Seaside Towns

WE LOVE being by the seaside and the UK truly has some amazing coastal destinations to explore.

And now, the best seaside spots in the country have been revealed.

The Seaside Heritage Network has revealed its Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places and experiences, voted for by the public.

Here are the top 10 spots:

#10 Blackpool Colonnades (Lancashire)

Securing 10th place is the tiered structure in Blackpool known as the Blackpool Colonnades.

The Grade II-listed structure stretches 500 metres, with many locals saying it is the best spot for the sunset.

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The historic seaside structure was built between 1910 and 1925 to protect the seafront.

Even better news is that they are currently being restored, with a completion date set for 2030.

#9 Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (Ceredigion)

The Aberystwyth Cliff Railway in Wales is the longest electric cliff railway in Britain.

The lift opened back in 1896 and has a 237 metre track.

Later in November 1987, the lift received a Grade II-listed status.

At the top of Constitution Hill, there are more attractions to explore including The Camera Obscura.

#8 Harbour Bar, Scarborough (North Yorkshire)

The Harbour Bar in Scarborough, North Yorkshire is a family owned ice cream and milk bar which has stood on the seafront since 1945.

Inside the bar has a white-and-yellow 1950s/60s decor with neon lighting and even vintage counter service.

All ice cream is made on site using traditional recipes.

The joint has won awards for its sundaes such as Knickerbocker Glory.

#7 Shell Grotto, Margate (Kent)

In Margate, explore Shell Grotto which is an underground chamber full of, well, shells.

The chamber was discovered completely randomly in the 19th century and boasts 21 metres of winding passages covered in 4.6million shells.

Having recently visited, Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey said: “Discovered in 1835, the mystery of the Shell Grotto is what gives it its charm – even now, we don’t know who created it, when, or why.

“But the bizarre underground chambers are well-worth exploring and it certainly makes for an interesting visit (if you don’t mind leaving with more questions than answers…).”

#6 Volks Electric Railway, Brighton (East Sussex)

Volk’s Electric Railway in Brighton, East Sussex, is the oldest operating electric railway in the world.

Having opened in 1883, the railway stretches just over a mile along Brighton seafront.

The railway operates seasonally with a round trip taking around half an hour.

You don’t need to pre-book – you can just turn up, buy tickets at the station and then head for a ride.

#5 Weymouth Deckchairs (Dorset)

Weymouth’s Deckchairs are loved for their charming, traditional feel and came in as the fifth best seaside spot in the country.

The chairs are available each day from April through the end of September, weather permitting, and make for the ideal photo op.

Hiring a deckchair costs around £3.70 per day.

Though, if you are over 60 and live in the area you can get a free pass.

#4 Tinside Lido, Plymouth (Devon)

Fancy a dip? In fourth place is the only lido on the list – Grade II-listed Art Deco Tinside Lido in Plymouth.

After opening in 1935, the pool quickly became a popular spot and today is often ranked among the top outdoor pools in Europe.

The semi-circular pool screams of classic seaside memories and is unheated.

The pool costs £10.50 for both adults and children.

#3 Wemyss Bay Railway Station (Inverclyde)

Wemyss Bay Railway Station is a Category A-listed Edwardian railway found in the village of Wemyss Bay in Inverclyde, Scotland.

It is often dubbed one of the most beautiful train stations in the UK.

It also marks the final stop on the Inverclyde Line which connects the region to Glasgow Central.

One visitor said: “A fascinating and beautifully preserved reminder of the heyday of mass travel to the seaside – now an integral part of its local community.”

#2 North & South Marine Parks, South Shields (Tyne & Wear)

North Marine Park and South Marine Park are interconnected Victorian parks located on South Shields seafront in Tyne & Wear.

The parks sit alongside Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and boast a mixture of attractions including green spaces and even a miniature railway.

One person said: “It has everything! Miniature train, lake with boats, play area, cafe, beautiful gardens.

“The beach is over the road as well as a traditional fairground. Lots of events, music, fun and family friendly.”

#1 Herne Bay Pier (Kent)

And securing the top spot for the best seaside destination is Herne Bay Pier in Kent.

The traditional seaside attraction has loads to do from family entertainment including arcades to beach hut shops.

One person said: “I love the pier as there are so many places to eat and drink. If you have children with you there are plenty of things for them to do. Always see people crabbing off the side.

“They have dog shows too and music shows through the summer weekends. It’s so versatile and just a really enjoyable place to be.

“Fantastic variety of activities for all ages. The Pier Volunteers are a credit to the community.”

OUR Spotlight On column suggests what to do and see in the top holiday spots as well as some lesser known regions in the UK and further afield.

This week, we’re looking at Padstow, and, as someone who visits every year, this is THE time of year to visit.

In autumn, the heaving summer crowds have died down and you can actually enjoy the quaint harbour as it once was in its more peaceful days as a sleepy fishing town.

Famous TV chef Rick Stein moved here in his 20s, drawn to the waters from which he could pluck fresh seafood on a daily basis, and now owns four restaurants here.

Rick isn’t the only famous face to fall for Padstow, either – Fern Britton, Kate Hudson and even the royals have all openly spoken about their love for the Cornish region (I once spotted Dame Judi Dench shopping in Boots on the high street here).

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The famous Camel Trail weaves through rural countryside for 18.3 miles, starting at the edge of Padstow leading all the way to Wenford Bridge on Bodmin Moor.

The most scenic stretch, in my opinion, is the 5.5 mile section between Wadebridge and Padstow which follows the Camel Estuary up to the coast.

Walk it, cycle it, run it – take your pick. Bikes can be rented from the Wadebridge end, where there is also a little cafe serving refreshments.

HIDDEN GEM

You’ll likely find a fair few tourist pottering around Padstow’s narrow streets, among the pastel-coloured houses and boutique shops and cafes, but very few make the two mile walk to Hawker’s Cove, a secluded beach with sweeping ocean views and quiet sands.

Make sure to swing by the Rest a While Tea Garden, a makeshift cafe overlooking the sands serving classic Cornish cream teas and home-baked goodies.

At this time of year, you may have the whole beach to yourself.

BEST VIEW

The gorgeous Harbour Hotel in Padstow offers glorious views of the bay from its perch, high on a hill.

Its restaurant and bar terrace is undoubtedly the best spot in summer, with seats positioned to both catch the sunshine and overlook the water.

Order yourself a grapefruit margarita made from El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau, hibiscus, pink grapefruit and lime juice with a pink Himalayan salt rim, and watch the sun set beyond the horizon, behind the town of Rock.

RATED RESTAURANT

Prawn on the Lawn has two venues within Padstow’s central harbour – one slightly larger than the other but both pack a punch.

Make sure to reserve a table in advance of your visit, especially during half terms and school holidays.

Menus of sharing style dishes showcase seafood caught fresh from local waters and prepared by top notch chefs. Porthilly oysters cost from £4.50 each, while larger plates like seared tuna, soy, mirin and chilli cost £15.50.

For coffee and a slice of one of the grandest homemade cakes you’ll ever eat, pop to Cherry Trees Coffee House, whose wondrous desserts, topped with swirls of buttercream, take pride of place behind a glass counter.

BEST BAR

For cocktails that will knock your socks off, head to Ruby’s Bar, part of the Rick Stein chain, which sits behind a rather unassuming door on Broad Street.

It serves up all the classics, but with unusual twists.

The Foraged Martini, for example, is made from Iichiko Shochu (a Japanese spirit), sweet and dry sakes, and locally-foraged gorse flowers with shiitake mushroom oil.

The Old Custom House, on the other hand, is an old-school boozer serving up foamy pints of local ales.

HOTEL PICK

The 4* Harbour Hotel may look a little weathered from the outside (as you’d expect for an old Victorian building sat so close to the sea), but the inside is tranquil and perfectly reflects its seaside location.

Rooms are decorated in cool blue tones accented by white shutters on the windows – many come with fabulous sea views.

Rooms cost from £135 per night. See harbourhotels.co.uk.

ONE coastal road in Wales which is nicknamed Millionaire’s Row has been compared to the Hamptons in New York.

The houses on the rocky headland have epic sea views – but it’s also right next to one of the cheapest seaside towns where you can book a room for less than £20.

Marine Drive on Great Orme, which is a headland on the north coast of Wales, and it’s considered one of the country’s most expensive streets.

Currently, a home called Plas Craig is on sale for £2.5million – perched high up on the cliff the five-bedroom house has incredible views of the coastline.

The Hamptons is a celebrity hotspot where stars like Beyonce and Jay-Z, and Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick own homes.

While Great Orme isn’t home to any celebrities (that we know of) it was recently visited by Sigourney Weaver and Miles Teller to film a new movie called The Gorge.

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Interestingly, Marine Drive is just minutes away from one Wales‘ most budget-friendly seaside resort’s Llandudno.

Hotels are super cheap , looking at dates in October, a one-night stay or two adults on the beachfront can be as little as £23pppn.

This is the case at the Hydro Hotel which is across the road from the beach and half-a-mile from the town centre.

The Marine Hotel which is also on the promenade can be booked from £32pppn in October.

This hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar and it’s a very short walk from the door to the pier.

Staying at the local Travelodge can cost £19.50pn in November.

Llandudno itself is well-known for its beautiful promenade which has multi-coloured hotels and palm trees.

It also has two main beaches, North Shore which is the town’s main and busiest beach and then West Shore, considered its ‘quieter sister’.

Last year, Llandudno in Wales was also voted one of the most affordable places for a beach holiday and one of the best too by Which?.

One popular seaside activity is to ride the Great Orme Railway which heads along the Great Orme cliffside.

Return tickets for adults start from £11.25 with tickets for children (3-16) starting from £6.80.

For anyone wanting a more varied view of the hills and seascape, you can always head up on the cable cars, which are the longest in Britain.

Catch them from Happy Valley where they travel 679 feet up into the air all the way up to the summit of Great Orme.

By visitors, Llandudno has been called one of the “very best of British coastal resorts” to a “very grand old seaside town”.