For some, nothing can beat the English shoreline. With beautiful scenery, golden beaches, and (occasionally) perfect weather, what’s not to love? In fact, the UK boasts 169 coastal towns across England and Wales so there’s plenty to choose from.

Unfortunately, we can’t cover all of them on this list, so instead we take a look at a select few of the very best. From the beautiful scenery of St Ives to the bustling atmosphere of Brighton, here are our favourite UK seaside towns.

Brighton

The lively and inclusive seaside town of Brighton has always been a hotspot thanks to its variety of attractions, bars, and restaurants – which have won many an award. From the pebbled beaches to the Palace and West Pier, there’s so much to explore.

As Britain’s LGBTQ+ capital, you can rest assured that the local communities are as accepting as they are friendly. All of these factors make Brighton a desirable place to relocate. While housing is limited, new build homes are becoming readily available in Brighton, which includes a range of different property types.

St Ives

Cornwall itself is an incredibly beautiful county at the southwestern tip of England. However, our favourite seaside town in the peninsula is St Ives. From galleries to museums and independent stores, you’ll never be void of things to do here.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the place to do so. The beaches in the area are only a short walking distance from the town itself, allowing visitors to pop down for some local food or even go for a swim if the weather permits it.

The cherry on the cake though is the Penwith landscape: a beautiful blend of white sandy beaches and azure seascapes, which provide the perfect backdrop for the charming houses and cobbled streets of St Ives.

Whitby

Traditionally, a fishing village, Whitby isn’t your typical seaside spot. Yes, you have your long stretch of coastline, delicious fish and chips (arguably the best in the UK), and picturesque harbour, but this is overlooked by a dramatic cliff-top graveyard.

If you’re a fan of staying active, Whitby doesn’t disappoint. The 199 steps that wind up the East Cliff aren’t for the faint-hearted, leading you to breathtaking views of the harbour. It’s even said that these steps provide a physical and metaphorical journey back in time to uncover the town’s past.

The town also attracts a fairly different demographic at its bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend festival. It’s here that the place is packed with lovers of everything gothic, featuring a weekend of live music, drinking, and plenty of eye-catching outfits. It is the home to Whitby Abbey after all – the ancient ruins that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.