Home - Travel Destinations - 12 Best Seaside Holidays in the UK (+ Bonus Beaches)
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Home - Travel Destinations - 12 Best Seaside Holidays in the UK (+ Bonus Beaches)
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday in the UK, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 of the best seaside holidays in the UK according to our travel team:
A combination of beautiful beaches, enjoyable towns, relaxed coastal life, and plenty of reasons to pack your bags and go:
Photos with the compliments of their FB page: @blackpoolsandsdevon Beach
"Blackpool Sands, set in a sheltered bay near Dartmouth surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of South Devon's most beautiful natural treasures."
Blackpool Sands feels like a beach that’s been quietly perfected.
The bay curves gently, protected by headlands, so the water stays calm and surprisingly clear for South Devon. Instead of soft sand, you get smooth shingle that’s easy to walk on and keeps the sea clean. On a warm day the water sparkles, and swimming feels safe and refreshing rather than bracing.
What makes this place stand out is how easy it is. Parking sits right above the beach, so there’s no long walk carrying bags. Clean changing rooms, proper toilets, and freshwater showers are all right there. The beach café and restaurant look straight over the bay, serving good coffee, fresh seafood, and simple lunches that suit a relaxed seaside day.
Kayaks and paddleboards line the shore, and the sheltered conditions make this one of the better spots in Devon for gentle water activities. Families spread out comfortably, couples linger over lunch, and swimmers dip in and out without fuss.
Dartmouth is only minutes away, adding river views, boat trips, and a lovely place for dinner after the beach. Blackpool Sands isn’t loud or flashy. It’s calm, well run, and consistently beautiful — the kind of beach you return to because it simply works.
Woolacombe makes an immediate impression, and it holds it all day.
The beach is vast. A huge sweep of golden sand runs for nearly three miles, backed by grassy dunes and open headland. At low tide it feels endless, giving everyone space to spread out without ever feeling crowded. The Atlantic brings real energy here, with rolling waves that attract surfers year-round.
This is one of Devon’s best beaches for walking. Firm sand near the waterline makes long strolls easy, and the views toward Baggy Point and Lundy Island keep changing as you go. The air feels fresh and open, and sunsets are often spectacular, with the light catching the sand and sea together.
Facilities are practical and well placed. Cafés, surf shops, toilets, and parking sit right by the beach, so days unfold smoothly. Surf schools operate daily, and conditions are reliable enough to suit beginners and confident surfers alike.
The village stays low-key and friendly. Restaurants focus on good pub food, seafood, and casual dining rather than anything flashy. Woolacombe works because of its scale and setting. It feels open, natural, and refreshingly simple — a beach that delivers space, scenery, and proper seaside energy every time.
Suggested Read: There’s so much more to explore in Devon. If you’re keen to see more of Devon, read our post about “Amazing Places To Visit In Devon”.
Tenby is a seaside town that effortlessly balances charm and the kind of beach days you remember.
The town sits on a gently curved bay, with golden sands stretching from North Beach to Castle Beach, and the pastel-painted houses behind the promenade give it a storybook feel. The water is clear and inviting, perfect for paddling, swimming, or just sitting on a towel and watching the tide move in and out. Low tide reveals rock pools alive with crabs and small fish, which kids and adults alike enjoy exploring.
The harbour area adds energy without overwhelming the calm of the beaches. Fishing boats bob alongside pleasure craft, cafés spill onto narrow streets, and small shops offer souvenirs, ice cream, and local treats. The medieval town walls provide a walk with sweeping sea views, and Castle Beach leads to ruins that look out to sea — a quiet spot for a picnic.
The much-loved Tenby is known for its 13th-century town walls and its stretches of sandy shoreline, including Castle Beach.
Facilities are thoughtful: clean toilets, cafés near each main beach, and good parking make the visit easy. Yet Tenby doesn’t feel overrun; even in summer, the scale of the bay keeps the beaches feeling roomy.
It’s a place to return to because it works on every level — golden sand, safe swimming, scenic strolls, and a town that complements the beach rather than competing with it.
Poole in Dorset is a seaside destination that combines wide sandy beaches with a lively harbor town.
The jewel of the area is Sandbanks Beach, famous for its golden sand, calm waters, and consistently good weather for a British beach. The sand shelves gently into the sea, making it ideal for swimming, paddling, and even learning to sail or paddleboard. The backdrop is low dunes and smart houses, giving it a polished, comfortable feel without being overly busy.
Poole Harbour adds variety. It’s one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and a short trip from the beaches puts you among sailboats, ferries to Brownsea Island, or quiet waters for kayaking. Families, couples, and day-trippers find something to enjoy here. The town itself has cafés, seafood restaurants, and a market that give the area a friendly, lived-in feel without feeling like a theme park.
This is one of the UK’s premier beach destinations.
"Poole in Dorset is like the UK's own Caribbean Escape"
Facilities are excellent: parking is straightforward, toilets and showers are well maintained, and cafés look out over the beach, perfect for a mid-morning coffee or ice cream. The combination of relaxing beach, sheltered water, and town amenities makes Poole a spot worth visiting again — a dependable seaside retreat that feels lively yet easy.
It’s the kind of view that makes seaside holidays in the UK feel special.
Falmouth in Cornwall has a charm that goes beyond its beaches — though the beaches themselves are lovely.
The town sits on a natural harbour, so water is at the centre of life here. Gyllyngvase Beach is the main sandy spot, small but clean, with gentle waves that make swimming easy and sunbathing comfortable. The sand is soft, and the promenade offers cafés and ice cream stops just a few steps from the shore. For quieter moments, hidden coves like Swanpool give a sense of privacy, where you can relax and watch kayakers and paddleboarders glide by.
Falmouth itself is a lively coastal town, with maritime history subtly woven into the streets. Cafés, seafood restaurants, and boutique shops line the harbour, and boat trips, ferries, or kayak rentals are all on hand to make the most of the water. Even when the town buzzes, the harbour and beaches feel spacious and open.
The combination of sandy beach, calm harbour waters, and a vibrant town makes Falmouth ideal for a seaside stay that’s both relaxed and lively. It’s a spot you’ll return to because it works on every level: easy to reach, easy to enjoy, and backed by Cornwall’s natural beauty.
This spot reminds you why seaside holidays in the UK are always worth it.
More urban than many seaside towns, Brighton delivers big beach vibes with colourful beach huts, iconic piers, and a lively street scene full of cafés, shops, and seaside arts. A short train ride from London makes it ideal for weekend escapes.
St Ives is a town in Cornwall, England, known for its surf beaches, like Porthmeor.
When is an island not an island? When it’s the Island in St Ives, Cornwall – which is actually a headland connected to Porthmeor Beach. The grassy peninsula is a stopping-off place for migratory seabirds and wildlife watchers, hoping to spot dolphins, seals, sunfish and basking sharks in the surrounding waters. At the top is the tiny St Nicholas Chapel, which boasts panoramic views across St Ives Bay and was once used to spot smugglers.
St Ives in Cornwall is the kind of seaside town that instantly makes you slow down and breathe.
The beaches are its heart. Porthminster and Porthmeor offer soft, golden sand and clean, turquoise water framed by cliffs and rocky outcrops. Waves here suit both swimmers and surfers, and at low tide you can explore rock pools full of life. Even in summer, the town feels manageable — the beaches stretch enough to give everyone space, and the scenery keeps you wandering along the shore rather than feeling crowded.
The town itself spills naturally from the beach. Narrow streets curve past art galleries, cafés, and ice cream shops, many with views straight across the bay. The harbour adds life without chaos: fishing boats, yachts, and colourful boats give a picture-perfect backdrop to seaside walks. Sunset from the harbour or the beach feels like a reward in itself.
St Ives works because it balances everything effortlessly — beaches for swimming and sunbathing, walking trails that reveal hidden coves, and a town that invites lingering over coffee or seafood. It’s a place you return to because each visit feels both relaxing and full of small discoveries.
Newquay in Cornwall is where the sea always feels alive.
The beaches are wide and energetic, with Fistral Beach being the crown jewel for surfers. Rolling waves attract everyone from beginners to seasoned pros, while Watergate Bay stretches for miles for long walks or family paddles. Even if you don’t surf, the Atlantic energy is infectious — the sound of waves and the salty breeze make the beach feel exhilarating.
The town itself has a lively, youthful vibe. Cafés, pubs, and casual restaurants line the streets, and surf shops and equipment hire are everywhere. It’s easy to combine a beach morning with a relaxed lunch or ice cream by the harbour.
Facilities are practical: lifeguards on main beaches, good parking, and clean toilets make it easy to enjoy the day without fuss. Newquay works because it balances adventure and accessibility — whether you’re in the water, strolling along the sand, or watching the sunset from the cliffs, it feels effortless to soak up the Cornish coast.
This is the sort of place you think of when you imagine seaside holidays in the UK.
Whitby in Yorkshire has a rugged charm that combines coastal beauty with historic character.
The beaches are a mix of golden sand and pebbles, stretching along the bay with dramatic cliffs rising behind. The North Beach is wide and great for long walks, while the harbour side gives a more intimate seaside feel with fishing boats and small piers. The water is cooler than Cornwall, but it’s refreshing on a sunny day, and tide pools and rock formations add a sense of discovery.
Whitby itself adds personality. The old town climbs the hill toward Whitby Abbey, offering views over the town and sea, while streets below are filled with cafés, fish-and-chip shops, and quaint boutiques. The harbour area is lively, with boat trips out along the coast or to see seals, giving the town a maritime rhythm that feels authentic rather than touristy.
Facilities are straightforward and friendly. Toilets, showers, and parking are easy to find, and there are plenty of places to grab a warm pasty or coffee after a walk along the sands.
Whitby works as a seaside escape because it balances scenery, activity, and character. It’s not polished like some southern beaches, but that’s exactly the charm — a beach you return to for space, fresh air, and a touch of rugged history.
A wide sweep of sand and the long Victorian promenade give this Welsh town a timeless appeal. There’s a traditional pier and a tram/cable car up to the Great Orme for views that stretch across the Irish Sea. It’s also one of the more affordable UK beach breaks.
Scarborough in North Yorkshire is classic British seaside at its best, with a combination of two golden bays, historic charm, and lively promenades.
The town has South Bay, which is the main beach for sunbathing, paddling, and casual strolls. The sand is wide and gently sloping, making it easy for families and swimmers alike. North Bay is quieter and more secluded, framed by cliffs and dotted with rock pools for children or anyone who likes exploring. The contrast between the two bays gives a sense of choice — lively or peaceful — depending on the mood of the day.
The town itself has a traditional seaside feel. The Victorian promenade, arcades, and cafés give it energy, while the harbour adds character with fishing boats and pleasure craft bobbing in the water. Coastal walks along the cliffs connect the beaches and reveal sweeping views over the North Sea.
Facilities are convenient: plenty of parking, well-maintained toilets, and cafés right by the beach make visiting easy. Scarborough works because it balances family-friendly beaches, scenic walks, and the buzz of a historic seaside town, offering something to enjoy on every visit.
You could happily spend every summer here; it’s a classic for seaside holidays in the UK.
The Isle of Wight is a compact island full of seaside variety and scenic charm, making it one of England’s most enjoyable coastal escapes.
Beaches here range from soft, sandy stretches to pebble coves. Shanklin and Sandown are wide, gentle beaches that suit families and swimmers, while quieter spots like Compton Bay offer surfing waves and dramatic cliffs. The coastline is dotted with hidden coves and tidal pools, perfect for wandering and exploring. The water is usually calm in the bays, and the island’s sheltered position makes swimming and paddling safe even on windier days.
The towns and villages are a delight. Shanklin Old Village has charming streets and thatched cottages, while Cowes is lively with maritime energy and yacht-filled harbours. Cafés, ice cream shops, and seafood restaurants are easy to find, and many overlook the water so you can enjoy the view while you eat.
Facilities are well thought out. Parking, toilets, and cafés are abundant, and there are plenty of walking paths along the coast and across the downs for anyone wanting to stretch their legs.
The Isle of Wight works because it mixes variety, natural beauty, and practicality — a place to return to for beach days, coastal walks, and the small-town charm that only an island can offer.
Two bonus destinations worth mentioning are Folkestone, one of the best laid-back beach holidays in the UK, and Swanage in Dorset. Read more…
