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The UK has thousands of miles of coastline, and almost every stretch has its own character. You can choose a lively seaside resort with a pier and fish and chips, a quiet harbour village, a wide sandy beach or a wild clifftop path. As a Sussex-based travel specialist, we know the South East coast best, so we start there, then move on to the best of the rest of the country. Along the way you will find practical advice on when to go, where to stay and how to get there.
For broader ideas, see our UK holidays and short breaks guide. If you are planning a trip close to home, our guides to Brighton and Sussex breaks and weekend breaks from Brighton go into more detail.
South East coast holidays
The South East has some of the most accessible seaside places in the country. Many are reachable by train from London in a short time, and Gatwick Airport makes the region easy for visitors from further afield. The coast here is a mix of shingle beaches, chalk cliffs, historic harbours and busy promenades.
Brighton
Brighton is the best known of the Sussex resorts. Its seafront has a pier, a pebble beach, cafes and a famous lively atmosphere. The Lanes and North Laine offer independent shops, food and entertainment, which makes the city a good choice whatever the weather. It is a very popular weekend destination, so book early for summer and event weekends.
The beach is shingle, so bring suitable footwear if you plan to swim. In summer, early mornings are calmer. You can also use Brighton as a base for day trips along the coast and to the South Downs. See our day trips from Brighton guide for ideas.
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a classic seaside town with a long promenade, a Victorian pier and a relaxed feel. It sits close to the start of the South Downs and the Seven Sisters cliffs, so walkers love it. Families enjoy the beach and gardens, and there are plenty of traditional hotels.
A walk along the cliffs towards Beachy Head is a highlight, but keep well back from the edges and check the weather. The town is a good option if you want a calmer alternative to Brighton.
Worthing
Worthing offers a long, gentle seafront, a pier and a friendly local feel. It is often quieter and sometimes better value than its larger neighbours. The beach is shingle with sand at low tide, and the town has independent shops, cafes and a lively arts scene.
It works well for a restful break and is just a short journey along the coast from Brighton.
Hastings
Hastings combines a historic old town, a working fishing beach and a lively seafront. The fishing boats and the net shops, the old town streets and the cliff railways give the place a distinctive character. It is a good choice if you enjoy history, food and a slightly quirky atmosphere.
The pier and the nearby country park add more variety. Parking in the old town can be limited, so consider the train.
Whitstable
Whitstable, on the North Kent coast, is known for oysters, seafood restaurants and colourful beach huts. The harbour is the heart of the town, and the high street has independent shops and galleries. It is popular for weekend breaks and has a relaxed, creative feel.
It gets very busy on sunny weekends, so a midweek visit can be more peaceful. Nearby Canterbury and Herne Bay make easy additions.
Planning a South East coast trip
- Check train times and parking availability, as seaside towns fill up on sunny days.
- Pack layers, as sea breezes make it feel cooler than inland.
- Book accommodation early for summer weekends and bank holidays.
- Consider travelling outside school holidays for a calmer trip.
More coastal holiday ideas across the UK
Once you have explored the South East, the rest of the UK coast offers plenty more. Here are some of the most popular regions.
Cornwall and Devon
The far South West is famous for sandy bays, surf beaches, fishing villages and the South West Coast Path. It is hugely popular in summer, so roads and car parks can be busy. Spring and autumn are quieter and often still lovely.
Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
Dorset has a spectacular coastline known for its fossils and dramatic rock formations. Lyme Regis, Weymouth and the Isle of Purbeck are all popular. Walking, fossil hunting and family beach days are the main draws.
Norfolk and Suffolk
The East of England coast is known for wide beaches, big skies and nature reserves. Places such as Cromer, Southwold and Aldeburgh offer a gentler, traditional feel. They are good choices for wildlife watching and long walks.
Yorkshire and Northumberland
Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hoods Bay on the Yorkshire coast are full of character, while Northumberland has long, empty beaches and castles on the shoreline. Pack warm layers, as the North Sea can be chilly even in summer.
Wales
The Welsh coast includes the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the Gower peninsula and the beaches of North Wales. It is excellent for walking, surfing and family holidays.
Scotland
From the beaches of the east coast to the islands of the west, Scotland offers coastal scenery on a grand scale. Distances are long, so allow plenty of time. A hire car can make a big difference; see our car hire guide.
Choosing the right type of seaside holiday
Family beach holidays
Look for sandy beaches, shallow water, lifeguards in season and plenty of nearby activities. Holiday parks and self catering accommodation are popular because they give space and flexibility.
Romantic coastal breaks
Quiet harbour towns and clifftop hotels suit couples. Many people enjoy a winter break by the sea, with a long walk and a warm pub afterwards.
Active holidays
Coast paths, surfing, sailing and cycling are all easy to find on the UK coast. Check the tides and local safety advice before any water activity.
Dog friendly breaks
Many beaches restrict dogs in the summer months, so check local rules. Plenty of coastal hotels and cottages welcome dogs, but always confirm the policy and any extra charges before booking.
When is the best time to visit the UK coast?
- Spring: Fresh and quiet, with long walks and lower prices.
- Summer: Warmest and busiest, and the best time for swimming and beach days, though prices rise.
- Autumn: Often calm and golden, with fewer people.
- Winter: Dramatic seas, empty beaches and cosy places to stay.
Safety and practical tips
The sea can be unpredictable. Always swim between flags where lifeguards are present, check tide times before walking on beaches or around headlands, and keep away from cliff edges. Wear sensible shoes on pebble beaches and coast paths. Take a sun hat and sun cream even on cloudy days, and pack a waterproof.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for UK breaks, but it can help with cancellations and lost belongings. See our travel insurance guide. To keep the price down, our cheap holidays and last minute holidays guides have useful advice.
Coast or city?
If you cannot decide, many places combine both. Brighton is a good example, with a city feel and a seafront. For something different, see our city breaks guide. If you fancy sunshine abroad, our all inclusive holidays guide and holidays from Gatwick page are good places to look.
Getting to the coast
Trains serve most of the South East coast, and many seaside towns have stations close to the beach. This makes a car free break easy, and it means you can enjoy a drink with your meal without worrying about driving. For the far South West, Wales and Scotland, journeys are longer, and many visitors choose to drive or combine train travel with a hire car.
If you are flying into Gatwick from abroad, the South Coast is surprisingly close, so a few days by the sea can be a relaxing end to a longer trip. Check road and rail works before you travel, as weekend engineering is common.
What to pack for a seaside break
- Layers, since coastal weather can change within an hour.
- A waterproof jacket, even in summer.
- Comfortable walking shoes and, for pebble beaches, sandals or water shoes.
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses.
- A small day bag for snacks, water and a towel.
- A phone charger and a portable battery for long days out.
Things to do beyond the beach
A good coastal break is not only about sitting on the sand. Most seaside towns have harbours, museums, galleries, heritage railways and historic buildings. Many have excellent local food, from fresh seafood to traditional fish and chips and farm shops nearby. Boat trips, coastal walks and nature reserves offer easy ways to see wildlife, including seabirds and seals in some areas.
On rainy days, look for aquariums, indoor markets, cafes with sea views and independent bookshops. A little research before you go means you will never be stuck for a plan.
Booking tips for coastal holidays
Seaside accommodation can sell out well in advance, especially for summer and bank holiday weekends. Book early if you have fixed dates, and check cancellation terms in case plans change. If you are flexible, look for midweek stays and travel outside school holidays to find better prices.
When comparing places to stay, check how far they are from the beach and the station, whether there is parking and whether breakfast is included. Reading recent guest reviews is one of the best ways to understand what a place is really like.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best seaside towns in the South East?
Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, Hastings and Whitstable are all popular, and each has a different feel. Brighton is lively, Eastbourne is traditional, Worthing is quieter, Hastings has history and Whitstable is known for seafood.
Which UK coast is best for families?
Sandy beaches in Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Wales are popular with families, as are many South East resorts with piers and promenades.
When is the cheapest time for a UK seaside holiday?
Outside school holidays, especially in spring and autumn and midweek in winter, prices are usually lower.
Can I swim at UK beaches?
Yes, but always follow local safety advice, swim between flags where lifeguards are on duty and check tide and weather conditions.
Do I need a car for a coastal holiday?
Not always. Many seaside towns are easy by train, but a car helps in rural and remote areas. See our car hire guide.
Are UK coastal holidays good in winter?
Yes, for walkers and anyone who enjoys dramatic scenery and quiet beaches. Many hotels offer lower prices, though some seasonal attractions close.
Which coastal places are easy from Brighton?
Eastbourne, Worthing, Hastings, Seaford and Littlehampton are all within reach for a day out. See our day trips from Brighton guide.
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