Serene Seascapes: The BEST Coastlines To Explore!

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your next holiday! While jetting off to a foreign country may be exciting, there are also a number of fantastic locations right here in the UK. In fact, the UK is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world that provide staycations that feel like they’re abroad!

Here, we will guide you through the best British coastlines that you can explore.

Newquay

Newquay is a seaside town on the north coast of Cornwall. The resort is known for its idyllic surfing spots, golden beaches and seaside amenities. As well as this, Newquay is home to one of the most dramatic coastlines in the UK!

The Newquay coastline stretches approximately 12 miles, giving you plenty of room to explore and soak up the English sun! Along the coastline are a number of stunning beaches, rockpools, dramatic cliffs and coastal footpaths. Whatever kind of beach holiday you’re looking for, Newquay will definitely have the spot for you!

St Ives

S Ives Harbour, Cornwall

St Ives is known as the ‘dazzling jewel’ of Cornwall‘s crown. This is largely due to the beautiful landscape that surrounds the seaside town which attracts millions of tourists every single year.

A holiday to St Ives will give you plenty of opportunities to sunbathe on the beach, try your hand at watersports and explore pretty harbour towns and villages. St Ives also has an excellent selection of shops and restaurants for you to enjoy during your stay. As well as this, everyone who visits this coastal town MUST try a traditional Cornish cream tea!

Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a coastal resort located in North Devon. The beach town lies at the mouth of a valley which means that the landscape is stunning! The beach itself stretches for 2 miles and is the perfect place to take a long walk in the sun or sit down with a good book and enjoy the summer weather.

Woolacombe is just a stone’s throw away from Mortehoe- a cliff-top village with fantastic views of the seafront and quintessential English architecture. Both towns make for an excellent holiday and it is definitely worth paying a visit to both whilst you’re in this part of Devon. The beach St Woolacombe is one big stretch of golden sands- just like something you would see in Spain!

Tenby

Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Tenby is situated in the county of Pembrokeshire in Wales. In fact, Tenby is one of the most visited towns in Wales and has even been used as the setting for a number of coastal TV shows and films.

Tenby is most famous for its fantastic beach, which spans 2 ½ miles of golden sands and blue sea. If you’re not one for getting sand on your toes, you can explore the beach via the Pembrokeshire coastal path which runs along the cliff tops and provides spectacular views.

As well as the stunning beach, Tenby is a pretty town with mediaeval buildings and beautiful scenery. You will also find a host of interesting shops, delicious cafes and excellent hotels to explore on your stay.

Isle of Wight

If you are looking for a staycation that truly feels like a trip abroad, a boat ride to the Isle of Wight might be the best option for you! You can travel to the Isle of Wight by ferry from Southampton, Portsmouth or Lymington. The boat ride takes around an hour and will truly make it feel like you’re getting away!

The Island itself is home to a variety of excellent beaches and seaside towns. Some of the best include Colwell Bay, Ryde and Sandown Beach. The Island is 25 by 14 miles, which means that there is plenty of stunning coastline to explore!

If you fancy venturing off of the coats, you could take a trip to the Isle of Wight Wildheart Animal Sanctuary or take a step back in time and visit Osborne House. Your kids would love a day out at Blackgang Chine – a theme park filled with tiny villages that is great for the imagination.

Bude

Crooklets Beach, Bude, Cornwall
Crooklets Beach, Bude, Cornwall

Bude is located in the North East of Cornwall and is one of the best beaches for surfing in the UK. The coastline offers long stretches of sandy beaches accompanied by rugged cliffs that make for a dramatic yet beautiful landscape.

Bude is an excellent spot for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventure. You could try your hand at surfing, cliff jumping, coasteering or even windsurfing. There is plenty on offer during your stay! If you prefer to stay in your comfort zone, you could always take a look around the local museum and shops and enjoy local amenities.

You don’t have to leave the UK to find the perfect coastal holiday! There are plenty of stunning locations right on your doorstep for you to explore.


Meghan Taylor is a freelance writer who has recently graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a degree in English Literature. A gap year before university lead to her being able to travel around Europe, with her now channelling her passion for travel into her writing. In her spare time, Meghan can be found in the countryside walking her beloved dog or doing a puzzle at home. For any enquiries please email Meghan Taylor.