Making plans for a summer trip to the British coast? If you're looking for the best beaches, coastal towns, and things to do in England and Wales, here are some of the best destinations in the UK for a staycation.
Durdle Door beach, Dorset - Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash
Places to go on a Beach Holiday in England
Are you looking for beach staycation destinations in the UK for your next holiday? Whether you're looking for a summer escape or a weekend getaway, the UK is full of stunning beach locations where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
From historic British seaside towns to stunning nature reserves and stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone when it comes to finding where to go on a summer beach holiday in the UK.
In this blog post, we'll be exploring the UK's top 10 beach staycation spots that are perfect for a summer holiday for all the family.
1. Devon
Located in the southwest of England, Devon is one of the United Kingdom’s most beautiful and beloved holiday destinations. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family staycation, Devon is one of the best UK holiday destinations and for good reason.
With a stunning coastline and an abundance of attractions, there is no shortage of places to explore and things to do in Devon. From the beautiful beaches of Exmouth to the rugged cliffs of Torquay, Devon is home to some of the best beaches in the UK. Whether you’re looking for an idyllic beach day or a more adventurous coastal walk, Devon has it all.
Devon is also home to some of the UK’s best seaside towns. Sidmouth is known for its charming Regency architecture, while Teignmouth offers a vibrant beachfront promenade and a lively pier. Clovelly is one of Devon’s most picturesque fishing villages, while Dartmouth is a popular spot for boat trips and river cruises.
In addition to its many attractions, Devon is also home to a range of excellent accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a traditional British staycation or something a bit more luxurious, Devon has plenty of accommodation options that are perfect for any kind of UK holiday.
With its stunning coastline, picturesque towns, and abundance of activities, it’s understandable why Devon is considered one of the best places to go on holiday in the United Kingdom.
2. Cornwall
Another top British holiday destination on your list to consider is Cornwall. With its stunning white-sand beaches, quaint coastal towns, and breathtaking views, it's no wonder Cornwall is a popular staycation destination. From lively beach resorts to peaceful fishing villages, there are plenty of places to explore in this beautiful part of the country.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family holiday or a romantic getaway, Cornwall is full of exciting attractions to make your stay memorable. There are countless activities for every type of traveller – from exploring the unique landscape of Bodmin Moor to walking along the famous Southwest Coast Path.
Of course, no trip to Cornwall would be complete without visiting some of its best seaside towns, including St Ives, Padstow, and Newquay, home to some of the best beaches in Cornwall. No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, Cornwall has it all. It’s the perfect destination for a UK staycation, offering an array of activities, attractions, and places to stay to suit all budgets.
3. Norfolk
When it comes to where to go on holiday in the United Kingdom, Norfolk is one of the best staycation places in the UK. This county, located in the East of England, has many beautiful beaches, historic towns, and breathtaking countryside.
One of the best seaside towns in the UK to visit is Cromer, famous for its Victorian Pier and colourful beach huts. Here, visitors can enjoy long walks along the coast, cycling, and a selection of pubs and restaurants to choose from.
Also well worth a visit is Holkham Beach; this stunning area of unspoilt coastline has rolling sand dunes and plenty of spots to take in the sea views. Further along the coast is Wells-Next-The-Sea, another stunning beach with an array of seafood restaurants and boutique shops. If you are looking for a coastal staycation destination with plenty to see and do, Norfolk is worth considering.
4. Dorset
Located on England’s south coast, Dorset is a charming destination that is known for its outstanding beaches. With over 70 miles of coastline, Dorset offers some of the best beach staycation places in the UK. From relaxing beaches with tranquil waters to rugged cliffs, you can find all kinds of exciting places to travel to and enjoy here.
One of the most popular beaches in Dorset is Sandbanks Beach, located just outside Poole. This stunning beach features sandy shores, clear blue waters, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a fun day at the beach or just a quiet place to relax, Sandbanks Beach is an ideal choice. You can also take a boat trip out to the nearby Brownsea Island, where you can explore unique wildlife and enjoy spectacular views.
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you might want to check out Weymouth Beach. This stunning spot offers a great range of watersports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. The nearby harbour also offers plenty of food and drink places and cafes to relax in after your activities.
For a slightly quieter beach staycation experience, Lyme Bay is the perfect destination. Located near Bridport, this beach offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast and is ideal for strolling and enjoying the peace and quiet. You can even take a guided walk along the shore to learn about the area’s fascinating history.
Dorset has plenty of amazing beaches to explore, from tranquil bays to bustling resorts. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day at the beach or some thrilling watersports activities, you’ll find plenty of great places to stay in Dorset.
5. Suffolk
Suffolk is a wonderful place for a beach staycation in England. With its picturesque coastline and rolling countryside, it offers something for everyone. The county’s stunning beaches are one of its main attractions and make it a popular holiday destination. From Felixstowe and Southwold to Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, Suffolk’s beaches have a lot to offer.
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach staycation in the UK, then Suffolk should be at the top of your list. There are many beautiful sandy beaches to choose from, as well as charming coastal towns and villages. From romantic walks along the shoreline to plenty of water sports and activities for those with an adventurous lifestyle, there is something for all ages to enjoy in Suffolk.
In addition to its wonderful beaches, Suffolk also offers many attractions and activities to keep you busy during your staycation. There are numerous stately homes and gardens to explore, as well as museums, galleries, and other cultural sites. You can also visit some of the best national parks and nature reserves in the UK.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach staycation or an action-packed holiday, Suffolk is sure to have something for you.
6. Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a stunning island located just off the southern coast of England. It has a rich history, stunning countryside, and beautiful beaches. It's the perfect destination for a beach staycation, with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
The most popular beach on the island is Sandown, with its wide expanse of golden sands, backed by grassy dunes. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Other great options include Ryde Beach, Ventnor Beach, and Shanklin Beach, all of which offer unique views and activities.
You can also explore the many historical sites on the Isle of Wight, such as Osborne House, Carisbrooke Castle, and Yarmouth Castle. There are plenty of walking trails to discover the island's beautiful landscapes, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. If you're looking for something more adventurous, you can try kayaking or windsurfing. And if you're looking for some culture, visit the Island Museum or head to one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach staycation or an action-packed adventure holiday, the Isle of Wight has something for everyone. It’s easy to get to from the mainland and makes for a perfect weekend break. So why not take the plunge and plan your beach staycation on one of the most scenic British Isles? It is one of the best things to do in the UK during the summer.
7. Kent
Situated in the southeast of England, Kent is one of the most popular beach staycation destinations in the UK. Home to some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery, Kent offers plenty of activities and sights for beachgoers. From peaceful coves to bustling beaches, there is something for everyone in Kent.
The coastline of Kent stretches for over 200 miles, with a range of sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, and picture-perfect villages along its shoreline. The long list of must-visit beaches includes the award-winning Botany Bay, with its impressive chalk stacks, and Joss Bay in Broadstairs, with its long expanse of golden sand.
Whitstable, meanwhile, is renowned for its oysters and traditional beach huts. Inland, visitors can explore historic towns and villages such as Rochester, Canterbury, and Tunbridge Wells, or take a stroll through the vast countryside. With its plethora of attractions, Kent is an ideal spot for a beach staycation in Britain.
8. Lancashire
Located in Northwest England, Lancashire is known for its stunning coastline and beach towns. From the traditional seaside resort of Blackpool to the beautiful coastal villages, there's no shortage of stunning beach staycation destinations in Lancashire. Blackpool is a great choice for a staycation, with its bustling promenade, traditional pier, and iconic Pleasure Beach theme park. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
If you're looking for something a bit quieter, the picturesque coastal towns of Lytham St Annes and Southport offer sandy beaches and quaint seaside charm. Whether you choose to stay in one of the local holiday cottages or rent an apartment on the seafront, you'll find plenty of things to do in Southport. Try some traditional fish and chips, take a stroll along the pier, or just relax on the beach with a good book.
There are also many other coastal towns in Lancashire worth exploring. The charming fishing port of Fleetwood has some great seafood restaurants, while the nearby village of Knott End-on-Sea has beautiful views over Morecambe Bay. And for nature lovers, the Trough of Bowland offers some incredible scenery and lots of opportunities for walking, cycling, and birdwatching.
No matter what you're looking for, Lancashire has something to offer everyone looking for a beach staycation. With its diverse range of beach towns, attractions, and activities, it's easy to see why so many people choose to stay here year after year.
9. Yorkshire
When it comes to beach staycations in the UK, Yorkshire should be on your list. Located in the north of England, Yorkshire is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy a beach break. With miles of stunning coastline and several charming seaside towns, this region offers plenty of opportunities for a wonderful staycation.
The Yorkshire Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, including Scarborough, Filey, Whitby, Bridlington, and Robin Hood’s Bay. You’ll find everything from sandy coves to award-winning stretches of sand, as well as bustling resorts with plenty of activities and attractions. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll along the seafront or an adventure in the great outdoors.
If you’re feeling venturesome, take a boat trip around the coast or head inland to explore the North York Moors National Park. Here you’ll find a network of trails and bridleways perfect for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Or if you’d prefer to relax, there are plenty of pubs and cafes in the coastal towns for an afternoon pitstop.
Overall, Yorkshire is an ideal spot for a beach staycation and offers a wealth of activities for all types of visitors. With its spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and wide variety of things to do in Yorkshire, it’s easy to see why so many people flock here.
10. Wales
One of the best beach staycation destinations in the UK must be Wales. Wales is a nation located in the west of the British Isles and is filled with stunning beaches and coastlines. There are a variety of beaches for all sorts of beachgoers, from surfers to sunbathers. The two main beach hotspots in Wales are Pembrokeshire and Gower. Pembrokeshire is in the southwest of the country and boasts a beautiful coastline with many popular beaches, such as Broadhaven South, Newgale, Whitesands and Tenby.
Gower is in the south of Wales and is a popular holiday destination. The area is known for its stunning beaches, including Rhossili Bay and Langland Bay, which are consistently ranked as some of the best beaches in the UK. Other great beach spots in the area include Mumbles, Limeslade and Port Eynon. For those seeking an active holiday, there are plenty of activities to get involved in on Gower’s beaches, such as kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, and horse riding.
Wales also has an abundance of coastal towns and villages that are perfect for a staycation. These include Criccieth, Aberystwyth, Porthmadog and Llandudno, all of which have their character and charm. All these towns have a variety of accommodation options, from traditional Welsh cottages to modern hotels. Not to forget the many things to do in North Wales too, including the iconic Snowdonia National Park – there’s also a trip to the Isle of Anglesey to consider.
Wherever you choose to stay in Wales, you’ll be spoilt for choice, and it’s certainly doable to visit other locations in Wales over a week-long trip to see the best of what Wales has to offer.
So, there you go, if you’re looking for a great beach staycation destination in the UK, Wales has it all! With its stunning coastlines, picturesque villages, and a plethora of activities, it is an ideal location for your next holiday.