The UK often gets a bit of a bad rap; particularly from those of us who live here.
However, there is much more to the British Isles than first meets the eye. We often get bogged down by the rain, cold weather, and grey clouds, but we actually have some of the very best beaches in Europe, some of the most stunningly dramatic coastlines imaginable, and some truly magical seaside towns that draw millions of visitors every year.
If you’ve just scoffed into your cup of English Breakfast tea then now is the time to read on, so you can discover some of the very best coastal cities in the UK offering world-class adventure, stunning beauty, rich maritime history and plenty of things to do, both on and off the water.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the very best coastal hotspots around the country so you can start planning your UK coastal cruises.
Edinburgh: A Capital City With Coastal Flair & Rich Culture
Edinburgh is well known to tourists all over the world, and for good reason; it’s home to a rich and fascinating history. A truly iconic castle and is nestled amongst some of the most staggeringly beautiful scenery you can imagine.
The city overlooks the Firth of Forth, a mouthful to say but a gorgeous view to behold, and offers a unique blend of ancient Scottish pride and modern living. It’s home to the world-famous Edinburgh Festival where the best comics travel from far and wide to put on the best show they can muster, and the cobbled streets are packed with incredible gothic architecture, cosy pubs, great restaurants and more shops than you can shake a stick at.
Edinburgh really does have it all and the superb access offered by the Forth means it’s the ultimate UK cruise destination as you can experience the wild heart of Scotland and of one of the truly great European cities at the same time.
Bristol: A Gastronomic Haven With A Historic Harbour
Bristol is located on the River Avon in the South West of the UK, and over the course of the last few decades has made quite a name for itself.
Once viewed as a ‘uni-town’ packed to the brim with students, this historic city is known for a lot more than its nightlife today; although there is still plenty of great nightlife!
Although it’s not directly on the coast, its location on the banks of the Avon with direct access out onto the Bristol Channel is part of the reason this city is such a historical icon; and rather handily means there is plenty of access to the water for sailors, day trippers and those enjoying seaside trips.
The gorgeous and extremely historic harbour is filled with fascinating treasures like the SS Great Britain, not to mention it’s home to plenty of Bristol’s finest eateries; yet another thing that has really put Bristol on the map. In fact, Bristol is regarded as one of the best gastronomic cities in the UK, often only behind London.
Visiting Bristol will connect you with the rest of the South West and its gorgeous landscapes, towns like Bath and Portishead are within a stone’s throw, rolling countryside and beautiful vistas can be found in every direction and, of course, the stunning Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself is always worth a visit.
Plymouth: Where Naval History Meets The Modern World
Plymouth is one of the UK’s most famous and important port cities and is still home to the Royal Navy to this day. With a maritime history that reaches back several hundred years it should come as no surprise that this city has developed its own rich culture, and with its name in the history books as the starting point of the fateful Mayflower voyage to the Americas, the city really is a gem in its own right.
Arriving by boat, the city will greet you with a stunning view of the Plymouth Sound, a natural harbor framed by rugged cliffs and jagged islands. Once docked in one of the city’s many marinas you’ll be able to explore the cobbled and quaint streets of the Barbican, packed with great food and wonderful pubs. Visitors can also enjoy the UK’s biggest aquarium, the National Marine Aquarium, a true must visit.
Plymouth really is a city you should not miss, cruising the harbour, enjoying the beaches and exploring the marinas and forts is a truly wonderful way to spend time.
Brighton: The UK’s Seaside Playground
Brighton is without a doubt one of the UK’s coolest towns. It’s famed for its history and is home to the UK’s punk and LGBTQ+ scenes, not to mention decades of fantastic music, making it one of the most diverse and artistic cities in the country.
Located on the South East coast of the UK, Brighton is known around the world for its music scene, playing host to some of the most famous clubs and venues in the game. The pebble beach and promenade are totally iconic in British culture and gems like the pier, Royal Pavilion and the i360 mean that this town is perfect for a weekend break.
It’s yet another city known for its superb food offered in such a wide variety you’d need a lifetime or two to try it all, and it has to be one of the best places in the country for coffee aficionados.
Brighton is a dynamic and diverse city that celebrates the extraordinary, and to top it all off, it’s nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park featuring endless rolling chalk hills and stunning coastal views, and should have a place on all the best UK boat trips.
Belfast: Discover Northern Ireland’s Coastal Gem
Belfast, Northern island’s capital, is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling the UK.
The Belfast Lough is a wide and drop-dead gorgeous natural harbour that contributed to the early success of the city, offering sailors refuge from the notorious Irish sea. Rolling hills surround the city and the rugged coastlines put you in mind of mythical worlds.
The city itself is overflowing with history and culture, and the vibrant music scene and pub culture is second to none. The streets are narrow and clustered with stunning old architecture and the people are friendly and welcoming. If there are any history buffs reading, then you’ll be excited to learn you can visit the amazing Titanic museum for incredible insight into how the ill-fated ship was built on the shores of this very city.
For those cruising the UK, Belfast should be right at the very top of your destinations list, and is celebrated as one of the UK’s most vibrant, exciting, beautiful and fun cities.
St Ives: A Cornish Treasure by the Sea
Cornwall is one of the most visited places in the UK, by British people as well as international tourists. It is a place packed with white sand beaches, black granite cliffs, great surfing, blue waters and simply stunning views.
In fact, an estimated 5 million people visited Cornwall in 2022, which may not sound like much until you consider that there are no main roads, lots of thatched cottages and no room for modern cars.
The Cornish coastline is littered with impossibly quaint little towns and villages, but without a doubt, the crowning jewel of Cornwall is St. Ives. Clusters of houses packed onto a forested hillside that overlooks the most stunning bay is about the only way to describe this town. The cobbled streets are bursting with locally made art, wonderful food, adorable pubs and as many shops as you would find in much larger cities.
Enjoy an ice cream on the harbour, explore the tight and twisty streets, grab a bite to eat in a stunning sea-view restaurant and enjoy the coolest vibes in the whole of Cornwall.
Coastal Town Paradise
If you’re looking to visit the very best seaside towns in the UK, you’re actually pretty spoiled for choice.
Hundreds have not made this list, but the places we have covered above are truly special ones that cannot and should not, be missed. They embody the quintessential British seaside town and each offer something unique and exciting.
Enjoy the rolling hills, soaring cliffs and gorgeous waters that surround these stunning locations, from the culture and nightlife of Brighton all the way up to the castles and history of Edinburgh; there is plenty of adventure to found in the British Isles, all you have to do now is go out and find it.
Discover the UK’s very best and most beautiful seaside cities for yourself now and make memories that last a lifetime with the ultimate cities to visit on your next coast boat trip.