Seaside Towns In England That Are Pure Bliss

Posted on: Jun 16, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Seaside Towns In England That Are Pure Bliss

England's shoreline is more than 7,700 miles long, and it has many picture-perfect towns with pastel-coloured homes right next to the sea. These seaside gems have something for every traveller, whether they want the energy of a classic beach or the peace of a hidden cove.

The beauty of each town is different, with everything from traditional fish-and-chip shops to modern art galleries with views of the waves. Also, as you prepare for your trip, don't forget to buy travel insurance online if something goes wrong or changes.

1. Brighton, East Sussex

Fun at the beach is what Brighton is known for. Brighton Palace Pier stands behind the beach's pebbles. You can find old rides, video games, and fish-and-chip stands there. At night, they light up like a fairground.

The bustling Lanes area, with its many winding alleys, is excellent for finding small shops, antiques, and cosy coffee shops. On the other hand, the British Airways i360 viewing tower has a 138-meter glass pod with views of the coast.

Top attractions:

• Walk along the old Brighton Palace Pier to ride rides and see the sea.

• Check out the unique shops and restaurants in The Lanes.

• Swim in the cool English Channel and take it easy on the beach.

• See a show at the fancy Brighton Dome or the ruins of the West Pier.

2. St Ives, Cornwall

Built into rough rocks on the western tip of Cornwall, St. Ives is a dream for artists. Porthminster Beach has golden sands and blue water that is great for surfing and paddleboarding.

The Tate St. Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museums display modern art while waves crash outside. Narrow streets lead to a working harbour with seafood shacks serving freshly caught crab and lobster, and bright fishing boats.

Things to do:

• See Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.

• Relax on Porthminster Beach or learn how to surf at Porthmeor.

• Hike along parts of the South West Coast Path to see stunning views of cliffs.

• At cafés by the water, you can try Cornish pastries and cream teas.

3. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Whitby sits on the coast of North Yorkshire, below the ruins of Whitby Abbey. The town is full of seafaring and literary legends. People say that Bram Stoker got the idea for Dracula from it. Small streets with cobblestones lead to the harbour, where old-fashioned fishing boats bring in cod and haddock.

Eating fish and chips in a newspaper cone is a big deal in this area. The abbey has 199 steps that lead up to a view of the town and the North Sea. Below, small shops sell jet jewellery made from fossilised wood found in the area.

Highlights:

• Climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey for views from the top of the cliffs.

• Enjoy award-winning fish and chips close to the water.

• The house where Captain Cook lived in the 1600s is now the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.

• Nearby Saltwick Bay is a good place to look for fossils.

4. Lyme Regis, Dorset

It is on the Jurassic Coast and is known as the "Pearl of Dorset." The place is a UNESCO World Heritage site, well known for fossils. The Cobb Harbour is ancient but has beautiful views and is a safe place to paddleboard.

Many families go to Monmouth Beach to find ammonites and fossils of ammonites that are 180 million years old. In May, the town has a lively fair for fishermen, and along the water, there are small art studios and bookshops.

Must-see and do:

• Take a walk along the old Cobb harbour wall.

• A guide can help you look for fossils on Monmouth Beach.

• Take a walk along the Jurassic Coast to look for fossils.

• Treat yourself to freshly caught fish at waterfront bars and restaurants.

5. Southwold, Suffolk

Southwold is the perfect example of a classic English seaside town, with its pastel-striped beach huts and mile-long pier. Southwold Lighthouse has a view of white beaches and rolling marshes behind it.

Adnams Brewery has been around since 1872 and lets people take trips and try award-winning ales. Walking down the High Street, you'll find small shops, art galleries, and the Southwold Museum, which brings the town's fishing history to life.

Top experiences:

• Take it easy on the beach under the famous striped huts.

• Visit Adnams Brewery and try some local beers.

• Climb Southwold Lighthouse for a view of the whole town and the sea.

• Take the footboat from Southwold to Walberswick to check out the waters.

6. Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

Robin Hood's Bay is a town on the edge of rocks just south of Whitby. The small streets of this city feel like they are still buried in history. There are many crabs and anemones in the tidal pools, making them great for rock-pooling trips.

The coastal path here has challenging hikes with stunning views of the water. During low tide, you can find Jurassic fossils on the rock cliffs.

Don't miss:

• Explore the narrow, red-brick streets of this old port for sneaking goods.

• At low tide, look for rocks on the beach.

• Take a walk along the coastal trail in the North York Moors National Park.

• Try the local beer at bars on cliffs with views of the ocean.

7. Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Scarborough is one of the most famous beach towns in England. It has two long bays with golden sand and a long past as a spa town in the 1800s.

The medieval Scarborough Castle is high above the town and has excellent views of the North Sea. It also tells stories from the last 900 years. Old-fashioned arcades in South Bay and newer amusements in North Bay offer a lot of standard beach fun.

Highlights:

• At Scarborough Castle, you can look around the ruins and the museum.

• Between South and North Bay, you can ride the old cliff lift.

• Fun things to do in North Bay include playing old video games.

• Kick back on the sands of South Bay and North Bay.

If you go to these coastal towns in the autumn, you might want to combine your trip to the beach with one of the town's lively events. Check out our blog post "5 Fun Fall Festivals In Europe To Check Out Besides Oktoberfest" for more autumn ideas and a change of pace. It will help you make your trips more lively!

Conclusion

Watching the sun go down from Brighton's pier or discovering Lyme Regis's fossil-filled beaches are two of the most beautiful and memorable things you can do in England.

Do you want to ensure your adventures, from hiking along the coast to relaxing by the harbour, are worry-free? Then don't forget to buy international travel insurance before you leave for these charming places.

FAQs

1. When is the best time to go to these beach towns?

From late spring to early fall (May to September), the weather is usually the warmest; there are more daylight hours and many events and fairs. This is a great time to go to the beach and walk along the coast.

2. Are these beach towns suitable for families with kids?

Of course. Many towns have beaches with lifeguards, safe places to swim, family-friendly activities like amusement parks and nature trails along the coast, and many ice cream shops to keep kids happy.

3. How can I ensure I'm safe on my trip to the beach?

You can quickly and easily get travel insurance online from reliable companies. This insurance covers medical situations, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Buy international travel insurance that covers you everywhere and has help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you travel internationally.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Airline Lost Your Baggage? Know Your Rights And Compensation Claims (Business Standard)

California's Hidden Wine Country Gem

Finland Trip: Discovering the Secret to Happiness

Steps to Take When Your Baggage Doesn't Arrive

Discover South Africa's Hidden Gem: The Forgotten Mountains for a Sustainable Safari Experience