There’s something special about living by the sea. Waking up to sea waves, walking along the shore every morning, enjoying fish and chips, or simply recreating your childhood memories of building sandcastles – all of these make life feel a little brighter and exciting.
If you’re considering moving to a seaside town in the UK, this list is for you. We’ve picked 20 of the best seaside towns in the UK and the activities you’ll enjoy most in these areas. It could be the beautiful beaches, friendly communities, or lively atmosphere. You’ll definitely find a place to call home. Plus, we’ve included average home prices and rent to see what fits your budget. So, make sure you read to the end. Let’s go!
Best Seaside Towns in the UK
North Berwick
Best for: Families, nature lovers, and those wanting a peaceful coastal life with easy city access.
Average Home Price: £460,161.
Average Rent: £1,394 per month
North Berwick is one of the best seaside towns in the UK. It is nestled on the East Lothian coast with just a quick 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh. This town has picturesque sandy beaches, stunning views, and a friendly community. The high street is packed with independent cafés, gift shops, and art galleries. So, it’s such a joy to explore. If you love wildlife, don’t miss the Scottish Seabird Centre, where you can take a boat trip to Bass Rock and see thousands of gannets in their natural habitat. As much as North Berwick is lively all year round, the town truly shines during summer. The Fringe by the Sea festival brings music, theatre, and comedy to town, and the Lobster Shack serves up some of the best lobster rolls you’ll ever taste!
Folkestone, Kent
Best for: Commuters, creatives, and families looking for seaside living with easy London access.
Average Home Price: £300,448.
Average Rent: £1,047 per month
Folkestone is a beautiful UK seaside town on the rise. Over the past decade, it has gone from a quiet coastal spot into one of the most exciting places to live on the Kent coast. Its Old High Street is filled with colourful independent shops, cafés, and galleries, while the revitalized Harbour Arm offers stunning views of the sea, the White Cliffs, and even France on a clear day. The best part is that the changes keep coming and there are plans to turn the old bus station into a green park. Now, beyond its artistic charm, Folkestone is also a practical choice. The high-speed train to London St Pancras takes under an hour. Plus, the recreation content creates a quite safe and welcoming vibe for this area, making Folkestone one of the best seaside towns in England. For students living in UCL accommodation, Folkstone is an ideal beach town to relax for holidays.
Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
Best for: Beach lovers, foodies, and commuters wanting a coastal escape near Newcastle.
Average Home Price: £320,276
Average Rent: £721 per month
Tynemouth is one of Britain’s best coastal towns, just 8 miles from Newcastle and presenting a perfect mix of city buzz and seaside charm. There are three stunning sandy beaches, a historic priory and castle, and even a working lighthouse. This makes the town feel like a postcard come to life. The thriving arts and foodie scene also adds to the vibe. So, get ready for quirky bars, craft beer spots, and artisan coffee roasters like Tynemouth Coffee Company alongside traditional pubs and fish and chip shops. Its bustling weekend market in the old railway station is a local favorite for vintage finds and handmade crafts. Finally, the area has a strong sense of community, so, your safety is guaranteed.
Shaldon, Devon
Best for: Water sports enthusiasts, community seekers, and those craving a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Average Home Price: £516,087
Average Rent: £983 per month
Shaldon is one of the nicest seaside cities in England that proudly calls itself a “quaint drinking village with a fishing problem.” This town is situated within the Teign estuary with a picturesque spot that makes sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking second nature for the locals. It also has a good dose of local traditions and community fun. Interestingly, it’s always busy with activities, from the summer regatta to the water carnival, or the giant beach bonfire. The town also has a good dose of local traditions and community fun. It’s a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other and this makes it such a warm and welcoming place to live.
Waterloo, Merseyside
Best for: Beach lovers, art enthusiasts, and families looking for affordable seaside living near Liverpool.
Average Home Price: £213,198
Average Rent: £849 per month
Waterloo is just 20 minutes from Liverpool by train. The town has a laid-back coastal vibe with big sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and breathtaking art. Another fascinating fact about this pretty seaside town of UK is it houses Antony Gormley’s “Another Place.” It’s a hauntingly beautiful installation of 100 life-sized cast-iron figures spread across Crosby Beach. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins in the Mersey.
There’s more to Waterloo than just its famous sculptures. The town has a lively but unpretentious feel, with good schools, a strong community spirit, and a buzzing high street around South Road.
Southsea, Portsmouth
Best for: First-time buyers, families, and anyone who loves a lively seaside community.
Average Home Price: £288,000
Average Rent: £795 per month
Southsea is on the southern tip of Portsmouth. You’ll enjoy the traditional seaside charm alongside modern coastal living. So, there’s always something to enjoy. On a fine evening, you can either stroll along the beautiful pebble beach, pop into quirky independent shops, or grab a coffee at one of the many buzzing cafés. The home prices are surprisingly affordable. At least, you get a taste of the seaside life without breaking the bank.
The Witterings, West Sussex
Best for: Beach lovers, watersports enthusiasts, and those dreaming of a seaside escape.
Average Home Price: £954,150
Average Rent: ££1,538 per month
West Wittering is one of the seaside destinations in the UK with an expansive white-sand beach. The seaside is perfect for surfing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in Chichester Harbour, or simply relaxing with chips from the stylish beach café. The village itself is postcard-perfect. You’ll find flint cottages, daisy-covered greens, and quiet, winding lanes wrap you in warmth and privacy.
Bournemouth
Best for: Families, beach lovers, and anyone craving a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Average Home Price: £328,000
Average Rent: £1,040 per month
Bournemouth will steal your heart if you’re a sunshine lover. One of the reasons why it stands out as one of the best British seaside towns is its seven miles of stunning coastline. Aside from that, Bournemouth accommodations are mixed. You’ll get different ranges, from stylish apartments with ocean views to spacious family homes with gardens. The top-rated schools, friendly neighbourhood, and parks make this area ideal for families. Plus, it’s such a buzzing town center full of shops, cafes, and entertainment. Adds to the fun!
Eastbourne
Best for: Families, retirees, and anyone who loves classic seaside charm
Average Home Price: £259,000
Average Rent: £1,195 per month
Eastbourne has such a welcoming community. But of course, what makes it one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the UK is its beautiful Victorian architecture and stunning coastal views. You’ll feel at home here if you want a mix of history and modern living. There are also lots of green spaces, and parks to unwind after the day’s work. Overall, the gorgeous seafront and relaxed pace of life in this town make it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle.
Lymington
Best for: Sailing enthusiasts, nature and sea lovers.
Average Home Price: £579,621
Average Rent: £2,200 per month
This town is quite artistic with a steep in maritime history and stunning waterfront views. If you love sailing, the beautiful cobbled streets and bustling marinas will capture your heart. The best part is you can easily access the New Forest.
Lymington is also one of Britain’s best coastal towns because the property market has something for everyone. You can get a quaint cottage full of character or luxurious waterfront homes with breathtaking views. This town has it all. It just depends on your budget.
Other Beautiful Seaside Towns UK
There are more cool coastal towns in the UK that are worth exploring, and the good thing is that these areas are your ticket to a more relaxed lifestyle. There’s hardly any rush, and you have easy access to nature. While exposed to the pretty beaches, nothing is more important than getting a comfortable living place with impressive views. uhomes.com helps you find your desired home with ease. All the accommodations in the UK are verified, and all you have to do is fill out an application form detailing the kind of accommodation you want, and we will take care of the rest.
Here are the most beautiful and nicest seaside towns in UK worth checking out:
Ballycastle, Co Antrim
Best for: Stunning coastal views, fresh local produce, and lively festivals.
Average Home Price: £249,667
Average Rent: £713 per month
Ballycastle has expansive beaches and rugged Game of Thrones scenery as a backdrop. Interestingly, the views stretch across the wild Atlantic to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre, making it welcoming for nature lovers and photographers.
The pretty seaside town of UK is also a foodie haven. You can start your morning at the brilliant Ursa Minor bakery, sample locally smoked delicacies from the North Coast Smokehouse, and finish with Morton’s famous fish and chips by the harbor. You get to also explore Ould Lammas Fair in late August, where the streets come alive with horse trading, music, and local delicacies like yellowman (honeycomb) and dulse (seaweed).
Mumbles, Glamorgan
Best for: Beach lovers and outdoor adventurers.
Average Home Price: £412,524
Average Rent: £1,300 per month
Mumbles is one of the nicest coastal towns in the UK. It’s just a stone’s throw from Swansea, Mumbles, so, there’s a balance between seaside lifestyle and easy access to city conveniences. For a classic seaside treat, you can grab an ice cream from Joe’s, Forte’s, or Verdi’s. And if you’re craving even wilder landscapes, Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula is just 40 minutes away. Aside from that, the breathtaking views and dramatic seaside walks will make your day.
Penzance/Newlyn, Cornwall
Best for: Seafood lovers, art enthusiasts, and those seeking an affordable slice of Cornwall.
Average Home Price: £500,000
Average Rent: £1,210 per month
Penzance and its neighbouring fishing village, Newlyn, may feel like the edge of England, but they’re gradually waking. New investments have breathed new life into the area and now there’s a wave of bars, cafés, and restaurants adding to its appeal. The architecture and history of the town keep it grounded. You’ll notice this as you stroll along Chapel Street, past its Georgian and Regency townhouses, or take a dip in the art deco Jubilee Pool. Overall, Penzance is one of the nicest coastal towns in the UK to live in.
Deal, Kent
Best for: Foodies, artists, and those looking for a less touristy coastal escape.
Average Home Price: £444,690
Average Rent: £1,267 per month
Deal, Kent is often overshadowed by Margate and Whitstable but the town is quite a treasure that deserves just as much love. Some of the features that make it famous include the huge pebble beach, historic charm, and thriving food scene. It’s one of the best beaach towns on the Kent coast, especially for those who love seafront strolls and stylish spots. Deal is also a paradise for boutique shopping. Many independent stores sell unique homeware, fashion, and art.
Southbourne, Dorset
Best for: Beach lovers who want a quieter alternative to Bournemouth.
Average Home Price: £474,486
Average Rent: £1,245 per month
Southbourne sits on the eastern edge of Bournemouth and offers a more relaxed, community-focused vibe while still enjoying stunning coastal views and easy access to the town center. A walk along the shore leads you to Bournemouth Pier and heading in the opposite direction takes you to Hengistbury Head. There is also Sobo Beach, a quirky double-decker bus, and a shipping container complex serving everything from coffee to crabcakes.
Hunstanton, Norfolk
Best for: Nature lovers and those who appreciate a slower pace of life by the sea.
Average Home Price: £318,875
Average Rent: £979 per month
You’d wonder why Hunstanton is also called, “Sunny Hunny.” Well, it’s because it’s the only place on England’s east coast where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset over the sea. Also, the spectacular striped cliffs in the town create a stunning backdrop to the golden beaches and views over The Wash. You can spend your day wandering through the beautifully maintained Heritage Gardens, following the self-guided Horticultural Trail, or exploring Old Hunstanton’s historic stone cottages. Shoppers can stop by Britain’s largest joke shop, while foodies will love The Neptune, an award-winning local pub. Overall, Hunstanton is such a wonder to behold and one of the UK’s best seaside towns.
Nefyn, Gwynedd
Best for: Those looking for seclusion, peaceful coastal living, and outdoor adventures.
Average Home Price: £219,458
Average Rent: £804 per month
You’ll find Nefyn on Wales’ rugged Llŷn Peninsula. The unexpectedly blue waters and close-knit community make the town a beautiful and peaceful escape. One of the highlights of this coastal town is that it stretches out to the charming beaches of Morfa Nefyn and Edern. It’s also lined with whitewashed cottages and a cozy pub. If you love hiking, you can also satisfy your outdoor cravings at the Snowdonia mountain trails.
Nairn, Highlands
Best for: Nature lovers, golf enthusiasts, and anyone craving a friendly coastal town with character.
Average Home Price: £250,435
Average Rent: £663 per month
Nairn is one of the driest and sunniest seaside destinations in Scotland. You know what that means? You’ll have plenty of chances to soak up the beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, and stunning walking trails. You could go spotting dolphins in the Moray Firth, hiking or mountain biking through the Highlands, or enjoying the town’s buzzy books and arts festival Really, there’s always something to do.
Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire
Best For: Old-school seaside charm, quiet beaches and a true sense of community.
Average Home Price: £248,495
Average Rent: £688 per month
If you’re craving a nice seaside escape, Sutton is the right town to stay. The vibe is a proper British seaside town but without the noisy arcades and flashing lights. Interestingly, the miles of golden sand and rows of beach huts make it one of the nicest coastal towns in the UK. It’s a place where life moves at a gentler pace. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for long walks, while the town’s independent shops and friendly locals give it a real community feel. You’ll even spot yarn-bombed street furniture and beautifully kept floral displays.
Whitby, Yorkshire
Best for: History buffs, fish-and-chip lovers, and anyone with a soft spot for the dramatic.
Average Home Price: £254,267
Average Rent: £798 per month
On our final list of best seaside towns in the UK, we have Whitby – a town where a gothic vibe meets classic seaside charm. Sure, there are golden sandy beaches, harbor, and some of the best fish and chips in the country, but you’ll also find a clifftop graveyard and a 1,360-year-old abbey that inspired Dracula. That gothic energy is alive and well, especially during Whitby Goth Weekend when the town fills with music fans dressed in black.
Beyond its eerie vibe, Whitby is packed with old-school Yorkshire characters. You’ll find cobbled streets lined with quirky shops.
Conclusion
Now that you know the best seaside towns in the UK with what makes them special, which of them is calling your name? Remember that these pretty seaside destinations offer more than just great views. It’s all about the slower pace, the fresh sea air, and the strong sense of community. So, feel free to choose the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
FAQ on Best Seaside Towns UK
The UK has many beautiful seaside towns and some of them include Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Falmouth in Cornwall, Maybole in Ayrshire, Newquay in Cornwall, Margate in Kent, Torquay in Devon, Bournemouth in Dorset, and Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk.
Some of the cheapest places to live in the UK near the seaside include Ashington in Northumberland (£132,660), Bootle in Merseyside (£133,197), and Grimsby in Lincolnshire (£135,951). Other affordable options are Girvan (£135,951), Maryport (£140,437), Workington (£141,765), and Hartlepool (£146,674).
Salcombe in Devon is the most expensive seaside town in the UK. According to Lloyds Ban, the average house price in the town is £970,657. It has even overtaken Sandbanks in Dorset as the priciest coastal spot in the country.
Dartmouth, Devon, is a fantastic beach town to raise a family. You’ll find good schools, fun attractions, and the beautiful Blackpool Sands beach nearby.
Bognor Regis, West Sussex, is considered the warmest seaside town in England. Its south coast location and proximity to the English Channel create a mild, long-lasting warm climate with abundant sunshine year-round, especially during summertime. Residents and visitors enjoy extended warm periods and favourable sea temperatures in this place. While towns like Ventnor and Bournemouth also report high temperatures.
