{"id":203016,"date":"2025-06-21T17:03:32","date_gmt":"2025-06-21T17:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/203016\/"},"modified":"2025-06-21T17:03:32","modified_gmt":"2025-06-21T17:03:32","slug":"britains-15-best-seaside-spots-revealed-these-are-the-secret-coastal-towns-the-smart-set-flock-to-revealed-by-an-expert-who-tells-the-blockbuster-places-to-stay-and-where-to-go-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/203016\/","title":{"rendered":"Britain’s 15 best seaside spots revealed: These are the secret coastal towns the smart set flock to revealed by an expert – who tells the blockbuster places to stay… and where to go on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

America boasts the Hamptons and Cape Cod, France<\/a> has its riviera \u2013 and these days the UK has seasides that are every bit as cool. Here are Britain\u2019s 15 classiest coastal spots, with tips on how to stay alongside the millionaires on a budget.<\/p>\n

South<\/p>\n

St Ives, Cornwall<\/p>\n

This Cornish fishing village\u2019s cobbled lanes lead from the harbour to beaches via boutiques selling \u00a3100 T-shirts.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Hollywood actress Thandiwe Newton<\/a> often returns to her family home.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: The circular seafront Tate gallery is a work of art in its own right.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Michelin-starred food and a seaweed spa at private beach lodges; up to \u00a32,350 a night (carbisbayhotel.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Romantic clifftop rooms in D.H. Lawrence\u2019s favourite pub; from \u00a3140 (whitehousezennor.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Mawgan Porth, Cornwall<\/p>\n

A sandy surfers\u2019 cove that\u2019s dubbed north Cornwall\u2019s Hollywood-on-Sea.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Cate Blanchett, Jason Statham and Coldplay\u2019s Chris Martin have homes; Kate Winslet, Noel Gallagher and Gary Barlow are often spotted.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Soak up the Japanese Garden\u2019s zen vibes, followed by lessons in the latest watersport, wave-skiing.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Eco adults-only hotel, with wooden hot tubs and hanging lanterns; from \u00a3310 (scarlethotel.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Seaview bungalow B&B; from \u00a3130 (trevarrianlodge.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Whitstable, Kent<\/p>\n

This cool Kent Riviera hang-out has an arts and crafts market.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Spot locals Harry Hill and Janet Street-Porter; visitors Gary Lineker and Kate Moss.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Forge Beach Cafe\u2019s takeaway oysters and chips on paper plates.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Enjoy anchovies in seaweed mayonnaise, English bubbly and private balconies; from \u00a3184 (marinewhitstable.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Charming fisherman\u2019s huts next to oyster beds; from \u00a395 (whitstablefishermanshuts.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Lymington, Hampshire<\/p>\n

Where the New Forest meets Solent yachties amid Georgian antique shops.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Sir Ben Ainslie and singer Birdy are local; visitors include Johnny Depp and Elton John.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Stand-up paddle-boarding in a Victorian seawater lido.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Luxury yacht in Lymington marina; from \u00a3400 for two nights (zendogcharters.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Solent-side hotel; from \u00a3104 (macdonaldhotels.co.uk\/elmers-court<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" East<\/p>\n

Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk<\/p>\n

This marshy millionaires\u2019 hotspot on the atmospheric Norfolk coast boasts a village charcuterie and smokehouse.<\/p>\n

Star watch: James Blunt\u2019s home town; Rick Wakeman recently married there.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Seafood in Wiveton Bell pub garden next to a village green.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Historic windmill that\u2019s now a luxury B&B; from \u00a3325 (cleywindmill.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Elegant Victorian guesthouse; from \u00a3130 (blakeneyhouse.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Southwold, Suffolk<\/p>\n

Southwold, with its pier, sandy beach and beach huts, is sometimes dubbed Hampstead-on-Sea.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Rowan Atkinson and Twiggy live here; Stephen Fry visits.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: The pier\u2019s eccentric, arty amusement arcade and ice cream from chocolatier Harris & James.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Boutique coaching inn with private butlers; from \u00a3304 (theswan<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/a>southwold.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Beachside bar with rooms; from \u00a3180 (sailloftsouthwold.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Aldeburgh, Suffolk<\/p>\n

Enjoy literary and classical festivals, designer clothes, bookshops and the half-timbered cinema.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Locals range from Bill Nighy to Roy Keane; visitors from Joanna Lumley to Tom Hiddleston.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Art everywhere, including Maggi Hambling\u2019s 20ft-high steel scallop beach sculpture.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Victorian seafront hotel; from \u00a3261 (wentworth-aldeburgh.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Hand-dived scallops, complimentary cocktails and vintage rooms; from \u00a3185 (the-suffolk.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" Wales<\/p>\n

Beaumaris, Anglesey<\/p>\n

The millionaires\u2019 coast between Menai Bridge and the world heritage castle has beaches, yachts and very smart shops.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Hollywood star Stanley Tucci dines at The Bull\u2019s Head Inn, James Nesbitt at Midland Tapas.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Carbon-neutral puffinspotting cruises with Seacoast Safaris and a \u00a3175 \u2018surprise menu\u2019 at Michelin-starred restaurant Sosban.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Fairytale waterside chateau; from \u00a3180 (chateaurhianfa.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Historic coaching inn near the castle; from \u00a3152 (inncollection<\/p>\n

<\/a>group.com\/bulls-head-inn<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Cardigan, Ceredigion<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a bohemian town on the River Teifi with antiques, art and artisan food.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Fans include Lee Evans, Charlotte Church, Kevin Keegan and Billy Bragg.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Power kiting on Poppit Sands and birdwatching from Welsh Wildlife Centre\u2019s eco-cafe.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Spa hotel owned by local family overlooking Cardigan Island; from \u00a3251 (cliffhotel.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

On a budget: Refurbished beach hotel; from \u00a3145 (teifiwatersidehotel.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" North<\/p>\n

Arnside, Cumbria<\/p>\n

This fishing village claims the UK\u2019s best sunset views across the bay to the Lake District fells.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Visitors include Michael Portillo and mountaineer Chris Bonington.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Galleries and cocktail bars on the promenade.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Two-bed luxury waterside balcony apartment named Beach Haven; from \u00a31,150 a week, code: UK46163 (cottages.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Whitewashed inn with gardens; from \u00a388 (the<\/p>\n

<\/a>silverdalehotel.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Alnmouth, Northumberland<\/p>\n

You\u2019re by a two-mile beach with colourfully painted houses, a Victorian golf club \u2013 and The Ferry Hut, the UK\u2019s smallest museum (the curator has to sit on a deckchair outside).<\/p>\n

Star watch: Visitors include Robson Green and Vernon Kay. DJ Calvin Harris married Radio 1\u2019s Vick Hope here, and Nile Rodgers played at the party.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Seabass and scallops perched in the Treehouse Restaurant, or one of the UK\u2019s largest second-hand book stores in the old rail station.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Open fires and standalone baths in a period B&B; from \u00a3153 (stvaleryalnmouth.com<\/a>)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On a budget: Cheerful village inn; from \u00a3110 (hopeandanchorholidays.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Lytham-St-Annes, Lancashire<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a haven of leafy avenues with seaside villas, golf clubs and a cast-iron pier.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Freddie Flintoff is a local; Olly Murs visits.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Pear frangipanes at Taps pub, bargain hunting at Verdi antiques warehouse and takeaway salmon-and-dill fishcakes from Whelans.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Award-winning self-catering flat; from \u00a3175 (no16lytham.com)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

On a budget: Recently refurbished seaview hotel; from \u00a389 (inncollection<\/p>\n

<\/a>group.com\/offshore<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" Scotland<\/p>\n

North Berwick, East Lothian<\/p>\n

Golf, seabirds and castles help make this Scotland\u2019s most expensive seaside.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Colin Firth appropriately loves the Firth of Forth.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: Foodie tours by electric bike, gannet-spotting boat safaris and supercar driving for kids at East Fortune circuit.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Golf, spas and island views at Marine Hotel; from \u00a3370 (marine<\/p>\n

andlawn.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Historic inn alongside world\u2019s biggest herbaceous border; from \u00a3150 (castleinndirleton.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Leith, north of Edinburgh<\/p>\n

From the grungy setting for Trainspotting, Leith has risen to become Scotland\u2019s smartest suburb, nicknamed Scotland\u2019s Shoreditch, with hip bars and restaurants, and vintage markets.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Spot locals The Proclaimers or visitor Tom Cruise, who sailed into Leith on his superyacht.<\/p>\n

Cool highlight: Stroll the decks of the retired Royal Yacht Britannia.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Stay afloat in a five-star hotel-ship alongside the Britannia; from \u00a3400 (fingal.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: Opulent Victorian guesthouse overlooking a park; from \u00a3151 (sandaigguesthouse.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

St Andrews, Fife<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the home of golf, Scotland\u2019s first university and bracing sandy beaches.<\/p>\n

Star watch: Look out for visitors Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.<\/p>\n

Cool highlights: \u2018Landsailing\u2019 on West Sands, sweating in a Wild Scottish Sauna or The Himalayas putting course.<\/p>\n

Dream stay: Iconic historic golfers\u2019 hotel; from \u00a3570 (oldcoursehotel.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

On a budget: A modern rural bed and breakfast built by the owner; from \u00a3140 (tarskavaigbnb.co.uk<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"America boasts the Hamptons and Cape Cod, France has its riviera \u2013 and these days the UK has…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":203017,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5018,3,4],"tags":[748,92,393,4884,1144,712,183,16,15,1764],"class_list":{"0":"post-203016","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-britain","8":"category-uk","9":"category-united-kingdom","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-dailymail","12":"tag-england","13":"tag-great-britain","14":"tag-northern-ireland","15":"tag-scotland","16":"tag-travel","17":"tag-uk","18":"tag-united-kingdom","19":"tag-wales"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114722442581935238","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203016","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=203016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/203016\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/203017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=203016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=203016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=203016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}