seaside

With the upcoming May bank holidays and extra long weekends, this might be the best time to book a break by the seaside, and there are some beautiful UK destinations to choose from

The UK’s best seaside destinations for a mini staycation have been named, from ‘coral’ beaches to turquoise waters and traditional beach huts lining the shores.

The UK is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes, and the stretches of picturesque coastline more than account for that. From the whitewashed cliffs of Devon to Victorian piers stretching out to sea along the Somerset coast, and the azure waters of Cornwall that compare to those in the Caribbean.

With a whopping 1,500 beaches across the UK, we’re spoilt for choice on where to spend a weekend escape or mini-break by the seaside. Yet, some have been named the best of them all, and it’s in perfect time ahead of the May bank holiday weekends.

Following research by the staycation specialist, Sykes Holiday Cottages, the top 10 UK destinations that are best for a short coastal break have been revealed. Whether you’re looking for a seaside escape with the backdrop of mountain peaks, the pristine shores with sugar-white sand, or the traditional seaside fun with a pleasure pier, there’s somewhere to suit everyone.

Topping the list was the breathtakingly beautiful terrains of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, thanks to stretches of sprawling coastlines against the backdrop of rugged mountains and emerald-green valleys. The beaches are striking, with crystal-clear waters, dark volcanic shores and crushed maerl on the famed Claigan Coral Beach.

St Ives in Cornwall, known for its turquoise waters and golden sand beaches, modestly followed behind. Dubbed the ‘Cornish California’, it’s long been a favourite among Brits seeking a break in the coastal town, with surfing beaches, a charming harbour and sheltered bays.

One that might come as a surprise, beating the likes of Devon, is the diverse coastline of Whitby in North Yorkshire. Its main beach, West Cliff, is known for its wide stretches of golden sand, traditional beach huts, and rock pools, framed by a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs and the ruins of historic Whitby Abbey.

In fourth place was the lively coast of Brighton in East Sussex, with its iconic four-mile promenade, historic Palace Pier over its shingle beach and Victorian arches. Known as the ‘London by the Sea’, there’s an energetic atmopshere, a catalogue of eateries, shops and attractions, alongside its traditional seaside charm.

Another seaside spot that made the top five was the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, known for its 30-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline, sand beaches and white chalk cliffs. There are villages, towns, and harbours dotted near the coast, offering an idyllic weekend break against its picture-postcard vistas.

While Devon didn’t make the top five, its coast in Torquay put the holiday hotspot amongst the top 10, alongside Anglesey in North Wales and Bournemouth in Dorset. But it was Cornwall that was featured heavily on the list, with Newquay and Padstow also making the top 10 of the best seaside getaways.

Top 10 coastal destinations for a short break:

1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
2. St Ives, Cornwall
3. Whitby, North Yorkshire
4. Brighton, East Sussex
5. Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
6. Torquay, Devon
7. Anglesey, North Wales
8. Bournemouth, Dorset
9. Newquay, Cornwall
10. Padstow, Cornwall

To book a staycation by the sea, visit the Sykes Holidays Cottages website. You can also call 01244 617 683, or download the Sykes Holiday Cottages app.

You can also find accommodation for a list of UK locations on the Holiday Cottages website and on Cottages.com. The National Trust also has a collection of holiday cottages across the UK available to book.

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

Far less well-known or visited than many other cities in the UK, but a real gem.

It’s the 12th most-visited city in Britain for overnight stays, according to official tourism data — below Brighton, Oxford, Bristol and Bath. To me, this means a lot of people are missing out on what is one of the finest places in the UK to live and spend time.

This has my home city for nearly 30 years and I can’t think of another I’d rather live in. London has its eye-popping palaces, Manchester has its world-famous football stadiums, Oxford and Cambridge have their iconic universities. But what Cardiff lacks in headline-grabbing tourist sites it makes up for in culture and pretty, atmospheric suburbs where you can live like a local regardless of where you’re from. It is also one of the greenest cities in the UK – and one of the most walkable. This is why I think Cardiff is a match for any city in the UK and a totally unique experience.

One of Europe’s greenest cities

Cardiff is consistently ranked among the greenest cities in the UK and Europe and has also topped a Europe-wide poll on the best cities for families with young children to live.

The jewel in the crown of Cardiff’s green spaces is the vast green space that starts in the heart of the city centre and takes you all the way to the outskirts of the city and beyond. You can walk from Cardiff Castle in the city centre for six miles, sticking close to the River Taff most of the way, to Castell Coch outside the city without leaving a park or nature reserve (you can even explore a secret overgrown graveyard on the way). That’s well over twice the length of New York City’s Central Park. The city’s Bute Park and the adjoining Llandaff Fields alone make up for 2.3 miles of this, around the same length as the world famous feature in Manhattan.

In spring, the blossom trees here are alive with whites and pinks, while in autumn they’ll pop with rusty reds and oranges. In summer, you can sit down and watch a game of cricket taking place, or even have a game of padel or tennis yourself in excellently-maintained courts.

Other gems are Cefn Onn Park, a grade 2-listed historic park on the city’s northern fringes which is an oasis of calm full of native and exotic trees set within an intimate valley. Or there’s Forest Farm on the banks of the Taff, where habitats include woodland, scrub, hay meadow, ponds and marshland and you can still see sections of the historic former Glamorganshire Canal and the restored Melingriffith waterpump, both relics of the city’s industrial past.

On the city’s western edge is one of the world’s most unique museums: St Fagans National Museum of History is like a walk through a rural village in which one or two buildings from recent centuries have survived. The buildings here have all been dismantled from their original locations across Wales and painstakingly rebuilt here. You can have a pint in the rebuilt Vulcan pub.

There’s a 17th century farmhouse from mid Wales, an 18th century chapel from rural west Wales and a terrace of six workers’ homes, each dated to a different year between 1805 and 1985. It’s a stunning place, free to enter and easily reachable by bus.

Walkable

Given its abundance of green space, it’s no surprise that Cardiff is also a very walkable city. But it’s not just the parks and nature reserves that are a joy to walk in and around. From the city centre, it will take you about half an hour along a very simple route to walk to the seafront Cardiff Bay and you could easily spend a day exploring that area on foot. What is today known as Cardiff Bay was previously known as the Docks or Tiger Bay and is the reason the city exists in its current form. Cardiff was a small town before the industrial revolution, when it exploded in size and population to become not just the biggest town in Wales but the biggest coal port in the world.

But by the 1980s it had become a neglected wasteland of derelict docks, mudflats and poor housing. A decade on and Europe’s largest waterfront development in the 1990s created a barrage, a huge freshwater lake and complex of restaurants, shops and bars which now make it a major draw.

Historic buildings from Cardiff’s industrial era like the pilotage office, pierhead building, coal exchange and Norwegian church still exist amid the more modern developments and walking the entire length of the barrage, with the city skyline on one side and the Bristol Channel on the other is a lovely way to spend time in the open air.

Half an hour on foot in the other direction from the city centre is the sought-after suburb of Pontcanna, where you’ll find a concentration of welcoming pubs and restaurants, including a handful of the best you’ll find in Wales all within a 10-minute walk of each other. The well-heeled Cathedral Road is a lovely street to stroll down, where the large three-storey houses remind you of the city’s historic wealth.

Food and drink

Speaking of food and drink, Cardiff has seen a revolution in this area in recent years. Lamented as recently as 10 years ago by a leading food critic as a city with a desolate food scene (he even said the best place to go for food was Cardiff Central so you could catch a train to Bristol), that is a hot take not even the most cynical of critics could claim today. There are superb places to eat in the city centre and every suburb, ranging from Michelin-starred to street food.

It’s impossible to mention them all here but here are a few stand-outs (go here for a full list of the 40 best places to eat in the city). In Pontcanna, Gorse won a Michelin star within a few months of opening, becoming the city’s first restaurant to ever get a star. Practically next door is Thomas, also comfortably one of the best restaurants in the city. And a few doors down you’ll get a great and affordable lunch at Milkwood. A stone’s throw from here is Heaney’s, another extremely accomplished restaurant serving impeccable food, and Sonder, a friendly, neighbourhood restaurant with a fine lunch and dinner menu.

In the Rhiwbina area of Cardiff (like Pontcanna, also a place with a small town within a city vibe) you’ll find Mesen, a small plates restaurant specialising in sharing dishes cooked over charcoal where I was served the best-tasting dish I’d eaten in years.

Or head to the Victoria Park area, where you’ll find unbelievable cakes at Let Them See Cake, delicious small plates at Hiraeth, cheese platters at The Welsh Cheese Company, tremendous burgers at Burger Boyz, Pakistani breakfasts and lunches at Maasi’s and exquisite breads and pastries at Pettigrew, all next door to one another.

Cardiff’s got a strong Italian restaurant culture. Casanova, Cafe Citta and Bacareto in the city centre are all excellent choices, as is the more informal Calabrisella in Canton. Its Indian restaurants are great too, with Purple Poppadom and Cinnamon Tree among the pick of the bunch.

In the city centre, Pasture serves the best steak in the city, while sister venue Parallel is also brilliant. Asador 44 and its sister restaurant Bar 44, both Spanish-influenced restaurants, are also among the best in the centre. The best food pub is The Heathcock in Llandaff. Speaking of pubs, the best in the city centre are The City Arms and The Old Arcade. You’re also spoilt for choice for trendier bars, like The Dead Canary and secret underground bar Nightshade.

Lastly, Cardiff Market is a brilliant place to try a wide variety of delicious street food, from deep fried gnocchi at Dirty Gnocchi to Keralan fried chicken at Tukka Tuk, pizza at Ffwrnes and Greek wraps at Ya Souvlaki. But don’t miss the Welshcakes, a Welsh classic, at Cardiff Bakestones.

Things to see

While it may not have tourist attractions at the level of London’s Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh’s Castle or Bath’s Roman baths, there are still plenty of attractions well worth a look. Top of the list is Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city. This site has been in use for 2,000 years from Roman soldiers to Norman conquerors and Victorian visionaries – and today you’ll see rock and pop stars performing there. Today it’s a fascinating mix of the Norman keep at its heart (with great views over the city from the top) and the lavishly decorated Gothic revival residence. Its huge, walled outdoor space hosts concerts and festivals.

Across the road from the castle, you’ll find the Principality Stadium, often hailed the best sporting stadium in the world despite being well over 20 years old. The 74,500-seater stadium is where the Wales men’s national rugby team play their home games and there are few experiences on Earth like hearing that crowd sing the Welsh national anthem.

Its position right in the heart of the city makes it a favourite among visiting fans too, who don’t have to find their way to the outskirts of cities as is the case with so many major stadiums. It also hosts concerts from megastars like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Oasis.

Cardiff has its fair share of chain stores but its Victorian arcades are a shopping experience not to be missed. Ditch the chains and head into these six beautiful arcades packed with independent shops and places to eat.

On the outskirts of the city, but accessible by bike along the riverside path, the Taff Trail, is Castell Coch (Red Castle) perched among forest on a hill. It’s often called a “fairy tale castle” for its looks, having been built by the third Marquess of Bute, then the world’s richest man. And you shouldn’t miss St Fagans National Museum of History, mentioned above. Just outside the museum, now a field, was the site of the Battle of St Fagans, the last big battle of the long-running English Civil War. Between 300 and 700 people died in the battle.

If you’re willing to travel around 45 minutes out of the city, you’ll find some of the most beautiful scenery Wales has to offer, from the country’s second highest mountain at Pen-y-Fan in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park to the Jurassic coast at beaches like Southerndown and Monknash.

Culture and history

First things first: Cardiff is the capital of Wales so you are in a country with a culture and language that is distinct from the rest of the UK. You’ll hear plenty of Welsh being spoken and lots of signs are bilingual. It’s also a very friendly city – in 2023, Cardiff was ranked the UK’s friendliest city in a reader survey by popular travel magazine Condé Nast.

The city’s history is fascinating. If you arrive by train into the city’s central train station, you won’t see the sea at all. But, incredibly, this is where the sea used to reach at high tide and buildings here were once swept away by a storm (and possibly even a tsunami) in the 17th century. If you find yourself walking along the city centre Westgate Street, you might be staggered to learn that this street was once the River Taff before its direction was forcibly changed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Large ships would dock here and there is a mid-19th century record of a fisherman catching a salmon near where the Royal Hotel is today.

If you do happen to call into Cardiff Market for a bite to eat, bear in mind that where you’re enjoying your slice of pizza is where people were hanged and burned at the stake. And if you walk the path that runs from the back entrance of Cardiff Market to Working Street, look down and you’ll see numbers on the paving slabs. The numbers refer to burial vaults underneath the ground. The path was built right through the church graveyard so people could access the market easily, gaining the nickname ‘Dead Man’s Alley’. For more on Cardiff’s history, go here.

Places to stay

As a large city, you’re not short of places to stay in Cardiff so this is just a short selection of hotels. Voco St David’s Cardiff is a luxury hotel and spa located right on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay and within walking distance of the Wales Millennium Centre.

The city’s newest luxury hotel is the Parkgate Hotel, right in the city centre, has a range of opulent rooms and suites and a sophisticated restaurant and bar. The Angel Hotel is a classic Victorian building in the city centre. And there are plenty of popular and reliable chains like Marriott, Leonardo and Hilton.

A LIDO that sits just inland of the Bristol Channel has reopened its doors after a huge makeover.

Portishead Open Air Pool was closed for the season last year while it underwent huge upgrades – but it is back open for business.

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On its website, organisers announced: “Our pool refurbishment is complete and we are open for the heated season.

“The Café has re-opened following refurbishment and is now open Monday to Sunday – please come and visit us!”

Portishead Open Air Pool has been open for 64 years, but closed briefly in 2025 to undergo improvement works with its £1.3million grant.

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One of the new additions to the pool includes solar panels which means it’s “fit for the future” according to Chair of the Portishead Pool Community Trust, Claudia Amos.

She added that this means Portishead is actually warmer than some indoor pools and sits around 28C between April and September.

Other improvement works include that to the café and changing rooms.

The pool itself is 33 metres long, and there’s a toddler pool alongside it for little ones.

For those who want to head in for a swim, a session in the lanes costs £7 per person.

Family and general swims are £6.50 for adults and £5 for children (those age two and under go free).

There are also Twilight Swim sessions from £7.25 and a Full Moon swim is £8per person.

During the winter, the lido welcomes brave cold water swimmers from 9am until midday – and for those who are new to the trend, it does have ‘introduction to Cold Water’ sessions too.

The on-site café, which also underwent a makeover is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm and weekends 9am – 4pm.

After a swim, you can pick up homemade cakes, sausage rolls, soup, paninis, teacakes and ice cream.

Here are of our favourite UK holiday parks (and some even have swimming pools)…

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Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire

This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.

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St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall

This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.

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Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton

This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.

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Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.

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During the summer season, the outdoor pool can see up to 250 swimmers through its doors every day.

Lots couldn’t wait to get back into the water – one frequent visitor wrote on social media “can’t wait for this and the warmer weather.”

Another commented with “very impressive makeover.”

Historically, the lido had once earmarked for closure.

Back in 2008, the outdoor pool came under threat, but a community trust then took it over and has been running it since.

Here’s one English lido that was forced to close after 50 years, set to finally reopen next year.

And here’s where you can find all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

For more inspiration, here are all the trendy UK seaside towns with huge makeovers and enough to do for a WEEK – and you can stay from £35.

And here’s the coastal English town becoming the next big thing – and there’s loads of celebs there too.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A lesser-known seaside town with striking landscapes, a stunning beach and a thriving town has been hailed as one of the best places to visit for a spring getaway

A picturesque seaside town has been celebrated as one of the UK’s best-kept hidden gems, with fewer crowds and a ‘timeless charm’.

Nestled along the coast in East Devon is Sidmouth, with red sandstone cliffs, sprawling beaches and a regency-style town. It sits at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast, famed for its dramatic cliffs and winding coastal paths, and offers more than 62 miles of footpaths to admire its diverse landscapes.

The town is also situated between rolling hills and the waters of Lyme Bay, offering a blend of coast and countryside. Its pebble beach is set against the backdrop of the red sandstone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, and is the perfect spot to lap up the warmer rays and admire its striking terrain.

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A visit during spring has been noted as a particular highlight as the scene of Sidmouth transforms into a sea of yellow, when thousands of daffodils bloom in what is referred to as the ‘Valley of a Million Bulbs’. The picture-postcard scene has been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’, while the town’s lesser-known status makes it an ideal escape away from tourist hotspots.

Alex Gwillim, local expert at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, highlighted Sidmouth’s undeniable appeal. “Sidmouth is a stunning location for a spring getaway. It’s usually a little quieter at this time of year, so you can really appreciate the beauty of the coastline and countryside without the summer crowds”, Alex shared.

“Visitors also get the chance to witness the Valley of a Million Bulbs come into bloom. The whole town is transformed by the mass of golden daffodils nodding in the sea breeze. It’s a spectacular sight and a special event that not many visitors know about.”

With more than 62 miles of footpaths, including the renowned South West Coast Path, which connects Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton and Branscombe, the town is a haven for avid walkers. Or for those who simply want to take in the majestic views of the coast, with its towering cliffs, pebble beach and seaside charm.

Alex added: “From these routes, you’ll find some fantastic vantage points to take in the flower display. I’d recommend heading up to Peak Hill for some of the best views.”

The town itself is brimming with independent businesses, from artisan shops and boutiques to trendy restaurants serving up locally sourced ingredients and cosy cafés. Sidmouth was even described as “a town caught still in a timeless charm” by English poet John Betjeman, and it’s easy to see why.

Aside from its coastal vistas and thriving town, there’s plenty to do during a visit, with Alex noting her particular favourite. “On the 15th and 16th of May, Sidmouth Sea Fest takes place in Connaught Gardens. It is a brilliant community-led festival celebrating the East Devon coastline, marine life and sustainability,” Alex said.

“And one of my personal favourite events of the year, the Sidmouth Jazz & Blues Festival, from the 22nd to the 25th of May. This brings world-class jazz, blues, soul and roots music to Sidmouth. Just make sure to book tickets ahead of your visit, as it is always a busy one!”

For anyone looking for a spring escape, she added: “There are lots of lovely options for accommodation in Sidmouth, from cosy cottages to family-friendly stays. It’s a timeless spot on the Jurassic Coast that is perfect to explore this spring.”

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

A QUICK ferry route that spares Brits a half-hour car journey will cease operations this week.

The popular service, which connects two towns, has been in operation since the 1840s.

The ten-minute Fleetwood-Knott End ferry service in Lancashire is due to end on Wednesday, April 15.

This service carries 35 passengers from one side of the estuary to the other, sparing an 11 mile road commute via the Shard Bridge.

Wyre Council said the River Wyre service, which serves 30,000 people each year, was coming to an end because no “compliant tenders” to run it had been received after an 18-month search.

For three years, locals have been running a campaign to save the ferry, which they describe as a “vital service” and a “solid piece of heritage”.

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“Gutted” called the upcoming ceasation of the “national treasure” a “devastating” move for the local economy.

Wyre Council had been working alongside Lancashire County Council, which jointly subsidises the service, to try to “secure the long term future of the ferry”.

“This has included early market engagement, a formal open tender process in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, and detailed discussions with organisations that expressed an interest in operating the service,” Wyre Council said.

However, the council said there was not currently a “financially viable and deliverable proposal that would allow the service to continue beyond the current contract”.

“We recognise the ferry is an important part of daily life for many residents, businesses, and visitors.”

Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North & Fleetwood and Cat Smith, MP for Lancaster & Wyre, shared a joint statement regarding the closure of the 600-metre crossing.

Describing how “deeply concerned and disappointed” they were over the outcome, the MPs wrote: “The Fleetwood–Knott End ferry is a valued and much‑loved service, relied upon by communities on both sides of the river.

“We strongly urge both councils to come together as a matter of urgency and prioritise finding a swift and sustainable solution.”

The service currently costs £2.50 per person one-way, with additional fees for those travelling with bikes and dogs.

The Sun has reached out to Wyre Marine Services for comment.

And a century-old ferry service based out of a popular seaside town recently plunged into liquidation.

SPAIN’S popularity might often leave you feeling like there isn’t a part of the country that is untouched and unexplored.

But just over an hour’s drive from Seville, you’ll find the much quieter coastal town of Mazagón.

The town of Mazagon dates back to the 14th century, when it used to be a fishing village.

It was initially a popular holiday destination for rich Spanish families from the nearby cities, and even now just a few thousand people live there.

According to The Telegraph, it is still more popular with Spaniards than Brits.

They said: “The low-key town is popular with Huelva locals, but it’s still relatively undiscovered by holidaymakers from the rest of Spain, let alone Britain.”

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It largely remains untouched for two reasons – one being strict planning rules that ban anything from being built higher than three-storeys high.

Not only that, but the area is protected due to sitting near the Donana National Park.

The largest nature reserve in Europe, it is home to a number of endangered species including the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx.

One of the main attractions of the town itself is the 3.4mile beach, backed by rocky, sandstone cliffs.

At the western end of the town, close to the marina, Playa de Mazagón is built up enough to have things like showers, sunloungers and parking facilities.

One tourist said it “offers a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots,” while others said the calm waters made it ideal for families with young kids.

Along the beach you might also spot ‘chiringuitos’ – small, wooden hut beach bars – usually serving tapas and drinks.

Moving westwards from the town, the Playa de Mazagón leads into Playa de las Dunas – a quieter spot, with a number of villas littered at its edge.

Head even further west and you will reach Playa de Alcor which is a more rural beach that is backed by pine woods and sand dunes.

Don’t expect the beaches to have a promenade, instead you can explore then via wooden boardwalks.

The town centre itself is relatively small, but there are a number of sites worth visiting such as Ermita del Carmen chapel, which was restored in 2014, or the more modern Sagrados Corazones.

There’s also the Mazagón Lighthouse, dating back to 1861 and is still in use – and is bizarrely built 600metres inland.

When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, the town has many tapas bars where each dish can cost as little as €4 (£3.49), such as cheese croquettes and calamari.

At most bars and restaurants you can expect to pay a couple of euros for a beer.

If you are looking for a place to stay, you can’t get much closer to the beach than Playa de Mazagon Camping which is right on the sand.

There are a range of different accommodation options at the site including bell tents for between two and six people, a two-person cabin and camping pitches.

The campsite also boasts an outdoor swimming pool with a pirate ship, a restaurant and bar, sports courts and a playground.

A bell tent for two people costs as little as €50 (£43.63) per night and the two-person cabin costs from €60 (£52.35) per night.

If you fancy exploring further afield then you could head to the port city of Huelva, just a 20-minute drive away.

The city is famous for being the departure point for Christopher Columbus‘s first voyage to the Americas.

The easiest way to get from the UK to Mazagon is by flying to either Seville or Faro in Portugal – both taking just under three hours.

Flights from the UK to Faro cost as little as £13 one-way in April and May.

Once in Faro, you can either drive or hop on a bus for an hour-and-a-half, costing £16 per way.

Alternatively, if you head to Seville, flights from the UK cost from £15 in May and from the airport it is then an hour-and-20-minute drive or bus journey, which would cost around £6 per way.

For more Spanish destinations, Spain’s hottest city has £2.50 wine and £15 flights.

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THE UK is home to some of the world’s most stunning coastlines, but a stay at a “big name” resort can end up costing you more than a week in the Med.

Not to worry, we’ve unearthed the seaside spots which offer an unforgettable staycation without spending a fortune.

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

Whether you’re after a classic bucket-and-spade stay with a nostalgic promenade, or looking for those off the beaten path hiking spots, we’ve got you covered.

Best of all, we’ve found 2026 staycation deals starting from as little as £49 – meaning your next seaside escape could cost less than going out for dinner.

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

Often overshadowed by Skegness, Cleethorpes is an underrated seaside town on the east Lincolnshire coast.

This family-friendly resort town boasts miles of unspoilt soft sands, with a traditional pier and promenade.

In the central promenade area you’ll find an abundance of activities such as bowling, crazy golf and seaside amusements.

The Lollipop Land Train is a big hit with kids, taking you on a scenic ride along the seafront for just £2 each way – plus kids come away with a lollipop!

You’ll also find the 19th-century Ross Castle, as well as the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, which offers two-mile trips along the coast in a steam or diesel locomotive, costing £5.75 per adult or £5.25 per child for a return.

That’s not all – a full day can easily be spent at the Light Railway as the site also hosts a tearoom, crazy golf course and toy shop.

Plus halfway along the line you’ll find Lakeside, where a vintage railway building has been transformed into a miniature pub called The Signal Box Inn, often hailed as the smallest pub on the planet.

When you want to explore a little further, a 10-minute drive takes you to Grimsby, home to the award-winning attraction the Fishing Heritage Centre. Here you’ll be transported back to a 1950’s fishing port, and visit the famous trawler Ross Tiger.

Haven Cleethorpes Beach is a mega holiday park with its own on-site Wetherspoons, as well as a massive, action-packed Adventure Village.

You can book a four-night stay at Cleethorpes Beach in a four-bed saver caravan from just £49 with a Haven Hideaway deal.

Mersea Island, Essex

Mersea Island is a seaside gem accessible via a causeway that disappears under the tide twice a day, with stunning landscapes and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the flashy piers of Southend.

The island is known for its unique beaches, marshland wildlife and delicious oysters.

West Mersea Beach is an old-fashioned spot backed by pastel-coloured beach huts, whilst Monkey Beach is a lesser-known spot likely named after the monkey steps leading down to its shores.

You can spend a free afternoon crabbing off the West Mersea pontoon, or exploring the Cudmore Grove Country Park, a Green Flag spot with a wooden play area and pretty meadows made for dog walks.

A 20-minute drive (at low tide) takes you to Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, where you can visit its impressive castle or take a Roman and Medieval walking tour (£9 per adult and kids go free).

Coopers Beach Holiday Park offers direct beach access, plenty of sports courts and outdoor activities, and family restaurants with sea views.

Parkdean Resorts offer a four-night stay in a Bronze caravan which sleeps six from £99.

Pwllheli, North Wales

While the holiday crowds flocks to nearby Abersoch, savvy travellers head to the bustling market town of Pwllheli to enjoy the same stunning shores for a fraction of the cost.

The town’s two massive beaches are perfect for bucket-and-spade days as a family, plus the nearby Plas Heli sailing centre offer sailing, kayaking and stand up paddle-boarding lessons.

It’s also a brilliant base for exploring the rest of the Llŷn Peninsula. For a historical afternoon out, an 18-minute drive leads to Criccieth Castle, where 13th-century ruins overlook Cardigan Bay.

Or to soak up the sights by foot, you can walk the coastal path to reach the art galleries and sheltered bay of Llanbedrog.

Plus if you’re really up for a hiking challenge, Snowdonia is only a 30-minute drive away.

With an indoor pool and water park, lazy river, four-lane waterslide and its own lake for pedalo hire, Hafan y Mor is the place to stay in Pwllheli.

You can book a four-night stay in a two-bed apartment at Hafan y Mor from just £79.

Filey, North Yorkshire

Sat between Scarborough and Bridlington, Filey is a charming seaside town where visiting feels like stepping back in time.

There’s a five-mile stretch of golden sands, perfect for setting up a spot to play beach games and build sandcastles.

You can spend a totally free afternoon exploring the dramatic Filey Brigg – a mile-long rocky peninsula built for birdwatching and spectacular sea views.

Or wander through the peaceful Glen Gardens, where you can visit the open air boating lake, burn off energy in the play park or set up a picnic on its scenic grounds.

When you fancy a change of pace, an 18-minute drive takes you to Scarborough, where you can enjoy a classic day out of spending loose change in the arcades or tackling the rides of Luna Park.

If you travel 22 minutes in the opposite direction it will take you to Bridlington, where Brid Spa hosts fantastic, family-friendly theatre productions. Head up further along the coast to Bempton Cliffs to spot adorable puffins.

Plus, Filey is significantly easier on the pocket than its busier neighbours, with top-tier holiday parks for affordable prices.

Hoseasons offer a 7-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan for just £125 at Blue Dolphin holiday park.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight

If you want an Isle of Wight trip that feels more like a relaxing private getaway than a tourist trap, Bembridge is the place.

Skip the business of Sandown and head to this sprawling coastal gem. As one of England‘s largest villages, everything here is spaced out and relaxed, with plenty of room to wander without pushing through crowds.

You can spend a free morning visiting the historic Bembridge Windmill -the only windmill left on the island, dating back to 1700.

Or wander the dramatic 200-metre seaside pier, where the Lifeboat Station sits perched at the end overlooking the water.

When you want to explore further, less than 30 minutes’ drive south lands you in the trendy, hilly streets of Ventnor.

Charles Dickens once described the town as “The prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad”, and it’s clear to see why. This artsy town has colourful buildings, beautiful botanical gardens and pebbled shores that zig-zag down to the seafront.

Or you could drive 10 minutes to Culver Down, for impressive chalk cliffs that offer a panoramic view of the English Channel.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom chalet at the perfectly-positioned Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park from £84.

Morecambe, Lancashire

With the bustle of Blackpool nearby, Morecambe offers a more relaxed, retro feel with five miles of promenade to stroll.

Kids will love Happy Mount Park, home to a soft play, adventure golf, a massive splash park, tennis courts and more – perfect for a family day out no matter the weather.

For something more unique, head to the Stone Jetty to find the Tern Project: an interactive art trail with bird-themed pavement games, mazes, and puzzles along the way.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a guided group (from £15) to trek across the famous sands of the Cross Bay Walks at low tide – just don’t try it alone!

Lancaster is a 15-minute drive away, where you can explore its hilltop medieval castle, while you can reach Blackpool for an exciting day out in 45 minutes.

Whether you explore the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or explore Madame Tussauds or the Blackpool Dungeons within the tower, you’re sure to have an action-packed day out – with a quieter change of scenery to return home to.

Parkdean Resorts offer a two-night stay in a two-bedroom silver caravan at Morecambe’s Ocean Edge from £99.

Wemyss Bay, Scotland

While most tourists charge straight past to the inner isles, the charming village of Wemyss Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the dramatic Firth of Clyde landscapes.

To soak up the best of the local scenery, wander the coastal paths that look out over the isle of Bute. Walk down to the rocky shoreline at low tide to go beachcombing for sea glass – Wemyss Bay is a prime spot.

Or head to Kelly Burn to see the pretty woodland stream that marks the border between Renfrewshire and Ayrshire, leading you through lush greenery to hidden waterfalls.

Wemyss Bay Woods is also fantastic for nature walks, with a network of forest trails with mountain views.

Train enthusiasts will love visiting the award-winning Wemyss Bay Station, regularly hailed as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the UK thanks to its stunning glass canopy.

To explore further afield, you can hop on a ferry over to Rothesay to visit its castle and explore the isle (£8.70 adult return, kids £4.40).

And for the ideal indoor family attraction, 15 minutes by car or bus will take you to the traditional seaside town of Largs to visit the Vikingar! museum.

This interactive centre has a replica 8th century Viking house, character storytelling, an indoor swimming pool and more. Tickets cost £9.20 per adult and £6.30 per child.

The clifftop Wemyss Bay Holiday Park offers an affordable place to stay with striking views of the mountains across the water.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom Bronze caravan from £99.

Flamborough, East Yorkshire

Flamborough is one of East Yorkshire’s most picturesque seaside spots, with some of the UK’s most spectacular coastal walks and views.

Head to this rugged peninsula to explore North Landing – a sheltered cove dotted with traditional fishing boats, where you can explore its caves for free.

Flamborough is also home to the Living Seas Centre, which puts on family-friendly events such as fossil hunts, boat trips and rockpool safaris.

You can also drive just six minutes to Sewerby Hall and Gardens, with woodland walks and beautiful walled and rose gardens. Entering the hall to see its stately rooms costs £4.50 per adult and £3.50 per child.

Head up to Thornwick Bay to find crystal clear waters protected by chalk cliffs, which open up dozens of fascinating rockpools at low tide.

But don’t just stick to the main beaches – head to Selwicks Bay at low tide to see the “Drinking Dinosaur” rock formation – a massive natural arch that’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo to remember your holiday.

Thornwick Bay Holiday Village is an unbeatable budget base, with activities ranging from water sports at the Boathouse to indoor arts and crafts at the Activity Barn.

Hoseasons offer a four-night stay in a two-bedroom saver caravan from £69.

Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk

If you want the golden sands of the Norfolk coast without the price tag of the posh towns like Burnham Market or Holkham, Hopton-on-Sea is your best bet.

Perched on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, this quiet village has a pristine beach that’s far less crowded than its noisy neighbours.

Here you’re perfectly placed between two major seaside resorts: Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.

A 15-minute drive north takes you to Yarmouth for some old-school pier fun and theme park Pleasure Beach, whilst the same time driving south lands you in Lowestoft, with its award-winning Blue Flag beaches.

Plus Hopton itself is a beautiful village worth exploring. Take a walk along its scenic grass-topped cliffs, or wander down to the water for a quiet spot to sunbathe.

Hopton Holiday Village is a bargain holiday park with direct beach access, and you can have a four-night break for less than the cost of one night in a seaside hotel.

Haven offer a four-night stay in a bronze caravan sleeping up to six at Hopton Holiday Village from £89.

A FERRY company has plunged into liquidation after 18 months of trying to save the business.

The service provides a vital link between Hythe and Southampton Town Quay.

The Hythe Ferry, operated by the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, has been inactive since August 2024, when damage was found on its boat’s pontoon and supporting structure.

The business has now gone into voluntary liquidation after it failed to secure necessary investment to survive.

A company spokesperson said: “This is a deeply disappointing outcome and not one that has been reached lightly.”

The service has been operational since 1874 and has passed through multiple ownerships.

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The firm is currently owned by cross-Solent operator Red Funnel, which runs services to the Isle of Wight.

It had previously been put up for sale in the hope of attracting a buyer.

Despite applying for funding and grants from investors, the company was not able to secure the necessary money to stay afloat after 18 months of trying.

After taking legal advice, it was decided that Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company would go into voluntary liquidation.

Staff have also been caught up in the fallout, with all employees now informed of the closure.

The company says workers will be supported throughout the process as the shutdown unfolds.

Specialist firm Leonard Curtis has been brought in to handle the liquidation, guiding the business through its final chapter.

Their role will include managing assets and supporting those affected.

WHITE sand beaches, enormous castles, and peaceful canals – no I’m not describing France or Spain or Portugal as you can find all of this in the UK without spending much money.

Sometimes we Brits don’t appreciate what we have on our doorstep, and let’s face it, exploring the country can be costly – but here are some truly bucket list spots that you can see on a budget.

Richard Madden has been exploring the country on foot, by rail, road even boat for his new book Great British Journeys – and has given Sun Travel an insight into his favourite finds.

Richard says: “Obviously travelling on a budget depends where you start from – but walking, whether it’s on the coast or in the countryside is free.”

By foot

He started by saying: “I was brought up around the Lizard Peninsula, and here are some incredible places to walk to, like Kynance Cove.

“In Sussex, my most favourite walk is along Seven Sisters which is spectacular with Cuckmere Haven, where the estuary meets the sea.

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“It’s also big news that the King Charles III England Coast Path has just opened.”

The coastal path project was 18 years in the making – it’s now the longest coastal path in the country and is around 2,700 miles long.

It circles the entire English coastline with it’s start (or end) point at Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way to Land’s End.

By train

But, if you don’t fancy walking miles, give your legs a rest and hop onboard a train because you can see plenty from a train window.

Along the East Coast Main Line (which stretches from Newcastle to Edinburgh) you’ll get pretty views of beaches and seaside towns like Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

On the fastest services, the full length of the journey takes around 1hr38 and one-way tickets can cost as little as £7.70.

Richard says: “That whole line is beautiful with coastal views and castles.

“You don’t even have to do the whole thing – just go on a couple of stops like to Alnmouth, or go further up and you’ll pass Dunstanburgh Castle.”

On the full stretch of the line, passengers will also see the Tyne Bridge, Lindisfarne Castle, the Edinburgh skyline and Firth of Forth.

Further south, another popular route is onboard the Bluebell Line which is just around the corner from National Trust‘s Sheffield Park.

Tickets for adults to board the heritage steam train start from £27 and when you book, check for children’s rates which are just £1 with their ‘kids for a quid’ offer.

The West Highland Line, also dubbed the ‘Hogwarts Express‘ is another incredibly scenic journey.

Actually called the Jacobite Steam Train, the 41-mile round trip goes between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands (from £72.75).

However if you’re on more of a budget but still want to get the views, hop on a public service line instead.

A ticket from Fort William to Mallaig which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, typically starts around £9.20.

When exploring the UK – why not check into some of our favourite hotels?

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Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, flickering candles and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

BOOK HERE

The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

BOOK HERE

The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

BOOK HERE

By Boat

To explore the country, most of us will hop into the car, but Britain is so well connected through its waterways.

Richard is no stranger to canal boating and reveals some of his favourite journeys to do around the country.

He says: “The Shropshire Union Canal is one I’ve done on quite a few occasions.

“That one goes to Cheshire, and you get these fantastic views of the Roman walls, so it’s a particularly good one.

“Another that I’ve done quite a few times is the River Wye, on the border of Wales.

“It’s Wordsworth country and it’s got incredibly beautiful surroundings in that area like Tintern Abbey which go past on the water.

“To make it better, there are lots of pubs along riversides, so you can moor up and go in.”

One very famous waterways spot is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where you’ll find the Bingley Five Rise Locks.

Renting a 6-berth narrowboat for a week generally costs between £900 and £1,500.

If you split that between a group of six, it can work out as little as £21pppn – but this varies depending on the season.

Richard also has some top tips for those planning a staycation or day trip around the UK to reduce the costs.

He says: “My key tip is to work it all out beforehand – the further you book in advance, the cheaper things will be.

“Go through your options as well, like how you’ll travel there and if it’s cheaper to take the bus, or if it’s worth going by train than by car.

“You can consider options like camping to keep costs down, but I would say it’s only worth doing that if you enjoy it – don’t if you’re not going to have a good time.

“There are so many different landscapes in the UK and generally, you don’t have to go far to see them.”

Great British Journeys by Richard Madden (National Trust Books, £14.99) is out on April 9.

WITH temperatures set to hit the mid-20s in parts of the UK this week – and it still being the Easter holidays – there couldn’t be a better time for a last-minute staycation.

Londoners can expect highs of 25C today, while those in Cardiff and Manchester will enjoy 21C.

So with the weather being this good, the seaside is an ideal spot to soak up the sun.

Here are our favourite seaside spots in the UK you could head to this week for a last-minute break.

Teignmouth, Devon

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Devon isn’t short of pretty seaside towns that are ideal for family days out and trips.

But when it comes to Teignmouth on the South West Coast Path, it has a charm that not many other places I have visited in Devon have.

The seafront has a wide promenade, ideal for a walk or for kids to whiz along on a scooter.

The long beach features Devon’s famous red sand due to its iron minerals.

Often the sea is too rough to swim in here, but it doesn’t matter as Teignmouth Lido – which recently announced it was going to close – has been saved and will reopen for the season.

While a date is yet to be announced, the lido usually opens in May.

About halfway along the beach, you will find the 161-year-old Teignmouth Grand Pier.

Despite suffering storm damage in late January, it remains open – just the deck at the end is closed.

This means kids can still have fun in the arcades with the penny slot machines.

In the town, there are a few shops you can explore and plenty of cafes and bakeries to grab a bite to eat, too.

Make sure to head to Jane’s Ice Creams for a treat as well – their Turkish Delight ice cream is heavenly.

If you want to extend your visit to explore the surrounding areas, hop on the ferry to Shaldon, which is the oldest passenger ferry in England.

You could stay at Coast View Holiday Park for three nights from April 10 to April 13, costing from £37.17 per person per night, based on a family of four sharing.

Southwold, Suffolk

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

The seaside town of Southwold has it all.

Of course, it has a huge stretch of beach, but it also has the classic arcades and activities, without being too lively.

The 190-metre-long pier stretches over the sea and is filled with the classic 2p machines, an ‘Under the Pier Show’, restaurants and little ice cream parlours.

On the other side of the pier is a boating lake where visitors can rent out a pedalo or rowing boats.

It also has an adventure golf course and a cosy tearoom which has lovely views across the lake.

One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is stocking up on food and taking it for a beach picnic, which you can do at the lovely food stops in the high street, like The Black Olive Delicatessen or The Two Magpies Bakery.

Of course, a staple of the town is the Adnams Brewery, where you can buy some of its locally brewed beer – they even offer tours.

Then there’s the beach, which is lined with multi-coloured beach huts.

For fish and chips, you’re spoiled for choice with places like The Little Fish & Chip Shop and Mrs T’s Fish and Chips.

My favourite place, the Sole Bay Fish Company, is a five-minute drive away from the beach.

Pull up on the side of the road, grab your fish supper and then head out to watch the boats bobbing in and out of the harbour during sunset; it’s the perfect way to end the day.

A lot of availability for hotels in Southwold is booked up this week, but just down the road, you will find Boundary Farm, Suffolk.

You can stay from April 8 to 10 for £290 total, for a family of four in a safari tent – around £36.25 per person per night.

Boscastle, Cornwall

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital)

Cornwall has more than its fair share of picture-perfect seaside towns
and villages, and Boscastle is up there with the very best.

The fishing village on the north coast of the county has a more rugged
charm than those in the south, owing to the fact that it faces out into
the Atlantic Ocean.

One hundred years ago, Boscastle was a busy fishing port, but today its
dramatic, cliff-edged harbour is mainly used for small fishing boats and tourism.

Oh… and swimming.

When the tide is high, there’s nowhere better to go for a morning dip.

Then on the way back, it’s almost mandatory to pick up a coffee and a pastry from the Harbour Light cafe.

The cafe has a lovely spot next to the stream that leads out to sea,
and is the perfect place to watch the world go by.

It’s also opposite the famous Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – home to
one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft
and magic, which is well worth a visit.

In that same riverside stretch is the renowned Rocket Store, a tiny
seafood restaurant serving excellent dishes like grilled scallops in
green chilli butter, torched seabass and grilled leeks in brown
butter.

The combination of extremely welcoming staff and the size of the
venue, makes it feel like you’re almost eating in someone’s home.

If you’re looking for something simpler, I recommend a pint in the
garden of the Wellington Hotel, which has a really cool suntrap of a
back garden.

It is a quintessential, charming Cornish fishing village, ideal for scenic walks, exploring local history, and experiencing a unique atmosphere on the north coast of Cornwall.

The YHA Boscastle is in a stunning location on the edge of the harbour, and it still has private rooms this week from just £80 a night that sleep up to six people – working out at a very reasonable £13 per person.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Raised in this postcard North Norfolk seaside town, I’ve had years to explore every nook and cranny.

So here’s all of the must-visit spots, with insider tips from a local.

The main buzz of the town is found on the quay, where you can easily spend an afternoon dipping into traditional sweet and souvenir shops and spending spare change in the amusements.

I recommend heading down to the East Quay with a bucket, crabbing line and diced bacon for a quiet spot to go gillying (Norfolk slang for crabbing) – a must-do when in Wells.

On the quay, Will’s of Wells is a trendy spot where you can enjoy an expertly-made flat white in a surf shack-style interior, while the Golden Fleece serves posh pub classics and local ales.

There are also two award-winning fish and chip shops here, just a few doors down from one another, French’s and Plattens, which have long divided locals with their rivalry.

Both offer seating with quay views where you can watch fishermen haul in their catches, but for me, Plattens takes the win with its crispy battered fish and soft golden chips.

Wells-next-the-Sea beach is worth the mile-long walk from the quay.

The raised coastal path offers views over the harbour, marshland and pinewoods, making your stroll down to the shore a scenic activity in itself.

Once you reach the end, you’re met with miles of sweeping golden sands, backed by rolling dunes and thick pine forests.

Colourful beach huts separate the forest from the sand, and if you fancy treating yourself on your beach trip, you can even rent one from £65 per day.

The rental comes with deckchairs, a windbreak, and, of course, shelter from the scorching sun or the odd blustery breeze.

They’re also handy for storing your belongings and have a comfy spot to sit in and watch the children play on the beach.

For a place to stay, I recommend the Pinewoods Holiday Park.

It’s perfectly placed just minutes from the beach, plus it’s close to the trendy beach cafe and watersports centre that offers kayaking and paddle-boarding.

A three-night stay from April 7 to 10 costs £174 for three people – that’s £14.50 per person per night.

Deal, Kent

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

The Kent coastline is hardly short of fantastic seaside towns, but one of the best spots for me is Deal.

It’s quickly becoming a foodie destination to rival London, with some insanely good places to eat after spending your day on the pebbly beach.

There is The Blue Pelican, with unique small plates as well as ramen on select days.

Make sure to head downstairs to the underground bar for a mean cocktail too.

Otherwise, there is Jenkins & Son Fishmongers that opens as a street food bar, where the juicy scallop and bacon roll is a must.

The pubs are just as fabulous – The King Head has live music and a front beer garden overlooking the beach, while The Port Arms does a rather unusual but very delicious Jamaican-style roast.

Outside of eating your way around town, hit up the shops with places like The Hoxton Store and 123 High Street, making sure you don’t leave without picking up a present or two.

Grab a drink at the recently renovated Le Pinardier wine bar or the established Deal Pier Kitchen, right at the end of the brutalist pier.

And when you need to spend the night, you can head to Parkdean Resorts St Margaret’s Bay Holiday Park.

For a three-night stay from April 10 to 13, you could pay from just £17.42 per person per night (£209 total).

Whitby, Yorkshire

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

If you love your classic UK beach break to come with a dose of the dramatic, then it has to be the seaside town of Whitby.

The north Yorkshire coastal gem is dominated by the clifftop gothic ruins of 13th-century Whitby Abbey, thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

It’s perfect for a spooky family game of hide and seek.

With clean, sandy beaches aplenty, the town’s West Cliff Beach is among the most popular, complete with colourful beach huts, safe waters and rock pools for crabbing.

Nearby Pier Street is your go-to for 2penny arcades, fish and chips and more.

For a hidden gem a little further afield, check out the Falling Foss Tea Garden, a magical destination in beautiful North York Moors woodland, complete with a tumbling 30ft waterfall.

The tea garden is in the heart of the forest, and you can enjoy a strong brew and homemade cakes while enjoying the magical surroundings.

You could camp at Whitby Holiday Park between April 9 and 11 for £122 for four people, which is just £15.25 per person per night.

For more seaside destinations to explore, here’s an English coastal town overlooked by its busy neighbours that’s like ‘going back to the 1950s’.

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

A POPULAR seaside attraction park with links to a much-loved TV series is launching new rides.

Barry Island Pleasure Park in Wales has already launched one new ride and has plans to add more this year.

Visitors with small children can now head on an apple-themed Caterpillar Coaster, which was introduced during February half-term and is ideal for introducing kids to rides.

And the free-to-visit attraction park is planning on adding several more attractions, according to Theme Parks UK.

While the new additions are yet to be announced, the park has teased that its biggest improvement is yet to come and will be introduced before the end of this year, reports Barry and District News.

The park previously revealed that it was adding bumper cars, but this has been delayed by the war in Ukraine with steel prices rising.

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Other rides at the park include Aerospace, which is a huge 65metres-tall and reaches speeds of 75miles-per-hour and remains the tallest and fastest ride of its kind in the UK.

There is also a ghost train, carousel, waltzers and even a crazy fun house.

To go on the different attractions, visitors must purchase tokens, which cost around £1 each.

Rides then usually cost between three and four tokens per person.

A recent visitor said: “Barry Island Pleasure Park is a fantastic place for everyone, especially families looking for a fun day out.

“It offers a great mix of excitement, entertainment, and seaside charm.

“The park is filled with colourful rides and attractions that suit all ages, from small children to adults.

“Whether you’re into classic fairground rides, or enjoy the thrill of rollercoasters and other high-energy rides, there’s something for everyone here.”

The owner of the park, Harry Danter, also has plans to create a “Disneyland of Britain”.

Last year, he told Wales Online that he wants to open a site near his Barry Island attraction to open a huge theme park similar to others in the UK.

He said that the attraction, if it went ahead, would include rides and accommodation similar to Alton Towers.

After having fun at the attraction, make sure to head to Barry Island Beach, which has connections to a much-loved TV series.

One recent visitor said: “One of the cleanest and most looked after beaches I’ve ever visited.

“If you’re a fan of Gavin and Stacey this has the arcade that Nessa worked at.

“Stacey’s house is five minutes away and Pam and Mick’s house is ten minute drive away.”

In other seaside attraction news, one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns is getting a huge new £3million indoor attraction this summer.

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

This seaside hotel is arguably one of the most famous in the UK, and it overlooks the city’s long shingle beach and lively promenade, as well as being just steps from the easily-recognised pier

A weekend at a seaside hotel is a classic British staycation. From windswept walks on the promenade to fish and chips on the beach, it’s fun no matter what the weather.

Seaside accommodation can vary massively from independent B&Bs to chains, and a recent article by Which? uncovered some of its inspectors’ favorite seaside hotels from across the UK, with properties from Fife to Kent making the list.

However, clinching the number one spot is a five-star property that overlooks the famous Brighton Beach. The Grand is over 155-years old, and has had a complete refurb in recent years, restoring much of the former glory to this long-running hotel.

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Even among Brighton’s long promenade which hosts many huge hotels, the Grand stands out as a landmark of the city. Its marble columns and iron balconies harking back to when Brighton was a stylish seaside destination for Victorians.

The hotel has over 200 rooms, from simple doubles with comfy beds to grand sea-view suites, and each room has suitably nautical colors and touches that will get you in the mood for seaside fun.

Downstairs, guests can relax in the thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, and steam room, or can book a spa treatment such as a facial or massage, the perfect end to a long day exploring the city. It also has a stylish restaurant overlooking the seafront, where you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea or a dinner menu featuring freshly caught seafood.

Staying at the Grand means you’re just a short stroll from many of Brighton’s attractions. Brighton Palace Pier is a must-see. Dating back to 1899, it’s another example of Brighton’s ornate Victorian architecture, and you can enjoy amusements, fairground rides, bars, and colourful end-of-the-pier shows.

Explore the Royal Pavilion and gardens, a unique Regency-era palace inspired by Indian architecture. This ornate building is often compared to the Taj Mahal on the outside thanks to its dramatic domes and minarets. A newer addition to the skyline is the Brighton i360, an observation tower that gently lifts visitors 138-metres into the sky. Walk around the glass viewing pod and you can enjoy sea views on one side and the city and the South Downs on the other.

Holidaymakers bringing kids along, or just those who love seeing colourful creatures, will enjoy SEA LIFE Brighton. It’s the world’s oldest continuously-running aquarium, having been open since 1872, and includes the classic glass tunnel for spotting sea animals up close.

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The Lanes and North Laine are also must-visit areas when you spend a weekend in Brighton. North Laine is full of colourful independent shops offering vintage clothes, unique household items, and artworks, while The Lanes include boutique shops, stylish cafés and upmarket restaurants. As the name implies, these are found down narrow, pedestrianised streets where you can wander for hours and find the city’s hidden gems.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

The once-bustling holiday resort – popular with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor – was abandoned in the 1970s but has since become a haven for one niche but growing tourist market

Once a playground for Hollywood’s elite, this coastal resort has transformed into an unsettling ghost town. Yet this Cypriot location has found new purpose amongst travellers, emerging as a destination for ‘dark tourism’.

A short distance from well-known Cyprus holiday spots such as Paphos and Limassol lies Varosha. Varosha was formerly a glamorous getaway destination in its own right, attracting Elizabeth Taylor and other luminaries of the 1960s.

However, when Turkish forces invaded Cyprus’s northern territory on July 20, 1974, the seaside resort was altered forever. Five days earlier, there had been a coup attempt backed by the Greek junta. The 15,000 inhabitants of Varosha were compelled to evacuate en masse following the military incursion, leaving behind their homes, businesses and pristine beaches.

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Consequently, the district became a ghost town with structures left predominantly vacant. Even now, the neighbourhood remains frozen in time under Northern Cyprus’s jurisdiction. Unsurprisingly, the area lost all attraction for holidaymakers, as vegetation began reclaiming the pavements and sea turtles made nests on Varosha’s formerly sunbather-packed beaches.

Yet in October 2020, a decision was taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the then prime minister of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, to reopen the district to visitors. Varosha has since begun drawing a markedly different type of tourist than it did during its 1960s golden era.

More than 1.8 million tourists have descended on the ghost town over the past four years, according to figures published in 2024. Visitors appear to be drawn in by the town’s chilling historical significance and its crumbling, derelict landscape.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Hubert Faustmann, a professor at the University of Nicosia, said: “The section found itself in the top tourist sites in terms of dark tourism, so they started to open up certain parts of Varosha, and it’s now a tourist destination with guided tours, with e-bikes, vehicles and coffee shops.”

Faustmann continues: “Varosha is being used as a tourist destination, as a tourist attraction, without a single inhabitant prior to 1974 returning. It’s changed in the sense that it’s open to the public, but it’s not open for return.”

In a bid to shed its decaying reputation, Varosha has undertaken clean-up efforts ahead of its reopening. The town now boasts a range of amenities catering to all types of visitors, from beach umbrellas to canteens.

Just days after its tourism figures were made public, Varosha’s troubled situation was brought to the table in Oslo at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

PACE rapporteur for Varosha Piero Fassino, who had visited the ghost town in mid-May, presented his findings to the assembly during the gathering. The Italian senator expressed his hopes that Varosha could be transformed back into a “living town” following his visit.

That being said, dark tourism has been a longstanding element of the travel sector, achieving widespread attention through the Netflix programme, Dark Tourist. The series explores the bizarre, eerie and superstitious customs and folklore connected to numerous locations across the globe.

Speaking to The Mirror, dark tourism enthusiast Louise Joy explained: “Traditionally, dark tourism is visiting places associated with death and tragedy.” Joy is a blogger and founder of The Morbid Tourist and reveals she routinely seeks out “spooky” locations when travelling.

Joy suggests TikTok has also made a substantial impact on the dark tourism sector in recent years. “The individuality on TikTok [helps] people seeing stuff that is different and you don’t necessarily see that out there offline, like in books,” says Joy.

Visit this beautiful seaside which is a wonderful place to spend time by the coast, with the countryside nearby. There are beaches, forests and so many cultural activities to do

Fancy a little adventure where you can enjoy the sights and smell of the coast? Whether you’re up for a walk in the forest or to visit the village named the “prettiest in England”, it’s nice to venture outside of the borough at times.

Now with spring in full swing, there’s no better way to spend your long bank holiday weekend than by heading to the seaside. This location has been named the “most beautiful in the UK” with beaches, forests and so much more to enjoy. Not only can you spend time by the coast, it’s also close to the countryside. And the place people are raving on about is Folkestone, Kent.

This is a wonderful place to spend time by the beach where you can visit gorgeous little cafes along the cobbled streets, tuck into some fish and chips by the sea, and take in the views.

Folkestone is a coastal town on the English Channel, it lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs.

A travel account on TikTok recently named the location as the “most beautiful seaside in the UK”.

In the caption, the user added: “Is this the cutest seaside town in the UK?” Meanwhile a lot of people in the comments section claimed to “love Folkestone”, while another added: “How beautiful.”

How to get to Folkestone:

If you’re travelling by car from London, it’s around 75 miles (about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive). It’s along the M20 which includes tolls.

Meanwhile, the fastest journey would be a train from London St Pancras to Folkestone Central, which takes about 56 minutes. A return ticket could cost around £30-£40 depending on times.

London Charing Cross is also another option to take the train from, although this adds nearly an hour onto the travel time.

What to do in Folkestone:

The seaside town offers a mix of sandy beaches, creative art and pure coastal charm.

There are many attractions for all members of the family, from the bustling Harbour Arm for food and drinks to the scenic Lower Leas Coastal Park.

Also the Creative Quarter’s has the Old Street for cafes, independent boutiques and coffee stops.

And don’t forget the Zig Zag Path where you can walk the restored Victorian path which offers dramatic views through the shady, landscaped greenery.

You can also check out the Folkestone Artworks where there’s over 70 contemporary artworks dispersed across towns, beaches and cliffs.

SEASIDE lovers are in for a treat as an iconic pier is finally re-opening today.

The historic 145-year-old pier is back in business after a grueling six-month closure that left locals and tourists high and dry.

Hythe Pier, which stretches a whopping 700 yards into Southampton Water, has undergone a massive “deep clean” and vital electrical upgrades to make it ship-shape for the public.

And the best part is it’ll cost sun-seekers just £1 to take a stroll and soak up the stunning coastal views.

Local leaders are hailing the move as a massive “first step” in bringing the Hampshire town’s “beating heart” back to life.

The pier, which first opened its doors in 1881, was forced to shut last year due to safety concerns and infrastructure wobbles.

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But thanks to a band of dedicated volunteers and local businesses, the Grade II-listed structure is ready for action once again.

A spokesperson for the Hythe Pier, Train and Ferry Group previously said: “We could see how incredibly important it was that we bring our much-loved pier back to the community.

“Every £1 you spend goes back into the pier, supporting its future. Come and walk the full length, take in the views, and be part of this next chapter.”

The pier is also home to a historic ferry train which having opened in 1922 makes it the world’s oldest, a feat recognised by Guinness World Records.

While the walkway is officially open from 10am today, fans of the pier’s world-famous railway will have to wait a little longer.

Work is still ongoing to get the vintage carriages and the ferry service back on track, but bosses are “hopeful” the full service will be restored soon.

Hythe councillor Malcolm Wade said: “It’s really good news that it has been opened so residents can go up and down the pier again.”

The pier’s reopening is a major shot in the arm for the quaint town, which relies on the landmark to draw in thousands of visitors every year.

HEADING to a seaside pier during the summer is a staple part of a UK staycation – and one popular pier will have free entry for the next three years.

Bournemouth Pier has announced that it is scrapping its entry fees until at least the end of October 2029.

The announcement is part of a move to encourage people to visit the pier, supporting the local economy and tourism in the region.

In a post on Instagram, the pier commented: “No toll. No barriers. Just the pier, as it should be.

“We’ve teamed up with BCP [Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole] Council to keep Bournemouth Pier open and accessible for everyone, indefinitely.

“After a hugely positive first year, the toll suspension isn’t just staying… it’s becoming part of the future.

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“More visitors, more energy, more reasons to spend time by the sea.”

The post added that there will be “pop-ups landing throughout the year” as well.

The pier can be found on Bournemouth Beach, which features golden sand and stretches for seven miles.

On the pier, there are a number of different attractions including RockReef – an indoor climbing centre at the end of the pier, that has 28 themed walls of different difficulties, costing from £20 per session.

There’s also PierZip – the world’s first pier-to-shore zip line – which costs £27 per person.

These aren’t the only adrenaline-based activities visitors can get stuck into…

Kids can have a go at the aerial course, suspended six metres above the ground, costing £11.50 per person.

And they can venture into the Piercave, which features three tunnels to crawl through and a large ball pit.

It also costs £11.50 per person.

Or they could try the Leap of Faith or drop down the Vertical Slide.

A two-hour session including the climbing, aerial course, Piercave, Vertical Slide and Leap of Faith costs £36 per person.

After burning energy at the different attractions, visitors can grab something to eat at Key West Restaurant where you can pizza costs as little as £14.95 or a cream tea will set you back £9.50.

If you just need a caffeine fix, then you can opt for Coffee Reef, where you can pick up a latte, cappuccino or flat white for £4.50.

There’s also a news and gift shop as well as a beach shop selling seaside essentials such as buckets and spades.

The pier is also a 10 to 15-minute walk from Bournemouth town centre.

Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the news.

One person said: “Love this! The right decision.”

The pier previously announced in April last year that it was temporarily suspending the entry fee for 2025, to make it more accessible to the local community.

Since the entry fee was scrapped, the pier has seen more visitors and engagement.

According to the Bournemouth Echo, Sarah Hunter, Managing Director of Adventure Attractions, said: “Increasing accessibility to the pier has always been our ambition, and the response over the past year has been incredibly positive.

“Continuing the toll suspension allows us to build on that momentum and ensure the pier remains a place everyone can enjoy, all year round.”

The entry fee will be suspended until the end of the current pier operator’s term, which includes 2026, 2027, 2028 and up to the end of October 2029.

In other UK seaside news, a popular English city has revealed a £750,000 makeover of its Victorian promenade, which has been closed for over a decade.

Plus, here are our favourite old-fashioned English seaside resorts – with quaint promenades and retro beach huts.

A NEW nature retreat holiday park has got the go-ahead near the seaside town of Deal and could open as soon as 2027.

New Park will have 96 cabins tucked away within a historic park and garden.

Dover District Council has given the green light to having 96 cabins built on a park in Betteshanger, around 15-minutes from Kent’s coastline.

Illustrations of New Park reveal plans to build small wooden and glass-panelled cabins with outdoor seating areas.

Inside are double beds, a small sofa and dining area made from natural materials.

Alongside the lodges, the grounds’ woodland will be extended.

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There will also be two new wildlife ponds built and dark skies compliant lighting so it won’t be too bright.

In its planning report submitted in 2025, it detailed that a “group space building would include indoor and outdoor space for event activities”.

Also planned were spots for picnic tables, log benches and a fire pit area.

The holiday park will form part of the Northbourne Estate which is a historic park and garden dating back to the Jacobean era.

There are even plans for a shuttle service connecting the site to a nearby railway station.

On its website, it states that work is planned to start in summer 2026, with the holiday park hoped to be completed in 2027.

The site sits around a 12-minute drive from Deal’s seafront.

Check out another beautiful seaside spot in Kent…

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Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

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The seaside town between Ramsgate and Dover is known for its long pebble beach and its brutalist pier.

Here, you can pop into Deal Pier Kitchen, which has incredible sea views.

The town also has Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, which are great to explore with families.

In 2022, The Times named it as one of the best places to live in the UK.

For more on Deal, see what one writer got up to on a trip to the seaside from her favourite cafes to spotting fisherman’s cottages.

And here are our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches.