Brits rate best UK seaside towns to live in and uncover some hidden gems
UK residents have named the very best seaside towns in the country to live in and visit from the Scottish to south coasts, based on their own personal experiences
The top coastal towns in the country, as named by Brits, were praised for everything from their sandy beaches, to ‘unbeatable’ seafood and community feel.
There’s nothing better than a personal recommendation when it comes to making informed decisions. Travel brochures and tourism websites may sing the praises of a destination but the experiences of those who have actually been there is invaluable before you decide to visit or even relocate to a particular area.
Brits were asked where their favourite seaside towns in the UK were for a day trip and to live in. They were quick to share their top coastal destinations and highlighted the major areas of appeal, ranging from the beautiful beaches to stunning views and locally caught seafood.
They posted their views on Reddit in answer to another user who had always wanted to live by the sea but couldn’t afford to as yet. They asked for others to share their favourite seaside towns and why they loved them so much. Here are some of the destinations that came highly recommended:
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
This pretty harbour town in Aberdeenshire on the east coast of Scotland was name-dropped by one impressed visitor who wrote: "Folk festival held in the pubs on the harbour! Deep fried Mars bars! Nearby castle! LOBSTER POTS!!" Thanks to its location, locally caught seafood is available to buy in the village, along with other local produce. Overlooked by Dunnottar Castle, the harbour has a number of restaurants and you can also visit the Tolbooth Museum - a former prison - here. The sandy beachfront is great for families and the stunning coastline can be enjoyed via a spot of paddleboarding. There’s a heated open air swimming pool on the seafront too.
Conwy, North Wales
Probably best known for its castle, which is part of a world heritage site, Conwy is completely surrounded by the castle's walls. The eight towers provide amazing views of the incredible landscape surrounding it. The harbour and quay are great for people watching and it's also home to Britain’s smallest house. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Conwy Nature Reserve and the beautiful Bodnant Garden. Conwy Mountain is also nearby with its picturesque lakes and Iron Age hillfort. One visitor commented: "Very pretty harbour. Castle looming over the town itself. Train tracks go under the castle! Castle walls! Boat trips. Wetland nature reserve. Harbour-side pub! I very much recommend, if you're able, that you park at Conwy Marina, just outside, and walk along the waterside path into town - stunning views there and back. It's also wheelchair accessible."
Whitby, north Yorkshire
The seaside town and port of Whitby also got a couple of shout-outs, with one saying they’d: "Always had a bit of a soft spot” for it. Nestled on the North York Moors coastline, Whitby was crowned one of the nation's prettiest spots back in 2021. Perched atop the stunning cliffs of North Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, this historic town is acclaimed for its evocative Abbey, its connection to globetrotter Captain Cook, and for being the backdrop to Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece Dracula - not to mention a legendary fish and chip shop that locals can't stop talking about.
Cromer
Located on the north coast of Norfolk, Cromer has several awe-inspiring beaches, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Here those wanting to enjoy some water sports can hire surf boards or SUPs. But if you’re craving a slower pace of life you can relax on the pristine sands or enjoy a stroll to take in the breathtaking scenery. The promenade is surrounded by incredible sculpted gardens and borders, as well as quaint Victorian buildings. One former resident shared: "I grew up near Cromer and it's a lovely little town - good variety of shops and amenities, a lovely pier, a nice community feel. It's a bit of a nightmare in tourist season but outside of that it's a great place to live. Crab is the local specialty and it's hard to beat a Cromer crab freshly caught that morning!"
Southbourne, Bournemouth
Bournemouth was praised for its amenities and sandy beaches. "Plenty of cafes, bars, shops, public transport options and you can walk to the seaside. If you are going to be near the beach it needs to be sandy!!" said one fan. Bournemouth is the largest town in the county of Dorset and is a hot spot for visitors at home and from further afield. One of its main attractions are the seven miles of glorious sandy beaches, which have won numerous awards. It came a very respectable 20th in the 2024 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches in Europe and was Tripadvisor’s best UK beach of 2024.
Swansea
The second largest city in Wales, Swansea is located on the south coast and is known for its beautiful beaches. There’s also plenty to do there with attractions including the National Waterfront Museum, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and the breathtaking Gower peninsula as well as a thriving nightlife scene. One resident revealed: "I moved to Swansea and stayed. I can walk anywhere in town including down the beach, stroll along the front to get really good ice cream. There's surfing round the coast if it's your thing, the Gower nearby for walking and getting out into open spaces. Also as a university town it doesn't have the grim winter close and crash many seaside towns do but carries on being lively. Fast trains to/from London, decent trains elsewhere. Near enough to Cardiff to visit, far enough from Cardiff for everything else."
Brighton
Famed as a party town by the sea, there’s a lot more to Brighton than just bars and clubs. They are of course plentiful for anyone wanting to let their hair down but there’s also a wealth of historical places to visit, including the Royal Pavillion - former seaside home of King George IV - Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and the town’s two piers. The beach is where a lot of the action takes place but there are quieter areas at Hove lagoon and the Marina for families to enjoy as well as the Sea Lanes heated outdoor swimming pool. Just a stone’s throw away is the South Downs National Park with its stunning landscapes and pretty villages. The local tourism website describes Brighton as: "An inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. With a blend of modern culture and exotic architecture, sea and countryside."
Where is your favourite seaside town in the UK? Let us know in the comments below.