THE UK is home to some breath-takingly beautiful seaside towns.
So its no surprise that each summer, hoards of holidaymakers flock to the coasts to make the most of the sun.
However, visiting these seaside towns in winter can actually be a much better time to go.
Visiting in winter gives you all the time, peace and quiet to enjoy the beauty of these towns – sometimes practically all to yourself.
So whether you’re looking for a big family day out with amusements and plenty to do, or a quaint and scenic spot to enjoy some fish and chips – we’ve rounded up some of the best seaside towns to visit this winter.
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
The dramatic cliffs of Robin Hood’s Bay, a small village in North Yorkshire, feel even more magical during the winter.
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Weathered rock faces, continuously battered by a moody sea, and views of windswept countryside create an ambience that would fit in well with an Emily Brontë novel.
Don’t expect stereotypical seaside beauty here.
Instead it’s the ruggedness of the place that makes it special, with asymmetrical houses lining the hilly streets and pokey shops where huge bay windows showcase books and little souvenirs.
Wrap up warm for a ramble along the Cleveland Way coastal path to the neighbouring shores of Whitby before holing up in one of the cosy pubs in front of a roaring fire.
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For cracking homemade pub grub, head to the 17th century Smuggler’s Inn, so named because of the region’s history as a smuggling cove, where spirits, tea and tobacco were snuck through cavernous tunnels.
– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
Broadstairs, Kent
Having made the move from London to Kent nearly four years ago, it’s fair to say I’ve explored my fair share of seaside towns.
But one that I always love visiting even in winter is Broadstairs.
The magic of the town comes alive when the crowds have gone, where you can head to The Mermaid for some fish and chips before going to the Charles Dickens for a pint.
It’s even great in the winter if you need to do some early Christmas shopping.
I’ve already half finished my list of presents thanks to the independent stores. Kope + Loko does beautiful clothing behind its coffee shop while Hope by SP is the best for interiors and knick knacks.
Make time for the award-winning,cosy Bar Ingo for some small plates, where even now I don’t understand how a simple fish of mushrooms and butter beans can be one of the best things I’ve eaten.
The fresh glass of Portuguese wine might have perhaps been one of the reasons…
If you don’t want to get the last train, book a stay at the newly-opened Smiths Townhouse, a a trendy yet intimate space that makes you feel like you are staying at your cool mate’s house.
– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Southwold, Sussex
Southwold always holds a special place in my heart because of the sheer amount of weekends I’ve had there with my family over the years, especially during blustery winter.
The beach is great, but let’s face it when it gets cold, you’re just wanting to go inside
Despite this, it is worth going for a quick stroll to see the multi-coloured beach huts, as well as the traditional amusement arcades.
The town has great shops as well as an Adnams brewery – you can go and experience tastings and tours too.
There are plenty of fish and chip shops throughout the town, but for the best ones head to the Sole Bay Fish Company which is out of the town towards the harbour.
– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Dartmouth, Devon
Whilst not strictly a ‘seaside’ town, Dartmouth does sit on the coastline in Devon and features pretty beaches.
The waterfront town is full of charm, with cobblestones, streets and wonky buildings.
All centred around a harbour, it is the ideal place for a day trip with everything close together.
Tucked away from the more popular seaside towns of Torquay and Paignton, Dartmouth is a top coastal retreat.
It sits on the banks of the River Dart and its estuary position is ideal for boat trips and cruises that venture from the town to the sea.
And at Castle Cove, there is a small shingle beach only accessible when the tide is low.
For those who don’t like the crowded beaches and arcades found in seaside towns across the country, Dartmouth is a great alternative.
– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Seahouses, Northumberland
The vast swathes of sweeping beaches on the Northumbrian coast from Seahouses up to Bamburgh are beautiful at any time of year.
But winter means less crowds and the chance to explore the dramatic coastline on wonderful windswept walks.
This pretty fishing village has a bustling Victorian harbour – enjoy some of the freshest fish and chips at Neptune’s Fish Restaurant.
Seahouses is also a great base for joining boat trips over to the Farne Islands, home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals.
Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours has special grey seal cruises with pups born from October to December.
The cruises also offer an insight into the heroism of Grace Darling, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter who rescued survivors of the SS Forfarshire paddle steamer in 1838.
For a cosy end to a blustery beach walk, enjoy a pint at the Olde Ship Inn that has been serving the community since 1812.
– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
I was born and raised in this North Norfolk seaside town which surges in popularity in summer – and I can understand why we draw in the crowds!
But in the winter, you can enjoy all the beauty of the town without the chaos that comes with the summer holidays.
Next door to royal favourite Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea has everything you could want for a day at the seaside.
This includes a fishing boat-dotted quay to go crabbing, a high street with independent shops, traditional arcades, a sweeping golden beach, and some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat. (Tip from a local – French’s beats Plattens for me!)
I grew up quay jumping with my friends and causing mischief at the annual carnival, which takes over the town with unique music acts, foods, crafts and events.
But one of my favourite and lesser-known parts about my hometown is that you can go alpaca trekking across the marshes.
Book an alpaca trek and bring some apples in your bag, and suddenly you’re having the most unique day out at the seaside!
Plus, the grand Albatross boat that sits on the quayside once used to serve Dutch pancakes – now it’s opening up as a quirky four-room boat B&B.
For me, Wells-next-the-Sea is the best seaside town in Norfolk, with its perfect blend of seaside tradition and quirky character.
– Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer
St Mawes, Cornwall
St Mawes is a bit of a unicorn in terms of Cornish seaside towns – it’s beautiful with great pubs and restaurants, but is hardly ever busy because the windy roads into the centre make it virtually impossible for coaches to get there.
As a result, the town is a wonderfully peaceful coastal destination, where children can play on the sand while their parents sip their pint in the nearby pub.
While I love St Mawes in the summer, which is also when I usually visit, it’s also a fantastic winter break thanks to all the places to eat and drink.
The Rising Sun is great for a lunchtime drink if the sun’s shining, as it beams right down on the front courtyard.
But the St Mawes Hotel is my favourite pub, with excellent food served too. Bagsie one of the squidgy leather sofas and play a boardgame with views of sea from the balcony and a pint of Cornish cider.
Plus the kids can catch a movie in the hotel’s own private cinema.
If you fancy a bracing walk, the Place Ferry takes you over to the SW Coastal Path along the Roseland Peninsula.
Or alternatively, check out the St Mawes Castle that was built by Henry VIII – which is even more fun on a blustery day.
– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel – Digital
Blackpool, Lancashire
When it comes to the British seaside, Blackpool has a bit of everything.
Sea swimming and sunbathing are off the agenda in winter (for me, anyway) but between September and December is the best time to visit.
The Blackpool illuminations have been running for 140 years and are a staple winter attraction along the seafront.
The streets are decorated with light installations, illuminated trails and even the classic Blackpool trams are kitted out with hundreds of fairy lights.
The seaside town’s unique attractions are just as fun in the winter months.
You can visit the iconic Blackpool Tower year-round and Blackpool Pleasure Beach is open until the end of November with special Winter Weekends on selected days until March.
You can also ice skate for free on the beach at the Christmas by the Sea village in front of Blackpool Tower.
However, nothing beats a good fish and chip tea, sitting on a bench on the promenade. It’s what England does best, whatever the weather.
– Helen Wright, Travel Writer