Staycations are in vogue, and this newfound love for the British seaside means that the usual holiday hotspots get extremely busy during the summer.
So, how about trying somewhere new? Perhaps somewhere you’ve never been before, or even heard of. There are amazing places to visit for holidays all around the British coastline. Here are a few recommendations for sensational sea view holidays without the hordes.
Isle of Whithorn, Scotland
This undiscovered part of Scotland is an absolute gem. While there’s plenty of space in the Scottish Isles, popular destinations like Skye and Mull can feel a little overrun at times. So choosing a lesser-known option such as Whithorn is an even quieter alternative.
Located at one of the most southerly points of Dumfries and Galloway it’s a trek to get to but well worth the extra effort. The Isle of Whithorn is famous for its association with St Ninian who brought Christianity to Scotland. He is celebrated in the 13th century St Ninian’s chapel found in the harbour close to the heart of this pretty fishing village.
Aside from the historical sites to visit, there are plenty of marked cycling routes to be found through the Machars as well as a host of stunning walks, fishing options, birdwatching and golf. A short drive from the Isle of Whithorn is the beautifully kept three-acre Woodfall Gardens, home to a host of flowers and shrubs kept protected from the bitter winter winds by the triple wall surrounding it. For cult horror film buffs, several scenes from the Wicker Man were filmed around Whithorn.
Places to stay on the Isle of the Whithorn >
Deal, Kent
Deal is one of the prettiest seaside villages in White Cliffs country near Dover and also frequently missed due to the more popular Ramsgate and Margate nearby. This is the ideal location to escape the masses and enjoy the best of Kent’s coastline. It’s newly refurbished pier is a great spot for taking in the incredible views across the Channel to France.
The picturesque pastel-coloured houses nestle together hiding a treasure trove of galleries, museums and exhibitions to enjoy as well as a host of independent boutiques selling cool clothes and interesting antiques. Foodies will adore Deal as it’s packed with great restaurants specialising in locally caught seafood.
One of the best Tudor artillery castles can be found in Deal. Deal Castle was built under the orders of Henry VIII and is a must-see. If you are a castle buff, you can cycle along the beachfront path that links Deal castle to Walmer Castle one and a half miles away.
On those beautiful sunny days, a short drive north up the coast takes you to Botany Bay, famed for its white sea stacks and beautiful beach. It’s the perfect spot to read, swim and enjoy the sunshine before heading back to Deal for a well-earned sundowner.
Yorkshire coast: Sandsend to Cloughton Wyke
Where to begin along the Yorkshire coast? There’s a whole host of beautiful places to stay along this stretch, though if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, there are some lovely places to stay outside of busy Whitby.
Sandsend beach is only a short hop north of Whitby but is a bit of a hidden gem with its gorgeous white sand bay. The fishing village of Sandsend is picturesque with fantastic views back to Whitby. Adored by fossil hunters and surfers, it’s a great spot to while away the hours. The village is home to some great restaurants and beach shack cafes when you need to refuel.
Heading south down the coast from Whitby, you can hop onto the Cleveland Way National Trail and soak up some of the stunning cliff views and stop for a dip at Cloughton Wyke. Although Whitby can be busy, it’s well worth a visit to the town when you’re in the area for its abbey, harbour and famous fish and chips.
Places to stay on the Yorkshire coast >
Anglesey, Wales
Often overlooked by holidaymakers heading to trendier destinations in Gower, Pembrokeshire and Gwynedd, this stunning island in North Wales is a brilliant place to stay by the sea. With 125 miles of coastline, there are plenty of beaches, coastal walks, picturesque villages and historic sites to explore.
There are some superb cycling routes on Anglesey, including the Lôn Las Copr, a 36 mile round tour of the island taking in the strange moonscape of Parys mountain. There’s also the 13-mile family-friendly route of Lôn Las Cefni.
For those wanting to get their feet wet, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing are just a few of the activities you can try your hand at to fully experience the adrenaline-filled side to Anglesey life.
Hiking enthusiasts will want to tackle sections of the Anglesey Island Coastal Path, which meanders through many different landscapes from salt marches to woodlands, and dunes to cliffs.
If relaxation is more your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice for sand-swept beaches on those balmy summer days. Foodies will love the fresh seafood, drawn fresh from the Menai Strait to plate.
Porlock Weir to Blue Anchor Bay, Somerset
There’s no denying that Minehead is a picturesque, fun and exciting holiday destination, but it can get rather rowdy on a summer’s evening. Luckily, there are more peaceful places to stay nearby in equally beautiful settings. Porlock Weir is one such place, nestled in amongst the imposing cliffs of the North Somerset coast.
This cosy fishing village makes a great base for exploring the coast and hills of Exmoor National Park. The Ship Inn is a rustic pub that sits on the harbour with a great garden and is the ideal spot to strike out on the rolling cliffs and rocky coastline. The Harbour Gallery and Café is a good spot to buy some Exmoor Glass, peruse some artwork and grab a coffee.
Heading west out of Porlock, you can hire a bike and try your calves on the steepest A-road in the country! For a gentler experience, head to Greencombe Gardens near Porlock. These organic gardens are a haven to bees and offer fantastic views to the coast and surrounding hills.
For more of a beachy holiday, Blue Anchor Bay is a quieter alternative to Minehead. The huge sandy beach is a great spot for families but also holds an exciting secret being a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Here the cliffs hold a wealth of fossils from the Triassic period, including ammonites, shells and whole skeleton reptile remains. It’s most famous discovery was an ichthyosaur which is now housed in the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Railway enthusiasts will enjoy the West Somerset Railway from Blue Anchor Station. Here you can leave your car behind for a day out on the heritage train line and enjoy the sights of West Somerset along the way.
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