Our favourite old-fashioned English seaside resorts
WE’RE spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside towns here in England – from retro to cool, there’s something for everyone.
But some of our favourites are the ones that feel like you’re stepping back in time to a different era – less penny slot machines and more stone fishermans’ cottages.
The Sun Travel team reveals our favourite old fashioned seaside spots…
Sandgate, Kent
“Sandgate is often forgotten about as a day trip destination, being just outside of Folkestone with no train station of its own.
“But it’s one of my favourites to visit with far fewer crowds, and has retained its old-worldy feel.
“It doesn’t have attractions, only Sandgate Castle which was built by Henry VIII but is now a private residence. So instead it’s a great spot for relaxing by the beach, as well as an up-and-coming food and drink scene.
“There’s The Ship Inn overlooking the beach which, on a windy day, is the cosiest spot for a local beer and pie. But the high street itself is just as beautiful, lined with vintage antique stores, coffee shops and bars.
“Start your day with a coffee at Orchard Lane Coffee House, and get tempted by one of their rotating pastry options, or opt for brunch at Loaf just down the road.
“Then go for a long walk on the promenade lining the beach, watching the wind surfers and even canoers (or go for a sea swim yourself in the summer).
“Or if visiting in the evening, John Dory is the best place for some wine tasting with the owners really knowing their stuff.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Brixham, Devon
“The English Riviera in Devon – formed of the three towns of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham – is a great holiday spot, but Torquay and Paignton can often be busy with tourists.
“If you fancy a quieter spot but still want a taste of the English Riviera, then head to Brixham, which remains today one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK.
“The harbour is great for spotting pretty boats and gazing at the swans. And definitely head to the Breakwater as this is where you are most likely to see the town’s resident seals.
“This is also where you’ll find the main beach, Breakwater Beach, which is a Blue Flag spot.
“If dipping into the sea is too daunting, check out the 53-metre saltwater tidal pool, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
“This Victorian seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast harks back to a different age with its grand architecture and pier jutting out from the long, sandy beach.
“The arrival of the railway in 1861 saw the picturesque town embrace leisurely pursuits with its pier and promenade still remarkably similar to its earliest days.
“Also still delighting tourists is its cliff tramway, a water-powered funicular that connects the town at the top of the lift to the seafront and pier below.
“With the Valley Gardens and Italian Gardens to stroll through and the Saltburn Miniature Railway to hop aboard, the town offers a delightful throwback to simpler holidays.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot
Watergate Bay, Cornwall
“A little north of the popular surfing shores in Newquay’s city centre, Watergate Bay is a peaceful and rugged two-mile stretch of sand overlooking foaming, choppy waters.
“The swell ensures it remains a preferred bay for surfers, but outside of the busy summer months you’ll find it’s rather quiet, with just a few dog walkers scattered about.
“Views are breathtaking from pretty much every angle, but especially so from the coastal path that flanks it, winding high above sea level along grassy cliffs.
“Down on shore are craggy caves that kids will be desperate to explore as well as patches of windswept rocks carpeted in mussels that cling to the wet surface.
“A beautiful restaurant, The Beach Hut, overlooks the sands and it’s a great spot for a proper bite to eat, with specials of crab linguine often featuring on its typically Cornish menu.
“For something more casual, WAX serves up pints and burgers in a fuss-free setting.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
“Old Hunstanton is the quieter, prettier sister of mega Norfolk seaside resort Hunstanton.
“Whilst Hunstanton has a massive arcade and bowling alley practically smack-bang on the promenade, a 15-minute walk along the clifftops will lead you to a beautiful and less busy alternative.
“The walk there overlooks the town’s famous striped limestone cliffs, plus you’ll pass a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins on your way, too.
“The beach boasts soft, golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. It makes for a great bucket-and-spade spot for families, with loos, a cafe and plenty of car parking spots all close by.
“I recommend trying a fry-up at the Old Hunstanton Beach Cafe, a dog-friendly spot that serves up a fantastic breakfast, as well as homemade cakes and an entire library of loose-leaf teas.
“Plus the Old Hunstanton RNLI station opposite is often open to let visitors see its impressive hovercraft up close.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Seahouses, Northumberland
“The many working fishing boats bobbing in its compact harbour are the reason why this historic village on the Northumberland coast offers an authentic, classic British seaside break.
“The catch still lands daily – guaranteeing some of the freshest and best fish and chips in the region and the place has no modern distractions like flashing arcades.
“A stroll along the beach and a poke about in the rockpools on land and the chance to take to a boat for a trip over to the Farne Islands.
“It’s home to one of the UK’s largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals – it’s simple classic British coastal charm.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot
Salcombe, Devon
“Tucked away on the South Devon coast, Salcombe is well-known for its golden sands beaches.
“The town is often dubbed ‘Chelsea on Sea’ because of its picturesque houses and pretty harbour. Head to North Sands if you want a family-friendly spot.
“Or venture to South Sands, which is accessible by a sea tractor. The town has lots of independent businesses and cost-effective restaurants as well.
“And if you happen to be there in April, make sure to spend time at the Salcombe Crabfest.
“One of the best things to do in the coastal town – no matter the time of year – is to try Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream, which is simply heavenly, especially the honeycomb.” Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
“I consider Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out sister of Clacton – it’s so much quieter, and very peaceful, but still just as fun for a beach break.
“The Essex town of Frinton has a huge sweeping beach lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts – a mark of any beach day trip – along with a retro ice cream parlour.
“You can pop into The Lock and Barrel which is minutes away from the beach, and when it opened was the town’s very first pub.
“When the weather is a little breezy and it’s not warm enough to sit on the beach, take a stroll along the many walking paths.
“If you head slightly up the coast, you should try to spot some seals in nearby Harwich.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Broadstairs, Kent
“So while Broadstairs technically has a small arcade, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it one tucked away from the beach.
“Put on the map by Charles Dickens who raved about its beauty, you can even go back in time by visiting the Dickens House Museum.
“But the seaside town is threatening to become a trendy new Kent destination thanks to some new openings.
“There is the new Smith’s Townhouse, a beautiful boutique hotel, as well as the small plates restaurant Bar Ingo, recently named in the top 100 UK restaurants by OpenTable.
“You’re spoilt for choice for trendy cafes, from Giant Coffee and Salt to Forts and Kope + Loke. But it has kept its Victorian seaside charm, with traditional chippy The Mermaid as well as the best ice cream sundaes at Morelli.
“And while the beach certainly welcomes the tourists in droves, you can rent a deckchair and watch the yachts come in for some old-fashioned charm, while listening to live music from the bandstand above.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
“Any picture you take in Robin Hood’s Bay could immediately become a postcard.
“A visit to the North Yorkshire fishing village feels like stepping back in time, with winding narrow streets snaking through a maze of red-roofed cottages.
“On the steep but scenic walk down to the shore, you’ll pass unique miniature pubs with room for only a bar and a couple of bar stools.
“If you manage to bag yourself a seat in one, you’re lucky – make sure to soak up the ambience of hundreds of years of maritime history.
“The village used to be the smuggling capital of the North coast, and today you can see the same narrow ginnels and cellars where tea, tobacco and gin were once hidden.
“Once you’ve made it down to the beach, you’ll find smooth sands and calm waters equally enjoyed by families and dog walkers.
“Both little ones and four-legged members of the family will enjoy racing across the flat, sprawling sands.
“Plus, at low-tide, there are always fascinating finds and fossils collected in the shallow rockpools.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Sidmouth, Devon
“One of my favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast is Sidmouth.
“It’s famous for its Grade-II listed steps called Jacob’s Ladder which lead down to the shingle beach.
“Or if you don’t fancy them – because they are very steep – you can still get to the beach by walking down the hill instead.
“As the beach is shingle rather than sand, I’d suggest taking something to lie on if you plan on sunbathing.
“Later on, make sure to explore the town, walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Make sure to pop into Ice Cream Paradise for a frozen treat later on.
“During my visit I stayed in the incredible Harbour Hotel & Spa which has an outdoor pool, beautiful gardens with sunloungers.
“It’s elevated position means it has unbeatable views across the coastline.” – Travel Reporter Alice Penwill
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