The Times has named the top 25 seaside locations in the UK to live in 2026, and three Welsh spots made the cut, with two in the top five. Aberaeron secured the highest Welsh ranking at number two, followed by the Isle of Anglesey at number five, and Mumbles at number 16.
Aberaeron: Colourful Coastal Living
Aberaeron, on the Ceredigion coast, impressed judges with its picturesque harbour, pastel Georgian architecture, and a thriving foodie scene. The average house price here is £248,800, according to Savills. Recent Rightmove data shows properties in Aberaeron sold for an average of £240,725 over the last year, with terraced houses averaging £239,750, semi-detached at £284,375, and detached at £213,250. Prices have dropped 14% year-on-year and 28% from the 2023 peak of £332,963, making it a potentially opportune time to buy.
Nigel Salmon, managing director of Fine & Country estate agency, said: "With prices so slow and stock at record levels, this is one of the best times to buy in west Wales in a decade." The town's history dates back to 1805, when Reverend Alban Thomas Jones planned the development, and its colourful houses began appearing in the 1950s after a local landlady painted hers pink.
Isle of Anglesey: Island Life
Anglesey offers 125 miles of coast and stunning scenery, with villages like Beaumaris, Menai Bridge, Trearddur Bay, and Aberffraw. The average house price is £258,900, but in sought-after areas like Rhosneigr and Beaumaris, prices can exceed £1 million. Beaumaris alone has an average price of £428,719, over £200,000 above the Welsh average.
Jodie Rogers, 31, moved from Nottinghamshire to Anglesey last year. She said: "There's much more of a relaxed way of life here. Everyone makes the most of their leisure time, always making the effort to go to the beach or for a walk or to enjoy the wildlife."
Mumbles: Gateway to Gower
Mumbles, on the edge of Swansea, offers easy access to Gower's beaches, including Bracelet Bay, Langland, and Caswell Bays. The town has transformed from its student pub crawl days and now boasts shops like Boots and Marks & Spencer, plus interesting independents like Gower Gallery and Hiatus. The average house price is £378,000.
