Britain's Best Beaches and Seaside Towns

Britain has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns. Here are some of the best:

Photo by Mark Lawson
11.  Dingle Peninsula

Dingle is a picturesque seaside town located on the Dingle Peninsula, on the west coast of Ireland. With its beautiful harbor, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands, Dingle is a popular tourist destination that offers something for everyone. One of the town's main attractions is its resident dolphin, Fungie, who has been entertaining visitors for over 30 years. Visitors can take a boat tour to see Fungie up close and personal, or simply watch him from the shore.


In addition to its natural beauty, Dingle is also known for its lively arts scene. The town is home to a number of galleries, studios, and arts and crafts shops, where visitors can see and purchase the work of local artists and craftspeople. Dingle is also famous for its food, with many restaurants and cafes serving up fresh seafood, locally-sourced ingredients, and traditional Irish dishes. Visitors can also enjoy a pint of Guinness or a whiskey at one of the town's many pubs, which often feature live music in the evenings.


Photo by Laila Gebhard

12. St Andrews

St Andrews is a historic seaside town located on the east coast of Scotland, famous for its golf courses, stunning architecture, and beautiful coastline. The town is home to the world-renowned Old Course at St Andrews, which is widely considered to be the birthplace of golf. Every year, the town hosts the Open Championship, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.

In addition to its golfing heritage, St Andrews is also known for its beautiful architecture, with historic buildings such as the University of St Andrews, St Andrews Castle, and St Andrews Cathedral attracting thousands of visitors each year. The town is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, where visitors can learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage.

Photo by Stephan Berg    
13. Crail
The picturesque fishing village of Crail is located in the East Neuk of Fife. With ancient, cobbled streets winding down past fishermen's cottages to the historic harbour, you can sample freshly caught seafood at the family-run Lobster Store during certain weekends throughout the season.     Stunning views across the firth to the Isle of May can be seen on a clear day from this white-washed village which sits just ten miles from St Andrews.

Photo by Simon Ridgwell
14. Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is one of Cornwall's most scenic beaches. The clarity of the water and the sweeping soft golden sand, make this one of the best beaches in Britain. Approximately one mile from popular St.Ives, the beach is owned by the beautiful award-winning Carbis Bay Hotel.    The luxurious Carbis Bay Hotel is a coastal retreat offering delicious food, spa facilities a heated pool and breathtaking views across the bay. Surrounded by nature and brilliant facilities, families come from far and wide to spend time here.

Photo by James Ratchford

15. Knoll Beach

Could there be a more enticing beach anywhere along England’s South Coast? Nestling in the dunes of Studland Bay’s National Nature Reserve, Knoll Beach combines several miles of brilliant white sand with uninterrupted views across Studland Bay to the Isle of Wight, Bournemouth and even Hengistbury Head.     For those who want to appreciate its natural beauty at a leisurely pace, the area is dotted with walking trails including a reptile discovery trail for younger visitors.



Photo by  Michael Cummins
16. Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood's Bay is a charming coastal village nestled on the edge of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. As soon as you arrive in the village, you can feel the history seeping from its narrow streets and tightly packed houses. The village has a unique character that is both rugged and picturesque. The old buildings are made of local red brick, which have weathered the centuries to a warm orange hue. The streets are steep and winding, and if you're not careful, you can find yourself lost in a maze of alleys and staircases that lead down to the bay.

Robin Hood's Bay has a rich seafaring heritage, and the village was once a hub for smugglers who used the network of alleys and secret tunnels to avoid the customs officers. The bay is a popular spot for fossil hunting, and you can often see people scouring the rocks for prehistoric treasures. The village is a great place to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to enjoy along the way. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a quaint seaside getaway, Robin Hood's Bay is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed.


 
17. Mousehole
Mousehole is a picturesque fishing village located on the southwesterncoast of Cornwall, England. It is known for its narrow, winding streets,traditional stone cottages, and bustling harbour. The village has arich maritime history and has been a center of the local fishingindustry for centuries. One of the most notable attractions in Mouseholeis the St Clement's Isle lighthouse, which has been guiding shipssafely into the harbour since 1620. Another notable feature is theChristmas lights display, which attracts visitors from all over theworld during the festive season.


 
18. St Ives
St Ives is a seaside town located on the north coast of Cornwall,England. It is known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, andvibrant arts scene. The town has a rich history and was once a centrefor the pilchard fishing industry. Today, St Ives is a popular touristdestination, offering a range of activities including swimming, surfing,and boating. The town is also home to several notable attractions,including the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, whichshowcases the work of the famous British artist, and the St Ives Museum,which tells the story of the town's history and heritage. St Ives isrenowned for its arts scene, and is home to several galleries andstudios showcasing the work of local artists.


 
19. Blakeney
Blakeney is a small coastal village located in the county of Norfolk,England. It is known for its charming harbor, stunning coastline, andrich history. Blakeney is a popular destination for those seeking atraditional seaside experience, and offers a range of activities,including sailing, windsurfing, and bird watching. Visitors can explorethe charming streets and historic buildings, including the 14th-centurySt Nicholas Church and the Blakeney Guildhall. The village is also hometo a number of independent shops, galleries, and cafes, and is renownedfor its fresh seafood and local produce. The nearby Blakeney Point is aNational Nature Reserve and is an important site for seal watching andbird watching.


 
20. Whitstable

Whitstable is a quaint coastal town located in the county of Kent, in the south-east of England. It's a town that is steeped in history, with a charming mix of old and new that makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. One of the town's most notable features is its long stretch of pebble beach, which is lined with colorful beach huts and overlooked by traditional fisherman's huts. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking long walks along the shore.

Whitstable is also famous for its oysters, which have been harvested from the town's waters for centuries. The annual Whitstable Oyster Festival, held every July, celebrates this rich history with a variety of events, including oyster eating contests, live music, and local crafts. The town has a bustling harbor, which is home to a fleet of fishing boats and sailing vessels. The harbor is a great place to explore, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants offering fresh seafood and other local delights.



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