The 16 best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026

What’s the vibe? An energetic village with one of Wales’ best-looking beaches. 

Why go? In the height of summer, Saundersfoot’s compact parade of surf shops, bistros and pubs is constantly abuzz. Pick up traditional bakes from Mamgu’s Welshcakes, book a restorative session at Hwyl Outdoor Sauna, chomp on fresh seafood at Catch Beach Club and settle down for a bevvy and live music at the Royal Oak. I would also argue that Saundersfoot has one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort. The blonde (Blue Flag-designated) stretch directly in front of the village is where most visitors hang, but a short stroll east brings you to the slightly quieter Coppet Hall Beach, framed by rock pools and tree-covered headlands. Oh, and in August this year, Pembrokeshire will host the 850th anniversary of the National Eisteddfod, so when you’re not bathing on the beach or mooching around the village centre, there’ll be dozens of live dance, music and Welsh-speaking events going on in the vicinity. 

Don’t miss: The immaculate food and exceptional views at Lan Y Mor restaurant.

What’s the vibe? Artsy sister towns with a boatload of culture and brilliant eateries.

Why go? Just a 20-minute stroll from one another, Hastings and St Leonards have all the makings of a dreamy day out. In the former, Hastings Contemporary, the brilliant independent art gallery in the Old Town, is an absolute must-do. Over in St Leonards, Kings Road is packed full of art galleries, antiques, vintage, record and homeware stores that would send any east London-dweller into a frenzy (don’t miss Shop, Stereo Retro and Sunless).When you get peckish, try fresh baked bagels at the Sleeper Store, European small plates at Bayte, fresh fish at Sonny’s of Rock a Nore or beachside oysters at Selkie Seafood Bar. Head to Fika@44 for a cup of Scandi-inspired coffee and stop by Heist Market for your fill of cocktails and natty wines. 

Don’t miss:  From June until September, Hastings Contemporary is showing the first ever exhibition exploring the parallels between two of the 20th century’s leading artists: Lucian Freud and Henry Moore.

The vibe: Old-school seaside charm with naval history, a tight-knit community and an understated indie streak.

Why go? It might’ve once been best known as the seaside resort where Mr Bean caused a funfair meltdown, but Southsea has far more to offer than slapstick. From the colourful beach huts at Eastney to the cobbled streets of Old Portsmouth, you’ll find retro British charm at every turn. The Solent shimmers nearby, and history is everywhere – from Henry VIII’s free-to-visit Southsea Castle to The Phoenix, a near-century-old theatre pub where locals happily share the town’s stories. Come summer, Southsea Common hosts Portsmouth International Kite Festival (the largest and longest running kite event in the UK), Pride and the mighty Victorious festival. A £180 million coastal project is underway to double the beach’s size, so Southsea will soon have even more space to spread a towel and watch the Solent glint in the sunshine.

Don’t miss: Victorious Festival over the August bank holiday, when Southsea Common turns into one of the UK’s biggest seaside music fests, with recent acts including Queens of the Stone Age, Fatboy Slim, Mike Skinner and Nelly Furtado – all just steps away from the beach.

What’s the vibe? Former under-the-radar town turned creative hotspot.

Why go? No longer the drab ferry port it once was, Folkestone has finally soared to the level of Whitstable and Margate as a cool Kent destination. The jewel in the town’s crown is its Creative Quarter, a cobbled district bursting with colourful indie shops, quirky art galleries, and trendy eateries like Pomus, El Cortador and Folklore. Harbour Arm, the ferry terminal turned cultural attraction, is now its own neighbourhood – and well worth exploring, with live music, more than 70 indie food, drink and retail vendors and gorgeous views across the English Channel. The summer brings the opportunity to lay out on the glorious Sunny Sands, and cultural goings-on from free Shakespeare performances at Folkestone Amphitheatre to plenty of thought-provoking talks at the Folkestone Book Festival. 

Don’t miss: The newly-opened Seascrub Sauna Folkestone, Britain's largest beach spa. It’s home to two wood-fired saunas, a hot tub with a jacuzzi, two cold plunge pools, traditional bucket showers, a wellness cafe and an event space for yoga and moon ceremonies.

What’s the vibe? Historic hub hiding a brilliant cultural and culinary scene.

Why go? On first impression, Cardigan may seem old-fashioned. Sat on the estuary of the River Teifi, its centrepiece is the grand Cardigan Castle, which is where the very first Eisteddfod of Welsh literature and music took place exactly 850 years ago. Surrounding that castle, though, is a plethora of independently-run venues that, combined with a young creative crowd, bring the town right up to date. Mwldan is a vibrant multi-purpose arts centre and Wales’ only completely independent multiplex cinema; Crwst offers a sickeningly good brunch and is often cited as one of Britain’s best bakeries; Grain serves impeccable pizza and pints in a cool riverside courtyard and the Castle Inn is always running pub quizzes, tap takeovers, comedy nights and live music sessions. To top all of that off, if you drive 10 minutes out of town to Mwnt Bay and look out to sea, you might spot some members of Europe’s largest pod of bottlenose dolphins. 

Don’t miss: In the autumn, music festival Other Voices crosses over from Ireland with more than 100 established and emerging artists performing across Cardigan's venues. Last year the lineup included Westside Cowboy, who supported Geese on their 2026 UK tour.

What’s the vibe? Windswept, virtually untouched coastline in the shadow of a famous castle.

Why go? With its pristine beaches, rugged natural beauty and powdery sands that are perfect for building castles, Northumberland is unjustly overlooked when it comes to British beach destinations. And whether you’re after bracing winter walks or peaceful summer sunbathing on an uncrowded beach, you can’t do much better than Alnmouth. This tiny chocolate box village (population of 455 in the last census) is popular for both sea and river fishing (you’ll need a permit from the local angling society to fish on the river Aln), and is also great for spotting wildlife, with grey seals popping up on the shore and the estuary providing a great habitat for a variety of birds. And just a few miles inland, you’ll find Alnwick, a medieval market town famous for an impressive Norman castle that features heavily in the early Harry Potter films.

Don’t miss: Stop by the Old School Gallery for landscape paintings, eye-catching prints and tasteful ceramics made by local artists, as well as a cosy café and wood-fired pizzas in the summer months.

What’s the vibe? A thriving spot along one of the UK’s wildest coastlines.

Why go? With a splendid, perfectly pruned course considered one of the best in the world, Portrush is famed for its golf. But for those uninterested in improving their handicap, the town is still a worthy destination – not least for its sublime views over the Atlantic (sunrise here is particularly spectacular). Portrush is perched along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, with three handsome sand beaches within walking distance. You’ll find a swathe of independent stores, lively bars and artsy venues. For drinks, The Harbour Bar (one of the oldest bars on the North Coast) and Kiwi’s Brew Bar are both guaranteed good times and for food, head for Shanty, a locally-loved seafood restaurant in an old lifeboat shelter. Have a mooch around the Whitehouse department store, which dates back to 1891 and is stocked with art, homeware and apparel from British and Irish brands. There’s also the charming, art-deco cinema The Playhouse and, once you’re out of things to do in the town centre, Bushmills Distillery and Giants Causeway are a very short drive away. 

Don’t miss: Whiterocks Beach, the finest of Portrush’s three bays. It’s a little outside of the main town but absolutely worth the short walk for its Blue Flag-designated waters, rugged cliffs and three mile blanket of sand. 

What’s the vibe? The most Mediterranean place on this list.

Why go? Cowes is such a thoroughly idyllic seaside town that it almost seems a bit unreal. A colourful high street packed with interesting independent shops selling all sorts of goods (Sounds + Grounds for records, Cotton & Leaf for stylish plants and pots, Holm for carefully curated bits and bobs), a very decent roster of sailing pubs (Union Inn, Anchor Inn), plenty of excellent restaurants (The Garden, Prickly Pear) and coffee shops (Lost Mill Bakery, PO41), a grand promenade and sandy beach with toasty, calm waters… and, being on the Isle of Wight, it’s even got some of the hottest average temperatures in the UK. And in 2026 there’ll be even more of a reason to visit this seaport town with a rich history of sailing and shipbuilding. August (1-7) will mark the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, which is one of the longest-running regattas in the world. Expect hundreds of boats and dozens of races every day, as well as, of course, the usual shoreside parties with live music and street entertainment.

Don’t miss The walk around the coast to Gurnard along Queens Road and the Egypt and Princes Esplanades is delightful – and excellent for boat-watching.

What’s the vibe? Surprisingly bustling waterside town in Argyll with ferries and boats of all kinds endlessly drifting in and out of its charming port.

Why go? It’s right in the middle of the western Highlands for one thing. And who doesn’t want to visit the Highlands? Especially when the town in question has its own world-famous whisky distillery, a clutch of characterful hotels, more than its fair share of good pubs (pint fans shouldn’t miss the Tartan Tavern) and regular ferries that’ll whisk you off to nearby islands like Mull, Iona, and Barra. Oban is livelier than you’d expect, stunning on sunny days and full of people who enjoy having a laugh.

Don’t miss As you’d expect the seafood is off the charts, as evinced by the huge number of top-quality restaurants near the bay. And there’s a ruined castle on the edge of town (of course there is - it’s the Highlands).

What's the vibe? Foodie, family-friendly, walkable and very, very mellow.

Why go? Tucked away on the north Norfolk shoreline like a jewel in the North Sea gloom is a 14th century port that’s surely amongst the UK’s most scenic seaside spots. Once an exit point for malt on its way to continental breweries, these days Wells-next-the-Sea’s historic granary and its famous old gantry stand sentry over trawlers that still bring in mackerel, crabs and other crustacean delicacies daily (this is a place of pilgrimage if you love little brown shrimps). Age-old seafaring rhythms bring a feeling of authenticity that you won’t find in chintzier or more chi-chi seaside retreats. Though the narrow-gauge railway no longer chugs up and down Wells’ seafront to the pretty, pine-tree-backed beach, in the summer months a 1951 Leyland Tiger open-top bus does the job instead. That’s our kind of commute.

Don't miss: book into the Wells Crab House for a locally caught fish, or grab a takeaway seafood platter for lunch on the beach.

What’s the vibe? All the good things about London life, repackaged by the beach

Why go? You’d be a fool if you thought Brighton was past its prime. Yes, the pier is tacky, and yes, hen and stag dos tumble out of the train station at an alarming rate on the weekends, but Brighton strikes an unusual, perfect balance of having everything a good city should, in the shape of a seaside town. I could wax lyrical about the new bars, food spots and shops that have cropped up across Brighton, but the beach is really where it’s at. From venues like beach sports spot Yellowave to outdoor pool Sea Lanes, event space and restaurant Babble and the wood-fired Beach Box Spa with saunas, a flurry of fresh openings over the last couple of years have transformed the seafront from a dated, shabby stretch into a glossy hub, well worthy of a day or weekend trip this summer.

Don’t miss Bison Beach Bar @ Sea Lanes. The formerly shabby Madeira drive has undergone a major facelift over the last few years, and despite Brighton’s seriously strong pub game, this is undoubtedly the best spot for a pint in the sun.

What’s the vibe? Big thrills, big lights, big fun 

Why go? There’s no way you can be bored in Britain’s largest seaside resort. In Blackpool Tower alone, visitors can gawp at a circus show, indulge in afternoon tea, head to the very top for panoramic views or go underground to learn about the town’s gruesome histories. Blackpool’s iconic Pleasure Beach turns 130 this year and (on top of its 125 existing rides) is getting a colossal new gyro swing ride, which will be the tallest of its kind in the UK. There will also be a lovely new Alice in Wonderland-themed ice show arriving in the summer. Just beyond the theme park, Showtown (the UK’s first ever circus museum) takes you on an all-singing, all-dancing journey through the history of British seaside entertainment. Next door is Coral Island, a free attraction full of even more amusements. Sure, it sounds like sensory overload, but it’s a whole lot of fun. For fuel, take your pick from the six indie food vendors at Abingdon Street Market in the town centre. 

Don’t miss: Blackpool’s brimming calendar of events, from Pride in June to the Illuminations starting in September to the World Fireworks Championships in October.

What’s the vibe? A chilled-out harbour town with access to the greatest attractions in Wales.

Why go? North Wales has no shortage of picture-perfect seaside towns – and what Porthmadog may lack in prim-ness, it makes up for with rugged drama and alternative spirit. The mountains of Eryri [Snowdonia] National Park loom in the background of this former slate port, which isn’t technically by the seaside – it’s on the Glaslyn Estuary – but is less than a 10-minute drive from the beach. Classic attractions include Ffestiniog Railway (the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway) and the mighty, narrow Cob (a mile-long embankment with views of both Snowdonia and the estuary), while Porthmadog also boasts unparalleled access to Portmeirion – named one of Time Out’s best places to visit in 2026 – and the many wonders of Snowdonia. In the town itself are the cool likes of legendary vinyl palace Cob Records, excellent indie bookshop Browsers and top pub The Australia, which serves up pints brewed by the locally-based (but nationally adored) Purple Moose Brewery.

Don’t miss Morfa Bychan [Black Rock Sands] is one of the UK’s more distinctive beaches in that cars are allowed to legally park on it – and it feels pretty cool doing so yourself. Watch the tide times, though.

What’s the vibe? A quainter-than-quaint little seaside town on the Kentish coast

Why go? Whitstable is Margate’s prim-and-proper little sister, and she makes for a perfect little break by the sea. Incredibly compact (and very kitsch), Whitstable’s main high street is strung with great independent shops, and it backs onto a sweet pebbly beach lined with groynes. It’s also only getting better - in 2025, new by-the-slice pizza spot Stern Slices opened at Harbour Market, as well as the fabulous Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beachfront, which will knock the hangover right out of you.

Don’t miss: If you’re heading there in September, don’t miss Whitstable Oyster Festival, a free fest with events at all of the town’s major venues, from live music and street food to a big, jolly, oyster-clad street parade.

What’s the vibe? Pebbled beaches meet marshland walks meet portside pubs.

Why go? You don’t have to be a horse girl to admit that a stroll through the New Forest shoulder-to-shoulder with wild ponies is pretty extraordinary. Lymington’s proximity to the national park is just one of the many perks that make this port town one of the UK’s best. Still need convincing? How about a stroll on the sea wall with a view of the Isle of Wight’s chalky cliffs, a chartered fishing excursion or an ice-cold pint along the cobblestoned quay in one of the many, many gorgeous pubs which call Lymington home. Try The Ship on the waterfront or The Chequers for well-deserved post-saunter refreshments.

Don’t miss: Ask a local, and they’ll tell you that the annual seafood festival, which takes place each July (10-12), is as big for Lymington as Glasto is to, well, Glastonbury. Chef it up at the culinary school or just sit back, relax, and eat your bodyweight in freshly-shucked oysters.

What’s the vibe? Old-school greatness revived.

Why go? In 2026 Great Yarmouth is on a roll. Not only did its Britannia Pier win the latest esteemed Pier of the Year competition and is the Pleasure Beach’s scenic railway now defiantly the last remaining ride of its kind in Britain but this year the historic Norfolk resort town is getting a ‘once in a generation’ revamp with several attractions – including the 19th century Maritime House and art-deco pub the Old Duke – set to reopen. All of that is on top of Great Yarmouth’s already-substantial arsenal of stuff to see and do, from the rides of Pleasure Beach and the town’s famously vast sand beaches to the Hippodrome Circus, crazy golf in the grand old Windmill theatre and the Time and Tide Museum, a local history institution. If you’re after a seaside town with wall-to-wall entertainment, Great Yarmouth remains as top-tier for that as anywhere.

Don’t miss Britannia Pier is the buzz of Britain’s pier aficionados right now. After a four-year, £2 million refurb, the place now has 1920s-inspired frontage, a made-over pub and a vastly bigger amusement arcade.