee at the wood-panelled artisan café on the dunes, complete with surf hire.

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The sea breeze swishing through your hair, the sensation of wet sand between your toes and the smell of vinegary chips lingering at your nostrils: everyone has vivid memories of their childhood seaside holidays. Relish that nostalgic feeling again but this time add a modern twist. Bumble about on creaky Victorian piers crowned with roller coasters, have a chinwag with a local artist in their seaside studio or lace up your hiking boots for a cliff-top stroll in search of puffins and gannets. Hungry? The freshest seafood and gourmet restaurants await, as do hand-warming portions of fish ‘n’ chips. Start planning your coastal holidays.

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Discover the Witterings on a coastal break

Spot multi-coloured sailing boats, follow your nose in fudge shops and snuggle down in cosy pubs on a visit to The Witterings.

Location: Witterings, West Sussex

Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters

A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.

Location: Salcombe, Devon

Visit the Diamond Isle

Enjoy a 10 min trip on the Needles Park Chairlift and go dinosaur hunting.

Location: Isle of Wight

Pier to Pier in Bournemouth

Got a spare hour or two in Bournemouth? Then take a stroll between the two piers.

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

Explore Dungeness

Dungeness attracts both visionary artists and nature lovers.

Location: Dungeness, Kent

Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.

Location: English Riviera, Devon

Explore the English Riviera Global Geopark

Spot rare wildlife, go coasteering, and discover stories of drowned forests at South Devon's Global Geopark, a fascinating area with rich historical and geological heritage.

Location: Torquay, Devon

Catch some waves at Woolacombe Beach

North Devon has some of the county’s most popular family beaches, including award-winning Woolacombe.

Location: Woolacombe, Devon

Cycle alongside the Exe Estuary

Jump on a bike to explore the beautiful Exe Estuary, taking in the lovely scenery, villages and landscapes along a 26 mile-long route.

Location: Exeter, Devon

Learn the ropes at Chatham’s The Historic Dockyard

Immerse yourself in 400 years of discovery at the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail.

Location: Chatham, Kent

Adventure boat trips to Beachy Head

Jump aboard an adrenaline filled boat trip for a close up view of the stunning South Downs National Park coastline and Beachy Head lighthouse.

Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex

Walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover

Breath in England's timeless beauty with a walk along this world famous stretch of coastline.

Location: Dover, Kent

Alfresco Shakespeare in Eastbourne’s pretty Italian Gardens

Discover one of the South Coast’s best kept secrets, with hidden gardens, secluded walkways, outdoor Shakespeare and rock pooling.

Nightly summer bandstand concerts and weekly fireworks

The UK’s busiest bandstand on Eastbourne’s seafront offers nightly concerts from pop to rock throughout summer, with a weekly firework crescendo.

Action packed watersports at Camber Sands

Kite-flyers and windsurfers of all ages and abilities should head to Camber Sands - a dramatic sandy beach on the south coast, and the perfect spot to catch the waves.

Location: Camber Sands, East Sussex

Visit the UK's longest bench in Littlehampton

Discover the unique architecture along the Sussex coast, including the UK's longest bench.

Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex

Coast to countryside views from Arundel Castle

Explore Arundel’s rich history and heritage with re-enactments and family fun-days at Arundel Castle.

Location: Arundel, West Sussex

Have a great British seaside break at Butlin's Bognor Regis

Famous for long sunshine hours, royal visits and Billy Butlin, the seaside town of Bognor Regis, on the border of the South Downs National Park, is the perfect destination for a family-friendly short break.

Location: Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Spa by the sea at Climping’s Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa

Relax and unwind in the tranquil coastal setting of Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa in Climping.

Discover one of the largest textile collections in England

Known locally as 'the jewel in Worthing's crown', Worthing Museum & Art Gallery is much more than meets the eye.

Location: Worthing, West Sussex

Explore historical Worthing with four Heritage Trails

Discover the historical delights of a Victorian seaside town with very traditional beginnings.

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The 20 Best Places To Visit On The South Coast

I moved down to Brighton back in 2007 when I joined Brighton University and fell in love with the South Coast.

The people are incredibly friendly, the area is much safer than where I grew up in London and there is a relaxed way of life that I love.

But Brighton is just one of the amazing places you can visit on the South Coast of England, therefore I wanted to compile a list of places to go for your next holiday.

1) Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters white cliffs are one of the most picturesque scenes in Brighton, while they also make for a great country walk.

Part of the South Downs, from Brighton you can catch a train to either Seaford or Eastbourne and then take the bus to the Seven Sisters Country Park, before walking alongside the Cuckmere River.

The Cuckmere Inn also offers some great views if you want to stop for a pint or some lunch.

2) Brighton

OK, I can’t live here for 14 years and not write about Brighton! Nicknamed ‘London by the sea’ with seemingly half of London visiting every weekend, some of the main attractions include the Pier, the Pavilion gardens and, of course, the beach.

The Lanes are famous for having very stylish shops, while further up nearer the station you have the North Laine, which has a number of unique stores, selling everything from chillies to fancy dress.

If you do plan on visiting, I’d recommend having a read of my article on the best things to do in Brighton .

3) Isles of Scilly

Whenever you see pictures of the Isles of Scilly, you always presume they’re taken somewhere a lot more exotic than the UK

The isles have some stunning natural beauty to take in, while there are a combination or inhabited and uninhabited islands to explore.

St Mary’s is the biggest, therefore is the most commonly visited, however the archipelago offers a lot of different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. You can also expect pretty damn good weather compared to the rest of the UK.

4) Whitstable

Just like Brighton, Whitstable is a popular attraction for people from big cities looking to have a quick day trip.

The harbour is a popular visiting spot, while you can watch the boats go in and out while enjoying an ice cream or some fish and chips.

Another famous scene is the colourful huts along the Tankerton Slopes. If you’d prefer to explore town a little, then you can head up to Whitstable castle and the surrounding gardens.

The Crab and Winkle Way also offers a great walking or cycling route if you fancy burning some calories and embracing nature.

5) Penzance

I remember visiting Penzance when I was younger, staying in a coastal hotel overlooking the beach and eating honeycomb ice cream with clotted cream on top…Damn it was good!

Cornwall has so many highlights, I could fill up an entire article on the area, but I wanted to really highlight Penzance.

You can take a stroll along Chapel street and check out the shops and the architecture, or have a picnic in the Morrab Gardens. The Jubilee pool is a great option if the sun is out and there isn’t too much of a breeze.

Another beautiful spot in Cornwall, I really hate that this beautiful area is so far away, but a train for me would take the same time as heading up to Scotland!

St Ives has built up a huge reputation as a surfing spot thanks to the large waves which aren’t so common in other areas of the UK. In fact, everyone I know who surfs heads here on a regular basis.

Another famous scene around St Ives is Seal Island, named for obvious reasons, a huge colony of seals live here, something I’m not used to spotting and would love to see more often in their natural habitat.

The iconic train route going from St Erth to St Ives through the countryside is also worth checking out.

7) Hastings

Hastings might be famous for the Battle of Hastings, something we’re all taught at primary school, however I fell in love with this town after attending the Hastings Pirate Day.

Celebrated in July each year, everyone in the entire town dresses up as a pirate, with activities and events during the day for kids and then plenty of drinking for adults into the evening.

The Hastings Cliff Railway allows you to travel up and get some great views, providing you don’t have a distinctly bad fear of heights.

You should also check out Hastings castle while you’re here, the ruins overlooking the town, before heading down to Pelham beach.

8) Lyme Regis

Located between Weymouth and Exeter, Lyme Regis is one of the best spots if you’re visiting Dorset.

The Tunnel Tree Tops is a great high rope adrenaline pumping activity, but I think I’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground!

The beaches are beautiful, while you can also find a number of fossils as you walk along, another memory from childhood.

If you don’t manage to spot any fossils, then you can head into the Lyme Regis museum to take a look at some of the most spectacular findings they’ve unearthed.

Margate might not have the liveliness, the atmosphere or the vibrance of Brighton, but damn, they have sandy beaches, something we look jealously over at.

There is even a retro theme park called Dreamland which is certainly worth checking out while you’re over there.

The Shell Grotto is the most popular attraction in Margate, covering 2,000 square foot, however I’d avoid the overpriced gift shop at the end.

10) Torquay

It’s easy to talk about the beaches when talking about the best places to visit on the South Coast of England, but Torquay has a slightly different selling point in the Model Village.

The biggest tourist attraction in the town, Babbacombe Model Village is so incredibly cool, opened 58 years ago and holding 426 miniature buildings, this will certainly make for a great day trip.

The Kents Cavern is also an amazing sight to take in, as you admire the underground natural beauty, which should take up half a day.

If you’re on a family holiday then you might also want to take a trip to Torquay’s Dinosaur World.

11) Lizard Peninsula

This is the most Southerly point of the British mainland, while there are plenty of beautiful cottages that can be booked out, overlooking some quite breath-taking views.

The Kynance Cove looks like a picture from Portugal rather than the UK, while it offers a nice mix of beach relaxation and some great walks along the coastline.

You might also want to try some ice cream and stroke some animals at the Roskilly farm, great for a family day out.

12) Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis doesn’t have such a strong reputation as some others on this list, partly as the beach isn’t as stunning as some of these, but the South Downs National Park certainly is a sight to see!

The rolling downs make for a great country walk, while you can still enjoy some fish and chips on Felpham beach.

13) Arundel

Ok, I’m slightly cheating here, as Arundel is just above the coastline, but I had to include it as it’s one of my favourite day trips from Brighton.

You can visit the castle, albeit last time I went you had to book in advance. Alternatively, you can go for a country stroll and then try a pedalo on Swanbourne Lake, followed by some ice cream.

This is easily one of the most picturesque towns in the UK, from Arundel Cathedral to the Wetlands.

14) Rottingdean

You can get to Rottingdean by bus from the Brighton seafront, or you can use one of the rental bikes and get there on the seafront walkway area, which offers some beautiful views, as you head through the Marina and along the coast.

The tiny little houses in Rottingdean are really cute, while Kipling Gardens is also certainly worth checking out if you do visit.

Beacon Hill used to be a childhood memory of playing golf (or at least trying to), but apparently the golf course no longer remains here, with horses roaming last time I visited.

You can also head down to the small Rottingdean beach, there aren’t a huge amount of facilities, but it’s much more quiet than some of the big cities.

15) Eastbourne

If this is your first time visiting Eastbourne then you can try one of the open top buses to explore the town, providing it’s not raining that day.

Beachy Head is a great coastal walk that will get your heart beating a little faster as you climb the chalk cliff, being the highest in the country.

The Bandstand in the centre often has something going on, so if you look it up in advance, you might catch a great live performance.

Just like Brighton, Eastbourne has a famous Pier which is a top tourist attraction, while it also has a nightclub for late night party goers.

Poole is found just along the coast from Bournemouth, with the Poole Quay a popular spot for ferries to stop off along their route across the Mediterranean from the UK.

As with many on this list, enjoying some fish and chips on the beach is always a must. For something a little more unique, you can see Adventure Wonderland for some theme park rides. I’d also recommend heading over to Brownsea Island for a day trip if you’re staying in Poole.

Hove is often seen as combined with a trip to Brighton, yet most people don’t actually head over to Hove, which I feel is absolutely criminal.

You can relax on Hove Lawns, or head down to the seafront and enjoy a pint near Rockwater. You can eat some incredibly great food at the Salt Rooms or head up for some Thai at the Wick Inn, or some Persian food at Shandiz.

You can even have a go at Wakeboarding at the Lagoon Watersports near the Western Lawns.

If you’re coming from Brighton, you can either jump on the train to Hove train station and walk down to the seafront, or many of the buses will take you from Brighton to Hove.

18) Worthing

Worthing has a slightly unfair reputation, largely because this used to be a place where people went to retire, but it has been attracting a much younger audience as first time buyers move here due to the much cheaper prices compared to Brighton.

For the wine drinkers, a trip to the Highdown Vineyard could be worth a trip, while it also makes for a great wedding venue.

The Highdown Gardens are a little hidden gem, not so hidden anymore, offering a great place to relax, play games, have a coffee in the tea rooms and waste the day away joyfully.

19) Portsmouth

This port city is found between Southampton and Bognor Regis, just a short trip from Isle of Wight.

Being a city with the port taking the centre stage, it should be unsurprising that most of the tourist attractions are boat-based, including the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the historic dockyard tours.

The Spinnaker tower is incredibly unique looking, something you’d expect to find in Singapore rather than Portsmouth.

The Gunwharf Quays also has plenty to do, including bowling, restaurants, bars, plus rides and random live performances.

20) Jurassic Coast

The formal name might be the Dorset and East Devon Coast, however this World Heritage site is known more commonly as the Jurassic coast due to the rocks being from this geological period, making this a geology teachers dream holiday location.

Being on the beaches here is like living in a scene from a postcard, with 185 million years of history right in front of your eyes.

Considering the Jurassic coast stretches an astonishing 95 miles, you might struggle to see it all in one trip, unless you plan on taking a drive along the seafront.

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10 Seaside Towns to Visit on a UK Coastal Road Trip

Drive to the beach this summer.

Take a road trip to some of the UK’s best beach towns and villages this summer and enjoy that unique sense of freedom offered by the open road. Before you gather your crew and plug in your playlist, plan your route with our rundown of where to go for a dose of sun, sea, and sand – and leave your passport at home.

Journey with us around Britain’s staggering coastlines, stopping along the way at postcard-perfect seaside resorts. You can almost taste the salty ocean air! 

Newquay, Cornwall

Sunny summer days and wicked surf breaks.

Newquay is a renowned summer road trip destination in the UK as well as the country’s top surf spot. With a carefree vibe and miles of sandy coves, Newquay is hard to beat on a bright, sunny day. Fistral Beach is a hot spot for beach lovers, with soft golden sand, dunes and rippling waves to enjoy.

In Newquay town, you’ll find plenty to entertain, including a beautiful Japanese garden, miniature steam railway and a compact aquarium that houses many of the region’s aquatic species. Once the sun sets, the Newquay Smugglers Ghost Walk is a fun way to end the day, listening to tales of pirates. READ MORE…

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Victorian charm on england’s south coast.

Eastbourne is one of the finest beach towns on England’s south coast and retains a more relaxed vibe when compared to nearby Brighton or Bognor Regis. If your chief concern is getting sand between your toes, Holywell Retreat is a quaint stretch of beach in a Marine Conservation area with quintessentially English beach huts, a café and the cliff-hugging Italian Gardens. The Victorian-era Eastbourne Pier is a charming example of old-world entertainment.

If you’ve had enough of the crowds in town, the stunning chalk cliff headland known as Beachy Head and the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park are on Eastbourne’s doorstep. READ MORE…

National Football Museum in Manchester

10 Things to Do in Leeds Off the Beaten Track

Staining Lodge Golf Course

Whitby, north yorkshire, culture and history lined up along the north sea.

Whitby is a Northern England town that's overflowing with history and culture. It may be quite a small place, clinging to the coast on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, but the quayside arcades, sandy beaches, and some of the finest fish and chips in the country have been attracting road trippers from across the UK for generations.

Start your exploration in Whitby from the quayside, before heading up to Whalebone Arch – a reminder of the town’s history as a harbour for whaling ships – to get your obligatory selfie for your social media feed. Whitby Abbey ruin is a stunning Gothic landmark that, along with Whitby’s association with Bram Stoker of  Dracula  fame, has made it a pilgrimage spot for fans of horror stories and gothic culture. READ MORE…

Broadstairs, Kent

Beach hop along the kent coastline.

Broadstairs is a charming coastal town with no less than 7 sandy beaches in the far east of Kent. This town makes an excellent destination for a day trip as it's only 80 miles from London and is surrounded by a host of other seaside towns that retain period charms. It’s possible to visit Margate, Ramsgate and Deal, all in 1 day!

For a touch of fun and folly, join St Peter’s Village Tour and journey back into the days of Dickens, when Kent was threatened by Napoleon’s army across the English Channel. Run by costumed volunteers, it’s free to join the tour but donations are welcome.  

Bournemouth, Dorset

A modern beach town that hasn’t forgotten its past.

Bournemouth is one of England's best seaside towns for large groups, thanks to its iconic pier packed with modern attractions alongside a variety of cafes and cultural landmarks. It’s the largest town in Dorset and combines city vibes with sandy beaches.

Bournemouth is home to a full fixture of festivals throughout the summer, including sporting events like rugby 7s and musical celebrations from folk to reggae. If you have time, the 30-metre-tall Bournemouth Big Wheel is a towering landmark that makes for a nice spot for sunset viewing after a long day of road tripping to Bournemouth. READ MORE…

Barry Island, South Wales

A fun group road trip in wales.

Kitsch and quirky, Barry Island promises plenty of laughs for groups of day-trippers who want flashing lights and ocean air. Mini golf, climbing walls, miniature train journeys and fairground rides are just some of the exciting activities waiting for you on this iconic island in Glamorgan, Wales. For fans of the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey, you can visit the actual amusement arcade from the show, along with several other set locations, which are always worthy of a selfie. 

An excellent family destination, Barry Island doesn’t take itself too seriously and is packed full of fun. The journey to Barry is fairly straightforward too, as it's just a few miles west of Cardiff.

Salcombe, Devon

A stunning beach for a couples’ road trip.

Salcombe is found on the Knightsbridge Estuary and thanks to rolling hills dropping into the deep blue Atlantic water, it feels inherently British in look and feel. The town has a genteel air, with cobbled streets and unique boutique shopping scattered between cafes and restaurants. Dining is a particular highlight in Salcombe, with several esteemed fine-dining establishments and plenty more quaint pubs and cafes.

If you’re looking for the best spot of sand, take the ferry crossing from Salcombe Landing to East Portlemouth on the opposite side of the estuary.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Active and adventurous types will love the day-tripping from here.

Tenby is one of the finest beach towns on Wales’ south coast and, surrounded by 2 national parks, makes for an adventurous road trip. On your journey to Tenby, most of you will pass through the Gower Peninsula, with rugged coastlines and raw, windswept hillsides. Further to the west, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park draws in hikers and water sports enthusiasts.

Tenby is built around a remarkably wide beach, backed by a promenade and steep cliffs on either side. Many Victorian-era buildings are now hotels and B&Bs, giving the town an old-world charm. Around sunset, follow the crowds to Tenby Castle and enjoy the ocean views looking out over St. Catherine’s Island. 

A classic British seaside resort

A road trip to Blackpool was like a rite of passage to many Brits in year’s gone by. And this northern beach town is still synonymous with iconic landmarks, cabaret shows, and sticks of rock candy that haven’t really changed in a generation.

It’s all about fun and games in Blackpool, a town with not 1, but 3 separate piers. Central Pier is our pick for day-trippers. The long promenade makes for a pleasant stroll, and it’s lined with fairground rides, the iconic big wheel, games arcades, and plenty of takeaway stalls for snacks and drinks. It’s loud and a lot of fun. For even more fairground fun, head to Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park and ride the aptly named Big One rollercoaster. READ MORE…

Lyme Regis, Dorset

Road trip along britain’s jurassic coast.

Lyme Regis is a breathtaking seaside town hugging the famous Jurassic Coast in South West England. With its bunting-lined streets, sweeping golden beach, calm turquoise sea, and, of course, its world-renowned Cobb, it’s easy to see why this is such a hot spot for holidaymakers. But, there’s more to this postcard-perfect town than just its beautiful beach.

Famous for its abundance of prehistoric fossils, you can venture off on guided fossil hunting walks, run by the Lyme Regis Museum. Fans of the arts can find places offering Jane Austin walking tours and even Broadchurch tours, too. Plus, no trip to Lyme Regis would be complete without a visit to the traditional Marine Aquarium. 

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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The East Coast is home to extensive nature reserves, vast sandy beaches, stylish coastal towns and rich history, this coastline is a haven for nature-lovers.  

If you’ve never visited the beautiful east coast of England, this is for you! The famous Norfolk Broads, including the National Park , are home to an enormous variety of birdlife, especially at migration times.

The best way to explore the Broads is by boat and there are a number of operators offering a variety of options from day boats and canoes to passenger cruisers.

Spend some time in the pretty coastal town of Southwold  en route to the cultural centre of Snape Maltings , where you will find an eclectic mix of shops and galleries, self catering properties and artisan food.

But the East Coast also offers concert venues, museums, stately homes, quaint villages and market towns, ancient churches and much, much more. Prepare to be inspired!

Our East Coast region starts in Essex and runs north to Lincolnshire, a beautiful stretch of the English Coast.

Attraction-packed resorts like Skegness , Great Yarmouth and Clacton-on-Sea line the coast. As well as smaller villages like Louth , Aldeburgh and Britain’s most easterly town of Lowestoft with its wide sandy beaches on one side and woodland on the other.

Visit royal estates, vast wetlands or the network of lakes and rivers that comprise the Norfolk Broads, this area is ideal for a relaxing getaway. Famous not just for its bird life, it’s also common to spot seals while walking along its miles of coastal paths and trails. 

A visit to  Holkham Hall   is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Discover an exceptional place, rich in history, architecture and wildlife - a true jewel in Norfolk's crown! 

Follow in the footsteps of the Royal Family with a visit to Sandringham Estate - the Queen's official Norfolk Residence, a great day trip on the East Coast!

The East Coast really has something for the entire family and is easily accessible by car or public transport.

Stop off at the significant archaeological site of Sutton Hoo , an awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, the story of which was featured in the 2021 Netflix film, 'The Dig'. 

For a slice of culture, visit the quaint Flatford Mill , the inspiration for Constable’s paintings where there is also an exhibition of his life.

Find the best things to do on the East Coast in one place Click the link above to see our interactive map of the East Coast with clickable businesses and attractions.

Getting to the East Coast

By Train Regular train service in less than 2 hours from central London to key East Coast hubs including Hull, Lincoln, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Southend.  

By  Coach Several coaches a day from central London to Hull, Lincoln, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Southend. Car Hire Available from airports and regionally . Collections from train stations can be arranged. 

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Get close to nature on one of the most unspoilt stretches of the English coast

Crab and oysters are just some of the East Coast's seafood specialities

Oysters have been harvested from the shallow waters off Mersea Island since Roman times, and the skills needed have been passed down through many generations to today's oysterman. Cromer Crab in Norfolk is known worldwide for its delicate flavour and texture resulting from the chalk coastline and nutrient rich waters. While in Suffolk the fish huts on Aldeburgh beach are a great place to buy the day's wide ranging catch.

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33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

• Last Updated 15 January 2024

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Perhaps I’m a bit biased because I grew up and live here, but I really love the South of England. Epic coastline, quintessentially English countryside, quaint villages, and historic cities… there’s just so much to discover! So I decided to put together this post, all about the best places to visit in the south of England.

From cute villages and idyllic countryside escapes to lively cities and brilliant beaches, this list features some of the best sights and spots in southern England. Perfect if you’re planning a day trip or a UK staycation this summer! 

I’ve included a bunch of my personal favourite places, as well as recommendations from some amazing bloggers from around the country. So all the places on this list are tried, tested, and genuinely recommended.

I’ve excluded London , as that enormous city is really a destination unto itself! But the rest of the lower third of England is all here.

So get ready to fall in love with the south of England as you plan some escapes to these dreamy places…

Best Places to Visit in the South of England: Map

Places to Visit in the South West of England

1. dorset jurassic coast.

For beautiful beaches, rugged coastal walks, and picturesque seaside towns, you just can’t beat the Dorset Jurassic Coast .

I grew up here, so I’m a little biased! But this stretch of coastline is famous for its geological and historical significance – because the rock formations and fossils date back some 185 million years! So there are a LOT of reasons to visit this part of England’s south coast . 

There are so many things to do along the Jurassic Coast. Hit the beaches, explore cute seaside towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth , or head to the cliffs for some hiking. One of the most famous sites is the rocky archway of Durdle Door, and there are several cliff walks which afford some great views of this iconic landmark. But with a whole 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re truly spoilt for choice! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: 2-Hour Jurassic Coast Cruise

Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in the south of England, and definitely one of the top places to visit. The UNESCO-protected skyline is filled with gorgeous Georgian buildings. And it’s almost all exclusively built from honey-coloured Bath stone, so the overall effect is really breathtaking. 

The city is packed with history, especially the ancient Roman Baths which are fed by local hot springs.

You can also soak up these hot spring waters for yourself at the UK’s only natural thermal spa. The rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa is a particular highlight. Or you can simply soak up the history of the city as you wander through the stunning town centre. Bath is also a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea , as there seems to be a tearoom on every corner! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: 1.5 Hour Walking Tour of the City from £15pp

3. Cotswolds

Recommended by: Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

Home to some of the most unspoilt villages in England, the Cotswolds are one of the best places to visit in the South of England. Known for their honey-coloured stone, cosy cottages and traditional tea rooms, there is nowhere as charming and historic as the picture-perfect towns and villages in the Cotswolds. The most popular choices are Castle Combe, Bibury, Burford and Broadway. But there are some beautiful hidden gems too, such as Minster Lovell.

If you’d like to explore more of the countryside, you can hike the Cotswolds Way, which extends over 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Or you could take part in the water sports on offer at the Cotswolds Water Park.

Recommended by: Victoria, Bridges and Balloons

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular beach towns, perched on the Atlantic cliffs and famous for its surf. It sometimes gets marred by its reputation as a party town, popular for stag and hen dos. But the area offers much more than bars and nightclubs! It’s also very well suited to families, especially with its bounty of Blue Flag beaches.

It’s also a destination which is much more than the town itself. Newquay is surrounded by many charming villages and beaches, like St Agnes , Perranporth, and Holywell.

Don’t miss a trip to Padstow, the fishing village famous for being the home of Rick Stein and his restaurants. A favourite beach in the area is Watergate Bay, home to one of the most stylish family hotels in Cornwall . Watergate Bay is also the perfect place to learn different watersports at the beach’s Extreme Academy.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Introduction to Surfing Lesson in Newquay – from £35pp

5. Stonehenge and Salisbury

One of the most visited places in the south of England is Stonehenge in Wiltshire. This ancient stone circle remains one of the country’s greatest mysteries. Although we know when – and even how – it was built, some 5,000 years ago, we still don’t really know why ! That mystery only adds to the appeal, so it’s no surprise that this is such a popular attraction in southern England. 

The nearest town is Salisbury , which is also well worth a visit. This medieval city boasts a 13th-century cathedral and a charming, historic high street. There are plenty of boutique shops to explore, as well as independent eateries and bars. So this is the perfect base if you want to explore Stonehenge and the rest of Wiltshire. 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Stonehenge Half-Day Tour from London with Audio Guide

6. English Riviera

Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book it Let’s Go!

The English Riviera is located on the south coast of Devon . It comprises three key seaside resorts: Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, as well as the smaller village of Babbacombe. Sometimes referred to as Torbay, the area holds the UNESCO Global Geopark status , one of only seven in the UK and 140 in the world.

The English Riviera has a distinctly continental feel. With golden sandy beaches, clear calm waters and swaying palm trees, it’s easy to imagine you are abroad. There are plenty of accommodation options from budget camping to luxury boutique hotels.

The area offers so many diverse things to do. You can visit Britain’s largest model village in Babbacombe, outdoor adventures along the Jurassic coast, historic museums and prehistoric caves to explore.

7. Exmoor National Park

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

Located in North Devon and West Somerset, Exmoor National Park is an area of hilly moorland famous for its unique landscapes and wilderness habitats. There are miles of hiking trails to explore, coastal cliffs to scramble over, and deep wooded valleys with quaint tea shops hidden at the bottom.

Renowned for its wildlife, Exmoor is the place to go if you want to spot red deer, as well as otters and rare butterflies. The iconic Exmoor ponies are a common sight too, grazing in large wild-roaming herds close to the road.

The area feels remote but is easily accessible by car – and there are plenty of great holiday parks in Devon that make a great base for your trip. Within Exmoor, there are also lots of great hotels and countryside inns to be found in the picturesque villages dotted about the moors.

8. Penzance

Recommended by: Stella, Around the World in 24 Hours

Penzance, a town in western Cornwall, is most famous to some people for the musical The Pirates of Penzance . But Penzance also deserves to be known for its beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, delicious food, and charming residents. You can easily spend an enjoyable day or two in Penzance by itself, or you can use it as a base for exploring other places in Cornwall.

Visit the port and the Admiral Benbow Inn to learn about Penzance’s maritime history. Explore 19th and 20th-century Cornish art at the Penlee House Gallery and Museum or more contemporary works at The Exchange. Finally, don’t miss dining on the local seafood at excellent restaurants like The Shore.

9. Cranborne Chase

One of my new favourite places to visit in the south of England is Cranborne Chase . This Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) lies on a chalk plateau straddling the counties of Dorset , Hampshire and Wiltshire. It’s not very well known, which is one of the real selling points. Because unlike more popular national parks and AONB’s in England, Cranborne Chase is often incredibly empty! 

Rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, and river valleys await you, lined with walking trails and nature reserves. In summer, the grasslands are covered with wildflowers, making them even more picture-perfect. And with idyllic countryside villages to give the Cotswolds a run for their money, there are so many reasons to add Cranborne Chase to your England bucket list! 

10. Cheddar

Recommended by: Darek and Gosia

Cheddar village is definitely one of the best places you can visit in the south of England. Located in the southern part of the Mendip Massif, in the county of Somerset, Cheddar is famous mainly for two things.

First is the amazing Cheddar Gorge – the largest limestone gorge in England which attracts 1000s of people every year. You can go for a walk above the gorge, then explore the beautiful caves which it’s full of.

In one of them, you’ll have the opportunity to see how the yummy attraction of the region is made, which is the second famous thing – Cheddar Cheese! There are also a few great pubs and small shops selling local products.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Glastonbury and Cheddar Gorge Guided Day Trip from London

If you want to stay a bit longer, check out these 6 Beautiful Places to go Glamping in Somerset

11. The Lizard Peninsula

Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard

The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful corner of southwest Cornwall. The Lizard has an incredible coastline dotted with lively fishing villages. One of the most popular beaches on the Lizard is Kynance Cove with its smooth sand, sea caves and rocky backdrop.

There are plenty of great places to eat and drink, including Roskilly Farm, which has delicious ice cream. One of the most scenic places to stop for a Cornish cream tea is Lizard Point, the most southerly place in England.

Although the beaches draw most of the crowds, it’s worth heading inland a little for a day on the Helford River, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. The river also has some excellent pubs close to its banks.

12. Avebury

Recommended by: Wandering Carol

For fans of the Neolithic, the village of Avebury is an absolute find. While its main draw, the henge that contains the Avebury stone circles , is not as famous as Stonehenge, it’s larger and even more ancient. However, you’ll find it very different in look and feel.

Containing ‘male’ and ‘female’ stones, represented by rectangle- and diamond-shaped standing stones respectively, the henge is so intertwined with the village that you’ll find a couple of shops and roads right inside, not to mention a few grazing sheep. Within walking distance are other sacred sites such as Silbury Hill, a 4,000-year-old monumental mound, as well as the burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow. Avebury is truly a step into the past!

Recommended by: Laura, What’s Hot Blog

Lacock is a tiny village in the south of England, known for its quintessential British charm. It has managed to retain its medieval architecture meaning that upon arrival in Lacock you could be forgiven for thinking that you had walked straight onto the set of a period drama.

In fact, Lacock is a popular location for filmmakers and you can find many Harry Potter locations in Lacock , as well as those for Downton Abbey, The Other Boleyn Girl and Cranford.

For day-trippers, Lacock has a number of small and charming independent establishments where you can stop for afternoon tea or a pint. Lacock Bakery is a must!

14. Bristol

Get ready to meet one of the coolest cities in the south of England: Bristol . This vibrant, bustling city boasts a fascinating maritime history, as well as plenty of more modern temptations.

Among them is the much-loved street art culture. Banksy was born and started painting in Bristol, and there are several of his works around the city. 

Bristol also boasts an amazing foodie scene. Don’t miss Wapping Wharf, the trendy new dining and shopping hub just off the historic Bristol Harbourside. And if you fancy a challenge, you can also try abseiling Avon Gorge on the outskirts of the city. I did a few years ago and loved the experience! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Bristol Hop-On Hop-Off Bus from £14pp

15. Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park holds a special place in my heart, as I spent my teenage years taking school camping trips here! This vast moorland in Devon is known for its craggy landscapes, wild ponies, and dramatic tors (rock formations).

Camping, hiking, and mountain biking all await if you want to indulge your adventurous side. Or you can tour the pretty villages, stopping for a cream tea or a slap-up pub lunch! One of my favourite sights is the stunning Burrator Reservoir, which is circuited by a walking and cycling path for epic views. 

READ MORE: My Wet and Wild Dartmoor Road Trip

Places to Visit in the East and South East of England

16. windsor.

Recommended by: Jade, Two Tall Travellers

Whether you’re interested in the town’s royal history, want to release your inner child at Legoland, or you fancy treating yourself to the perfect afternoon tea, Windsor is a great place to spend a weekend .

Windsor Castle is a stunning maze of towers, apartments, gardens, and chapels. You can explore inside with a guided tour and get a glimpse of royal living. Be sure to book your ticket in advance for ease – click here to check prices and availability.

The town itself offers plenty to do at only a short train ride from London. Enjoy a day of water sports on the Thames, or something a little more relaxing like a boat ride on the river. You can also walk over the bridge and spend some time exploring Eton, the home of the historic college.

17. Brighton

Recommended by: Teresa, Brogan Abroad

Brighton is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the South of England, particularly with Londoners looking to spend a day on the coast. However, Brighton is more than a day trip destination.

Once the playground of the Prince Regent, Brighton is a diverse city with a vibrant cultural and arts scene that offers something for everyone. It’s also one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife , with a fab party scene and a brilliant Gay Village. For those looking for a bit of fun and excitement, the historic Palace Pier is a local institution.

If history is more your thing, head to the Royal Pavilion, where you can admire its Indian-inspired architecture and Chinese-inspired interior. And for shopaholics, getting lost in The Lanes, a maze of narrow alleyways full of independent shops with traditional shop fronts, is a must.

18. Winchester

Recommended by: Devashree Sanghvi, Thecrazyindianfoodie

Located in Hampshire, Winchester is a spectacular, historical city. You can spend hours exploring its gorgeous alleys, churches, libraries and stunning beauty on foot. Winchester Cathedral is a popular tourist spot here and you must visit this magnificent medieval structure.

One of the largest cathedrals in all of Europe, the sheer grandeur of its incredible architecture will mesmerise you. The cathedral houses a 17th-century Morley Library, the Winchester Bible and a Norman crypt.

Apart from the cathedral, Winchester is also home to the Great Hall of Winchester Castle, the city mill and many other beautiful monuments. Don’t forget to dine at Chesil Rectory, an award-winning, exemplary restaurant situated in a 600-year-old medieval house offering incredible food made with fresh local produce.

19. Norfolk Broads

Recommended by: Kristin, Adventures with En Suite

The Broads is a national park with over 125 miles of lock-free waterways located close to Norwich. The man-made area can be explored by bike or on foot, but the best way to see the region is by boat. No prior experience is required to rent a boat and you will be given a short demonstration before you set off.

Sailing through the quiet wetlands landscape on a sunny day is incredibly relaxing. Along the canals, you will find luxurious waterside holiday homes, picturesque villages, and riverside pubs where boats can be moored – typically a few boats wide on busy summer days.

20. Chichester

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

Chichester has everything an English city should have: history, a beautiful cathedral, and a mixture of modern and quirky shops.

Chichester was built in Roman times and there is still plenty of Roman history to enjoy, from the layout of the streets to the Roman walls surrounding the inner city. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Roman Palace at Fishbourne – the largest roman residence found in Britain.

Chichester is not a large city, and it’s perfectly possible to explore it in a day. Why not combine your trip with a visit to the South Downs just north of Chichester, or the fantastic beach of West Wittering to the south.

21. New Forest

Recommended by: Stuart Forster of Go Eat Do  

England’s New Forest National Park lies approximately 90 minutes’ train journey south-west of London. The area was formerly a royal hunting ground, established during the reign of William the Conqueror and much of it is still crown land. Around 5,000 ponies roam the scenic countryside.

Walking and cycling are popular ways of exploring the New Forest’s woodland and meadow trails. Bicycles, including electric bikes, are available for hire next to the railway station at Lyndhurst, meaning you don’t need to transport your own.

Thatched buildings hint at the region’s long heritage. Those that are now country pubs prove enjoyable spots to visit for liquid refreshment and dinner. The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a must-visit attraction for petrolheads.

22. Dorchester-on-Thames

Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes

The gorgeous Oxfordshire village of Dorchester-on-Thames is the perfect place to escape city life and get lost in the Oxfordshire countryside. This picture-perfect village is known for its pretty thatched cottages and Dorchester Abbey, one of the oldest Christian sites in England, which stands on the remains of a 7th-century Saxon cathedral.

One of the highlights is the walk to nearby Wittenham Clumps , two 120m chalk hills offering views out across Oxfordshire from the top. This four-mile circular walk runs along the banks of the Thames and passes over Days Lock, where scenic steamboat rides begin. Once you’ve explored the scenery, you can return to Dorchester and enjoy a typical English meal or cream tea at The George Hotel, a 15th-century coaching inn in the heart of Dorchester.

23. Colchester, Essex

Recommended by: Kylie from Essex Explored

A great place to visit in the South of England is Colchester in Essex, which is the oldest recorded town in the UK! Originally it was known as Camulodunum and for a while, it was the Roman capital of Britain.

There are lots of things to do in Colchester , with Colchester Castle museum being one of the main attractions. The underground vaults were built around 50A.D., while the main structure is Norman, dating back 900 years. Castle Park is also a lovely outdoor space. Another major attraction is Colchester Zoo. It’s one of the best zoos in the UK with over 220 animal species. The Kingdom of the Wild enclosure has rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and greater kudu, all living together!

24. Arundel

Recommended by: Tracy, UK Travel Planning

Located in the county of East Sussex in England, the town of Arundel has a number of attractions that make it a great place to visit.

The medieval castle (which is England’s second-largest) is inhabited by the Howard family and dates back to the days of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The beautiful gardens shouldn’t be missed – nor the Gothic Church which is located on the grounds.

Take a walk along Arundel’s main street and pop into some of the many cafes, tea rooms, antique shops, art galleries and restaurants along the way. At the top of the street, you will find another place of note – Arundel Cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century.

Throughout the year many popular events and festivals are held in this market town, so do check before you visit and plan accordingly.

Recommended by: Sima, the Curious Pixie

Oxford , the “City of Dreaming Spires”, is home to academics, literary greats and magic. Visitors can explore its 800-year-old history, wandering picturesque streets dotted with beautiful honey-coloured architecture.

Find where Lewis Carroll took the real Alice in Wonderland, and which colleges CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien taught at. Relive the Harry Potter films as you marvel at New College, Bodleian Library and the Great Hall at Christ Church college. This last was the inspiration for Hogwarts Great Hall – so be sure to book a Harry Potter tour like this one to explore the sights!

To round off a trip in true Oxford style, indulge in a tradition from before the 1880s and cruise down the river in a punt. All the sights are easily accessible by foot so you can enjoy Oxford in 24 hours – or stay longer. A guaranteed feast for the eyes!

26. Box Hill

Recently, I discovered Box Hill in the Surrey North Downs, and I can safely say this is one of the best places to visit in the south of England. Especially because it’s within such easy reach of London! The viewpoint at the “front” of the hill offers one of the best vistas of green English countryside I’ve ever witnessed. 

If you fancy a challenge, the 15km Box Hill Hike is a great way to explore the rolling countryside. But it’s also pretty hilly, so if you’d rather keep things simple there are several shorter and easier routes. With lots of cute villages and cosy country pubs to explore, this is the perfect countryside day out in southern England! 

27. Seven Sisters

Recommended by: Alexei, Travel Lexx  

A visit to the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs is an epic day out in beautiful East Sussex. As well as the iconic cliffs, there’s plenty to see and do.

Abundant trails will keep even the fussiest walkers happy. A part of the South Downs Way runs through here and can be followed over the cliffs themselves. Climbing to famous Beachy Head allows for sweeping views of the coastline as well as an offshore lighthouse below.

If all that exercise sounds like hard work, hit the beach, and explore the rock pools at Birling Gap before fuelling up on coffee and cakes from the café. End your visit at Eastbourne with its Victorian pier, 1930s bandstand and good pubs and restaurants.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs Day Trip from London

28. Cambridge

Recommended by: Paul – Anywhere we Roam

With the wonky laneways of Cambridge housing handsome facades of exquisite gothic architecture, it’s easy to see why this gorgeous university town is often regarded as one of the best places to visit in the south of England. But the real spellbinding nature of Cambridge is in The Backs – a large swathe of green, cut by the River Cam, with sublime views of the iconic buildings that make up the old colleges.

Cambridge is an experience to savour. Be awe-struck by the fan-vaulted ceiling of Kings College Chapel; inspect the intricate design of the Bridge of Sighs; go punting on the river ; and stroll around the independent traders and craft stalls on the very atmospheric Market Square.

29. Hastings

Recommended by: Caroline and Neil, CK Travels

Historic Hastings is a stunning seaside resort in East Sussex on the south coast of England. Boasting a beautiful beach and picture-perfect pier that stretches into the sea, Hastings is a classic coastal town that has all the traditional trappings including a cobbled high street, numerous old inns and pubs, plus several rather delicious fish and chip shops to choose from.

You will also find the UK’s steepest cliff railway, which allows you to quickly get to the top of the cliffs for stunning views looking down on the resort as well as the nearby protected coastal parks.

The surrounding countryside and coastline, known as 1066 Country , are full of historic sights and epic adventures. Be sure to take a day trip to nearby Battle to learn all about the famous Battle of Hastings.

GLAMPING NEARBY: Read my review of Starcroft Farm Cabins , the most beautiful place to stay near Hastings!

30. Norwich

Recommended by: Jeremy of Cultura Obscura

As the central commercial and social hub of East Anglia, Norwich has everything you could want from a city, from high street shopping to museums, entertainment venues, historical buildings, restaurants and bespoke cafes – with some unique additions.

The central marketplace was established by the Normans almost a thousand years ago, and still thrives to this day. 

Due to its literary background, and the high number of graduates from the local University of East Anglia’s creative writing courses, Norwich was listed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012.  There are also a notably large number of pubs in Norwich – including the Adam and Eve, which has served local patrons for over 750 years.

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Norwich Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour from £14pp

31. Mersea Island, Essex

Recommended by: Sarah Carter, A Social Nomad

Reached by a tidal causeway that was built by the Romans, Mersea Island is a glorious escape from the everyday. Stay in a gorgeous cottage, stunning sea view apartment, or on one of the small friendly holiday parks, and enjoy a proper British seaside holiday.

Mersea has it’s own vineyard and brewery and is famous for her seafood. The fabulous Company Shed restaurant or neighbouring West Mersea Oyster Bar are great options for seafood platters which include the famous Colchester Native Oyster. Complete your British seaside break by renting a beach hut for the day, going crabbing on the pontoon and enjoying a local wine or beer to savour the sunset.

32. Canterbury

Recommended by: David from Your Ireland Vacation  

Steeped in history, Canterbury is a charming city in southeast England. Its most famous landmark is Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built over 1,400 years ago and is the headquarters of the Church of England.

Part of the city is still enclosed by ancient Roman walls and is protected by Westgate, a 14th Century medieval gatehouse. Quaint cobbled streets lead past Canterbury’s distinctive black and white timber frame houses and delightful tea houses.

The city is the setting for one of the most important works in medieval literature, Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’. Other popular sights include the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and Canterbury Castle and punt rides along the River Stout.

33. South Downs

Last, but by no means least, the South Downs is definitely one of the best places to visit in the South of England. This sprawling national park is England’s newest, stretching all the way from Winchester in the west to Eastbourne and the coast in the east. 

With rolling countryside, rich wildlife, and the iconic white cliffs at East Sussex, there’s plenty to discover. Visit Virginia Woolf’s country retreat at Monk’s House, or tour some of the English vineyards dotted amongst the hills. And, of course, there’s the 160km long hiking and biking trail, the South Downs Way . Hike a portion, or the whole thing, for some of the best views in southern England! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Seven Sisters and South Downs from Brighton

I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your next trip to England! There’s so much to see around the south, from gorgeous coastal locations to cities rich in history and culture

If you’re visiting from overseas, I strongly recommend the English Heritage Attractions Pass , which allows for unlimited free entry to over 100 places including Stonehenge and Dover Castle. Click here to check the price and find out more.

26 Places to Visit in the Midlands, England

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What are your favourite places to visit in the South of England? Share in the comments! 

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12 thoughts on “33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England”

So many brilliant ideas! Avebury sounds like a great place to camp and you’re right, I’ve never heard of Cranborne Chase!

I think a lot of people haven’t – which is my favourite thing about it. Such a beautiful area and there are so many pretty villages there :)

Thank you very much for providing the best places to visit in the South of England.

Thanks for reading!

Sorry if the question is not appropriate for the section. I am coming to Europe in April, 2022 March-April 23. From April 15-April 23, I would like to explore the southern coast of England. This is not my first trip to Great Britain, but I have never had the opportunity to do some exploring in the south. I will be by myself. Your site is very informative and the possibilities seem endless Are there any tours which you could suggest for my stay? I am also content to rent a car and explore on my own. I am almost 75, in good health, love to walk. The first part of my European trip this time will be in the Cech Republic on a Tauck Cruise on the Danube. My airline flights in and out of Europe are via Heathrow. Any suggestions would most appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

Hi Eugenia! Great question. I’ve never done any tours within England so there aren’t any I could recommend first hand. I know InnTravel come quite highly recommended, and there’s a company called selectsouthwesttours.com who look like they have some great multiday options. But if it was me I’d rent a car and explore at my own pace, as I’m a big fan of solo travel, and then you could book day tours in each place you visit if you wanted to meet people etc. I always use getyourguide.com to search for local tours. Hope that helps :)

Hello! I’m so glad I found your blog! I am taking a tour in Ireland with my adult granddaughter and then planning on 6 days in the South of England (mostly). We are flying into Tintagel, hoping to rent a car there and head toward Bath, Salisbury, etc. I am wondering about the time frame for seeing things and stops to stay the night. Is Salisbury a good first stop? I would like to spend a couple days at each overnight and drive to sights (Stonehenge, Lacock, Oxford), then move on to our next overnight. Am I being practical or should I plan on more time in one place? We have never traveled to Europe or the UK and want to make great memories for myself and my granddaughter. Where are some place you would recommend? The last place I thought about for our trip is York and then fly out of Leeds? Practical or time to rethink? Thanks so much for any input! Becca

Hi Becca! Thanks so much for commenting. I didn’t realise there was an airport in Tintagel to be honest, it’s a really small village and I’m not sure there is anywhere there to rent a car. Perhaps you’re flying into Newquay airport and heading to Tintagel from there? There’s a lot to see and do in Cornwall and Devon so I’d recommend at least stopping in a few places there as you drive up to your next stop, you could make a day of the drive and call into a couple of places. Salisbury and Bath are both lovely, and you can easily visit Stonehenge from either, so I’d suggest picking one as your base and doing a day trip to the other – eg Salisbury and Stonehenge make a good combined day trip. If you only have 6 days I think 2 nights at a time in 3 different places should give you a good overview – but I think it would be a real stretch to fit York or Leeds into a 6 day trip. Salisbury to York is a 5 hour drive (when the traffic is being reasonable) so you’d probably give most of a day to travel and not actually have much time in York. If you only have 6 days I’d suggest sticking to one region.

Hope that helps :) Emily

Great list of places to visit but for anyone visiting the New Forest note an error in the write up. There is no railway station in Lyndhurst and I think the writer meant Brockenhurst where there is a cycle hire shop next to the station. And note that Brockenhurst is well worth a visit as often voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Plus its one of the few forest villages where the ponies and donkeys can wall along its roads. Also recommend nearby ornamental drive arboretum at Rhinefield with nearby quaint village of Burley. David

Good spot – you’re absolutely right, Brockenhurst is where the bike rental is. Both are lovely villages but that’s the one I think the contributor meant as it’s on the train line. I’ll update now. Thanks so much for commenting :)

Hello, This is all very informative, thank you. Together with my boyfriend we plan to go to the South of England in the first half of August. We will take a ferry from Calais to Dover, the same way back. We have around 10-14 days off, would you have any recommendations? Is it a very busy time, for example in places like Brighton? Also, do you think it’s possible to move around by buses or trains? We are more keen to backpacking, camping or even cycling rather than renting a car. I was just wondering if it’s convenient around there.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Anna! Thanks so much for commenting. Most of my recommendations for the area are covered in this blog post. Maybe start by heading to Eastbourne for the Seven Sisters and the white cliffs etc, then work your way south west a little bit – perhaps as far as Dorset, which is lovely this time of year. August is the busiest time on the south coast in general, but it won’t be impossible to travel and you can still find lots of hidden gems. If you don’t mind a bit of walking you can often get a beach to yourself, too. Getting around by public transport is actually very doable depending on how far you want to go. Trains can be a little bit slow in this part of England but there are quite a few buses between the bigger towns. And then most areas also have tourist buses which run for the season and go between all the major attractions – in Dorset for example we have the Purbeck Breezer and Jurassic Coaster buses which are hop on hop off buses that cover pretty much the whole Dorset coast.

Hope that helps! Emily

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The ultimate guide to England’s Jurassic Coast

Aug 1, 2022 • 10 min read

The gorgeous cliffs and rock formations of the Jurassic Coast were formed hundreds of millions of years ago © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Take a step back in time – some 185 million years back in time – along the wild and rugged Jurassic Coast in Southwest England .

England ’s only natural World Heritage Site, this 95-mile portion of the coast has a name that indicates its geological significance. Running from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset , its unique rock formations and fossil-rich cliffs amaze visitors from all over the world. And if rocks aren’t your thing, the pristine beaches, charming seaside towns and wide-ranging adventure experiences appeal to just about every kind of traveler.

Here’s all you need to know about visiting the Jurassic Coast, and the best things to do on this beautiful stretch of sand and sea.

What is the Jurassic Coast?

To understand what makes the Jurassic Coast so special, we need to rewind a bit. Well, more than a bit: think 252 million years.

The rocks along this stretch offer an almost complete record of the Mesozoic Era (roughly 250 to 65 million years ago). They’re visible traces of the enormous environmental changes that played out over the millennia, starting with the Triassic Period (252 to 201 million years ago), when this part of Great Britain was a baking desert and the shifting of the earth’s crust deposited layers of sediment on top of each other. Moving west along the coast, you’ll find rocks formed during the Jurassic Period (201 to 145 million years ago), when the water rose to form a tropical sea.

When the sea levels fell and then rose again during the Cretaceous Period (145 to 66 million years ago), the older rocks were buried beneath newer sandstone and chalk, preserving them until millennia of erosion carved this geological layer cake into the remarkable landscapes we can see today. Fossils of creatures long extinct have also been preserved among the cliffs’ many strata, with more continually being revealed as erosion from wind and waves continues to do its thing.

The extraordinary geology is the main attraction of the Jurassic Coast

All along the coast, this incredible history takes shape – literally – in the form of unusual rock formations and beautiful bays. The best-known attraction is Durdle Door , a 200ft-tall limestone arch over the sea linking two remote beaches, and one of Devon’s most popular spots . It’s best viewed from the coast path as you walk over the cliffs from Lulworth Cove, a perfect semi-circle of sea enclosed within bright-white chalk cliffs.

Other geological highlights of the coastline include Old Harry Rocks, chalk stacks that line up with the Needles on the Isle of Wight ; the unusual rock layers of Kimmeridge Bay; and Chesil Beach, an 18-mile barrier beach linking the Isle of Portland with the mainland and forming a wildlife-rich brackish-water lagoon at the Fleet.

The towering golden cliffs at West Bay were used as a backdrop for the popular ITV series Broadchurch , while the picturesque harbor and quaint seaside town at Lyme Regis are the heart of Dorset’s fossil-hunting history.

In East Devon , don’t miss Orcombe Point Geoneedle in Exmouth, which marks the beginning of the World Heritage Site, or the distinctive red sandstone sea stacks in Ladram Bay.

Take a walk along the South West Coast Path

Running uninterrupted for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail , taking in the full 95 miles of the Jurassic Coast along the way.

Depending on your speed, you can walk the whole route in about 10 days, or choose one or two sections for a shorter coast walk. Try the Golden Cap circular walk to climb the highest point on the south coast of England; hit the wild and rugged cliff paths around Portland Bill; or wander the coastal paths around the Isle of Purbeck, where you can explore disused quarries and unique wild-swimming spots.

Look for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth

Lyme Regis became a world-famous fossil hunting destination when Mary Anning discovered a near-complete ichthyosaur, a large marine reptile, here around 1836. Today, it’s still a popular spot for fossil collectors, with new finds being discovered all the time. Look out for the “Ammonite Pavement” on Monmouth Beach, when low tide exposes a rock shelf containing hundreds of fossils.

Walk along the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth to spot fossils lying among the shingle. Be careful, though: the beach can sometimes be cut off at high tide, and the cliffs are dangerous in places, especially after rain. Amateurs are advised to book a guided fossil-hunting tour rather than go it alone; these can be booked through the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre .

Make a splash at Kimmeridge Bay’s rock pools

The sweeping curve at Kimmeridge Bay is part of a Marine Special Area of Conservation, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving. But you can also explore this rich marine life on the beach itself.

The bay’s distinctive geometric rock shelves and ledges are littered with rock pools at low tide. Don’t miss the Wild Seas Centre, a small, free museum on the slipway, to learn a little more about the local marine life.

Cool off with a spot of wild swimming

Along the Jurassic Coast, experienced wild swimmers will find a wealth of exciting pools and hidden coves to plunge into. Chapman’s Pool and Worbarrow Bay offer remote beaches that can only be reached by walking. For something a little different, head to the tidal pool at Dancing Ledge, a man-made swimming pool that was blasted into a natural rock shelf in the 19th century for the enjoyment of local schoolchildren.

Snorkel with seahorses in Studland Bay

Studland Bay, just beyond the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, is one of the only known breeding sites for both the spiny and short-snouted seahorse, making it one of the UK’s best snorkel sites. Since the tiny creatures are masters of disguise, patience is key and is often rewarded with sightings, particularly during summer. Approach slowly and take care not to disturb the seahorses or their habitat.

Hop aboard the historic Seaton Tramway

Take a ride back in time on board the Seaton Tramway, a network of narrow-gauge heritage trams running through the Axe Valley in East Devon. As well as a taste of history, these colorful open-top trams offer brilliant views of the River Axe estuary and Seaton Wetlands nature reserve. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, foxes and little egrets.

Get the adrenaline pumping with a water-sports adventure

Boasting a mix of sheltered bays and more exposed beaches with great surf, the Jurassic Coast is the perfect destination for adventure. Thrill-seekers should try coasteering at Lulworth Cove for an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the cliffs and rocks. Or hop on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) at Lyme Bay or Weymouth for a fast-paced tour of the seafront.

Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are impressive backdrops for a spot of sea kayaking – though amateurs would be advised to book a guided tour as currents can be challenging. For a gentler ride, Weymouth Bay, Studland Bay and Portland Harbour are more sheltered spots – and ideal for paddleboarding.

You can also try your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing or sailing lessons at locations along the coast (try Portland or Poole), or take a boat tour from any of the larger harbors for something less hands-on.

The best times to visit the Jurassic Coast

Summer offers the best chance of nice weather for beach days and water sports on the Jurassic Coast, as well as a busy program of festivals and events to entice tourists of all interests. Note that since this is the busy season, popular spots like Bournemouth Beach and Durdle Door can be very crowded, especially during the summer school holidays.

While summer can sometimes be too hot for hiking, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are ideal for coastal walks. Spring is especially lovely, with an array of wildflowers scattered across the grassy headlands and in woodlands. These are also the best times of year to spot both wildlife and fossils.

Numerous food and seafood festivals run along the coast throughout spring and summer. One of the biggest is SEAFEAST, the Dorset Seafood Festival , held on Weymouth’s colorful harborside in September.

Winter is overlooked by most tourists, but if you brave the unpredictable British weather you’ll find there’s still plenty to do. Seals come ashore to breed during the autumn and early-winter months, so keep an eye out when walking (briskly) along the coastal paths.

How to get to the Jurassic Coast

The closest international airports are at Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton, although most visitors from overseas will likely fly into one of the larger London airports.

If you’re renting a car on arrival, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Bournemouth or Poole. From either of these towns, it’s easy to start a road trip along the coast, calling at whichever villages and attractions take your fancy.

Taking public transport from London to the Jurassic Coast is easy

South Western Railway runs a service from London Waterloo to Weymouth that takes just under 3 hours. From Weymouth, you can use the X53 and X54 Jurassic Coaster buses from First Bus to travel to most towns between Poole and Axminster.

The train from London also stops at Bournemouth and Poole, which place you closer to the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. From here, you can use the Purbeck Breezer services to reach Studland and the Isle of Purbeck.

The best way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car

The easiest way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car, but bear in mind that some of the more remote destinations are accessed by narrow country lanes and may have limited parking.

Many of the busier towns, such as Weymouth and Bournemouth, operate park-and-ride services during summer. Use these to avoid getting caught in seaside traffic in the town centers.

The Jurassic Coast also has an extensive public transport network for those who want to explore without a car. Bus services are fairly frequent and call at most of the major destinations. The Jurassic Coaster buses (First Bus X52, X53 and X54) run between Axminster and Poole, while the Purbeck Breezer (More Bus) services connect Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage, Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck.

There are many accommodation options on the Jurassic Coast

With 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay on the Jurassic Coast.

The largest town around, Weymouth is well connected to the delights of the coast in both directions, making it a good base for exploring the area. Numerous beachfront hotels are close to all the bars and restaurants of the lively town center, while families might want to consider the popular Waterside Holiday Park and Spa on the town outskirts. For those on a budget, the clifftop campsite at nearby Eweleaze Farm boasts some excellent views.

The quaint seaside town of Swanage is ideally poised for exploring Studland Bay and the entire Isle of Purbeck, with accommodation options ranging from a YHA hostel to cosy B&Bs. In nearby Studland, luxury boutique hotel The Pig on the Beach is known for its top-quality restaurant and dazzling sea views.

Towards the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is another popular seaside town with a range of hotels and accommodation options, while Sidmouth offers up the grandeur of a Victorian seaside resort.

For something a little different, try glamping at Durdle Door or in a Lyme Regis beach hut . Fans of quirky history will likely enjoy the Smuggler’s Inn at Studland, a cosy boutique inn and pub which was once a hangout for an infamous local smuggling gang.

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Best Places to visit on the Kent and Sussex Coast

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The Kent and Sussex coastline stretches all the way from Gravesend in the east round to Chichester Harbour in the west and includes some of the South coast's most iconic cliff top locations, plus an array of traditional seaside resorts with sandy, shingle and pebble beaches to explore, rock pools to discover and the cosmopilitian city of Brighton to experience.

Best Places to visit on England' s South Coast

Take a look below and discover some of the South Coast's beauty spots, where you enjoy stunning natural beauty, copious amounts of fresh air, breathtaking views, wildlife, walks and time away from it all.  Mixed in with some of the iconic man made treasures that shouldn't be missed on your next visit to the South East England.

Best Places to visit on the Kent Coast

South East England’s coastline is recognised around the world by its distinctive white chalk cliffs that greet you on arrival at Dover. The cliffs, on both sides of the town of Dover  in Kent, stretch for eight miles and offer stunning views of the English Channel.  

Deal was once a major port and is steeped in history.  A former smuggling haunt, the seafront now overlooks a pebble beach that offers breathtaking views of the Channel. Many agree that Deal is a unique and special place and was recently rated the best seaside resort out of 91 resorts in the UK.

Margate main sands , Thanet, a wide sweeping golden sandy beach with children's rides and amusement arcades, ideal for a traditional beach holiday destination, full of English charm and morden culture.  The regenerated Old Town and Harbour Arm are packed with hip hangouts and retro shops, artists and galleries following in the footsteps of JMW Turner and Tracey Emin.

Botany Bay , Kent, is located on the outskirts of Broadstairs. The beach features a number of iconic chalk stacks and is a great location for fossil hunting and rock pooling . A hotspot for smuggling in its day, it is said Botany Bay got its name from the fate of those caught and deportation to Botany Bay, Australia. The 32 mile Viking Coastal Trail stretches around the entire peninsular which makes this an ideal walkers paradise. 

Situated in the heart of White Cliffs Country, St Margaret’s is an ideal place for walking, cycling or just enjoying the surroundings of this tranquil village. Paths from the bay lead up to the cliff top (image above) where you can take a walk and admire the stunning views. Make a pit stop at The Coastguard public house - Britain's nearest pub to France.

In 2021, Kent's Heritage Coast which stretches from the south of Folkestone to the beaches north of Dover, was on only part of the UK featured in the Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022, definitely one to add to your visit list.

Ramsgate Harbour , a scenic marina in Thanet and the only 'Royal Harbour' in the country.  It is over 200 years since this title was bestowed by King George IV and today you can enjoy the sandy bays either side of this working marina or time in one of the many alfresco cafes and resturants lining the harbour walls.

Connecting 1400km of shoreline from the South Downs to Thames Estuary, Englands Creative Coast , links outstanding galleries and arts organisations across the Kent, Sussex & Essex coastlines. 

Best Places to visit on the Sussex Coast

The Seven Sisters are part of a magnificent stretch of coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne and include the beauty spot of Beachy Head. This area is designated and protected as a 'Heritage Coast' and offers 8 miles of amazing walks from one end to the other.  

If love the feel of sand between your toes, don’t miss the chance to visit  Camber Sands  in 1066 Country.  The two miles of golden sands are the only ones with a dune system, in East Sussex, and are perfect for long winter walks or summer sandcastle building. Take to the water and learn to kite surf, or hire an e bike in Camber and explore this stunning section of the coast.   

Enjoy a visit to the new Discovery Centre at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Hire a bicycle from Rye and cycle out to the nature reserve, where the magnificent new discovery centre and Henry VIII’s Camber Castle reflect styles of architecture over 400 years apart.  The reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, walkers, cyclists and beach combers. 

Take a ride on the steepest cliff railway in England, the East Hill funicular in Hastings . As well as superb views across Hastings Old Town and the English Channel to Beachy Head you’ll gain access to Hastings Country Park – an area of outstanding natural beauty and site of special scientific interest. The park is a mixture of glens, coastal walks, waterfalls and streams.

Dscover and explore one of the UK's 7 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, at Brighton.  These areas promote conservation with sustainable use. The Brighton biosphere combines rural, marine and urban environments from the chalk hill, coast of the south downs and within and around the city.   

Admire the Pier of the Year.  Worthing's Victorian / Art Deco landmark on the south east coast is a true icon of the British seaside. Colourful artwork and great architecture make this a top instagrammable location in Sussex.  Will Young also filmed his ‘My Love’ video here!

Take a seat on the longest bench in the UK at Littlehampton, West Sussex.  Opened on the 30th July 2010, the bench seats over 300 people and overlooks the town’s award-winning Blue Flag beach. 

A visit to the Sussex coast is not complete without spending some time in Brighton .  This cosmopolitan city has a unique vibe and personality, offering a host Brighton beach attractions, a rich Victorian heritage and the criss crossing 'Lanes' for wandering, shopping and exploring in. Take a trip out the Rampion offshore windfarm , from Brighton. The Rampion Offshore Wind Farm generates enough green electricity to power the equivalent of around 350,000 UK homes. It comprises 116 turbines on a 70 square kilometre site located between 13 and 20 kilometres off the Sussex coast in the English Channel.  Ride the world’s oldest working electric railway which runs for one and a quarter mile along the top of Brighton beach from the Aquarium.  Built in 1883 by Magnus Volk, who lived, designed, and built the Volks Railway . Take a trip up the Brighton i360 , now part of the Brighton skyline and offers the chance to enjoy 360 degree views over the city and Sussex coastline. Located just in front of the former West Peir, you can admire two of Brighton's coastal icons in one go.

Why not explore the best places to visit on the Hampshire and Dorset coast too?

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Your 2024 Top 10 bucket list destinations in the East of England

Not been to the East of England before? Well, you’re in for a real treat! Here we choose the absolute must-visit places to get a real flavour of our diverse region. Tick off our best bucket list choices…

Norfolk’s Royal Coast

Sandringham has been the Royal Family’s private Norfolk estate for more than 150 years, when it was bought by Queen Victoria for her son Albert, later Edward VII. The family have traditionally spent each Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House , but otherwise it’s open to the public. Nearby King’s Lynn has the highest number of graded buildings in the country.

The coast here includes The Wash, home to amazing birdlife, particularly when tens of thousands of migrating geese and waders over-Winter here, huge sandy beaches, tidal creeks and salt marshes which give us wonderful oysters and mussels. Inland there are stately homes like Houghton and Holkham , the birthplace of Nelson at Burnham Thorpe, ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ Burnham Market, and many chocolate box villages and market towns with characterful pubs and boutique shopping.

Queen Elizabeth II’s mother had a beach hut near Holkham and Princes Harry and William regularly played golf at Royal Brancaster.

Visit King’s Lynn and West Norfolk

University Cambridge

Unsurprisingly, the world-renowned university city of Cambridge is a magnet for visitors to England. Get a wonderful view of the city from the University Church, St Mary the Great, from where you can see the top places to visit, including universities King’s, Trinity, founded by Henry VIII, and St John’s, as well as The Fitzwilliam Museum . Enjoy riverside parks Jesus Green and Midsummer Common and you can’t come to Cambridge without taking a punt trip on the river Cam, past ‘The Backs’ of many colleges and under the wooden Mathematical Bridge.

Visit The Eagle pub, where in 1953, Francis Crick announced that he and James Watson had ‘found the secret of life’ – the discovery of the structure of DNA. The pub is also famous for the RAF bar where second world war servicemen burned marks into the ceiling using lighters and wrote graffiti on the walls.

Visit Cambridge

Ipswich and Constable Country

Visit the countryside that inspired John Constable in the Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, his birthplace East Bergholt, the Stour estuary and many characterful villages.

Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich has the largest collection of Constable works outside London. While in Ipswich head to the waterfront, home to the University of Suffolk, The Old Custom House, bars and restaurants and boat trips along the river Orwell.

Constable was heavily influenced by Thomas Gainsborough, whose birthplace at Sudbury, now known as Gainsborough’s House , is a museum and gallery.

All About Ipswich

The Broads National Park

The youngest National Park in the country, The Broads are more than 125 miles of lock-free, navigable waterways that are actually man-made, the result of inundated medieval peat diggings, linked by rivers. Straddling Norfolk and Suffolk, the Broads can be explored on foot or by cycle, but the best way to see them is to hire a boat and get out on the water – they can be hired for any duration from a day to a fortnight.

Set in beautiful countryside, with great wildlife watching, you can cruise along taking in picturesque villages and characterful traditional pubs. The Broads have Wroxham at its heart, medieval Norwich is the only city in England in a National Park, and you can travel to Great Yarmouth, the east coast’s premier seaside resort.

Visit the Broads

Newmarket – home of horseracing

Horseracing at Newmarket is recorded as far back as the time of James I with the racecourse founded in 1636. In 1671 Charles II became the only reigning monarch to ride a winner!

The town is home to more than 5,000 thoroughbred horses and 50 stud farms, two racecourses, The Jockey Club, and Tattersalls, the largest equine auction house in Europe. Palace House , the last remaining part of Charles II’s sporting palace and stables, is spread across five acres in the heart of the town and includes The National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.

To understand the day-to-day workings of horseracing visit a stud farm or, best of all, take a tour with Discover Newmarket.

Discover Newmarket

‘Wool Towns’ with Bury St Edmunds

The ‘Wool Towns’ , in the heart of Suffolk, include Lavenham, Long Melford, Clare, Sudbury, Hadleigh and Bury St Edmunds, which grew wealthy on the success of the medieval wool trade. Visiting these characterful settlements of grand churches and higgledy-piggledy timber-framed houses is like taking a step back in time.

Lavenham, with 340 listed buildings, is known as England’s best-preserved medieval village and home of Harry Potter’s birthplace – De Vere House from the Deathly Hallows Part One.

The largest ‘Wool Town’ is Bury St Edmunds, named for King Edmund who was slain by the Danes in 869, and Suffolk’s cultural and historical highlight. This delightful market town features St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Abbey Gardens , the Greene King Brewery which hosts tours, Britain’s only surviving Regency theatre, the Theatre Royal , The Nutshell, the smallest pub in the country, and chic independent shops.

Nearby is West Stow , a recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village, and Ickworth House , a neoclassical estate with striking rotunda now run by the National Trust.

Discover Bury St Edmunds

Modern and historic Norwich

Possibly the best-preserved medieval city in England, with stunning Norman cathedral and imposing castle , Norwich is also East Anglia’s ‘Hippest Hangout’, with vibrant nightlife of theatres, pubs and clubs and independent shopping in The Lanes. Easily walkable, the city, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, has Europe’s largest covered market, a pretty river running through it, cobbled alleys and with Norwich University of Arts in the city centre there’s a very young vibe. On the city outskirts is the University of East Anglia and its Norman Foster-designed Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts .

Visit Norwich

Traditional seaside Norfolk

Get your buckets and spades out! Great Yarmouth and Cromer are traditional family-friendly seaside resorts that were made famous in Victorian times when the new-fangled railways brought people from industrialised London and the Midlands to enjoy the bracing sea air. Cromer has the world’s last e nd-of-pier theatre , which hosts summer and Christmas variety shows, and Great Yarmouth has its Golden Mile of amusements, attractions and rides plus the country’s last full circus building, The Hippodrome .

Visit Great Yarmouth

Visit North Norfolk

The Suffolk Coast

A 40-mile stretch of heritage coastline and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with excellent birdwatching at Minsmere , the Suffolk Coast appears to have been set in aspic in 1953. Its highlight destinations are utterly charming: Southwold, home of the Adnams Brewery , Victorian pier with its quirky amusements, beach huts and chic shopping, and Aldeburgh, famous for its arts and music festivals and fresh seafood.

The ‘Merrie England’ village of Thorpeness is known for its Peter Pan-inspired boating lake and House in the Clouds, Lowestoft is a traditional seaside town with sandy beach and access to the Broads, Dunwich is a small coastal hamlet that used to be one of the largest ports in England in medieval times, and Orford, a tiny fishing village famous for its Henry II castle.

Eco-adventure Brecks

Straddling the Suffolk and Norfolk borders, the Brecks has one of the most distinctive landscapes in the UK – historic heathland, unique ‘Deal Rows’ and prehistoric Pingo lakes . There’s also the vast Thetford Forest, a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with wild red deer and birdwatching, off-road cycling, walking trails and high ropes.

Look out for Grime’s Graves , Neolithic flint mines that were Europe’s first industrial centre, The English Distillery , home of the English Whisky Company, and Oxborough Hall , a 15th century moated house run by the National Trust.

The Brecks also enjoys the best overall climate in the UK.

Things to do in the Brecks

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The 14 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast

By Alex Erdekian and Jamie Spain

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

From Maine to Florida , the East Coast is home to some beautiful stretches of coastline, amazing views, and of course, remarkable beach towns. Whether you're looking for a summer hotspot full of excitement and entertainment and brimming with crowds, or want to escape to a quieter small town this season, the shores on the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is so much to explore this summer.

There are 14 states that make up this stretch of the US, and each one has its own atmosphere, climate, and culture. From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys , the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 14 of the best East Coast beach towns in the US.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor, Maine

Much of Maine's Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park —home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island's northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid-19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine's Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale-watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor:

• For a quirky stay: Queen Anne's Revenge Inn and Suites
• For romance: West Street Hotel
• For a private cottage: Beachy three-bedroom rental

Rockport, MA

Rockport, Massachusetts

The North Shore, a group of towns in Greater Boston, is a culturally important swath of Massachusetts. The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester-by-the-Sea . There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers. Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative “the most-often painted building in America.” It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character. (And it didn’t hurt that the light hit it just so.) A replica was built promptly following the historic Blizzard of 1978, which destroyed the original. Gray Malin photographed it for his recent project on Boston .

Where to stay in Rockport:

• For cozy vibes: Coastal studio loft
• For a seaside view: Waterfront apartment overlooking a private beach

Oak Bluffs, MA

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Ferries deliver day trippers to this little Martha’s Vineyard town daily and the colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival .

Laura Walsh

Charlie Hobbs

Steph Koyfman

Where to stay in Oak Bluffs and Martha's Vineyard:

• For a historic stay: Faraway Martha's Vineyard
• For an eclectic experience: Four-bedroom Victorian beach house
• For a camp-inspired spot: Summercamp

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This popular peninsula in Massachusetts is a vacation hotspot for good reason. While it really heats up during the summer, it's a beautiful destination year-round, and is brimming with history (head to nearby Plymouth to see where the Mayflower docked). Not only does it offer the best New England summer atmosphere, it's also home to exciting activities and small town summer charm. Here, you can spot wildlife, like whales ( Cape Cod is near their migration path) and seals, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy miles upon miles of sandy coastline. The Upper Cape is best for families, the Mid-Cape is perfect for escaping the crowds, and the Lower Cape is home to great luxury hotels .

Where to stay in Cape Cod:

• For New England luxury: Chatham Bars Inn
• For a historic stay: The Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
• For seaside access: Cozy one-bedroom cottage

Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island

Like Oak Bluffs, Newport is a beach town known for its houses, though a very different sort. Ten enormous, historic mansions—once the summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Nevada silver heiresses, and other Westerners of unimaginable wealth—remain standing along the famous cliff walk. Today however, they are museums. The most famous two are The Breakers and Rosecliff. The Newport mansions famously earned the ire of writer Joan Didion, who wrote in her essay The Seacoast of Despair, “To stand in the dining room of ‘The Breakers’ is to imagine fleeing it, pleading migraine.” Today, in lieu of the Great Gatsby -esque lawn parties of yore where swans roamed the grounds, Newport attracts visitors of all stripes for events such as the Newport Folk Festival.

Where to stay in Newport:

• For Gilded Age fans: Gardiner House Newport
• For grandeur: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

Montauk, NY

Montauk, New York

The final stop on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is appropriately known as the End. Due to strong winds, rough surf, and ample preserved land, it really does feel like the edge of the world, here. (Although some residents of Long Island’s furthest out town argue that if you really think about it, it’s actually the Beginning.) Montauk feels more remote and low-key than its luxurious, sceney Hamptons counterparts. Every visit to Montauk should include a stop at the Montauk Point Light House, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796. It is still operating, and the panoramic views from the top are out of this world.

Where to stay in Montauk:

• For barefoot luxury: Marram Montauk
• For a private beach: Gurney's Montauk
• For St. Tropez vibes: Solé East Resort

Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey

The site of pink triple-decker Victorian homes and a lively, festive promenade that exists as a beach town ideal in America's collective imagination, Cape May is the sort of dreamy summer destination one associates with trails of melted ice cream dotting the hot pavement and Fourth of July picnics. National Geographic also labeled Cape May as the World's Best Destination for Birding , writing, “The narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show… With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.” Sign us up.

Where to stay in Cape May:

• For picturesque looks: One-bedroom cottage with a hot tub
• For classic luxury: The Virginia Hotel

Chincoteague, VA

Chincoteague, Virginia

You won't find bustling boardwalks, sleek hotels, or grids of cars with clunky bike racks trapped in traffic in Chincoteague. This coastal town is all about the wildlife—specifically its wild horses . Visitors flock to the island annually for the Pony Penning that has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department holds the event, and it consists of a pony swim—in which the animals cross the Assateague Channel—and a pony auction. No one really knows how this population of horses came to be, though there are competing theories. Some say they are descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked en route to Peru in the 17th century. Others claim they were left long ago by pirates. Still others say they are runaways from mainland farmers. The quaint beauty of Chincoteague includes trails for hiking, beaches, and a red and white lighthouse. For the best pony views, cross over on a bike to the Maryland side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Where to stay in Chincoteague:

• For beachy decor: Three-bedroom with a balcony
• For sunset views: Bay-facing cottage on the water

Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, Maryland

There is no place quite like the Chesapeake Bay . Step foot here and breathe in the saltwater air, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy the gorgeous beaches. The seaside resort town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family—stroll down the boardwalk and taste the saltwater taffy to start, then take your pick of activities for all ages: surfing, fishing, and kayaking included. If you're looking for something a little less busy, the nearby small town of Berlin (just a 15-minute drive away) is great for a quick trip or overnight stay to avoid the crowds, but will take you away from the gorgeous shoreline. A little farther away is the historic small town of St. Michaels , worth a visit just to explore the history and see the picturesque neighborhood on the water.

Where to stay in Ocean City:

• For a view: Condo with bayside access
• For a midtown stay: Condo near restaurants, bars, and entertainment

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a beach town on the Outer Banks , a group of barrier islands and spits sandwiched between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park, which comprise the tallest true sand dune system on the East Coast. Hundreds of shipwrecks nearby—caused by the region's shifting sands and heavily trafficked waters—have given the surrounding waters the moniker “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and the nearby USS Huron is a popular scuba dive site.

Where to stay in Nags Head and the Outer Banks:

• For a beachfront retreat: Sanderling Resort
• For a five-minute walk to the water: Coastal boho home
• For panoramic ocean views: Triple-tiered vacation home

Pawley's Island, SC

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is so small that its year-round population hovers around 100 people. It was first settled in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest beach towns in the US. With that amount of history, there is, of course, a ghost story to go with it: There have been sightings of the Gray Man, a ghost whose appearance is said to warn of hurricanes as he paces up and down the beach, dating to a 19th-century storm. Summer options on Pawleys Island that are not at all spooky—besides flopping around on the beach—include golf, fishing, walking sculpture-filled gardens, and feasting on Lowcountry cuisine like She Crab soup.

Where to stay in Pawleys Island:

• For a beachy condo: Two-bedroom townhouse
• For a breathtaking view: Marshfront property near the beach

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While it's not too far from the aforementioned Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach will feel worlds away from the slow, small-town atmosphere of the other quaint town. This popular summer destination boasts bigger crowds than its neighbor, and has a wide assortment of entertainment, dining, nightlife, and activities available. Aside from the deliciously warm weather and miles of beaches to traverse, Myrtle Beach is also home to a great many golf courses, amusement parks, water parks, and an iconic boardwalk with a massive 187-foot-tall Ferris Wheel.

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach:

• For golf lovers: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
• For seclusion: Island Vista Resort

Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Island, Georgia

Just a short drive from Savannah , Georgia, this coastal community is in the perfect spot for a day trip . Even during the summer, some parts of it manage to maintain that small-town vibe and don't get unbearably crowded, boasting an assortment of adorable ice cream and coffee shops, long stretches of sandy beaches, and great waterfront access. There's a little something for everyone from families to couples— South Beach is better for those who want a little excitement in their atmosphere, whereas North Beach is a bit more quiet and contained. I've found it particularly great for families (having traveled here with a multigenerational group ages 1-68), and recommend the kitschy Original Crab Shack for a memorable meal.

Where to stay in Tybee Island:

• For a private pool and hot tub: Three-bedroom bungalow
• For couples: Historic cottage with complimentary golf cart, bikes, and kayaks

Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key, Florida

While we love the beach towns listed above, the only part of the East Coast that has a true tropical climate is the lower half of Florida. Naturally, the beaches in this area are very beautiful. We want to laud Siesta Key in particular for its fine sand, which comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made up almost entirely of cool and reflective quartz, its waterfront dining and drinking, and its excellence for water sports like parasailing. The three beaches to visit on Siesta Key are Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

Where to stay in Siesta Key:

• For a lush condo: Beachfront stay on Siesta Beach
• For a private pool: Tropical three-bedroom home

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Beat the heat: The ‘cool’ European destinations to visit in summer 2024

Here are the temperate alternatives to european hotspots that keep it cool – even in peak season, article bookmarked.

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Shade seekers can rejoice, holiday travel trends are changing and tan-refreshing, sunbed-stewing summer getaways are on the decline.

In light of the ongoing climate crisis , Brits – habitually inclined to boil abroad – are redirecting their wanderlust to European shores where they won’t be a prisoner to a hotel room’s air-conditioning or sweat over the midday UV index.

The shift to more moderate climates comes as no surprise. A furnace of Mediterranean holiday heavyweights, from Rhodes to Gran Canaria , were ablaze with wildfires during peak travel season 2023, and temperatures are continuing to break record highs year on year.

Now’s the time to swap searing Andalusia in mainland Spain for the cooler Canaries , trade Portugal ’s Algarve for Poland ’s Baltic coast, and replace big-hitting Greek islands with German variations.

With chasing scorching sun on the backburner, here are the destinations bringing a breeze to summer holidays from wind-whipped islands to northern Europe’s fine coastline.

Read more on Europe travel :

• The Spanish islands with sun and volcanic peaks that you should make your next holiday destination
• Greece travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• The best things to do in Valencia, from beach hopping to exploring by bike

Ostend, Belgium

• Average high in August: 21C
• Average low in August: 15C

Though best known for its chocolate, beer and the hub of EU democracy that is Brussels , it would be foolish to turn your nose up at Belgium ’s beach resorts. Let Flanders’s largest, Ostend , sweep you away to its golden sands this summer for mornings spent kitesurfing and afternoons filled with fresh oysters on the Albert I Promenade – all without the need to retreat from the heat.

Oslo, Norway

• Average low in August: 13C

The Norwegian capital is a tangle of hip districts – specifically buzzy Grünerløkka – boutique stores and al fresco dining spots fringed with by thick Marka forest (where you can go for active pursuits, including zip lining and mountain biking). Slick museums on the Oslo Pass, such as the Munch Museum, meet the culture criteria for a city break while taking a dip in seawater pools and drying off in Nordic saunas nails the R&R element of a standard summer holiday.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

• Average high in August: 28C
• Average low in August: 21C

While mainland Spain sizzles, an Atlantic onshore breeze blows through the Canary Islands , blessing balmy year-round La Gomera with inviting 20C days for holidaymakers to indulge in hiking, black-sand bathing and foodie feasts of melon lobster and marmalade rabbit. The bearable heat doesn’t sacrifice sunshine, with around nine hours of vitamin D on offer in August.

Tartu, Estonia

• Average low in August: 11C

Inevitably laden with sweaty vista climbs, winding refreshment queues and daily step tallies in the thousands, comfort is key on a city break, and the 2024 Capital of Culture , Tartu has just the climate for exploring Estonia . There is an elegant Town Hall Square primed for mass kissing events (yes, really), the sleek Estonian National Museum, and timber barges on the Emajõgi River for a sailor’s view of the peaceful landscape.

Sopot, Poland

• Average high in August: 22C
• Average low in August: 12C

Seafront Sopot, in the Tricity region of the “Baltic Riviera”, is an affordable alternative to the beloved big names further south  and  at its warmest come August. A short train ride from all the history of Gdansk , 4km of tempting beaches, Europe ’s longest wooden pier and stylish health spas dot the fairy tale-esque facades and locals hail Sopot for its beachfront nightlife scene and, of course, decadent waffles.

Sylt, Germany

• Average high in August: 20C
• Average low in August: 16C

A magnet for the German elite, the North Frisian Islands’ mild microclimate, pinstriped strandkorbs (hooded wicker seats wide enough for two) and pristine pale sands understandably attract travellers to Sylt’s west coast. A Michelin-rosette gastronomy scene, thatched cottages and lighthouse-scattered peninsulas make this balmy under-the-radar beach break one to add to your list.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia ’s most famous attraction sparkles under the summer sun and Lake Bled’s inviting turquoise glacial waters will help you keep your cool on climbs up to the medieval Bled Castle and romantic rows around the fantasy island. Where the legendary lakes of Garda and Como sweat with crowds in Italy , Bled’s slice of the Julian Alps, though inevitably busy, offers forest trails suited for secluded alpine hikes.

Machico, Madeira

• Average high in August: 26C

Leave the scorching Algarve for a more temperate Atlantic alternative on Portugal ’s Madeira archipelago. Sandwiched between mountains, far east Machico has a wave-battered artificial beach with golden grains imported from Africa , well-groomed gardens and a vision of terracotta roofs dotting its landscape. 

Pori, Finland

On Finland ’s west coast, the city of Pori is a centre for jazz music, Finnish street eats (including  porilainen,  an elevated sausage sandwich), and, star of Scandinavia, Yyteri Beach: 6km of white sand geared for windsurfing, bird watching, beach volleyball and barbecues. With the Kokemäenjoki River and Bothnian Sea National Park, this diverse destination has mastered sub-30C summer culture.

Haarlem, Netherlands

• Average high in August: 19C

Head to Haarlem for tulips, vinyls, hidden  hofje  courtyards and a fair share of canals. Amsterdam ’s less-crowded neighbour serves a slice of Dutch cool without the sweaty shoulder brushes with strangers. It has a popular shopping scene as well as a brewing culture backdating to the 14th century, and active pursuits can be found in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. 

Skagen, Denmark

On Denmark ’s northeastern peninsula, the port town of Skagen has art museums and fine dining to rival the country’s effortlessly cool capital Copenhagen . Whisps of cloud paint the skies and wild nature patrols the pale grains of the Grenen sandbar that straddles the Baltic and North Sea. Better still, August’s T-shirt and light-layers weather is ideal for exploring this stretch of the Rabjerg Mile – a migrating coastal sand dune.

Hoping for a balmy UK summer? Here are the best secret UK beaches to visit for some peace and quiet

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