Beach Break

A picturesque Northumberland seaside village has secured a coveted spot in Time Out’s top 10 best UK seaside towns for 2026, outranking popular destinations including Bamburgh and Berwick

The Northumberland coastline is grabbing attention this summer as holidaymakers hunt for wallet-friendly getaways, and with the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path, the entire UK shoreline can now be explored on foot.

Thanks to the coastal path encircling the whole country, enthusiastic walkers and adventurers are scouting their next staycation, and this peaceful village offers an ideal starting point.

Time Out unveiled their ranking of the finest UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, and an overlooked treasure in Northumberland secured a spot in the top 10. Alnmouth is celebrated for its wild natural beauty and soft sands, discreetly positioned along the coastline, sitting between Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Outranking some of the nation’s most beloved seaside resorts, including St Ives and Brighton, and climbing above its nearby neighbours Bamburgh and Berwick, it’s evident that Alnmouth is one to keep an eye on this year.

The beach

Alnmouth lies within one of Northumberland’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and consequently, it brims with unspoilt corners and abundant wildlife. Alnmouth Beach is precisely one of these treasured locations, cherished by both tourists and locals for its expansive stretch of sand, providing a delightful day by the sea.

One recent visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Nice wide sandy beach with convenient shops and cafes nearby. Parking right behind the beach. Not over-commercialised.”

Another visitor added: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water! Would definitely return!”

The beach warmly welcomes four-legged friends, making it a brilliant destination for the whole family. It’s divided into three sections, offering ample room to spread out and have fun.

Many visitors choose to arrive via the Northumberland Coast Path, making their way from neighbouring towns and villages while taking in the stunning coastline in its entirety.

Restaurants

According to TripAdvisor reviews, the top spot for a hearty meal in the village is Bistro 23, which serves up brunch and coffee during the day alongside evening dining in the bistro.

One delighted diner left a glowing review: “Wonderful food and super service at this amazing restaurant. We have visited a number of times and have never been anything other than delighted.”

For a touch of elegance, the delightful Whittling House is a country restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced produce packed with flavour. It also boasts 10 guest rooms, making it the perfect base for a full weekend away, with their exceptional food and drink keeping you going throughout your stay.

For something a little more traditional, The Red Lion — which also operates as a bed and breakfast — offers an extensive pub grub menu. Well-behaved dogs are made to feel at home in the bar and beer garden, where you can enjoy a pint while soaking up views of the boats.

Art Gallery

Celebrating the work of local talent, The Old School Gallery makes for a wonderful pit stop during a day spent exploring the coastline, nestled inside a charming period school building. It boasts an accessible collection of inspiring artwork from artists across Northumberland and beyond, all of which can be enjoyed alongside a delicious coffee from their very own in-house café.

One reviewer wrote: “Very friendly staff with a warm welcome. The gallery is varied to suit all tastes and budget. We only went for a coffee and ended up buying a print by a local artist.”

Another visitor added: “A lovely old English school turned into a gallery and café, what couldn’t you love about this? The food is great and they have an amazing gift shop.”

Whether you’re wrapping up for a bracing winter stroll along the shore or seeking out a tranquil spot to soak up the summer sun, the quaint village of Alnmouth is the perfect place to take a breather and drink it all in.

The pier has been extensively redeveloped and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s top seaside family attractions, perfect for a day out by the sea

When Brits picture a quintessential pier experience, their minds often drift to the likes of Blackpool or Brighton, while overlooking one of the UK’s finest piers.

Yet nestled in the South West, along the Bristol Channel in North Somerset, lies a coastal gem that delivers a pier experience unlike any other.

Weston-super-Mare pulled out all the stops when it decided to elevate its Grand Pier, preserving its heritage while simultaneously raising the bar on the main seafront stretch.

Today it caters to modern families in exactly the way a holiday spot should, boasting an indoor venue packed with excitement, entertainment and all the British seaside essentials.

Originally opening as the Grand Pier in 1904, it has since achieved listed building status, safeguarding a rich history of seaside tourism in Weston.

However, during this period, the pier has evolved from a simple viewing platform to a comprehensive attraction offering hours of amusement.

Sadly for visitors and residents alike, throughout its existence, the pier has been devastated twice by fires, the first in 1930 and subsequently in 2008. It was the 2008 disaster which granted it a completely fresh start and ushered in the reconstruction of the pier as it stands today.

In 2009, North Somerset Council gave the green light to proposals for a new pier to be constructed, with contractors John Sisk and Son chosen to build a new pavilion.

The revamped Grand Pier threw open its doors for the half-term holiday on 23 October 2010, with an official reopening for the tourist season the following July.

While the pier still offers traditional seaside rock, fish and chips and a host of arcade games — including the much-loved 2p machines — there is a great deal more on offer these days.

Fifteen years on, it continues to delight families seeking a fun-filled day out, with activities spread across two floors and stunning views of the surrounding sea.

Top indoor attractions include a house of horrors, glow-in-the-dark go-karts, mini golf, a free fall ride, a sidewinder ride, dodgems and much more besides.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “We spent pretty much the whole day there and could easily go again the next day as we didn’t do everything (didn’t make it to soft play for the little ones) even though we did do the ghost train twice!

“Absolutely great day out at a beautiful venue. Wristbands are great value for money, and so much is included. 100% recommend – great destination. We will be back!”

On arrival, guests can pay a £2 entry fee per person at the door, or book tickets in advance to save the hassle of carrying loose change.

The pier’s website features a range of deals, including unlimited ride access or combined entry and ride packages for the whole family, making advance booking both straightforward and cost-effective.

As with any pier, visitors should expect to part with some money once they reach the pavilion, with individual attractions and games each carrying their own separate charges.

There’s no need to head off-site for a bite to eat either, as the Grand Pier has your mealtimes well and truly sorted with its range of cafés and dining options.

From classic fish and chips to sugary doughnuts, ice creams and more, the pier has everything you’d need for a perfect summer’s day or seaside trip.

A recent visitor shared: “Can clearly see a lot of thought and investment has gone into the grand pier. The couple of hours we spent there were enjoyable.

“There’s something and everything for all ages. Even if it’s just sitting out on a nice sunny day enjoying a nice drink. £2 entrance fee doesn’t break the bank.”

Weston-super-Mare is also home to a second pier, though there’s little in the way of entertainment on offer, as it remains derelict. Birnbeck Pier stands as a piece of history and a listed building, currently undergoing restoration work with hopes of reopening sometime in 2027.

Having first welcomed visitors in 1867, the once-stunning structure has lain dormant since 1994. Weston hopes to see it restored to its former glory, breathing fresh life into the seaside town as the only pier in the UK connected to an island.