Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK

15 destinations picked for this guide.

From Cornwall's golden coves to Yorkshire's fishing ports and Wales's wild headlands, the UK coast offers a wide range of weekend breaks. Some are classic bucket-and-spade resorts, while others are quiet harbour towns or nature-rich coasts. These are the coastal destinations we recommend.

LlandudnoConwy · Budget-friendly

A grand Victorian seaside resort beneath the Great Orme

 ScarboroughNorth Yorkshire · Budget-friendly

Britain's oldest seaside resort, with two bays and a castle

 ExmoorSomerset and Devon · Mid-range

Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky

 MargateKent · Mid-range

A revived seaside town of art, vintage shops and sandy beaches

 PembrokeshireWales · Mid-range

A rugged coast of golden beaches, seabirds and a famous coast path

 TenbyPembrokeshire · Mid-range

A colourful walled harbour town with sandy beaches

 WhitbyNorth Yorkshire · Mid-range

A dramatic harbour town with a clifftop abbey

 Isle of SkyeHighland · Higher-priced

Jagged mountains, fairy pools and wild Atlantic coast

 Isle of WightHampshire · Higher-priced

A compact island with chalk cliffs, castles and sandy beaches

 Jurassic Coast (Lyme Regis)Dorset · Higher-priced

A World Heritage coast of cliffs, fossils and natural arches

 NewquayCornwall · Higher-priced

Cornwall's surf capital, with long golden beaches

 Norfolk coastNorfolk · Higher-priced

Wide sandy beaches, salt marshes and seal trips

 St IvesCornwall · Higher-priced

Golden beaches, art galleries and a pretty Cornish harbour

 WhitstableKent · Higher-priced

A pretty seaside town famous for oysters and beach huts

 PadstowCornwall · Premium

A Cornish fishing harbour famous for seafood and the Camel Trail

Frequently asked questions

What is the best seaside weekend in the UK?

Whitby and Scarborough are great in Yorkshire, Padstow and St Ives in Cornwall, Tenby in Wales and the Norfolk coast for quiet, dog-friendly beaches.

When is the best time for the coast?

May to September is warmest, but spring and autumn are quieter and often cheaper.

Plan this weekend with our finder

More guides

Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North WestBest weekend breaks from LondonBest weekend breaks from Birmingham and the MidlandsBest weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North EastBest weekend breaks in ScotlandBest weekend breaks in Wales

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices and journey times are estimates, so check before you book.