UK holidays

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The council chairman of a popular UK tourist destination has said that introducing a new car park was “not plausible” as the village continues to struggle with overtourism

Plans for a new car and coach park in one of England’s most idyllic villages have been withdrawn to deter more tourists from visiting. While some destinations clamour to intrigue travellers, this holiday hotspot in Gloucestershire says “enough people” are already visiting.

Bibury – often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. But the fairytale-esque village is considered a victim of its own beauty, as hordes of tourists have been causing significant traffic and chaos in the area.

As reported by the BBC, Craig Chapman from Bibury Parish Council said that a potential proposal for a car park would have been rejected by planners had it made it to the council. While the proposal was eventually dropped, Chapman said there are “enough people coming into the village”.

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He continued: “the thought of having an out of village car park with 130 cars and 10 coaches – at least 500 people shuttling down to the village or walking the narrow pavement was not plausible.”

Bibury has garnered a reputation as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ as once described by 19th century writer William Morris. Today, it is home to a few hundred residents but welcomes thousands of visitors daily, with up to 50 coach buses coming into the village a day.

Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village.

Early this year, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. However, less drastic measures will be implemented sooner.

Over the next few months, the layout of parking bays will be updated to prevent coaches from parking or idling in the layby on the B4425. This is next to the Swan Bridge in the centre of the village.

The second phase of plans will see the potential introduction of restrictions on coach access to the centre of Bibury. In order to move forward with this, a legal consultation process would be needed and is set to start in early summer.

Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village’s narrow lanes. In addition, the group wants to explore alternative parking options outside the village.

Finally, the local working group wants to encourage tourists to use other modes of transport to visit the village, including walking, cycling or using public transport. There is no direct train into Bibury, however many travellers take a direct train to Kemble from London and then get a 24-minute taxi to Bibury.

All said, there are still plenty of other villages in the Cotswolds to explore and which deserve traveller attention. Despite being slightly less popular than Bibury, Broadway is considered to be the ‘jewel of the Cotswolds’.

Located in the north of the region, the village is known for its manicured lawns, art galleries and classic tea shops. Broadway is a particular gem for art and antique lovers and collectors.

This Somerset village offers a wealth of green spaces, woodlands and hamlets to explore – reachable by foot or bike. It is also a designated part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If you’re in need of some staycation inspiration, then this Somerset destination should definitely be on your radar. Close enough to Bath that you can enjoy the comforts of the city while remaining distinctly on the outskirts, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Freshford is just five miles from Bath, but its location at the junction of the River Frome and Avon makes it feel like a world away. The village’s landscape of stone buildings, fields and woodlands create a distinct serenity to the area that has been unmarred by tourists – mostly because it is relatively under the radar.

The civil parish of Freshford dates back to Saxon times and was once home to a mill from 1086 – the remains of which still stand in the village to this day. The mill is a notable site of interest, home to 17th-century buildings made predominantly from natural stone, clay tile, and slate. One of the unique features of Freshford houses is its lack of house numbers, which are replaced instead with names.

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Freshford is also home to many sites of historical interest, one of which is the Freshford Manor which dates back to the 18th-century. There are also some religious buildings you can visit, including the 15th-century St Peter’s Church which has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building.

Dating back to the early to mid 16th century, the Freshford Bridge stretches directly over the River Frome and is a truly picture-perfect spot. From Freshford, travellers will be able to see across the Avon valley to the Kennet and Avon Canal. But keep in mind, the nearest crossings are a bit further off at Avoncliff and Limpley Stoke.

Surrounded by hills and valleys, the village has plenty for nature-lovers to explore without needing to venture too far. Freshford is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna and is even part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the green belt.

The village centre is also a conservation area, created during 1975 and extended in 2007. You would also be remiss not to stop by at the nearby hamlets of Friary, Sharpstone, Park Corner, Woodside and Staples Hill.

Freshford’s jurisdiction includes these hamlets, though they are all separated from the centre of the village by lush open fields. That said, visitors can make a day of exploring the many low-intensity paths to the surrounding hamlets.

Popular walks in and around Freshford

• The Ilford Loop : 2 hours and 4.5 miles long: beginning from the Freshford Galleries, you can head directly to the hamlet of Friary
• Circular Hike to Dundas Wharf : 2 hours and 5 miles long: This is an intermediate hike with one or two busy roads to cross. It leads from the Freshford Galleries down to Limpley Stoke.
• Farleigh Hungerford Loop : 2.5 hours and 5 miles long: A great country walk across open fields to the English Heritage site at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
• Hike to Avoncliff Aqueduct : 1.15 hours and 2.85 miles long: This is a low-intensity walk from Freshford to Avoncliff along the River Frome and then the River Avon.

This market town in Northumberland is ideal for history buffs and nature-lovers, home to plenty of impressive monuments, walking trails and within close proximity of one of the UK’s most iconic ruins

The UK certainly has no shortage of picturesque destinations to explore, but if you are trying to avoid the summer crowds you’ll need to expand your horizons. Instead of opting for hotspot staycation sites like the Cotswolds and the Lake District, consider a trip to Northumberland – this one spot in particular.

Hexham in Northumberland is a petit market town that has been highlighted as a top staycation destination by the travel blog The Crazy Tourist, as previously reported by The Mirror. Located 25 miles from Newcastle, the town is home to about 13,000 residents and attracts about 120,000 visitors annually.

Situated between the Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines National Landscape, visitors will have plenty of stunning vistas and landmarks to explore. Hexham is also home to family-friendly parks and green spaces, including the Sele, Hexham House and the beloved Hexham Abbey grounds.

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Originally built in 674AD with materials repurposed from Roman ruins, Hexham Abbey was rebuilt in the 13th century. Markers of the grounds’ Roman history are present in the form of pagan dedications as well.

Hexham Abbey has restored much of its medieval monastery complex – the Priory Buildings – to an impeccable standard. The impressive buildings are fully licensed premises and can thus be rented out as an event space for weddings, banquets and luncheons.

For those interested in diving further into the area’s rich history, Hadrian’s Wall is conveniently close. Just a short drive from the town’s centre, the Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast. It was originally built to serve as the north-western frontier of the Roman empire.

Construction of Hadrian’s Wall began in 122AD by order of emperor Hadrian and was defended by regiments of 500 to 1,000 infantry and cavalry men. Today, the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows travellers to follow directly in the footsteps of Roman soldiers.

There are plenty of trails for curious visitors to traverse given the Wall’s unique settlement across two of England’s most picturesque counties. Following the popular Birdoswald Roman trail will set visitors along a path set against the River Irthing and down the longest continuous stretch of the Wall.

Another moderate path is the Housesteads Roman trail, which covers some of the most peaceful parts of the Northumberland National Park. This specific trail provides access to Walltown Crags – the majestic countryside area – and the Dark Sky Discovery Site of Cawfields.

One final historic landmark that must be highlighted is the Hexham Old Gaol, which is England’s oldest purpose-built prison. Constructed in 1333, the medieval prison served as a detention site for nearly half a millennium, where inmates were required to fund their own sustenance and attire.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Gaol is both a fun and educational destination. Visitors can uncover a bounty of music, poetry and books about the English-Scottish border in the interior Border Library Collection while more daring guests can try out the stocks.

The town is not just a hub for history, it also has many modern attractions to boast. For instance, the Hexham Racecourse is the only racecourse in Northumberland and considered one of the most scenic in the country. Another modern marvel is the Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre. The contemporary glass building is a community hub and learning centre, hosting an array of exhibits throughout the year. The centre also offers impressive views of the Northumberland National Park.

Finally, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – located opposite the Hexham Abbey – is a draw for the best international and national artists. The Victorian building boasts a 350-seat theatre to watch dancers, musicians and dramatic artists and is also home to two art galleries.

This lesser-known village is northwest Wiltshire has everything you’d expect from the Cotswolds, including mellow stone cottages, a charming 17th-century estate and a beloved local eatery

Even regular visitors to the Cotswolds may have missed the memo on this picturesque village. While buzzier destinations like Bibury and Bourton often get the most attention from tourists, heading to a new part of Wiltshire will help you enjoy the area in peace and relative quiet.

Biddestone has a reputation for being one of the best-kept secrets of the Cotswolds – which, of course, means that it is not as big a secret as it once was. Still, the village has retained a quiet charm that travellers would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Biddestone is a small, rural village in north west Wiltshire, England, with an incredibly modest population of only a few hundred residents. You may have even passed the village unknowingly, as it is in close proximity to many other beloved destinations; just four miles from Castle Combe and about 5 miles from Lacock, Corsham, Giddeahall and Chippenham.

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The heart of Biddestone is the village green, where many community events and celebrations are hosted every year. The main open space is surrounded by grand Cotswold mellow stone homes and cottages, decreasing in size as you move away from the village centre.

The architecture of the area certainly adds to the character of the squared village, with the majority of buildings boasting picturesque Georgian facades and tiled roofs. Travellers planning an extended trip in the area can stay at one of the architectural marvels situated by the village’s large duck pond.

The Anvil Cottage and the Billiard Room are both award-winning holiday properties set on the grounds of a 17th-century estate, known as The Close. Once a working forge, Anvil Cottage has been restored beautifully and is now a five-star gold-rated luxury property.

The Billiard Room has also been masterfully restored, though it has lived many lives. Originally a blanket factory and then the village school, the property was also converted into a billiard room by the owner of the estate in the 1920s. Today, it is a luxe hideaway with all the modern conveniences of any top hotel.

The duck pond on the property also has a unique history, originally serving as a watering place for cattle from the local farms. The Close also continues to celebrate the village’s wool trading history, which is what allowed it to prosper.

Another architectural landmark of the area is the church of St. Nicholas, which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The church was reportedly never enlarged during the seven centuries between its Norman foundation and the late Victorian era, and visitors are welcome to explore the historical landmark daily.

The Grade II* listed Manor House is another stop worth adding to your list. When it is open to the public – dogs included – travellers can explore the five acres of beautifully manicured gardens, streams and orchards. Once you’re done strolling for the day, a trip to the local favourite pub – The White Horse – is a must. It’s easy enough to spot with it’s bright white facade.

While Biddestone has just enough to keep you entertained for a day and plenty of gorgeous accommodation options, it may be better suited for a day trip from a neighbouring base. In fact, you’re likely to meet other Cotswolds residents from Chippenham spending a day on The Green or at The White Horse.

It’s also a great starting off point for a countryside walk, another reason its so popular with Cotswolds natives.. The Wiltshire Walks website recommends a scenic four-mile walk west into the rural landscape and the deep valley of Colerne Park.

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.

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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.