seaside

A beautiful UK seaside village has been named the best staycation destination for Brits this spring – but it’s not just the charming streets and pubs that keep visitors coming back

A charming village in Cornwall has been named the UK’s best staycation destination for spring, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Nestled amidst green hills and boasting a sandy beach, Port Isaac in Cornwall is already a firm favourite with tourists wanting to make the most of the Cornish coast, away from some of the larger beachside spots that can become home to large crowds during the summer.

Research conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages unveiled the fishing village as Brits’ top must-visit for a staycation in spring 2025, thanks to its picturesque location, great eateries and abundance of accommodation. Although it’s no hidden hotspot – there are plenty of visitors who flock there during the summer months – in spring and autumn it can be a little quieter, making it ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle found in other holiday spots.

Known for its narrow and winding streets (keep an eye out for Squeezy Belly Alley – one of the narrowest passageways in the UK, measuring only 18 inches wide), you’ll find plenty of charming boutiques, pottery shops, pubs and restaurants tucked away amidst the whitewashed cottages that the village is renowned for, not to mention everything is a short walk away so you can make the most of a short break. That’s no doubt one of its selling points, as the research revealed that 22% of Brits are generally looking to make the most of their limited annual leave by taking shorter, more frequent trips in the UK.

TV fans may also recognise the quaint spot as it doubled up as Port Wenn in BBC show Doc Martin. Visit Cornwall has a useful guide to some of the main locations such as Fern Cottage, aka Doctor Ellingham’s surgery, the Liberal Club which served as the location for the local shop, and the Golden Lion Pub which doubled up as the Crab & Lobster in the series. You can even take a guided walking tour of the village that ensures you won’t miss the highlights, not to mention you can learn plenty of fun behind-the-scenes tidbits.

As for those all-important coastal walks, Port Isaac boasts a location right on the South West Coast Path, with a few shorter walks for those who don’t want to have to grab all of their hiking gear, but would still like to enjoy a leisurely stroll to take in the views.

Sykes Holiday Cottages’ Short Breaks Tester, Charlotte, headed to the breathtaking destination to see if it lived up to the hype, and was clearly enthralled by what she found. “I gave up counting how many times we said, ‘Wow’ – every angle in Port Isaac is picture perfect,” she explained. “We headed up the other side of the harbour and into the fields that lead to the South West Coast Path.”

A famous UK seaside resort grappling with anti-social behaviour and constant smells of drugs has seen its high-acclaimed beach lose out on a prestigious award this year

The faultless reputation of one of the UK’s most iconic seaside resorts has taken a tumble after its three-mile beach was stripped of a prestigious award. Situated in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, and surrounded by lush Dorset countryside – Weymouth attracts a staggering two million day trippers every single year.

Steeped in history and boasting a charming town centre, the resort’s pièce de résistance has often been its golden sand beach.

“Weymouth’s sheltered bay, gradual sloping seabed and exquisite waters offer swimmers, bathers and water sports enthusiasts idyllic and safe conditions to suit every taste,” hailed Visit Dorset, the area’s official tourist board. “The internationally recognised beach is a frequent host to festivals, sporting championships and a wide range of events for all to enjoy.”

Weymouth Central Beach, which has often been regarded as one of the best slices of coast in Europe, was even frequented by King George III in the late 1700s. But, after its water quality was downgraded from ‘excellent’ to ‘good’ by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024, Weymouth has waved goodbye to its Blue Flag status.

READ MORE: ‘Deserted’ UK beach boasts three-miles of golden sand but getting there isn’t easy

Earlier this year, Matt Bell, chair of Weymouth Town Council’s Environment and Services Committee, described the review as ‘disappointing’. The council is reportedly working with agencies to tackle its dip in water quality to ‘improve the situation’.

Despite being robbed of the accolade, Weymouth Beach was given a Seaside Award – which aims to recognise ‘quality and diversity’ and focuses more on well-managed, clean beaches as opposed to factors like water quality. “We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Seaside Award for another year. Weymouth Beach is such a fantastic resource for our residents,” Weymouth Town Council’s Town Clerk Jane Biscombe said, according to the BBC.

However, losing its Blue Flag gong isn’t the only problem plaguing the region. As previously reported, swathes of business owners and residents claim their home is being ruined by ‘moronic’ anti-social behaviour, and the constant stink of drugs.

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“It’s definitely got worse,” argues Lee Waugh, 57, a military veteran who has lived in Weymouth since his teenage years. “The levels of the problems seem to be higher. For example, we need tables out the front to showcase our clothes and bring people into the shop, but opportunists steal them. It’s a catch 22. It’s a problem in town – groups can cause mayhem.”

Lee also spoke of the issue of smell, saying that the drugs in the area are now extremely obvious and off-putting due to the infamous smell once lit. “There’s a lot of weed – you can smell it,” he added. “People don’t even hide it through town, they’re walking up and down the street with it.”

Janet and David Dye, 67 and 71, are from Basildon, Essex, but frequently visit their son who lives in the town. They too have noticed a decline in the town’s reputation, and argue weed is the ‘main problem’. “If you are drinking a bottle of beer in the street, the police should stop you and tell you to tip it out – that’s supposed to be the law,” David said. “But a lot of the time they won’t, until someone complains that they’re drunk.”

The Mirror contacted Dorset Police back in April this year to ask what was being done to tackle anti-social behaviour in Weymouth. It pointed to its Safer Street Partnership, an initiative backed by several organisations including Dorset Council Community Safety Team, which tries to not only identify those causing disruption on the streets, but to help rehabilitate them.

“Over the last five years reported anti-social behaviour in the town centre has reduced by over 40 per cent,” stated Sam Goom, Inspector for Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team. “The Safer Street Partnership is an integral part of that success.

“Our collaborative effort to tackle street-based ASB has made a huge difference – our partners work extremely hard to find long-term solutions. They are a great bunch, and I am thankful for their continued commitment. There is always more to do but definite progress is being made.”

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A city in the Costa del Sol has been named the top destination for expats considering a move to Spain, highlighting its easy-going lifestyle and excellent weather

A new ranking has named this seaside town the best place for expats to settle down in Spain. Beating out cities like Barcelona and Madrid, this destination topped Nomad Capitalist’s ranking thanks to its convenient access to the sea and the “relaxed lifestyle” of residents.

Malaga sits in the heart of Spain’s popular Costa del Sol, which has been a hub for holidaying Brits for years. The beaches are the biggest draw of the region, with miles and miles of sandy shores – many of which are dog-friendly – and pristine waters.

The city centre of Malaga is “lively and a cultural hub” according to Nomad Capitalist, but the if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, the villages east of the capital might be a better fit. Villages in the province of Malaga like Frigiliana are tranquil and filled with whitewashed houses in the classic Andalusian style.

The weather and superior transport in Malaga compared to other Spanish destinations are other factors that contributed to its top ranking. Though Malaga did experience a freak hail storm this past March, the result of Storm Martinho.

READ MORE: ‘Some say community is ‘annoying’ but as an expat I couldn’t live without mine’

While the merits of Malaga are certainly bountiful, it’s important to note that housing shortages and the impacts of over-tourism have caused tensions to grow between locals, foreigners and city councillors. In April 2025, mass demonstrations overtook 42 cities across Spain including Malaga to draw attention to soaring rental prices and housing shortages.

The clear and defiant message seems to have resonated with the Malaga City Council, which reportedly cancelled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes in the city. The new city strategy will veer away from property sales to non-Spaniards, considering a “total ban” altogether.

Malaga City Council has already worked to introduce new measures to curb the construction and acquisition of tourist housing after growing animosity from locals in recent years. But after recent protests and the projected plans for a summer of tourist disruption, Mayor De La Torre said “a global moratorium” is under consideration.

Despite the growing tensions, Malaga remains one of Spain’s top tourist destinations, attracting around 14 million visitors last year. And while it tops Nomad Capital’s list of the best expat destinations in Spain, they emphasise that there is no one single Spanish city ideal for all expats.

While Malaga may be best for sunbathers, Barcelona is ideal for foodies and Granada has proved to be an excellent based for winter sports enthusiasts. You can find the full ranking of the Top 11 Spanish expat destinations below.

The top 11 Spanish destinations for expats

1. Malaga
2. Sotogrande
3. Madrid
4. Barcelona
5. Seville
6. Valencia
7. San Sebastian
8. Granada
9. Bilbao
10. Ibiza
11. Zaragoza

Long overshadowed by its historic neighbour, this seaside town in East Sussex has become a coveted hub thanks to its booming culinary scene and convenient commute to the capital

A seaside town in East Sussex has been dubbed one of the best places to live in Britain according to a new ranking. Long in the shadow of its historic neighbour, Hastings, this UK destination has taken the title of ‘cool cousin’ for its emerging arts scene, chic restaurants and beautiful landscape.

The award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has shared its list of the best places to live in the UK. While the top 10 Sussex destinations ranged from quaint country villages to sleepy hamlets, St. Leonards-On-Sea was a standout.

St. Leonards – known colloquially as Lennies – is known for its distinct combination of elegance and edge. The town sits in the shadow of neighbouring Hastings which is well-loved for its impressive historic Old Town, but St. Leonards has been gaining wider attention for its seaside charm.

READ MORE: Incredible city with cobbled streets and ‘chilled vibe’ in Europe’s safest country

According to Muddy Stilettos, St. Leonards showcases the best of its neighbours of Bexhill and Hastings. The town offers access to “raw but beautiful Regency and Art Deco architecture” as well as a “quiet and long beach” with proximity to the greenery of Hasting Country Park.

One of the reasons St. Leonards is growing in popularity as a place for Britons to settle down has to do with its proximity to the capital. St. Leonards locals are within commutable distance to London, with trains to London Bridge taking approximately 90 – 100minutes and trains to London Victoria taking about 110 mins.

St. Leonards is also a convenient distance to other major cities. Brighton is only a 30-minute direct train ride away from St. Leonards’ Warrior Square Station and there are great links to Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks in Kent.

In addition to its ranking on Muddy Stilettos’ list of the top places to live in Sussex, St. Leonards was included in the The Times’ list of the best places to live by the sea in 2024. According to The Times, the growing popularity of the town has a lot to do with its impressive culinary scene.

The publication confirmed that the opening of a new farm-to-table restaurant Bayte confirmed the town’s status as a “top-table place for sophisticated seaside escapes”. Bayte has a family connection to the Richmond staple, Petersham Nurseries, and promises the same exceptional gastronomic experience.

Food-focused travellers will also be impressed with the many delights to be found on St. Leonards’ Kings Road. Natural wines and small plate restaurants are rife throughout the high street, with some local favourites including the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Royal, and the seafood-centric Galleria.

Kings Road also promises optimal shopping and cultural experiences, for both tourists and locals. Art galleries, boutique clothing and home goods stores offer a mix of high-quality and hand-made wares. The spirit of community is also one of the main attractions of the area. Cultural festivals like St. Leonards Fest and the frequent indoor vintage markets help encourage and cultivate community in the seaside town.

According to Muddy Stilletos, the pandemic saw house prices increase in the area, rising to an average of £330,000 and going as high as £900,000 for a townhouse. This is partially attributed to the strong schools in the area, with state primaries and secondaries rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Full list of Top 10 best places to live in Sussex

• Alfriston
• Amberley
• Cuckfield
• Hove
• Kingston-near-Lewes
• Petworth
• Rye
• St. Leonards-On-Sea
• Ticehurst
• Worthing

Located on the north coast of Norfolk, this town is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday, home to a bustling pier, award-winning beach and a wealth of family-friendly events and festivals

Golf enthusiasts may already know about this reputable seaside town, but it has so much more to offer than what first meets the eye. Breathtaking coastal views, beaches and a historic pier can be explored by those looking for a traditional UK seaside holiday or a perfect day trip destination.

Cromer is located on the north coast of Norfolk, about 23 miles from the medieval city of Norwich. The coastal town became a resort in the early 1800s and built its reputation welcoming rich local families, including the future King Edward VII who was known to enjoy a game of golf in the area.

In fact, the seaside town is still a world-class hub for avid golfers as it is home to one of the top 100 golf courses in England: the Royal Cromer Golf Club. The Club was founded in 1888 and is one of only 66 ‘royal’ clubs in the world and has 18 holes that stretch alongside the Cromer and Overstrand cliffs.

The clifftop course ensures golfers and all visitors enjoy fantastic and unique coastal views. Even the famous Oscar Wilde couldn’t deny the appeal of the greens, having said: “I find Cromer excellent for writing, but the golf even better.” But again, there is much more to this seaside resort than its golf attractions.

READ MORE: Pretty UK seaside town named ‘London-on-Sea’ with one of Britain’s best beaches

Travellers interested in a more traditional seaside holiday will want to make a beeline for the town’s historic pier. Cromer Pier is one of only five seaside piers in the UK with an active theatre and the only one that puts on a traditional end-of-the-pier variety show each summer and winter.

A model of classic Victorian architecture, the 495-foot pier won ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2024. Open all year round, it reportedly has the best crab fishing anywhere in Norfolk and is a memorable and relaxing place to spend a day and sample local treats.

In 2025, the summer variety show at the Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre will run from June 28 to September 20. If you plan a summer visit, you may want to time your travel to coincide with another town celebration: Carnival Week.

Cromer celebrates its Carnival Week in August and the festival includes the crowning of a Carnival Queen and street parade. The family-friendly event is one of the largest Carnivals in the country and the highlight of the season. This year it will run from August 16 to August 22.

If you’re in the mood to learn about some local history as well, head to the Cromer Museum. It is located in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman’s cottages and features displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and what happened to the town during wartime. There are also fascinating exhibits on the geology and archaeology of the area.

If you want to learn more about the coastline specifically, you can visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point. Here, you can learn about what the area was like thousands of years ago. There’s even an app you can download to take a guided tour along the coast to uncover its history and see how it used to look.

There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the local landscape up close. Travellers can walk along stretches of coastal cliffs – some as high as 230-feet. And no mention of Cromer would be complete without a description of its incredible beaches.

The town is home to several impressive sands, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Beachgoers can partake in watersports by hiring surfboards or SUPs, laze in the pristine sands.

There is also a weekly market and plenty of independent shops to browse for those wanting to take home some souvenirs.

One seaside town has been ranked the best in the country, receiving five-star ratings for its impressive views of the Northumberland coastline and serene atmosphere.

One Northumberland village has been named the best seaside town in the UK four years in a row. The UK’s top consumer champion, Which?, conducted its annual seaside survey of over 120 UK towns and villages across the UK and the results reveal a clear winner.

Bamburgh is the landslide victor, retaining its title as the most beloved seaside town among travellers. According to the results of Which’s survey, Bamburgh received five-star ratings across the board for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attraction and its tranquil atmosphere.

The village achieved an 86% overall destination score in the recent survey, which was the consumer group’s biggest seaside survey to date. The results reflect the opinions of 5,000 Which members, many of whom cited the spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle in their reviews.

READ MORE: Charming UK market town with no tourists ‘perfect for a staycation’

Bamburgh is situated within the Northumberland countryside, at the midway point between Berwick upon Tweed and Alnwick. Part of the reason it’s so popular among British holidaymakers is due to its close proximity to Newcastle airport and the Chathill train station (only a 30-minute train ride).

The most famous fixture of Bamburgh is, naturally, its namesake landmark: Bamburgh Castle. Even if you haven’t visited the castle in-person, you may have seen the iconic fortress in television shows or films like The Last Kingdom, Transformer: The Last Knight, or Frontier.

The award-winning castle is hailed as “the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg”. Today, the Anglo-Saxon citadel is owned by the Armstrong family, and their love of pets is the reason the grounds are now dog-friendly.

The Castle has become a huge attraction for the area, hosting a range of activities including Dragon Hunts, Ghost Tours and Outdoor Cinema Screenings. Fans of the Netflix series The Last Kingdom can also partake in the Uhtred of Babbenburgh Tour which runs between February and November to learn about the castle’s history.

Bamburgh Castle has become a distinguishing feature of the Northumberland coast and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. Not only is the fortress filled with 3,000 years of history and tales of Vikings and The Last Kingdom, but it also offers stunning views of the sea beyond.

Bamburgh Beach sits just beyond Bamburgh Castle and is notable both for its sand dunes and sea views. The beach has also become a huge draw for surfers, considered one of the most consistent spots along the coast. For those interested in learning, there are multiple surf schools operating on the north end of the beach from spring until autumn.

Travellers venturing north along the beach will come across the famous ‘Stag’ Rocks. This coastal landmark gets its name from the white stag painted on the rocks. While the origin of the painting is unknown – some locals say it appeared after a stag jumped into the sea – today, the rocks are regularly painted to keep up the local history.

Stag Rocks have also become a popular vantage point for birdwatching. This portion of the coast also offers unique views of the protected Farne Islands – a small group of islands a few miles off the coast of the Northumberland between Bamburgh and Seahouses.

If you’re in the area, a visit to the nearby fishing village of Seahouses is certainly a must. Regular boat tours leave from Seahouses’ harbour to the Farne Islands where travellers can see puffins and a large colony of grey seals.

Travellers can even walk straight from Seahouses harbour to Bamburgh Castle to enjoy a stunning stretch of the Northumberland coastline. The roughly three-mile walk is predominantly on golden sand.

Defying the crime-riddled reputation of UK seaside resorts, this tiny coastal village – framed by its own island – has been crowned of the most relaxing spots in the country

Tucked away in the stunning South Devon coastline, where rolling countryside melts into turquoise seas – lies one huge anomaly. Bigbury-on-Sea boasts some of the UK’s very best scenery, from long stretches of golden sands to crystal clear waters. But, it was also branded one of the safest and most ‘relaxing’ resorts in the country.

The gong comes after UK holiday firm Parkdean Resorts compared coastal hotspots from across the UK, analysing factors such as cleanliness, green space, local safety, light and noise pollution, and population density. According to the Express, it crowned Bigbury-on-Sea the ultimate winner, thanks to its unspoilt nature (being surrounded by three areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty helps) and low crime rate.

READ MORE: ‘Stunning’ UK seaside town with three-mile beach sees house prices plummet by £13,000

Whether you’re after an active holiday filled with beach-side yoga, surfing, and paddle-boarding – or want to soak up the rays with a good book – this village has you sorted. There are also plenty of hiking trails of varying ability for those who can’t resist those Instagram-worthy views – or boat cruises for holidaymakers not wanting to break a sweat.

“One of the distinctive features of Bigbury-On-Sea Beach is the tidal causeway that connects the mainland to Burgh Island,” hailed Visit South Devon, the area’s official tourist board. “At low tide, visitors can walk across the sandy pathway, immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.

“As the tide rolls in, the sea covers the causeway, creating a sense of isolation for those on Burgh Island, accessible only by sea tractor or boat. It also boasts an award-winning hotel, elegant and rather genteel; it’s an ideal romantic retreat for couples.”

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Bigbury-on-Sea is some 234 miles from London, meaning you’ll need to endure a gruelling four hour-and-a-half-hour drive to get there. However, direct trains from the Big Smoke to Totnes slash two hours from the journey time. You’ll then have to get a 41-minute taxi ride.

If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £44. If you have a railcard, you’ll be able to get tickets for even cheaper.

Accommodation in Bigbury-on-Sea varies depending on your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 6-8) at the four-star Swallow Barn will set you back £653, based on two adults sharing a two-bedroom holiday home. However, a one-bedroom apartment at Steepfield Studio costs a much more affordable £485 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below

This seaside town in Suffolk has one of the UK’s most impressive beaches, dotted with traditional fishing huts selling freshly-caught seafood and iconic art installations

For all the galleries, parks and restaurants London has to offer, there is one thing locals still yearn for: the sea. While the UK has no shortage of charming seaside villages and coastal towns, only one has earned the moniker “London-on-Sea”.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk has claimed the impressive title. The picturesque seaside town has everything you could want from a classic UK staycation, including a sandy beach and some of the best fish and chips this side of Britain.

Less than a two-hour train ride from London Liverpool Street, it’s no surprise it has become a frequent favourite for Londoners. As reported by MyLondon, Aldeburgh’s title of ‘London-on-Sea’ isn’t just a colloquial nickname, the village was featured in a guidebook with that exact title.

Situated between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea, this Suffolk town offers a distinct vantage point. The main attraction for travellers will certainly be the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched London to live in underrated UK seaside town just one hour away’

Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle and sand beach and consistently ranks among the top spots in Suffolk and East Anglia. It has been recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag.

In addition to the fine shore and surf, Aldeburgh Beach is home to many historic and artistic treasures. One such feature is the Quatrefoil Martello Tower, a relic from the Napoleonic Wars era. There’s also a Norman church and a converted windmill known as Green Fort nearby.

But the most well-known fixture of the beach is the Aldeburgh Scallop. This four-meter high steel shell sculpture was installed on the beach to honour Benjamin Britten, the esteemed 20th-century composer who enjoyed regular walks between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

There are no kiosks on the beach, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts dotted across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood directly from the locals. Barring that, visitors can head into town for some battered fish.

The Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously been honoured with the title of Britain’s best fish and chip spot, and Tripadvisor reviews attest to its quality. One visitor commented: “I love fish and chips, and this was the best I’ve ever had from a takeaway. The fish had beautiful light batter, and was translucent, flaky and delicious. Great chips too. Excellent.”

From grand hotels to cosy rental properties, Aldeburgh offers plenty of accommodation options for travellers. The Wentworth Hotel is one of the most luxurious in the seaside town – just 20 yards from the beach and home to an award-winning restaurant.

Those looking for a more laid-back option can stay at The Cross Keys. This beachfront inn exudes old-world charm and the rooms and in-house restaurant have modern, clean furnishings.

Again, the train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.

This Norfolk village is ideal for avid walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, with close proximity to the largest seal colony in England and a National Trust Nature Reserve

One north Norfolk village has been named among the best seaside spots in England in a guide created by travel experts. The guide was created by Condé Nast Traveller and is considered “the essential summer-holiday guide to England’s best seaside towns”.

It is no surprise that Blakeney made the list. The village is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and makes for an ideal base to explore the north Norfolk Coast. Though, according to Condé Nast Traveller, calling the area between Blakeney and its neighbour Cley ‘seaside’ is somewhat of a stretch.

That’s because, today, Blakeney and nearby Cley have marshland where the sea used to be. Still, the village is home to an impressive nature reserve filled with local wildlife and migratory birds as well as impressive views of uninterrupted coastline.

READ MORE: Pretty little UK seaside village with mini railway and huge 3-mile beach

A bustling commercial port for several centuries, Blakeney imported a wide range of goods, including timber and coal, and exported corn and wool. Today, the quay is mostly used for leisure activities, including walking, sailing, and birdwatching.

The Blakeney National Trust Nature Reserve at Blakeney Point is accessible by boat trip and is a great place for walking and spotting seals and diverse birdlife. Blakeney Point is a breeding site for seals and their pups, born during November to early January, It is also home to the largest seal colony in England with thousands of seal pups born annually.

The Point is the result of a longshore drift across the River Glaven and is continuously evolving with the tides. These conditions are evidently perfect for the growth of samphire – a sea vegetable with a salty flavour – that is a local delicacy.

If you want to avoid a boat trip, the Point can also be accessed on foot from Cley-next-the-Sea, but visitors are encouraged to check seasonal restrictions (in place to protect nesting birds and fragile habitats). There are typically restrictions on accessing the Point by foot in the summer.

As an alternative, travellers can watch the seals by boat from Morston Quay. Avid hikers and birdwatchers will find endless sources of intrigue and the secluded atmosphere creates an enhanced sense of escapism. Keep an eye out for ringed plovers, oystercatchers, brent geese and common teal.

That said, those keen on getting closer to the water shouldn’t be discouraged by the abundant marshland. To the west of the village in Holkham, travellers will find a “superb beach” and Wells-next-the-Sea has a “bucket-and-spade strip”.

For more adventurous beachseekers, Cley and Salthouse have pebbled shores that stretch for a few miles. Wells is home to a line of beach huts and also joins the expansive strand of Holkham to create one of the UK’s finest beaches. According to Condé Nast Traveller, the coast “fell asleep a couple of centuries ago and is just beginning to wake up” – which is the main reason for its appeal.

In the village, travellers will come across quaint flint cottages, traditionally the home of local fishermen. In addition to reflecting the area’s fishing heritage, they add a distinct charm to the community.

While Blakeney is less commercialised than other ‘seaside’ destinations, there are still plenty of places to eat and stay as well as pubs and art galleries to explore. The Blakeney Hotel has been a fixture of the village since opening in 1923 and Morston Hall, Cley Windmill and The Wiveton Bell are other great accommodation options.

On the outskirts of the village, travellers will find the historic St Nicolas Church – built sometime between the 13th and 15th century. The bus stop at St. Nicolas Church also happens to be the starting point of the Blakeney Freshes Coastal Walk.