Shape your calendar around what really counts – coastal adventures, saltwater resets, and memory-making moments at the beach.
Whether you’re craving windswept walks, summer swims, foodie festivals or a fresh start for the New Year, this seasonal planner helps you make the most of every season at the seaside.
From spring long weekends and summer staycations to cosy winter hideaways, it’s your go-to guide for planning coastal escapes all year round. Use it to plan ahead, or jump to the season you’re dreaming of next.
Looking to time your trip with the best coastal events? Check out these unmissable events and festivals by the sea, and the UK’s best seaside food festivals.
SPRING
Long weekends, wildlife wonders, and windswept headlands littered with wildflowers… spring is the time to make the most of the coast before the summer crowds roll in. Breathe deep, lace up, and lean into the lighter, longer days on seaside trails and Easter adventures.
MARCH: Seaside Hikes and Spring Gardens
Lighter evenings make March the perfect time to get moving in the sea air. While the temperatures are still crisp, they’re ideal for longer, scenic hikes along the best National Trails by the coast. How about Scotland’s Great Glen Way or the Norfolk Coast Path?
Prefer a gentler pace? Wander through glorious gardens bursting with colour at one of the UK’s best coastal garden destinations this spring.
Don’t forget to make plans for Mother’s Day – from seaside spas to all-weather attractions, we’ve got lots of ideas that take in the seaside.
You could even go all out and book a coastal cottage with its own glorious garden.
APRIL: Easter Escapes & Coastal Running Routes
With Easter Sunday falling on 6 April 2026, it’s the perfect time to plan a spring coastal getaway before the summer rush — think wildlife watching, early-season watersports, and egg-citing seaside adventures.
For inspiration check out our guide to: Things to Do on an Easter Holiday by the Sea
April also brings the London Marathon — and even if you’re not heading to the start line, it’s your cue to run your own race by the sea. From the leg-burning climbs of the South West Coast Path to the flat promenades of Southwold and Saltburn, there’s a trail for every level of runner to stride out on.
Book a coastal cottage for your Easter break.
MAY: Long Weekends and Leg Stretching Walks
Two bank holidays = two perfect excuses for a seaside break. With longer days and not-yet-peak prices, May is ideal for sneaky escapes and golden-hour strolls by the sea.
Slipping away to the seaside doesn’t have to break the bank – from rockpool rambles to kite flying and beach picnics, we know stacks of free and budget things you can do by the beach.
With so many hours of daylight, May’s ideal for stretching your legs on some of the UK’s most stunning sections of coastline – from the cliffs of Pembrokeshire to the wild headlands of the Highlands. Discover the best destinations for coastal walking holidays in Britain.
SUMMER
Early morning dips, shaded coastal trails, and golden-hour views that stretch until bedtime. With the school holidays in full swing, summer’s all about full-throttle seaside fun – whether you’re chasing family adventures, wellbeing retreats, or quiet coves far from the crowds.
JUNE: Coastal Calm
The calm before the summer chaos – June is the month to soak up coastal bliss before the crowds descend.
Why not tap into the saltwater highs at a feel-good festival? From The Big Retreat in Wales to Wellness by the Sea in Sussex, there’s a new wave of seaside wellbeing gatherings to choose from.
Or, stretch into summer days at your own pace in one of these top spots for yoga by the beach – from sunrise flow in Cornwall to sunset Savasana in Sussex.
Warming up for Wimbledon? Rally your crew and book a coastal cottage with its own tennis court – sea views included.
JULY: Pools & Paddleboards
When the temperature rises, it’s all about staying cool. Time then, to get away to a coastal cottage with a swimming pool or plunge into one of the UK’s tidal sea pools, from Kent to Cornwall.
The UK’s coastlines are made for watersports — from paddleboarding and kayaking to surfing and coasteering.
Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of kitesurfing or the underwater quiet of scuba diving, find your flow with these beach activity centres.
Got a long drive ahead to your summer holiday destination? Make the journey a breeze with these scenic pit-stops en route to the seaside.
AUGUST: Peak Season, Secret Spots
With the holidays in full swing, it pays to go early, go remote – or stay local.
For families, this is the month to make memories — from pier rides and paddling to sandcastles and surfing, there’s an abundance of things to enjoy by the sea with the kids in summer.
August also brings coastal sailing regattas and beach festivals. If you didn’t get your earlybird tickets, check our coastal events calendar before you go.
Still want a quiet corner or space to slow down. Swap crowded resorts for secret beaches where yours are the only footprints and skip the crowds at these hidden coastal gems.
AUTUMN
Brisk sea air, bracing sea dips and quiet beaches – autumn is all about coastal adventures then curling up for fireside feasts as the evenings draw in. Whether you’re chasing a last burst of sun or settling in for storm season, it’s the perfect time to get away to the seaside.
SEPTEMBER: Spontaneous Indian Summer Escapes
Golden light, late-summer sun and crowd-free seascapes. September is your cue for a last-minute coastal break under wide-open skies. Keep an eye on the forecast and pack light for a spontaneous short break by the sea.
It’s also harvest time. Which means foraged finds, seafood feasts, and seasonal flavours from the coast and countryside – best served with a sea view.
OCTOBER: Cosy Cottages & Coastal Adventures
Half-term family adventures incoming — from surfing to stargazing, October is a brilliant time to wrap up and roam the coastline.
As the weather cools down, brisk autumn walks along clifftops and estuary trails top the seaside wishlist – especially when the final way marker is a coastal pub with a roaring fire.
Looking for drama? Now the crowds have gone, the UK’s coastal wonders are even more breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera.
No need to head out to feel the season — book a seaside retreat with big-blue views you can soak up from the sofa.
NOVEMBER: Crashing Waves & Coastal Pubs
First frosts, thick socks, and roaring fires — November’s for hunkering down in style by the sea. After a windswept walk beside crashing waves, there’s nothing better than the glow of a coastal pub.
When the weather’s wild there’s nothing like watching the storms roll in – pick your viewpoint from a sea-facing window to a wild promontory.
From spooky events to starting your Christmas shopping by the sea, November’s also a great time to explore Britain’s best coastal towns.
WINTER
Winter brings a different kind of magic to the coast — windswept beaches, twinkling harbours, and the hush of the off-season. It’s the time for festive escapes, salty-aired resets, and chasing new horizons.
DECEMBER: Festive Seaside Retreats
Think crisp morning beach walks, saunas beside the sea, and get-togethers in coastal cottages with log burners.
From Christmas canoe trips to Santa swims, we’ve got some great ideas for festive days out at the seaside.
Time then, to round up the pack and book a large holiday house for Christmas by the sea.
JANUARY: New Year, New Waves.
January’s slower pace is a breath of fresh air — literally. It’s the ideal time to refresh your routine and plan ahead for a year of ocean-inspired adventures.
Time for new beginnings and a better you? From new skills to workouts in nature’s gym, get inspiration from our New Year’s resolutions for beach lovers.
Why not try something new to try on holiday by the sea this year – how about foraging, painting or kitesurfing?
If you love sports and the seaside, plan your next break to one our top coastal destinations for a sporting holiday. If you love art and culture, make a beeline for an art-venture by the sea.
Thinking about a more sustainable seaside stay this year? Go car-free with these easy-to-reach coastal destinations, or hop on a train to one of our top UK beach spots by rail.
FEBRUARY: Coastal Romance
Windswept wanders, starlit skies, and the warm glow of a seaside retreat. February’s the time to treat your favourite person to a wild and cosy escape.
Need inspiration for romantic things to do by the coast for Valentine’s Day? Book a cosy cottage for sunset chases, seaside strolls and snuggles beside the waves.
Don’t forget February half-term by the sea, either. Embrace the mid-winter magic of traditional British seaside towns, and make the most of the best indoor family attractions beside the coast.
Plan Ahead
Use this planner to get ahead, book the best coastal break for every season, and build a year of saltwater adventures.
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