Alternative Seaside Towns

The British seaside, buckets and spades, beach huts and long piers reaching out to the ocean. The UK’s coastal towns offer all this plus more, but. You’ve heard of Blackpool, Great Yarmouth and so on, what if you have been to these places already? Well! We have compiled a list of ‘not so obvious’ seaside towns to check out whilst the sun has his hat on this summer. 

SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK

On the east coast of England, a small town that offers typical seaside attractions, sandy beach, traditional pier and colourful beach huts. 

Another feature the quaint little town has is a lighthouse which is open to visitors. It stands tall whilst surveying the bay.

Along with the lighthouse, a Brewery which has operated for 670 years also resides in the area. Plenty of eating and accommodation are available to boot, from the Swan Hotel to a nearby campsite.

SHANKLIN, THE ISLE OF WIGHT

One of the Isle of Wight’s most idyllic seaside town, Shanklin has  a ‘Old Village’ feel with thatched pubs, sweet shops and tearooms. It has of the most picturesque beaches in the UK, you can hire boats in front of the guesthouses and cafés. 

WHITSTABLE, KENT

Situated on the north Kent coast,  Whitstable is a popular city escape route. One of the major attractions that bring people to the town are the local oysters, Whitstable has been known for them since the Roman empire. The seafood is such a focus of the town, an annual  Oyster Festival was created, from eating contests, entertainment from performers and a parade. Any time of summer however is a great time to come to this gem of a town.

ROBIN HOOD'S BAY, YORKSHIRE

Robin Hood’s Bay has no connection to the eponymous folk hero surprisingly, this village was known as Yorkshires biggest smuggling community back in the eighteenth century. Down the hill into the village you will be greeted by old, cottage houses, a steep cobbled road leading slowly down to the sea. When the tide is low you can walk out to the bottom of the cliffs, making it perfect for exploring. Just make sure your back in time for a chippy tea, which is known as yorkshire's best.

HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX

Hastings has had a bad reputation in the past, the town has the UK’s largest fishing fleet, which means there’s the freshest seafood ever! They have a host of brilliant restaurants that serve the catch of the day. There are antiques on George Street, but it’s not all about the old in Hastings the opening of a new pier, after the previous one was destroyed by fire.