THERE are few seaside towns in the UK that have managed to maintain their classic charm.
But if you look hard enough, there are a few old-school gems dotted around the country – and these are five of our favourites.
Broadstairs, Kent
Kent boasts so many impressive seaside towns, but Broadstairs is the one that really feels like old school England.
It has rustic fisherman’s cottages, the pretty Victoria Gardens and historic Bleak House where Charles Dickens famously wrote David Copperfield.
Unlike some of its neighbours, Broadstairs has managed to avoid big developments and has got lots of independent shops on its high street.
Morelli’s, the ice cream parlour, on The Parade, dates back to 1932.
A spot called The Old Curiosity Shop on Harbour Street has history going back to 1588.
The building was connected to smuggling, but now is a cosy café and tea room.
When it comes to its beaches, Broadstairs has seven sandy bays in total – which generally makes it quieter as visitors are unable to descend on a single beach.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who is a Kent local said: “The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.
Llandudno, North Wales
Llandudno, also dubbed the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts‘ is a destination that definitely takes visitors back in time.
One holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor: “I’ve been coming here almost 60 years now to this unspoilt town. The promenade is a step back in time as it never changes.”
The town in the north of Wales has managed to keep its Victorian and Edwardian buildings, especially on the promenade.
The hotels along the front are painted in traditional pastel shades to keep its old-school look.
One thing that might throw off visitors is that it’s lined with palm trees.
It’s not just the style of Llandudno that makes it timeless, it’s the case for attractions too.
There’s vintage Punch and Judy shows and of course the 2,000ft long pier that first opened in 1877.
Llandudno also has a historic tramway that takes visitors up to Great Orme, a steep coastal cliff.
There are also the Llandudno Cable Car which takes passengers on a one-mile journey between Happy Valley and the Great Orme Summit.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire has a traditional seaside feature dating back in the 1880s that makes it feel like a time capsule.
Its water-balance cliff funicular railway is 142 years old – and the oldest in the country.
It’s right on the beach and offers rides with views of the sea up to the town.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea has an impressive Victorian iron pier extending out into the North Sea for 200 metres and opened in May 1869.
It has absolutely no arcades, it’s simply a place for quiet and great views.
Airbnb described Saltburn-by-the-Sea as a ‘coastal gem’ for anyone “craving a quiet and scenic escape.”
It said: “Saltburn-by-the-sea offers the perfect blend of serenity and intrigue with Saltburn Pier, a friendly surf school, and a unique working cliff tramway connecting the promenade to the beach.”
Another popular attraction in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is Valley Gardens which were set up in 1860.
The colourful Italian Gardens have colourful flower displays and walks through the woodlands.
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
As Scarborough is Britain’s first and oldest seaside resort – it’s a relief that it still maintained its traditional feel.
The beach promenade on the North Bay are lined with brightly-coloured and historic beach chalets, with sweeping views across South Bay.
Of the 35 chalets, two of the rows date from Edwardian times which makes them Britain’s oldest surviving beach huts.
The town is also home to Britain’s very first funicular railway which opened in 1875.
South Cliff Lift connects the Cleveland Way beside the beach to the Esplanade at the top of the cliffs.
One Sun Writer discovered that while it doesn’t quite have Old Britain prices, you can still get some bargains in Scarborough.
She said: “If you head to The Fishpan chippie that has been open since 1960, you can get takeaway kids’ portion for £2.25 and massive chip butties for £3.45 each.
Brightlingsea, Essex
It might not be the first place you think of when looking for seaside towns with a classic feel, but Brightlingsea in Essex has some classic charm to it.
Visitors have described it having an “old-fashioned seaside promenade with plenty to enjoy” and a “lovely old fashioned beach“.
Another said that it’s a “very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”
The high street on Brightlingsea is considered one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets’ in the East of England.
Rather than chains, it’s got lots of independent shops selling records and plants like Roots & Grooves; others like Toggs is where you can pick up women’s clothes and handbags.
There’s also the Olde Swan, which is a pub as well as a bed and breakfast, and is one of the oldest buildings in the town.
Brightlingsea also has one of the last remaining lidos in the area which dates back to the 1930s,
It has an Olympic-size outdoor pool, a heated toddler pool, sun loungers, changing rooms, and a cafe.