The United Kingdom, with its 11,000+ miles of coastline, offers an incredible variety of coastal experiences. From the subtropical feel of Cornwall's palm-lined coves to the wild, windswept beaches of the Scottish Highlands, Britain's shores are as diverse as they are beautiful.

As someone who has spent years exploring the UK's coastal regions, I'm delighted to share my favorite seaside destinations. Whether you're planning a summer beach holiday, a bracing winter walk, or a culinary tour of seafood restaurants, these coastal gems offer something for every type of traveler.

Cornwall: The UK's Subtropical Corner

Cornwall's unique microclimate creates a subtropical feel that's distinct from the rest of Britain. With turquoise waters, golden beaches, and picturesque fishing villages, it's easy to see why this county continues to be one of the UK's most beloved coastal destinations.

St Ives

This postcard-perfect town combines stunning beaches with a thriving arts scene. The quality of light here has attracted artists for generations, and today the town is home to a Tate Gallery outpost and numerous independent galleries and studios. Porthmeor Beach offers great surfing, while Porthminster Beach is ideal for families with its calm waters and beachside café serving fresh seafood.

The Lizard Peninsula

The UK's most southerly point offers dramatic coastal walks, hidden coves like Kynance (with its striking serpentine rock formations), and charming villages such as Cadgwith, where fishermen still haul their boats onto the beach. Visit Mullion Cove for spectacular cliff views or explore the subtropical gardens at Trebah or Glendurgan.

When to Visit Cornwall:

While summer offers the warmest weather, it also brings crowds. Consider visiting in May, June, or September for pleasant temperatures and more space to enjoy the beaches. Winter brings dramatic stormy seas and cozy pub experiences.

Pembrokeshire: Wales' Coastal Gem

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was Britain's first coastal national park, and its 186-mile coastal path offers access to some of the UK's most spectacular shoreline landscapes.

Tenby

This medieval walled town boasts colorful Georgian houses overlooking a harbor and four beautiful sandy beaches. Castle Beach was named the UK's Beach of the Year in recent years, while North Beach provides excellent swimming. At low tide, walk to St Catherine's Island to explore its Napoleonic fort.

Barafundle Bay

Often described as a "slice of the Caribbean in Wales," this pristine beach is accessible only via a half-mile walk from the nearest car park, which helps preserve its unspoiled beauty. The surrounding Stackpole Estate, managed by the National Trust, offers woodland walks and lily-covered lakes.

St Davids Peninsula

The UK's smallest city (really a village with a cathedral) makes an excellent base for exploring the rugged northern Pembrokeshire coast. Take a boat trip to Ramsey Island to see seals, porpoises, and seabirds, or walk sections of the coast path to discover hidden coves and dramatic geological features like the Green Bridge of Wales.

Norfolk: Big Skies and Pristine Beaches

Norfolk's coastline offers vast expanses of unspoiled beaches, wildlife-rich nature reserves, and traditional seaside towns. The county's flat landscape creates famously big skies, with spectacular sunsets and excellent stargazing opportunities.

Holkham Bay

This vast expanse of golden sand backed by pine forests and dunes has been voted Britain's best beach multiple times. Its enormous scale means it never feels crowded, even on the busiest summer days. After a beach walk, explore the grounds of nearby Holkham Hall or visit the Victoria Inn for excellent local produce.

Blakeney Point

This 4-mile spit of shingle and sand is home to England's largest gray seal colony. Take a boat trip from Morston or Blakeney to see these charismatic creatures lounging on the beach or swimming curiously around your boat. The best time to see seal pups is November to January, but the colony is present year-round.

Cromer

This quintessential Victorian seaside town is famous for its pier (complete with end-of-pier show, one of the last in Britain), its sweet and tender crabs, and its magnificent clifftop church with the tallest tower in Norfolk. The town retains much of its period charm while offering modern cafés and independent shops.

The Norfolk Broads

While not coastal, no trip to Norfolk would be complete without exploring the Broads, a network of navigable rivers and lakes (actually man-made medieval peat excavations). Rent a boat for the day or stay on a traditional wooden cruiser to experience this peaceful landscape from the water.

North Yorkshire: Dramatic Heritage Coast

Yorkshire's coastline combines dramatic cliffs, historic fishing villages, and fossil-rich beaches. This is a coast steeped in history and folklore, with strong maritime traditions and atmospheric ruins.

Whitby

This atmospheric town, with its Gothic abbey ruins looming over the harbor, inspired Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and continues to captivate visitors today. Climb the 199 steps to the abbey for spectacular views, explore the town's jet jewelry workshops (jet is a local fossilized wood prized by Victorians), and enjoy some of Britain's best fish and chips at the Magpie Café or Quayside.

Robin Hood's Bay

This picture-perfect village's tumbling cottages cascade down a steep ravine to a small bay. Once a smuggler's haven (with tunnels still connecting some cellars), today it offers rockpooling, fossil hunting, and a maze of alleyways to explore. The Cleveland Way coastal path connects it to Whitby in one direction and Scarborough in the other.

Flamborough Head

This chalk headland features towering white cliffs, two historic lighthouses, and various caves and arches created by centuries of erosion. The cliffs host one of England's most important seabird colonies, with puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, and razorbills nesting here during spring and summer. RSPB Bempton Cliffs nearby offers viewing platforms and expert guides to help you spot different species.

Scottish Highlands and Islands: Wild and Unspoiled Shores

Scotland's coastline – particularly in the Highlands and Islands – offers some of Britain's most dramatic and least developed coastal landscapes. Here you'll find pristine white sand beaches that could be mistaken for the Caribbean (albeit with chillier water temperatures!), alongside rugged cliffs and ancient geological formations.

Isle of Harris

The beaches of western Harris in the Outer Hebrides are simply breathtaking. Luskentyre, with its vast expanses of white shell sand and shallow turquoise waters, regularly features in lists of the world's best beaches. Nearby Seilebost, Horgabost, and Scarista beaches offer similar beauty with even fewer visitors. The east coast presents a stark contrast with its rocky "moonscape" terrain.

Sandwood Bay

The effort required to reach this remote beach (a 4-mile walk each way from the nearest parking) is rewarded with one of the most unspoiled stretches of sand in Britain. The mile-long beach is backed by dunes and a freshwater loch, with the dramatic Am Buachaille sea stack at its northern end. You'll often have this spectacular landscape entirely to yourself, even in summer.

Arisaig

The coastline around this West Highland village offers numerous small white sand beaches with views across to the dramatic peaks of the isles of Rum, Eigg, and Skye. The waters here are relatively sheltered, making them popular for sea kayaking. The area was used as a filming location for "Local Hero" and more recently "Outlander."

Scottish Midges:

If visiting Highland beaches between June and September, be prepared for midges – tiny biting insects that can be a nuisance on still, damp evenings. Bring insect repellent designed specifically for midges. Coastal areas with a sea breeze are generally less affected than inland locations.

Northumberland: Castle-Studded Coastline

Northumberland's coast combines miles of pristine sandy beaches with a fascinating history evidenced by the numerous castles dotting its shoreline. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this relatively undiscovered region offers space, tranquility, and breathtaking vistas.

Bamburgh

Bamburgh Beach stretches for miles beneath one of England's most impressive castles. The wide, firm sand is perfect for walking, kite-flying, or horse riding, while the powerful waves attract surfers (wetsuits essential in these northern waters!). The nearby village offers tea rooms and pubs for warming up after a breezy beach walk.

Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Connected to the mainland by a causeway that disappears beneath the tide twice daily, Holy Island combines spiritual heritage with natural beauty. Visit the ruined priory and castle, then explore the island's dunes and beaches. Check tide times carefully before crossing – the causeway becomes completely impassable at high tide.

Farne Islands

Take a boat trip from Seahouses to these rocky islands, home to thousands of puffins, terns, guillemots, and one of England's largest gray seal colonies. Rangers from the National Trust live on the islands during summer and provide information about the wildlife. Be prepared to get close to the action – Arctic terns in particular are known to dive-bomb visitors who approach their nesting areas!

Practical Tips for UK Coastal Visits

Weather Preparedness

The British coast can be unpredictable regardless of season. Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sunscreen – sometimes you'll need all three in the same day! A windproof jacket is essential even in summer.

Tide Awareness

Many of Britain's most beautiful beaches change dramatically with the tide. Some coves disappear completely at high tide, while others reveal fascinating rock pools only at low tide. Check local tide tables and be aware of tide times, especially when exploring caves or areas with limited exit points.

Seasonal Considerations

While summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather, British beaches can be beautiful year-round:

  • Spring: Wildflowers bloom on cliff paths, and seabird colonies return to nest
  • Autumn: Quieter beaches, dramatic skies, and migrating birds
  • Winter: Atmospheric coastal walks followed by cozy pub lunches

Coastal Walking

The UK has invested significantly in its coastal paths, with Wales being the first country in the world to have a continuous walking path around its entire coastline. England's coastal path is nearing completion, while Scotland offers numerous established routes. These paths provide the best vantage points for appreciating the coastline's beauty.

Supporting Coastal Communities

Many coastal towns rely heavily on tourism. Consider visiting outside peak summer weeks if possible, stay in locally-owned accommodation, and eat at restaurants serving locally-caught seafood to help support these communities year-round.

From dramatic cliff-top walks and prehistoric fossil hunting to relaxing days on sandy beaches and fresh seafood dinners, the UK's coastline offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment. These diverse coastal destinations showcase some of Britain's most spectacular natural landscapes, richest wildlife habitats, and most charming communities. Whichever coastal region you choose to visit, you'll find unique character, natural beauty, and that special sense of tranquility that comes from spending time where land meets sea.