With Victorian piers, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, the UK coast is made for UK seaside breaks. This guide covers standout coastal towns and what to keep in mind when you book.
The South Coast
Brighton: an hour by train from London, with its pier, The Lanes and lively atmosphere, ideal for a weekend. Options: hotels in Brighton.
Bournemouth: long sandy beaches and a seafront promenade make it a family favourite. Options: hotels in Bournemouth.
Weymouth: the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, for a calm bay and fossil hunting. Options: hotels in Weymouth.
The South West: Devon and Cornwall
Torquay: the heart of the “English Riviera”, with a palm-lined seafront and marina. Options: hotels in Torquay.
Newquay: the UK’s surf capital, with wide beaches and the Cornish coast path. Options: hotels in Newquay.
The North Coast
Scarborough: two bays, a castle and a classic seaside-town feel. Options: hotels in Scarborough.
Whitby: famous for its abbey ruins, fishing harbour and Dracula connection. Options: hotels in Whitby.
When to Go and Getting There
June to September is the best time for a UK seaside break. July and August are the busiest months because of school holidays, while June and September are calmer and still mild. The sea is cooler than the Mediterranean, so for many visitors a seaside break means promenade walks, piers, fish and chips and coastal paths as much as swimming.
Brighton is about an hour from London by train, and south coast towns such as Bournemouth, Weymouth and Torquay have direct rail links. A car is more practical for Cornwall’s small coves and the northern coastal villages.
Types of Accommodation
Alongside larger hotels, family-run guest houses and B&Bs are common in seaside towns, and most include breakfast. Sea-view rooms are usually sold as a separate room type, and summer weekends fill quickly, so book early if your dates are fixed.
Booking Tips
- Coastal towns fill up quickly in summer and school holidays; book early if your dates are fixed.
- If you want a sea view, choose the room type carefully.
- The weather can change, so consider rates with flexible cancellation and read the terms before you pay.
- Check parking and the distance to the railway station.
On Londonos you can enter your dates and compare room options; your card is not charged now; the amount is taken once your booking is confirmed. If you’d rather stay in Scotland, look at options such as EdinB&B in Edinburgh.