Seaside Towns

THE UK isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of beautiful beaches or interesting sea creatures.

But Emma and Gordon Taylor who have travelled all over the world diving and snorkelling say that actually, Britain’s waters are some of the very best.

The couple along with their two children have travelled across Britain from the very tip of Scotland all the way down to the Isles of Scilly exploring its beaches and seas for their book Snorkelling Britain.

Talking to Sun Travel, Gordon said: “I don’t particularly aspire to diving anywhere other than Britain – there’s so much to see.

“You’ve all the shipwrecks, all the marine life, it’s as good as anywhere else in the world.”

Here are some of their favourite finds along the way…

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There are plenty of pretty bays and beaches across the country – the UK is even home to two of the best in the world.

But one place in particular took top spot for them. Emma explained: “I was amazed by East Yorkshire – we were blown away.

“We went to Thornwick Bay, it was a beautiful day and it looked like the Mediterranean, it was amazing.

“If you have told me that our trip to the North East of England was going to feel like the Med, I would not have believed you.”

She then revealed her second favourite spot: “It’s the Scillies, which I know is a bit of a cliche, but it’s quiet and the bright white sand is really lovely.

“You can do lots on the beach too, hire snorkel kit and paddle boards so you can go out on a proper adventure.”

Gordon said that there’s a misconception that you’ll find the best beaches, particularly for snorkelling, in the south.

He was impressed by Scotland, particularly in the north west which is known for its spectacular white sand beaches like Achmelvich Bay.

Gordon also added that he was pleasantly surprised by Sheringham in Norfolk.

He said: “That’s where you’ll find the longest chalk reef in the world. It’s just a couple of hundred metres from the shore so you can actually swim out to it.”

Emma continued to say one of her favourite beaches is Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast which is backed by high cliffs with fossils, and has lots of rockpools to explore.

It even has an organised snorkelling trail for those who want the best chance of seeing something special.

There are thousands of shipwrecks in British waters, but where should you go if you’re keen to see some of the most impressive.

Immediately, Emma recommends Orkney in Scotland which is made up of 70 islands.

Emma explained: “There’s a body of water there called Scapa Flow where between the islands they sunk a lot of ships so submarines couldn’t get in. So essentially all the gaps are full of shipwrecks.

“One in particular is called the Juniata which is on Inganess Bay and it’s fully intact. It’s not far out so you can walk to it and then swim around it.”

There has been a surge in popularity for wild swimming along with the use of outdoor pools, lidos and tidal pools.

Some of the most popular are Walpole Bay in Kent, Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall and Dancing Ledge in Dorset.

When the tide goes out, the seawater remains in the rocks making it one of the safest places to swim and paddle rather than out in the ocean.

It’s not just for paddling either, when it comes to snorkelling, Emma has spotted some rare marine life.

She told us: “I was at Priests Cove in Penzance with my daughter and we saw a Conger Eel, a sea scorpion – which don’t sting, prawns and anemones.

“All of this was in the tidal pool which was like the side of a toddler’s paddling pool.

“I’d really recommend tidal pools for beginner snorkellers – there are no tides so it’s safe and they’re usually very shallow so any problems and you can just stand-up.”

The UK isn’t the Maldives, so you won’t be seeing tropical fish or sea turtles.

But you might be surprised at just how much you can see in Britain’s waters.

Emma told us: “We regularly see seals, but it’s always on their terms and we don’t go looking for them.

“If a seal wants to play they’ll just come up to you and start chewing on your fins.

“I was followed by a seal when I was in Porthkerris and I’ve seen a lot in Wales too.”

In Rôskilly, Gordon even saw an octopus swimming in the open and you’re more likely to see them in Britain’s waters now then ever before.

Gordon explained: “I’d never seen an octopus in the wild before last year. But in the southwest of the UK, there’s been a big influx.

“We think it’s because of the environmental conditions – they’ve been seen in Ireland and Scotland as well.”

It’s not all about the big creatures either, there are plenty of tiny ones to see too.

Gordon explained: “Seagrass is a really important habitat for lots of creatures.

“It’s a type of grass that lives underwater and it’s almost like a nursery.”

Emma added: “If you find a seagrass meadow you’re likely to see small fry which are like baby fish.

“There are sea slugs which aren’t like normal slugs, they’re beautiful and usually bright orange, or purple and really cute.

The pair revealed that one of the best places for seagrass is Rhoscolyn Bay in Anglesey, St Mawes in Cornwall and Porth Dinllaen in Wales.

Emma added: “I’ve seen a seahorse while snorkelling which was amazing.

“They’re heavily protected though so you can’t go looking for them, but it just popped out in front of us.

“We had a quick look at it and we then carefully moved away to leave it in peace – that’s the beautiful thing about marine life. You just don’t know what you’re going to see.”

If you want to find out more about snorkelling in Britain’s waters and where to go from Emma and Gordon, take a look at their book Snorkelling Britain.

And you can find out more details about taking to the seas including a snorkelling map on their website.

Be in the know when it comes to swim safety and snorkelling…

Emma and Gordon say definitely don’t scrimp on safety if you’re snorkelling out at sea and considered guided sessions…

IT’S heating up this weekend with highs of 30C in the UK – perfect weather for a trip to the beach.

With help from Trainline, Sun Travel has found 12 of the best seaside towns and villages where local train stations are minutes from the coast.

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

Trainline has called Cleethorpes “one of the strongest fits for a beach-by-train escape.”

“Step off the train and you’re moments from Central Prom Beach fish and chips, arcades and all the ingredients of a classic British seaside day out.”

On the pier is the UK’s biggest fish and chip shop called Papa’s which has room for 500 diners.

Cleethorpes is also home to the Signal Box which claimed to be the smallest pub on the planet – it has space for just three punters inside.

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Luckily there’s a big beer garden to make up for the small inside space.

It’s a five-minute walk from Cleethorpes Station to Central Prom Beach.

Margate, Kent

Kent has lots of beautiful seaside towns, and Margate has previously been voted as one of the best with the ‘coolest neighbourhoods’.

It has a sweeping sandy beach, plenty of ice cream parlours, chippies, cosy cafes and bars.

Make sure to check out Little Swift which serves up tasty iced cocktails.

Not to mention you can hop on the rides at Dreamland which is one of the UK’s oldest theme parks.

Best of all, the station at Margate is a six-minute walk to the beach.

St Ives, Cornwall

At the very tip of Cornwall is St Ives where you can be off the train and on the beach in under five minutes.

Porthminster Beach has golden sand and bright blue waters and views of St Ives Bay.

It’s ideal for families taking a paddle and building sandcastles in the sunshine.

On the sands there’s also an outdoor kitchen for takeaways, Gin & Cocktail Bar and a beach shop.

In the town of St Ives head to the likes of Fore Street, the High Street and Chapel Street for independent shops, bakeries, cafes and galleries.

St Ives station to Porthminster Beach is a 4-minute walk.

Barry Island, Wales

Barry Island might be known as the home of BBC‘s Gavin and Stacey, but it’s also an ideal spot for those looking for a weekend beach break.

Whitmore Bay is a crescent-shaped bay of golden sand where families can go swimming, paddling and rock pooling at low tide.

On the promenade, there are a range of bustling cafes, fish and chip shops and amusement arcades.

Visitors have to check out Barry Island Pleasure Park too which has a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and waltzers.

From Barry Island station, it’s a six-minute walk to the beach.

Torquay, Devon

If you fancy a trip to Devon without the hassle of driving and parking, you can take the train and be at Torre Abbey Sands in less than 15-minutes.

It’s Torquay’s main beach on the English Riviera with a sloping sandy beach with shallow waters – ideal for splashing about in on a hot day.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who hails from Devon said: “Torquay Train Station might be small but it could not be in a better place to explore Torquay seafront, also known as the Queen of the English Riviera.

“The station is right next to The Grand Hotel, in case you want to make your stay in the area longer.

“Around two minutes from the station you’ll reach Torquay Beach and Torre Abbey Sands – a vast stretch of red-sand beach, ideal for swimming and kayaking.

“Right by the beach there are a number of restaurants, bars and fish and chip spots too that are great.

“My recommendation? Pier Point fish and chips, about five minutes walking from the beach – it has regularly been named one the best fish and chip shop in the UK.”

From Torquay Railway Station, it’s a 12-minute walk to Torre Abbey Sands.

Dawlish, Devon

Trainline suggests the seaside town of Dawlish as a ‘beach-by-train’ escape which started before you even get there as the railway runs right along the seafront.

It added: “Dawlish a brilliant choice for travellers who want the journey itself to feel part of the day out, with sea views before you’ve even left the train.”

The seaside town has a shingle beach located steps from the town centre so it makes for an ideal daytrip.

Dawlish Station is a two-minute walk to Dawlish Town Beach.

Whitby, Yorkshire

Whitby is known as one of the prettiest seaside towns in the UK thanks to its stacked fishing cottages and sweeping beach all split by the River Esk.

West Cliff Beach is where most families will go for classic bucket and spade fun, for those looking for a quieter escape, head to Tate Hill which is a quieter spot near the harbour

If you fancy the seaside staple fish and chips then head to Trenchers of Whitby.

This year it secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026.

You can get a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each.

From Whitby Station to Whitby Beach is a 12-minute walk.

Normans Bay, East Sussex

If you want to try and avoid the crowds, Normans Bay could be it.

The quiet fishing village sits between Bexhill-on-Sea and Eastbourne with a dog-friendly shingle-and-sand beach and historical Martello towers.

Trainline said: “Normans Bay is one for travellers who like their beaches a little more under-the-radar and yet it has its own station.

“The station is just a couple of minutes from the shoreline, with expansive views across the Channel and a quieter, more traditional feel.

“Nestled between Eastbourne and Hastings, it’s close enough for a day trip from London but feels far removed from the busier resort towns nearby.”

From Normans Bay Station to Normans Bay Beach it’s a two-minute walk.

Tenby, Wales

Tenby is considered one of the prettiest seaside towns in the country with its multi-coloured houses and four sandy beaches.

The two main ones, North and South, are at either end of the town while Harbour and Castle Beach is the nearest to the town centre.

The closest to the train station is North Beach which is long sandy stretch with cliffs on one side and harbour on the other.

Head down the road to Harbour Beach to see St Julian’s Church an old fisherman’s chapel built in 1878.

From Tenby Station it’s a 10-minute walk to Tenby North Beach.

Weymouth, Dorset

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Weymouth in Dorset.

Trainline described it as a “classic bucket-and-spade destination, with a sweeping sandy beach, Georgian seafront and traditional harbour.”

And to make it even better, the station is only a few minutes from the promenade.

Last year, Weymouth Beach was named one of the ‘best in Europe’ thanks to its ‘shallow, safe waters’ and family-friendly activities like donkey rides and pedalo hire.

Walk along the prom to see the Jubilee Clock Tower or hop onboard the Land Train to see the sights.

From Weymouth Station to Weymouth Beach it’s a 4-minute walk.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Of course, we can’t forget Blackpool as a destination that can easily be reached by train – in fact it’s 100 yards from the station to the South Promenade.

Trainline said: “For a full-throttle seaside day out, Blackpool Pleasure Beach station puts visitors close to the action.

“The station is just yards from the Pleasure Beach entrance and close to South Promenade, making it a handy choice for rollercoasters, arcades, seafront strolls and classic Blackpool fun.”

From Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station it’s just a few minutes to the South Promenade.

Shoeburyness, Essex

You can’t forget about the Essex coastline when it comes to beaches as it has some lovely spots, like Shoeburyness.

Trainline said: “For travellers heading to Southend-on-Sea, Shoeburyness offers a quieter alternative to the main seafront.

“East Beach is only a short walk from the station and has a more relaxed, open feel, with grassy areas, beach huts and views across the Thames Estuary.”

The walk from Shoeburyness Station to East Beach takes 5-minutes.

ARCADES, ice cream parlours, chippies and tourist attractions galore – there’s one town that has everything you’d look for in a seaside trip, but the catch is, it’s not on the coast.

Matlock Bath in the Derbyshire Dales has attracted visitors for centuries and is renowned for its coastal feel, even though it’s miles from the sea.

It may not have a beach, but the banks of the River Derwent are a great alternative for being beside the water.

And there are so many chippies on one half-mile stretch between the Fishpond Inn and the Midland pub, that I think this little gem could easily give Scarborough a run for its money to claim the title of the chip shop capital of the country.

The Yorkshire resort has 93 takeaways, which equals 85.4 for every 100,000 people, while I counted 10 along Matlock Bath’s North and South Parade.

With a population of just 670, that means there’s one chippie per 67 residents.

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All these fish bars are needed, though, to feed the hungry hordes that flock to the area, especially in warm weather.

It’s a mecca for motorcyclists, as well as offering family-friendly attractions like theme park Gulliver’s Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham.

The town also boasts the oldest pleasure park in the UK, which has been wooing wanderers for almost 300 years.

I took a meander around Lovers’ Walk, which is accessed via a bridge over the river, and felt like I’d happened upon a wilderness, miles away from civilisation.

You climb up the steep wooded slopes to the edge of the treeline to get incredible views out over the rolling countryside.

Further along, you can spot the rides and attractions over at Gulliver’s Kingdom on the opposite side of the valley.

It’s no wonder that visitors have been strolling here since at least 1742 and why it was a favourite for courting couples seeking privacy from prying eyes, hence the name.

I’ve been visiting this area since I was little and never been up to this secluded spot, so it just goes to show how much there is on offer, as every time I come, I find something new to do. 

If you’re visiting without kids, I would thoroughly recommend taking a swim at the lido at the New Bath Hotel, which is fed by a natural geothermal spring that has a temperature of around 20C.

The pool is for over-18s only and costs £10 for a 50-minute swim if you’re not a guest at the hotel.

For families, you really can’t go wrong with a trip on the cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham, where you can explore the caverns through the cliffs and enjoy the playgrounds and walks with views out over the town and river below.

Blue Peter badge holders can get in free and it’s a fantastic day out, unlike anywhere else I’ve visited at home or abroad.

You’d be mad to miss this unique place if you’re in the area, as it really does have something to appeal to all ages, including a display paying homage to the Wombles this summer.

Even Queen Victoria gave it her seal of approval when she came here and trekked up to the vantage point on a donkey – I’m sure she would have given the alpine cable cars installed in 1984 her royal assent as the perfect way to make the ascent if they had been around at the time.

If you’re looking for a bit of a break, you should check out the accommodation on offer at Gulliver’s Kingdom, which is great for a day out or an overnight stay.

It’s got plenty of rides that are perfect for primary aged children and lots of its rooms are themed around Wind in the Willows, as well as some for little princesses and wannabe wizards.

It’s even got an indoor glamping option, with bell tents set up in one big room that also houses a camp kitchen. 

One of my favourite days out in Matlock Bath was bringing my youngest son to see the illuminations, which take place on weekends in early autumn.

This is certainly a spectacle to behold, with themed boats lit up in the darkness as they parade up and down the Derwent.

Some evenings also have fireworks and there’s entertainment and fairground rides on the riverside.

The boat parade makes perfect use of its setting and you can see why it’s still going strong after more than a century.

If you love discovering quirky spots with something different around every corner, you could do a lot worse than heading to the Derbyshire Dales and checking out Britain’s only inland seaside town.

A NEW cafe right by the beach has opened and it looks like it could be in Spain.

Southsea Beach Cafe has turned the former Beach Club into its second cafe in time for the summer.

Inspired by beach bars across Europe, the fringed umbrellas and rattan chairs wouldn’t look out of place in an Ibiza bar.

Serving breakfast and lunch, you can get all the classic of a Full English or avocado on toast, as well as burgers and fish and chips.

They also serve alcohol including cocktails and grazing boards.

Live music evenings will also return this summer, including Jazz Cafe nights and 5 Nights of Sumer with “sunset dining, European sharing platters and cocktails by the sea” along with music.

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Tickets start from £10, and run from 7pm to 9pm.

Otherwise the cafe is only open in the day, from 9am to 5pm, (or 3pm in the week).

The cafe’s general manager Elisa Standley told local media: “I think this place has completely reformed the beachfront – it’s taken a modern twist of what we used to do, and it’s expanded what we do in a better way.

“It’s got probably the best view in Southsea.”

Outside of the cafe, Southsea is set to double the size of its beach and improve the size promenade.

Locals have also explained why they think Southsea is the best seaside town in the UK.

Here are 10 other beach bars in the UK that feel more like being abroad.

THE birthplace of the British seaside resort is celebrating 400 years
this summer – and it’s not where you might expect.

Scarborough is England‘s oldest coastal resort and it’s starting a summer of celebrations marking four centuries since its spa waters were found – so it was only right that I took a trip up to the North Yorkshire Coast.

It’s easy to see why tourists have been flocking to Scarborough for centuries and why it’s been nicknamed Scarbados, in a nod to the Caribbean island known for its lovely beaches and chilled-out vibe.

While the weather might not be quite as tropical as Barbados, there
are two beaches to choose from, a historic castle on the headland
between, popular parks offering lots of attractions and even one
Britain’s best waterparks, all within walking distance.

There’s something for everyone here, no matter what you enjoy about a day at the seaside, and it feels like you can have about five different days
out rolled into one.

I took on a spa-to-spa walk of about an hour, setting off near the
site of the original spring and spa in South Bay.

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This is where it all started for the town as a coastal resort, when Thomasin Farrer spotted a natural spring in 1626 and discovered the waters were packed with minerals.

Soon, people were travelling from across the country to take
the waters and enjoy the sea air.

The spa building is now an entertainment venue where you can enjoy comedy, music and kids’ shows throughout the year.

It’s here that you’ll find the historic cliff lift, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

And there’s also a striking glazed veranda with a black and white floor overlooking the North Sea.

Walking along the front, South Bay is home to many of the chippies
that won Scarborough the title of the fish and chip capital last year,
with almost 100 takeaways to choose from.

With wide golden sands, a big wheel, arcades aplenty and rides at Luna Park, you’ll want to head here if you love a bit of seaside hustle and bustle.

My favourite find was heading up to Scarborough Castle, which is
looked after by English Heritage and offers lovely views out over both
beaches and beyond.

It’s got a very special vibe, somehow managing to be at the heart of the town and feeling like a secluded secret spot at the same time.

Walking down to North Bay, which has a quieter vibe than its sister
sands to the south, and then around to Peasholm Park, this part of
Scarborough feels more like the beaches of my childhood.

If you love an aquarium, Scarborough North Bay Railway runs up to the pyramids that house the town’s Sea Life centre.

There’s lots to do in this green space, with the wooden pagodas at its entrance mirroring the oriental-inspired grounds within.

During the summer months, you can catch model boats recreating a naval battle on the lake at 3pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Or take a ride on the park’s historic water chute that’s coming up to its centenary and catch a show at the open air theatre, with the likes of Alanis Morissette and Michael Buble performing this year.

I finished my scuttle around Scarbados with a trip to the spa at
Alpamare, the town’s waterpark that opened a decade ago and has
recently gone up for sale after being run by Yorkshire theme park
Flamingo Land for a couple of years.

I loved the sea view from the upstairs sauna and the warm outdoor pool
was a treat in the sunshine.

But a firm favourite was definitely chilling out in the hay bath, a unique stable-inspired sensory room lined with troughs of freshly cut hay and swinging beds hanging from the ceiling.

It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours – kids can take on
the flumes, wave pool and splash pad downstairs, while adults can head
up to the spa to enjoy steam rooms, relaxation spaces and a terrace
with open air showers and sunbeds.

This year is a great time to visit Scarborough as there’s free
festivals, a trail of 10 huge deckchairs at tourist spots across the
town and even some fabulous illuminations when the nights draw in to
mark the end of the year of celebrations.

So scoot over to Scarborough if you’re after a seaside treat of a town
that started the traditional trip to the coast beloved of Brits all
those years ago.

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.

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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.

AN iconic UK pier could be forced to close after its owner collapsed into liquidation.

The future of historic landmark, which dates back to 1866, remains uncertain.

Lions Pier Limited, which operates Eastbourne Pier, was issued a compulsory winding-up order last month.

Local hotelier Abid Gulzar, who is listed as the firm’s sole director on Companies House, was handed the order on May 12, 2026 following a petition filed on March 25, 2026.

As a result, Lions Pier Limited and the future of the pier is now in the hands of the Official Receiver.

Compulsory liquidation is typically triggered by an unpaid creditor, with the court appointing the Official Receiver to take complete control of the process.

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The Official Receiver is responsible for investigating the reasons behind the company’s failure and assessing the director’s conduct, which could lead to a director disqualification order and further sanctions.

Gulzar purchased Eastbourne Pier in October 2015, before going on to acquire nearby Hastings Pier, which he entered into voluntary liquidation in 2023.

Two of the businessman’s hotel firms, Chatsworth Hotels Ltd and Lion Hotels Ltd, were also put into voluntary liquidation in 2017.

The hotelier carried out extensive renovation works at Eastbourne Pier, including the construction of four new replacement buildings.

Now, the collapse of Lions Pier Limited has resurfaced questions over the ownershop of the pier’s physical structure.

If Lions Pier Limited is deemed the owner, the Official Receiver could move to sell the pier as part of the liquidation process.

However, if Gulzar holds the freehold separately, as was the case with Hastings, he may retain control of the asset despite the company’s collapse.

A spokesperson for Eastbourne Borough Council told The Argus: “We are monitoring the situation at Eastbourne Pier very closely.

“It is an iconic and much-loved seafront attraction, and we hope the Official Receiver can secure an outcome that ensures it remains open and restored for residents, visitors and businesses based on the pier.

“While the pier has always been in private ownership, council officers routinely check its general condition and these checks will continue.”

Eastbourne Pier was transformed into a defensive stronghold during World War II in the event of invasion, with part of the decking removed to deter enemy landings and machine guns installed in the theatre.

Nowadays, the pier proves a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the UK’s sunniest town, offering cafes, gift shops, arcades, and a live music venue.

The Sun has reached out to Abid Gulzar via the Official Receiver for comment.

IN one of Norfolk’s best seaside towns is a pier over 100 years old – and it could soon undergo a huge revamp.

On what will be the year of its 125th anniversary, the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer is being considered for an upgrade worth millions.

The Pavilion Theatre sits on the end of Cromer Pier and hosts shows throughout the year from tribute acts to vintage festivals.

It also reportedly shows the “world’s only remaining full-season end-of-pier variety show”.

Now, the local North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is considering making improvements to the theatre at the predicted cost of £2.4million.

The Grade-II listed pier itself was built in 1901 as was the theatre which at the time was originally a bandstand.

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It was converted into the enclosed pavilion it is today in 1905 with several repairs made throughout the years.

The most famous performances there have been by the likes of Paul Daniels, Ken Dodd and Cannon and Ball.

Possible upgrades to the theatre include installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrading lighting and sound, and refurbishing the theatre’s 440 seats.

As for the wider town, Cromer on the north coast of Norfolk is actually considered one of the best in the UK.

Last year when The Times totted up its ‘best seaside towns in the UK’ from Cornish harbours to a good old British resort, Cromer made the list.

Coming second, just below Aldeburgh in Suffolk, The Times said Cromer is the “real deal” a “traditional port town with a Victorian pier, pastel-tinted beach huts, a bucket-and-spade beach.”

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, has given her verdict on the town.

She said: “Cromer mixes old-school seaside town tradition with trendy places to eat and shop, meaning this is a staycation spot that will please the whole family.

“The town’s real showstopper is Cromer Pier, which dates back all the way to 1391. The original jetties built over the years have been washed away by storms and rebuilt, but the pier you see today has jetted out over the water since the Victorian era.

“Perched at the end of the pier is the Pavilion Theatre, which puts on shows from Beatles tribute acts to Mamma Mia-themed parties.

“Plus it’s well worth a visit to catch the Cromer Pier Show with dazzling guests with high-production singing, dancing and comedy.

“Cromer is also home to a pristine, Blue Flag beach, which attracts sunbathers for its flat, golden sands, surfers for its waves and wild foragers for its fresh cockles and mussels.”

Jenna continued: “And when it comes to seafood, you can’t miss out on trying some delicious Cromer Crab. You’ll find this famous Brown Crab cropping up on menus all the way along the North Norfolk coast, so what better place to try some than the town in which they were freshly caught?

“However the charm of this seaside town isn’t all found at the pier, it’s recently become a lot trendier, too. In the lanes behind the seafront, Cromer has recently seen a wave of new vintage shops, cool cafes and quirky art galleries arrive.

“Pop into Grey Seal Coffee for a smooth flat white in a beachy, boho setting, or have a nosey in Cromer Artspace to admire local artists’ landscapes.

“For a memorable bite to eat, Norfolk Crumble has captured the love of locals, whipping up tasty pots of crumble loaded with toppings like popcorn and banoffee, as well as ice-cold thickshake.”

THE sun is shining so it’s time to grab a bucket and spade and head to the seaside – but where in the UK is best if you’re on a tight budget?

Well, the eight cheapest seaside towns have been revealed this week, and they range from a pretty harbour town in Wales to famous destinations in the North of England.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Which? has crunched the numbers and discovered the cheapest seaside towns in the UK where hotels cost under £100 per night on average.

While it actually came in last place on the list, Which? declared the Welsh town of Tenby as the ‘best cheap seaside town in the UK’.

Rooms don’t break the bank, on average they are £100 per night – not to mention it’s beautiful and is frequently crowned one of the prettiest spots in the UK.

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The harbour town is known for having multi-coloured houses right on the front – there’s even a small chapel there too.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding told us why she loves the town: “Tenby really does feel like the epitome of the song ‘Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ with everything you could ever want from a seaside town within a short walk of each other.

“Most pictures of the town you’ll see are of the pretty harbour, where boats bob up and down, the pier stretches into the water and the castle rises above it all on a hill.

“You can’t really go wrong with anywhere you go in the town, but make sure to visit Plantagenet House Restaurant – inside it is super cosy with stone walls and definitely stand in the alleyway in front of the restaurant and look back towards the harbour; you will get such a pretty view.

“For beaches, head to Tenby North Beach – it is super expansive, flat and often has ideal conditions or a swim. Oh, and a great view of the pastel coloured houses in the town.

“If you want to see more of the area, jump on the ferry for 20 minutes to Caldey Island, where you can see a historic lighthouse and visit the island’s famous chocolate factory.”

Topping the list for being the cheapest is Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear, where hotel rooms cost an average £82 per night – or £41pppn.

It might be cheap, but it still has all the delights of a seaside town, like a sweeping sandy beach, a towering lighthouse and a high street with independent cafes.

It’s a popular destination and one of the locals even called it “one of the best places on Earth“.

Local resident, Catherine Addison-Swan, added: “It’s not just cafes where you can grab a bite to eat in Whitley Bay, of course – the town is full of restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else, yet another thing that adds to its unique charm.”

Sun Travel found bargain rooms – like at the Dunes Hotel which for a one-night stay in June for two adults cost just £50 – or £25pp.

The Welsh town of Llandudno also made the list with rooms on average costing £85 per night.

The Victorian seaside resort in North Wales is known for its enormous palm-tree lined promenade.

The pier on the Llandudno North Shore Beach is very popular and is open all year round – another is the Great Orme Tramway which takes visitors up the cliffside.

A room for two adults at the Elsinore Hotel Llandudno in June costs as little as £54 – or £27pppn.

Over in Essex, Frinton-On-Sea is another bargain seaside town when it comes to overnight stays with hotels on average costing £95 per night, according to Which?

The seaside town is well-known for being traditional with no arcades – it didn’t even have a pub until 2000.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill reveals why you should visit, she said: “Not only is Frinton a very pretty spot on the coast, it’s one of the sunniest.

“Along the Essex coastline, Frinton-on-Sea is known for having no noisy arcades, like its more popular neighbour of Clacton.

“I love it for the fact that it has no frills, on the front is just a sweeping sandy beach, the sea and some pretty beach huts too.

“But if you want a bit more excitement, head back to Connaught Avenue for independent shops and boutiques.”

Also in the north of the UK, Whitby made the list too.

The town famous for its connections to Captain Cook and Dracula has two beaches West Cliff (Whitby Sands) and Tate Hill.

It has quality fish and chips too as Trenchers of Whitby just secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026.

You can get a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each.

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “It’s not just the beaches that make Whitby so spectacular. The rows of typical seaside cafes that line the shore and higgledy-piggledy pubs where servers have that proper northern charm are what I love.

“Queues wind around the corner for the well-known Magpie Cafe – and for good reason. Its famous fish and chips are some of the best in the UK, which I can vouch for, and should be eaten the northern way, with a good dollop of curry sauce.

“If you grab yourself a takeaway instead of sitting in the main restaurant, you can save yourself a fair bit of cash.

“For a good value pint, wander to Little Angel, set a little back from the river. It’s a CAMRA-pub so serves proper ales as well as homemade pub grub, including sandwiches for a fiver.”

Other cheap seaside towns where stays cost less than £100 include Aberdeeshire’s Stonehaven which has a heated Art Deco saltwater lido right on the beach.

An overnight stay in Filey, North Yorkshire, will set you back around £50per person.

Finally, there’s Lytham St Annes, a seaside town in the Borough of Fylde just south of Blackpool.

It wide sandy beaches, and a long pier that stretches over the North Sea.

Here are the eight cheapest seaside towns…

These are Which?’s cheapest seaside towns – and the average price of a hotel…

Tenby – Average hotel price £100

Whitby – Average hotel price £94

Whitley Bay – Average hotel price £82

Stonehaven – Average hotel price £90

Llandudno – Average hotel price £85

Frinton-On-Sea – Average hotel price £95

Filey – Average hotel price £100

Lytham St Annes – Average hotel price £95

OUR Spotlight On column this week is chatting all things UK – this time the seaside town of Deal.

Based in Kent, the town has boomed in popularity in recent years as ex-Londoners ditch the city for the more laid-back life by the sea.

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who lives near Deal said: “I’m seriously impressed with the food scene – and that’s coming from someone who wouldn’t even class herself as a foodie.

“Some of the restaurants rival or even surpass London, yet retain it’s traditional, laidback ambience.

“Sure, you can get your arcade hit and fish and chips, but it has a great family feel too – and a beach so big you will never run be fighting for space”.

Here are some of her other top tips from bars to shops if deciding to visit Deal.

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MUST SEE/DO

The brutalist Deal Pier has been through three iterations – one in 1838, destroyed by a storm, followed by one in 1864 which lasted until World War II.

The current surviving structure was opened by the then-Duke of Edinburgh in 1957.

It is worth the windy walk to the end where you can stroll past men fishing over the walls, or to grab a coffee at Deal Kitchen Pier.

Otherwise save some time for exploring the pretty high street littered with independent shops and galleries – head into Hoxton Store for the best trinkets, or Don’t Walk Walk (intentional repetition) for some unique artwork.

HIDDEN GEM

Visit on Saturday mornings to catch the bustling market that takes over Union Road car park.

It dates back to 1699 and is the kind of market that is impossible to leave without picking up something.

From flowers and soaps to groceries and sweet treats, or just your classic antiques and bric a brac, it truly has it all.

Visit early – it opens at 8am in the summer – to avoid the crowds (and get the freshest cinnamon buns).

BEST VIEW

Where better for a view of the ocean than from Deal Castle?

Built by Henry VII as a sea defence system, walk up the steps to the bastions for uninterrupted seascapes.

Send any fussy kids to the underground passageways, where they can pretend to fight off invaders with wooden muskets.

English Heritage members visit for free (non-member adults pay £9.00, while kids between 5-17 pay £5. See english-heritage.org.uk)

RATED RESTAURANT

The Pelican is the place to be for the best food in town, where English seaside meets Japanese cuisine.

Skip the tables for one of the 10 bar stools surrounding the open kitchen to watch the chefs at work.

And come with an empty stomach so you can gorge on crab croquettes, pork katsu and bowls of freshly steamed rice.

Pop in on Thursdays and Sundays for their ramen menu, or nurse a sake martini downstairs in their Cellar Bar.

BEST BAR

Recently renovated, Le Pinardier will transport you straight to France.

The wine bar-cum-shop is one for taking pictures in, from the dusky pink striped cushions to the chequered tiles.

It has some of the best local wines and beers on tap, best chased by some oysters or charcuterie.

Fancy something more low key? Head to The Port Arms pub for traditional boozer vibes, and live music in the front beer garden in summer.

HOTEL PICK

The Rose hotel has won multiple awards since it opened in 2018.

With just eight rooms, it is stylish granny chic with floral wallpaper, grand velvet headboards and some even having rolltop baths.

Take advantage of the complimentary brandy nightcap as well as the free-to-use tandem bike for getting around town.

Or book a package that includes a spot of yoga and a massage at the sister The Pelicans Room.

Wake up to the sound of church bells before heading downstairs for a slap up breakfast at the restaurant – make sure to try the smoked salmon crumpet.

Rooms cost from £110 per night. See therosedeal.com

THINK crystal clear waters, dolphin spotting and independent boutiques – well, the UK’s best seaside destination has all of this.

Less than three miles from its popular and busier neighbour – Tenby – you’ll find Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

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Named the best seaside spot in the UK by Time Out, it said: “Saundersfoot is one of Pembrokeshire’s most energetic spots” adding that it has a “lively spirit”.

One of the top things to do in the village is of course heading to the beach, which stretches more than half a mile long.

The Blue Flag beach is a popular spot for families as it has shallow water and boasts a lot of fun activities such as canoeing, windsurfing and swimming.

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The beach has also previously been named as one of the cleanest beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.

You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dolphins or a grey seal from the beach.

At one end of the beach you’ll find the harbour, which dates back to 1829 and was built as an industrial port to export coal from local mines.

Today, the harbour is a tourist hub for Saundersfoot, with a number of places to grab a bite to eat as well as a ship you can play crazy golf on.

If you like history, make sure to walk around the entire harbour, as at the end you’ll see Saundersfoot Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 to mark the entrance to the harbour.

From the harbour you can also hop on a boat trip with Saundersfoot Sealife Adventures to see local wildlife and Caldey Island for an hour and a half.

Each trip costs around £25 per adult and £20 per child.

Just steps away from both the beach and the harbour, you’ll find Hwyl Outdoor Sauna where you can enjoy a sauna session from just £9 per person.

Spread across a couple of roads, again just steps from the beach, there’s also the high street with independent boutiques, cafes and art studios.

Back in 2024, The Telegraph even noted how Saundersfoot is a “little-known hip town” that is the “perfect bolthole for those who want to see West Wales’s sights and lively towns but also enjoy quiet, sunset-watching downtime in the evening”.

From the village, you can head on a number of walks as well along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, where you will see amazing views of the coastline.

And just outside of the village, you can visit Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo which is home to a number of animals, rides and a recently updated play area.

The Pirate Adventure has a castle and a number of accessible play areas, including low level options for wheelchair users.

You can also opt to stay at the holiday park onsite, which in November was named one of the best family campsites in South Wales by the Campsites.co.uk awards.

There are other places to stay in and around Saundersfoot though, including Sunnyvale Holiday Park.

The holiday park has 53 caravans ideal for families and is less than a mile from Saundersfoot Beach.

Facilities at the park include a games room, kids play area, hot tubs, pet-friendly options and an indoor pool.

A two-night stay in August costs from £300.

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A MASSIVE new ride worth £8.7million will launch at an English seaside town next month.

The 138ft gyro swing attraction is the tallest in the UK, and will transform the town’s iconic skyline.

Adrenaline junkies will finally be allowed onto the mega Aviktas ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on May 21.

The towering swing can accommodate up to 40 people in outward-facing seats, with riders soaring over the seaside.

Its long arm swings back and forth on a 120 degree trajectory, hurling thrillseekers round and round as well as back and forth.

This summer marks the 130th anniversary of the seaside town’s iconic Pleasure Beach.

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Alongside the gargantuan swing ride, the theme park has added other updates to mark the anniversary.

This includes a free ticket for under-twos, which means they can have access to suitable rides without paying for the first time.

It has also launched a new annual pass, which offers a full year of entry to the park.

Further updates include: a half price return ticket, a cheaper Flex Pass option and the return of the popular two for £60 afternoon ticket, according to Lancashire Post.

James Cox, director of marketing, sales and PR at Pleasure Beach, said: “If ever there has been a time to support local businesses and the tourism sector, it’s now.”

He added: “Being in business for 130 years does not happen by chance.

“It takes hard work, overcoming challenges, and always looking ahead.

“That’s our promise to this town and to this sector as we enter our 130th season.”

If enjoying a tipple in a sunny beer garden is top of the list for your seaside trip, there’s one English beach resort that wouldn’t have been your cup of tea before this century. 

I visited Frinton-on-Sea, a quaint little town on the Essex Sunshine Coast where boozers were banned until 2000.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Nowadays you can prop up the bar at the town’s first pub, the Lock and Barrel, or enjoy a drink in the sun outside.

There are a couple of small courtyard areas with picnic tables out back, plus tables in front of the pub’s huge double-fronted picture windows overlooking the high street.

It’s all a far cry from the Frinton of years gone by, when industrialist Richard Powell Cooper developed the golf course and land around it in the 1890s, stipulating that no drinking holes would be welcome. 

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In fact, there wasn’t even a fish and chip shop until the 1990s.

So heading back 30 years after the sea change, I was interested to see if lifting the ban on takeaways and pubs has made much difference to the sleepy seaside chic I remember from my youth.

Now pubs are permitted, Frinton’s main claim to fame is being named by Which? as the warmest and driest coastal town in its most recent survey of best UK seaside spots, as well as scoring five stars from visitors for peace and quiet.

It got just one star for tourist attractions, as it’s not got a pier, arcades or any of the other seaside staples you might expect.

It’s the polar opposite of the party vibe of its coastal cousin Clacton, just five miles down the seafront.

With a family-friendly sandy beach overlooked by the wide lawns and heritage sea shelters of the greensward, there’s something a little bit special about this secluded seaside spot, and the introduction of a pub hasn’t done anything to change that. 

It’s still got a village vibe, with only one road in and out over the railway line. 

Its high street Connaught Avenue remains packed full of independent shops – a glimpse out of the pub window revealed a toy shop, butcher, bookshop and fishmonger.

Although, Frinton hasn’t avoided the inevitable Turkish barber, charity shop and nail salon that seem to have sprung up in every town centre.

Even a chain like Poundstretcher has toned down its brightly coloured exterior and signage to fit in with the conservation area. 

Here are more of our favourite UK seaside towns…

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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

BOOK A STAY

We popped in for a pint at the Lock and Barrel, paying £30 for a round of two beers, a glass of wine and three soft drinks.

I liked the pub name’s nod to the previous ironmonger incarnation of the building, with Blowers and Cooper storefront lettering preserved on the ceiling above the bar to remember the shop based here for 75 years.

And the lovely green tiled pillar at the entrance preserves part of the pub’s predecessor for posterity.

It all seems very much in keeping with the genteel feel that attracted the likes of Winston Churchill and the Prince of Wales here in the first half of the 20th century.

And while Frinton is never going to be prime pub crawl territory, strolling a mile inland while window shopping along Connaught Avenue brings you to the Essex Skipper on an estate towards the outskirts of the town.

We loved the beach hut seating areas in the beer garden and the big word cloud backdrop that commemorates many of the special places, food and experiences that make this stretch of the Essex coast unique.

This pub has a fresh, modern feel, quite a contrast to the olde world charm of its high street counterpart.

With August average highs of 21C, sea temperatures of around 18C and rainfall just 45mm, Frinton combines the best of British summertime with a town that’s stayed true to its traditions.

And it’s easily accessible, with trains from London Liverpool Street taking just 90 minutes.

If you do like to be beside the seaside and all you need for your bucket-and-spade break is a beach and a bit of sunshine, Frinton could become a firm family favourite for you.

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2026 is looking like the year of the staycation – and luckily, you’ve got plenty of revamped resorts along the coast to choose from.

Many of the UK’s favourite seaside towns are unveiling major, multi-million-pound makeovers. Luckily, while the upgrades are first-class, the holiday prices remain refreshingly retro.

We’ve scoured the coast to find the biggest transformations alongside the best-value places to stay, with budget-friendly deals starting from just £35 a night.

From record-breaking theme park rides to Victorian promenades polished back to their former glory, here are the hottest UK seaside spots that have been revamped for 2026.

Blackpool

If you thought you knew Blackpool, think again. This family entertainment hotspot is undergoing a glow-up.

The popular theme park Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unveiling a massive new ride to keep thrill-seekers on their toes: Aviktas.

The giant gyro swing ride is set to be the tallest of its kind at 138 feet, changing the skyline of Blackpool pier. The ride is set to open on May 21.

As well as this, the seaside town is unveiling a brand-new £3million indoor attraction.

Set to open this summer, Tenpin Blackpool will host 24 bowling lanes as well as a laser tag arena, soft play, escape rooms and even karaoke rooms.

Plus, there’s a cocktail bar and live sports lounge for the grown-ups, too. The attraction is set to open on June 5.

There’s plenty more to look forward to in time for summer as well.

The Southbeach Streetfood dining venue will serve a selection of food from 19 revamped shipping containers, and is set to open by the end of spring.

There’s also the 100th Anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, with ballroom and Latin dance events held at the Winter Gardens from May 16-29.

To enjoy all the new thrills coming to the seaside resort this summer, we’ve scoured the internet for the cheapest staycation deals.

Brighton

If you fancy a seaside escape with a touch of Victorian glamour, Brighton is currently polishing its crown.

The city’s famous Victorian promenade has been undergoing a massive £750,000 revamp, with the historic terraces set to fully reopen to the public this year.

It’s the perfect excuse to book a staycation, stroll the seafront and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that makes this city famous.

For a totally free afternoon, head to the Rampion Visitor Centre on the seafront to try out their virtual reality experience, or go street art spotting through the North Laine, where the walls are a giant open-air gallery.

The Brighton Fishing Museum is a great free stop-in to see traditional Sussex boats, while the world-famous Brighton Palace Pier costs just £1 entry for adults (kids go free) and is a must-do when visiting.

Folkestone

Folkestone is all the rage as the artsy seaside town continues to benefit from a massive £20 million makeover.

The town has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with the Creative Quarter’s neon-lit streets leading down to a revamped Harbour Arm.

The Harbour Arm has now become a trendy dining destination, with nearly 70 food and drink outlets available.

Some of the top-rated include the champagne bar The Lighthouse and its sister restaurant Tasting Rooms – visit on Fridays for three courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29.

Plus, spring 2026 brings the long-awaited return of the historic Leas Lift, a Victorian water-balanced funicular that’s been restored to its former glory.

When visiting, you can spend a totally free afternoon wandering the Folkestone Artworks trail to see sculptures by famous artists, or head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park to make use of the largest free adventure play area in the South East.

For some unique self-care, visit the brand new Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach for a sweat with a sea view.

Southampton

Southampton is one year into the major makeover of its waterfront and city centre, in a grand revamp described by the council as “The Renaissance Vision”.

Plus, the newly-approved £200million upgrade to Town Quay will soon see the addition of a new hotel complex, bringing a spa and even a helipad to the waterfront.

While the planning for the big builds is underway, one heritage seafront attraction has reopened to the public.

If you visit this summer, you’ll be able to walk the newly reopened Hythe Pier – a 145-year-old seaside pier that is sparkling new again after six months of extensive restoration.

To get there, board the world’s oldest pier train at Hythe Pier Railway. The pier stretches a whopping 700 yards from the centre of Hythe to Southampton Water, and costs £1 to enter.

To explore Southampton’s history, you can spend a totally free afternoon walking the Titanic Trail, which leads you through the city centre to historic memorials.

Or see the exciting new displays at Southampton City Art Gallery, which has just reopened its doors in March 2026 following a year of upgrades.

Margate

Margate is undergoing continued transformations set to further transform the seaside town into one of the UK’s trendiest coastal hubs.

Local neighbourhood Cliftonville was named the coolest street in the UK by Time Out last year, and the area’s only getting more stylish with the addition of a brand new attraction.

Abandoned gardens overlooking the sea will be transformed into a beachfront skatepark in Cliftonville, a trendy area known as “Shoreditch-on-sea”.

The skatepark is predicted to open in the late summer of 2026, and set to cost £1.1million to build.

As well as this, Margate’s Winter Gardens are set to reopen after an £8million upgrade. The historic seaside venue has seen bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take the stage, first opening in 1910.

Now the charming venue will see the addition of a snazzy rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a nursery and drama school. The Main Hall of the Winter Gardens is set to reopen to the public in late 2026, with other new additions opening in stages throughout 2027.

Plus, the upgrades aren’t slowing down anytime soon, with proposed plans to build a new £95,000 accessible boardwalk on Margate Sands.

To see the best of this trendy resort on your trip, stroll along the beachfront to soak up sea views, before stopping in at the free-to-enter Turner Contemporary gallery to see the latest exhibition.

Elsewhere, take a dip in what’s believed to be the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay, or take the family along to the free Crab Museum in the Old Town for a quirky, hands-on experience of science and marine life.

Hull

Named one of National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel to in 2026, Hull has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

A massive £27.5m makeover has seen the area invest in its maritime history, with the money poured into the city’s historic museum and ships.

The Maritime Museum, which received an £11million makeover beginning in 2020, is finally set to reopen in summer 2026.

New additions to the museum include a 40-foot whale skeleton, miniature ship models and maritime artwork.

As well as this, the new and improved Spurn Lightship opened in early March of 2026, having been closed to the public since 2018.

The floating museum is free to visit, with slots reserved online. You can also book a place for a free maritime guided tour, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Hull also boasts plenty of totally free attractions, such as the Streetlife Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram and stroll down a 1940s high street.

Alternatively, head to Hull‘s revamped Queen’s Gardens. Set to reopen in April 2026, the gardens’ three ponds have been refreshed, plus there are redesigned Peace Gardens and plenty of new maritime-themed activities.

Littlehampton

Littlehampton is quickly becoming a firm family favourite for 2026, thanks to the massive £7.2million transformation of the West Green seafront.

With the revamp reaching completion late last year, the seaside resort is ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 spring and summer season.

The West Green seafront now has a water play area, with jets, splash pads and shaded areas to make use of in the hotter months.

As well as this, families can make use of the barbecue zones, mini basketball court and beach volleyball court. Plus, there’s also a climbing wall and petanque setup for even more fun and games.

And when you get hungry, there’s your pick of food and drink kiosks, from the Soul Kitchen and Bar to delicious Jim’s Ice Cream.

To extend your free family day out in Littlehampton, stroll the promenade past the colourful and quirky longest bench in Britain, which winds along the coast.

Or for an indoor option, pop into the Littlehampton Museum, which offers free entry and a look at the town’s history, from the Anglo-Saxon era to WWII.

There’s so much to do in the surrounding area, too. Just a few miles west is the town of Bognor Regis, where you could get day passes to Butlin’s.

There’s also the Bognor Pier, Hotham Park Miniature Railway and Blake’s Cottage, the former home of the poet William Blake, which is now a museum.

There’s also the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate and Racecourse, Petworth House and Amberley Museum.

THE UK’s ‘Golden Mile’ is getting a major revamp and now it has been named as the home of the country’s best pier.

Great Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier has been named the Pier of the Year.

In the annual National Piers Society’s (NPS) competition, the pier beat 62 other seaside piers around the UK.

According to the BBC, NPS chairman Tim Wardley said: “Huge congratulations to the worthiest of winners who have shown that in challenging economic times, investment is still the way forward to success.”

The pier’s co-owner Joseph Abbott also added: “We feel this is a huge testament to us as new owners for the work, time and investment we have put in since our takeover in December 2022.”

The pier, which recently underwent a £2.2million revamp, was originally built in 1858 as one of the original Victorian timber-framed piers in the UK.

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Over the years, the Britannia Pier on the Norfolk coast has undergone a number of transformations including being destroyed and rebuilt after a fire in 1958.

Thanks to the recent £2.2million revamp the pier has several new features including an upgraded amusement arcade, entrance and the end-of-pier Britannia Pier Theatre – which is one of only five remaining in the UK.

And there are new food stalls and rides too.

Current owners, who bought the pier back in 2022, are keen to make the pier “a must-visit attraction for holidaymakers and the community to enjoy year-round – with a strong line-up of acts, events, shows and family-friendly activities”.

The pier isn’t the only destination in the seaside town to see a change.

Over the coming years, Great Yarmouth will undergo an extensive £40million glow-up.

There will be several projects taking place including opening the 19th century Maritime House and the Iron Duke art deco pub.

The Maritime House, which can be found on the seafront, has been abandoned for five years now.

It was originally a safe house for sailors who became shipwrecked nearby but has seen a number of different uses over the years including being a museum and a tourist information centre.

When it finally reopens, which is expected to be this spring, it will house a cafe and a number of flats.

The Iron Duke pub which closed back in 2007, will also reopen this year following a £2.4million renovation.

The Victorian Winter Gardens will get a major makeover as well, set to cost £18million.

The Grade-II listed landmark is the UK’s last surviving Victorian seaside cast iron and glass winter gardens and will reopen next year as the ‘People’s Palace’ and include indoor gardens, cafes and entertainment venues.

The final project will involve a £20million transformation of the North Quay, which is expected to take a few years.

Eventually the area will include shops, homes and leisure venues, such as a ‘Leisure Box’ which will include a multi-screen cinema and 120-room hotel.

If you are visiting the seaside town, make sure to visit the beach which is often dubbed ‘the Golden Mile’.

One recent visitor said in a review on Google: “First time at Great Yarmouth and we loved it!

“Really clean, lots of places to eat from, lots of attractions for the kids.

“Will definitely be coming again.”

Another visitor said in a review on Google: “Place looks like Miami and is perfect for beach and casinos.”

For somewhere to stay, you could head to Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall Holiday Park that has a number of new attractions and family activities.

And you can stay there with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50, as there’s still breaks available for this year.

In other seaside news, here are Britain’s hidden seaside holiday towns where you can dodge sky-high prices and book stunning breaks from just £49.

Plus, here are seven great UK seaside towns with beachfront theme parks – and you can stay with Hols from £9.50.