seaside

IBIS Brighton is a modern, seaside hotel that is just a 10 minute walk from the beach.

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the Ibis Brighton?

A big selling point of this one is its location.

It’s only a two-minute walk from the railway station, so no arduous lugging of luggage or need for a cab.

Plus, Brighton‘s famous Lanes, Royal Pavilion and Churchill Square shopping centre are just five minutes’ walk away, and it is a ten-minute stroll to the seafront.

What is the hotel like?

You know what you’re getting with Ibis – a clean, minimalist, modern and affordable hotel, all decorated in its trademark red and black.

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Free croissants at reception were a nice touch and the staff were helpful and welcoming.

Parking is not provided but there is an NCP car park nearby.

What are the rooms like?

At this 140-room, tenfloor hotel, there is a simple choice of single or double/twin rooms.

We stayed in a top-floor double, which had a great view of the city.

It came with a very generously sized bathroom, with walk-in shower and complimentary toiletries.

Our room also had a flatscreen TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, and free wifi. 

Double rooms start from £64.

What is there to eat or drink there?

The restaurant offers classic fare including chicken and chips, pizzas and curries, which were very tasty.

But if you want something more elaborate, you are spoilt for choice in Brighton – from modern Mediterranean eatery Burnt Orange and top gastropub The Ginger Pig, to champagne-and-oysters bar Riddle & Finns.

Plus, the city is a great place for vegans and vegetarians, with Terre A Terre and Food For Friends delivering imaginative and beautifully presented dishes.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

This Ibis branch has a funky and colourful modern reception area, which was designed with the help of a local artist and showcases images created by emerging Brighton talent.

Definitely a place to go back to – it was perfect for a budget city break.

A host of pubs, bars and restaurants are within easy reach, too, so you are right in the heart of the action from the moment you leave the hotel.

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, there are plenty of family rooms available.

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, there are some accessible and wheelchair rooms available. 

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

Boasting a bigger population than some UK towns and even cities, one village still remains without official town status, despite its Gothic Chapel and train station

A picturesque village that has been deemed the ‘largest in the UK’ is so big that people think it’s a town.

Nestled along the Sussex coast is the large village of Lancing, home to around 19,000 residents. Situated between Worthing and Shoreham-by-Sea, it’s renowned for its shingle beaches and panoramic sea views.

The village offers a charming, peaceful life alongside the Sussex coast, with a close-knit community feel. It’s also perfect for a seaside day out, with coastal paths and along the seafront is its award-winning café, The Perch, which offers brunch, burgers, an ultimate sharing roast, and homemade desserts

It has its own train station, hotels near the beach, a Mermaid School, and impressively, the largest school chapel in the world at the Lancing College Chapel. Lancing also boasts the rare Widewater Lagoon, the tranquil Sensory Garden, and even its Premier League training grounds.

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With a population of around 19,000, Lancing is known as the ‘largest village in the UK’, with claims that it could be the biggest in Europe. Yet, it fails to gain recognition as a town, even though it’s larger than established towns across England, and even some cities!

The town of Winchcombe in Gloucestershire has a population of around 5,000, while the city of Wells in Somerset has an estimated 12,000 residents, give or take. However, it’s believed that the residents of Lancing are quite proud to have their status as the ‘UK’s largest village’.

James Brown, director at Robert Luff and Co estate agents, previously told Sussex Live: “I think a lot of people are surprised it isn’t a town. Although we are quite glad it maintains its village status, as it helps us, and people living here like having that title. But it is likely that it will become a town with new developments taking place, and if or when this happens, it could attract more businesses to the area.

“Lancing is especially popular with people moving out of Brighton & Hove who are looking to move somewhere a bit cheaper than Shoreham, so it becomes an obvious choice.”

Yet, the boundary between a village and a town is not as clear as you may think. While we might assume the UK would have established a firm definition by now, neither the National Planning Policy Framework nor the national planning practice guidance offers one.

“Instead, we’re left with a delightful mix of historical interpretations, local authority classifications, and the occasional dictionary reference,” noted planning organisation Land Tech.

The House of Commons Library’s research briefing City and Town Classification of Constituencies and Local Authorities (2018), sought to clarify the various classifications with the following population guides:

• Villages and small communities: Under 7,500 residents
• Small towns: 7,500 to 24,999 residents
• Medium towns: 25,000 to 59,999 residents
• Large towns: 60,000 to 174,999 residents
• Cities: 175,000+ residents

However, this isn’t a rigid system, as numerous cities have minuscule populations, including the famously compact St Davids in Wales. The progression from town to city is equally uncontroversial.

Despite its village status, Lancing still attracts visitors for a day out at its famed beach. One shared on TripAdvisor: “Great beach, very clean and tidy. Great for families and winter walks. Great views and very clean. Lovely beach huts to see as well.”

Another added: “A really good beach with plenty of facilities around for eating, exercising and for kids too. Great for dog walking. Good sea views.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

After living in London for three years, I moved to a seaside town I’d only visited once before

Following months confined in lockdown with rowdy neighbours and eye-watering rent costs, I chose to swap London permanently for the coast. After roughly three years in the capital, I’d had enough of the noise, chaos and grime that greeted me virtually every day.

Prior to lockdown, the metropolis pulsed with energy. Eateries were heaving, pubs packed with punters, and my neighbourhood coffee spots teemed with commuters each morning.

The capital offered the ideal setting for late nights, sampling exotic dishes and catching up with mates.

Yet when lockdown struck, everything shifted. Like countless others, I became disenchanted with city life.

What had been a vibrant urban centre suddenly felt lifeless, and we found ourselves trapped indoors all day to dodge COVID-19, reports the Express.

Seeing friends or relatives became impossible, and apart from daily supermarket runs and strolls to the nearby park, venturing out was forbidden.

Lockdown prompted many to reassess what mattered most. While I’d previously relished pub crawls and all-nighters, I suddenly yearned for outdoor space, stunning seaside views and crisp air – three elements London sorely lacked.

Even when cafés and restaurants began reopening for takeaways, London’s allure remained elusive for me, prompting a radical choice: I relocated to a coastal town I’d only visited once before. Renting in London remains absurdly pricey, but when I swapped my one-bedroom flat in South East London for a property twice the size in the charming coastal town of Deal in Kent, I hadn’t anticipated pocketing an extra £275 each month.

And the savings didn’t stop there. I’m now situated near an Aldi, where costs are considerably cheaper than the small Sainsbury’s Local that sat at the end of my street in London.

I’d also escaped a draughty, detached Victorian property that had been badly split into flats, meaning my energy bills dropped surprisingly.

While I still pop into London occasionally to catch up with friends and go to events, there are three key reasons I’d never return to the capital:.

1. The cost

It can occasionally feel like simply breathing costs 10p per minute in London. Cash appeared to vanish from my bank account when I resided there, which made saving especially difficult.

Although I could have reined in spending on takeaway coffees, takeaways and dining out, that’s very much part and parcel of the London way of life. Heading out for a couple of drinks with friends could easily become a £100 evening once you factor in travel expenses.

I adored having countless restaurants on my doorstep in London; I’d never sampled Eritrean food before relocating there, for instance, but the variety was occasionally overwhelming. I found myself wanting to sample everything, which wasn’t always feasible when you had rent and bills to cover.

Something many don’t clock about London life is the expense of getting around. Before lockdown, I was fortunate to live relatively near my workplace, yet the daily commute still set me back roughly £10 – money that quickly mounted up.

These days, I’m mostly based at home, with the odd trip into the office. While local transport doesn’t match TfL’s standards, I barely use it except for medical appointments.

I’m now just minutes away from Deal’s shops, cafes and eateries on foot, which has slashed my spending considerably.

2. The noise

The sheer volume of London didn’t hit me until I’d left. That relentless background din becomes your new normal within days of arriving.

When I left, I was genuinely shocked by the silence. I’d grown used to the overground rattling past my back garden, distant sirens wailing, and the neighbours’ telly and chatter filtering through the walls.

Town centre living still brings occasional noise disturbance, but nothing like London’s levels. My biggest gripe now is aggressive seagulls screeching on the roof at dawn during the summer months.

3. The scenery

For me, coastal views are unbeatable. Growing up along Dorset’s shoreline means spotting that brilliant blue line on the horizon just feels right.

Don’t get me wrong, London boasts some stunning vistas. Perching atop Blythe Hill Fields in South London, gazing down at the park and some of the capital’s most recognisable buildings was among my favourite pastimes when I called it home.

Yet, after several years, I found myself yearning for seaside panoramas. I longed for the shore, the ocean and crisp air.

Regardless of how many green spaces I explored in London, the atmosphere always seemed dense and polluted.

Everyone warned I’d regret my choice to relocate to the coastline, but to this day, it ranks among the best decisions I’ve ever made. Don’t get me wrong, there are several drawbacks to seaside living; we’re inundated with holidaymakers during summer, there are fewer amenities, and everyone I know lives much further away, but I’d embrace all of that rather than residing in London.

The traditional Irish seaport village with a number of popular tourist attractions – and it’s easy to see it’s a firm favourite amongst visitors

The ideal base for those discovering the Wild Atlantic Way, this charming village isn’t just a feast for the eyes but also offers numerous tranquil retreats for a much-deserved rest.

Kinvara is a harbour village in County Galway, Ireland, that has preserved many Irish customs whilst welcoming visitors from across the globe. The main street boasts an array of delectable dining establishments and a lively pub culture, with many specialising in mouth-watering seafood, courtesy of its coastal position.

The brightly painted yellow bar and eatery called the Pier Head is particularly popular with residents. It’s joined by other outstanding venues including Keogh’s Restaurant, Connolly’s and The Glass Door – all boasting impressive TripAdvisor reviews.

Traditional Irish pubs throughout the village regularly feature live music alongside their warm, welcoming atmosphere. In keeping with Irish tradition, many pour a proper pint of Guinness alongside various regional beers in cosy surroundings. Enhancing that sense of community is the weekly Kinvara Farmers’ Market, taking place every Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Operating from March through October annually, it highlights regional produce allowing tourists to savour an authentic flavour of Ireland. As well as this, positioned on the village’s edge sits Kinvara Harbour, which forms the beating heart of this coastal gem.

Every year it plays host to the Cruinniu na mBad Festival, an event which honours the Galway hooker, a collection of traditional sailing vessels, and serves to preserve the village’s cultural legacy. One visitor revealed they could easily “sit there all day” gazing out across the waters.

They wrote: “This lovely little harbour is just the best! There are benches right along the grassy area alongside the harbour that you can sit on and enjoy the breeze, the sunset or sunrise and the movement and activity of the town.”

A favourite destination that draws many to the village is the remnants of the stunning Dunguaire Castle. The 16th-century tower house commands views over Galway Bay’s shoreline, providing breathtaking vistas and a pleasant stroll from the village centre.

In the 17th century ownership of the castle transferred to the Martyns of Galway and served as the home of Galway’s Mayor until 1642.

At present, while the castle’s exterior remains accessible to wandering visitors, the interior has been sealed off for several years due to safety concerns whilst awaiting refurbishment.

One recent guest posted on TripAdvisor: “A castle in a magnificent setting on the banks of Galway Bay, overlooking Kinvarra Town. You can even wander around the castle, but be cautious during the wet season. Although the castle is not open to the public, it is well worth a visit.”

Another commented: “We visited this castle during our tour in Ireland, and it was a stunning surprise. Just half an hour’s drive from Galway, this small castle is perfectly preserved and contains a detailed explanation of its history.”

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The Queen of Pop has been visiting the seaside town and raved about its arts scene and favourite Italian restaurant to her 20million Instagram followers.

Madonna has stunned residents in a British seaside town after spending time discovering its attractions. The pop icon typically travels between major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and London.

Yet she broke from tradition this weekend by choosing to visit the coastal town of Margate in Kent. She mixed with residents at a free arts festival and spent time with acclaimed artist Tracey Emin.

Margate clearly made an impression on Madonna, as she gushed about the town to her 20 million Instagram followers.

Margate has experienced a revival in recent years due to its thriving arts and culture scene. Growing numbers of visitors have descended on the town to enjoy its sandy beach, vintage fairground and numerous restaurants.

The town has a population of just over 60,000 and sits roughly 80 miles from London. Frequently described as England’s trendiest seaside destination, Margate could see an even bigger surge following Madonna’s seal of approval, reports the Express.

The Hung Up singer praised friend Tracey Emin and her contributions to Margate. Madonna said: “I have known Tracey for over 25 years and I’ve always been a fan of her extremely personal and provocative work.

“But what she has created in this community by the sea is quite remarkable.”

She highlighted Tracey’s artist residency programme, which offers emerging artists from across the globe the opportunity to live and create in Margate for several months.

Madonna disclosed she has visited Margate “a few times now” and has been impressed by the “commitment and passion” displayed by local artists.

She added: “Not only that, but the whole town seems to be inhabited and energized by creativity. Writers and performance artists, photographers, and painters. This is my idea of heaven.”

The music icon described her personal connection to Margate: “Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream.

“On top of all of that, I get to eat at my favourite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table! !”.

YOU’D have to be living under a rock to have not heard of Margate, often cited as one of the UK’s trendiest seaside towns.

But it became the coolest seaside town in the WORLD after singing legend Madonna recently visited – and raved about it.

It’s the second time the Vogue singer has been spotted in Margate, having visited back in October after being introduced by artist Tracy Emin, who lives in the town.

Having previously visited the Freedman Gallery and TKE Studios, she was spotted again this week at an Off Season event, a grassroots initiative.

Talking about Margate, she said: “This is my idea of heaven. Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream.”

She also cited the town as being “inhabited and energised by creativity”.

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As someone who used to live in the town, it comes as no surprise that Margate continues to attract world-famous stars.

The town was previously used as a filming location for the Sam Mendes film Empire of Light, which saw huge stars including Olivia Colman visit during filming.

Lily Allen filmed her Sky Atlantic series Dreamland in Margate, while Oscar winner Rami Malek was previously spotted with his former girlfriend actor Emma Corrin, set to star in the new Pride and Prejudice remake.

And Pedro Pascal was spotted visiting at an art gallery in recent months.

Margate was one of the original Victorian seaside resorts but, like many in the UK, lost favour in the 1960s and fell into disrepair.

However in the last decade it has seen a boom in popularity.

Even during my few years living there – having left London for the town during Covid – I saw how it has grown in popularity.

My three-bed flat cost £210,000, although you could easily find one bedroom ones for £120,000. Now the average house price is nearly £300,000, according to Rightmove.

Before I moved to the town, it was in short supply of hotels to stay in, mainly with run down seaside B&Bs or home rentals being the only option.

Since then, openings have included the trendy boutique Fort Road Hotel, as well as the latest Guesthouse hotel, after success in Bath and Brighton.

When it comes to the food scene, Michelin named Margate in its ‘10 best seaside towns for food lovers in the UK & Ireland‘ last year.

Mexican restaurant High Dive was praised by the Good Food Guide, while the Italian Sargasso was name one of the UK’s best restaurants by the Times.

Sadly, Madonna didn’t reveal where she ate, but wrote: “I get to eat at my favorite Italian restaurant which I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table.”

It is thought that it was Bottega Caruso, in the middle of town known for its huge slabs of tiramisu.

Even when it comes to bars, there is the often lauded Sete, a tiny Parisian-esque drinking spot, as well as Guesthouse’s rooftop bar which opens in summer, and is one of the few rooftop bars in Kent.

Of course you can’t best a good pub, and both George & Heart and Rose in June are some of the coolest in town.

It is even home to one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, with Cliftonville named the UK’s best by Time Out.

It’s here you’ll find the historic Walpole Lido, one of the UK’s largest that is also free to visit, as well as the nearby pop up Sea Scrub sauna.

But when it comes to seaside towns, it needs fish and chips – Peter’s Fish Factory is often praised as the UK’s best – as well as arcades, which can be found lining the seafront.

And with one of Kent‘s only sandy beaches, and being home to the famous retro Dreamland theme park? I’m ready to back it taking the mantle of world’s coolest.

In the mean time, here are some other seaside towns that are booming.

And we’ve rounded up our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London.

ONE of the UK’s original Victorian seaside towns is set to get even more beautiful – thanks to a multi-million pound train station renovation.

Scarborough Train Station has revealed new images of the £14million upgrade which is set to be completed by March.

Repairs have been underway at the station in the popular seaside town at the cost of £14million.

The project includes a new station roof, drainage system as well as the restoration of the stonework and general preservation of the Grade II-listed building.

Still yet to be finished is the waiting room and ticket office which will also be refurbished.

The changes made are set to ‘enhance passenger experience’ at the station – which has remained open during the works.

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One of the most recognisable parts of Scarborough Station is the clock tower which is being restored thanks to a grant of £203,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust. 

Ann Shannon, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We’ve been able to repair all four clock faces, fully refurbish the tower and finials, and upgrade the uplighting.

“The finish line is now in sight, and visitors will see a real difference both inside and outside the station, with the beautifully restored clocktower providing the crowning glory.”

Trains from Scarborough generally call at Sheffield and York.

The town of Scarborough was made Britain’s first seaside resort in the early 17th century after the discovery of mineral waters running from the cliffs through the town.

This saw an increase of tourists visiting the town and the addition of bathing ‘machines’ – for people to change into swimwear which arrived in 1735.

With a rising number of holidaymakers, it opened a train station in 1845 to connect Scarborough to York.

Scarborough is well-known for being an incredibly popular destination for families heading to the seaside in the summertime.

The town has two beaches, North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach, and has been welcoming holidaymakers to its shores for over 400 years.

North Bay is the quieter spot along the coast, while South Bay is where you’ll find amusement arcades, cafes and a busy harbour.

Other seafront attractions include the miniature railway called North Bay Railway, Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough Sea Life Centre.

The Grand Hotel in Scarborough is one of the seaside town’s most recognisable buildings and sits high above the promenade.

The building was completed in 1867 and at the time was the largest hotel in Europe – and one of the largest in the world.

It’s had some famous faces stay there over the course of history too from Winston Churchill to The Beatles.

When the Sun’s Alex Lloyd visited last summer, she discovered brightly coloured beach huts on South Bay which can be rented from £50 a day in peak summer.

She also visited the South Cliff Gardens and hopped onboard the town’s funicular railway.

For more on train stations, the UK’s busiest has revealed new plans for massive £1.2billion transformation.

Plus, this is UK’s ‘best rural train station’ which is next to the seaside-themed town that is miles away from the coast.

Appledore is a beautiful village in north Devon. It is hoping to showcase all it has to offer to even more visitors when its Clean Maritime Innovation Centre opens later this year

A small coastal village steeped in history and a rich shipbuilding heritage, with a vibrant seafood scene and colourful cottages, is hoping a futuristic, million-pound project will put it firmly on the map.

The tiny village of Appledore isn’t one of the most well-known places in Devon, but can certainly be characterised among the most beautiful, with narrow, winding lanes, a bustling quayside to explore, and pastel-coloured houses and coastal views. Its estuary shore is suitable for beachcombing and exploring rock pools.

Located in north Devon at the meeting of the Rivers Torridge and Taw, the village is built on the centuries-old traditions of shipbuilding and fishing.

Renowned for its maritime heritage and vibrant seafood scene, Appledore is also celebrated for its art and creativity, hosting regular arts festivals and resident craftspeople showcasing ceramics, photography, jewellery and more in independent shops and markets.

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But while the village has a multitude of offerings for those already in the know, Appledore is hoping to boost its popularity among people outside the local area with the opening of its Clean Maritime Innovation Centre later this year.

The global innovation centre has received £15.6million in government funding and aims to support research in clean propulsion, autonomous vessels and marine sustainability.

Due to open in late 2026, the centre will also provide a base for floating offshore wind activity in northern Devon, with the electricity generated able to power approximately three million homes and create 3,000 jobs.

The maritime sector has played such a significant role in Appledore’s history and this project will be a real opportunity for the village to move into a national maritime future. The project is being delivered with funding support from the UK government through the Levelling Up Fund, the Community Regeneration Partnership, and the Devon and Torbay devolution deal. Devon County Council is overseeing the financial management.

Initial construction involves enhancements to the wall along New Quay Street, with full-scale building work set to start in the autumn. Preliminary works began in April, including the creation of a new quay to improve estuary access.

Councillor Ken James, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “This is a very exciting step in the journey of this project, not just for Appledore, but for the wider district. We hope that the delivery of this centre will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy. By getting as many local tradespeople involved in the build as possible, we hope that this will be just the start of future job creation and investment in the area.”

Reviews of Appledore praise the villages colourful look and picturesque charm.

One reviewer wrote: “Appledore is a lovely place with lots of interesting nooks and crannies with brightly-coloured houses. It’s a lot less busy and touristy than some of its bier neighbours.”

Another said: “Appledore is great – very pretty with small craft shops, cafes, restaurants and is incredibly dog-friendly. Would definitely visit again.”

A GIANT new theme park ride that’s the “tallest of its kind” in the UK has taken a major step forward.

The iconic amusement site is gearing up for a massive landmark moment as engineers have now installed the ride’s giant gondola.

Structural work has begun on the £8.72m mega attraction, with steel frameworks now emerging on site.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort is currently busy installing its newest ride – a record-breaking gyro-swing called Aviktas.

When everything is finished, the mega ride will officially be the tallest of its kind in the UK.

The scream machine will carry 40 people at a time, swinging them through a massive 120-degree arc that reaches 138ft above the promenade.

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Riders’ legs will dangle giving them the feeling of flying.

With its gigantic pendulum finally hanging in place, the structure is starting to look like a finished ride.

Frames are popping up to create the loading area where the first brave riders will eventually wait for their turn.

The latest crowd-pleaser will drastically change the way the seaside resort’s coastline will look.

While an exact opening date has not yet been confirmed, the ride is expected to welcome its first passengers later in 2026.

Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort previously teased: “This ride will be colossal, daunting, exhilarating and an incredible addition to the town.”