It’s been a British tradition for as long as anyone can remember. When the sunny weather arrives, it’s an opportunity to dash down to a seaside resort and make the most of it. After all, this is the UK, and sunshine is notoriously fickle.
Happily, the country offers a diverse assortment of seaside towns to choose from. Here, we’ll run through some of the more attractive ones. Many of the beaches we’ll discuss might be of interest to those travelling to the UK from abroad, in which case a train from Gatwick might represent the most sensible option.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
This little seaside town sides in Redcar and Cleveland, in the north of North Yorkshire. Saltburn Beach itself is a sand and shingle affair backed by a promenade and with plenty of facilities close at hand.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then you might indulge in a little bit of surfing. The water here isn’t quite as turbulent as it is on the south coast, making this a perfect beginner-friendly location for surfing lessons.
Falmouth, Cornwall
This corner of the southwest has played a crucial role in England’s maritime development. This tradition is carried into the 21st century by a number of special events throughout the year. Perhaps the most spectacular of these are the Tall Ships Races, which see enormous sailing ships compete for a week in August.
If you’d prefer to get into the water yourself, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views on offer. You’ll get a chance to explore the Fal estuary, whether by kayak or paddleboard. If you’d like to pay a visit to nearby St Mawes, then there’s a ferry running regularly.
Nefyn, Gwynedd
Looking for a little bit of seclusion beside the sea? It’s difficult to beat the Llŷn Peninsula, where you’ll find the town of Nefyn, and the famous Morfa beach. This is a perfect staging ground for long-distance hikers looking to make a trip to Snowdonia. There’s a gorgeous little pub and a few dreamy little cottages along the seafront.
Whitby, Yorkshire
This patch of Yorkshire coastline boasts an inspiring, dramatic coastline – which must have formed part of the reason that Bram Stoker chose it as an important location in his famous horror novel. Since its publication, Whitby has proven an irresistible lure for many tourists. But the historical appeal of the town goes far beyond that: Captain Cook studied here, and HMS Endeavour was built nearby.