Exploring the Coastal Towns of Great Britain: 8 Sleepy Seaside Villages to Have on Your Radar

No visit to the UK would be complete without an escape to the coast. And while taking the trip to Britain’s seaside villages during the brief summer months of sunshine is a beloved tradition for locals, visitors can enjoy these cozy havens any time of year. Here are a few of our favorite beachy spots—all offering something unique while maintaining the cozy charm that you’d expect from a seaside village.

Southern UK

1. Shanklin, Isle of Wight: This popular resort will easily meet your expectations for a quintessential English seaside town, complete with Old Village charm, thatched roofed inns, and tea houses. Take in the town’s World War II history or simply rent kayaks to explore the rugged coastline. Plus, it’s an easy drive from London.

2. Brighton: You can’t recommend a list of seaside English villages and neglect to mention Brighton. This long-favorite of Londoners has a fun boardwalk for a lively, holiday-like atmosphere. Busy in the short summer months, you’ll have the place almost entirely to yourself in winter. There are plenty of shopping and lodging options and the Royal Pavilion historic site mixes classic with Indian architectural styles for a visually interesting tour. Be sure to check out the lively performing arts scene during the peak season.

3. Hastings, East Sussex: You’ve probably heard of Hastings and maybe even visited before, but this seaside town is in the midst of a revival and deserving of a second trip. On George Street, you’ll find antique shops and curio stores tucked amid all the fun tourist stuff. The pier was recently rebuilt, and while the coastline here is decidedly more commercial than most thanks to the booming fishing industry, you’ll dine on the freshest seafood around.

4. Folkestone, Kent: Folkestone has shed (most) of its somewhat shabby exterior to appeal to those seeking something artsy and slightly edgy. Its Creative Quarter houses artists’ workshops and galleries galore, with collaborative art projects and festivals held here. Plus, Folkestone’s beaches are as wide and sandy as the UK coastline gets.

Western England

5. Southwold: Located in Suffolk, Southwold is home to those adorable pastel beach huts most travelers associate with English beaches. Visitors get a proper town here, too, with a town square, brewery, elegant hotels, and plenty of dining options. Check out the working lighthouse that keeps watch to this day (it’s open to the public!). Rent a little cottage of your own in Southwold and feel like a local on holiday.

6. Filey, North Yorkshire: Representing all the best elements of any UK seaside village, Filey sports plenty of pubs, unique shops, and great fish and chips. The beach is easily accessible and when the tide goes out, go out to the peninsula of Filey Brigg to walk, observe wildlife and watch the fishermen.

Wales

7. Porthmadog, Gwynedd: Porthmadog is a beauty, enjoying views of the stunning Snowdonia Mountains. In fact, Snowdonia National Park is just a stone’s throw away, offering plenty of scenic vistas and opportunities to take in nature. Stroll along the long Black Rock Sands for a nice beach walk. Take the fabled Ffestiniog Railway through Wales from here, but be sure to check out Borth-y-Gest first: this little road of brightly painted Victorian houses lining the beach is Instagram-ready.

8. Aberystwyth, Ceredigion: A university town located to the south of Porthmadog, Aberystwyth offers up two pebbly beaches. Thanks to its lively student population, there are plenty of pubs, an exciting art scene, and plenty of places to check out live Welsh music. Check out the Victorian Gothic building of Old College, and tour what’s left of Aberystwyth Castle, founded in 1277. The national library of Wales is also located in this lively town.

What to Pack

As you may have gathered, UK coastal villages are more about rainwear and warm sweaters than swimsuits and sunscreen (though you may need both).

Here’s what to pack in order to fully enjoy the variety of weather you may experience in seaside towns across England and Wales:

• Lightweight, waterproof jacket, such as the Vertex Jacket for men or Madigan Classic II Jacket for women

• Hybrid jacket for when the wind blows but it stays dry, such as the highly packable VentaLite II or CompressLite II

• Waterproof hiking or walking shoes

• Wool socks

• Flannel or wool shirt or undershirt (layering is key)

• Water-resistant trekking pants like the Kiwi Pro for women (bonus points if they zip off to become shorts when the sun shines, like the Kiwi Trek)

• Hat with a wide brim to shield you from both sun and rain and/or beanie cap for windy weather

Whether you head to a small sleepy village or a more vibrant town teeming with coastal industry, if you visit in the off-season, you’ll be rewarded with pristine, empty beaches, gorgeous views from bluffs and cliffsides, and often, birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. Bundle up, explore, and plan to end each excursion with a spot of tea in a cozy village shop.

Written by Amy Whitley for RootsRated in partnership with Craghoppers.

Featured image provided by Marian May