With summer in full swing, there’s never been a better chance to explore some of the UK’s best coastal destinations for a family-fun holiday.
And with 179 million seaside day trips being taken in the UK each year1, the travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed the most picturesque seaside locations Britain has to offer. Get your camera at the ready!
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
- Key highlights: Fossil hunting, rockpools, Cleveland Way National Trail
Located near Whitby on the stunning North Yorkshire coastline, Robin Hood’s Bay is a quaint fishing village that boasts stunning seaside scenery and plenty of maritime history. With its fishing cottages, cobbled lanes, traditional shops and pubs and bags of character, you’ll easily while away a day here, or you can go on to explore the neighbouring villages too. Plus, the beach is dog-friendly and has plenty of rockpools to explore, making Robin Hood’s Bay a perfect place to escape for the whole family.
Wells next to the Sea, Norfolk
- Key highlights: Crabbing, Wells Carnival Week, colourful beach huts
The popular Wells-next-the-Sea is located in the heart of the North Norfolk Coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And if that’s not enough to tell you how pretty this town really is, its sandy beach and colourful beach huts, miniature steam train, interesting wildlife and nearby pinewoods walk are sure to do so. If you’re coming here with your family, don’t miss out on the simple pastime of crabbing, or gillying as its known locally, and make sure to enjoy some delicious fish and chips while you’re here too!
Polperro, Cornwall
- Key highlights: Tidal sea pool, picturesque beach, Coastal path to Talland and Lantivet
Visit the Cornish fishing village of Polperro and you may be mistaken thinking you’re on the Mediterranean! Polperro boasts a beautiful sandy beach, crystal-blue waters, cobbled lanes, beautiful harbour, whitewashed cottages and narrow streets (cars are banned so they won’t disturb the scenery!) making it a true picture-perfect escape for families and couples alike. Cornwall benefits from good weather too, so if you’re looking for a stunning escape that resembles the Amalfi coast, look no further than Polperro.
Crail, Fife
- Key highlights: Fife coastal trail, Isle of May, Crail Food festival
A historic fishing village in Fife’s East Neuk, Crail is one of the most picturesque seaside towns the UK has to offer. With its colourful houses set against the cliffs, cobbled streets and miniature harbour, Crail provides the perfect backdrop for your summery seaside snaps. Plus, Crail provides panoramic views across to nearby Isle of May – even more reason to take a trip here! It’s a peaceful place to sit back, relax and truly enjoy yourself.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
- Key highlights: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Tudor Merchant’s House, St Catherine’s Fort
One of the most picturesque and popular seaside towns in Wales, Tenby is steeped in history and encircled by medieval stone walls. Tenby has three sandy beaches for people to enjoy, and a harbour dotted with colourful fishing boats and cottages along the shore. There’s opportunity for stunning pictures at every turn in Tenby, from St Catherine’s Fort to the narrow streets where pubs, restaurants and cafes open up to guests in the summertime.
Commenting on the most picture-perfect locations, a spokesperson at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “We’re lucky that in the UK we have some of the most beautiful seaside towns and villages right on our doorstep – so no need to catch a flight to see some of the most stunning seaside scenery! From quaint fishing villages to larger towns, take a trip to one of these seaside locations and you’ll be sure to be blown away!”
