The final days of August can be bittersweet, with darker nights and a sharp turn of weather on the horizon. A last trip to the seaside is one way to keep the winter blues at bay, and the UK offers a range of coastal spots, from tropical bliss in the Isles of Scilly to Gothic folklore in Yorkshire.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby combines history, natural beauty, and fish and chips, but is perhaps most famous as the unofficial Gothic capital of the UK. The 7th-century Whitby Abbey, a monastery and medieval ruin overlooking the town, is thought to have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. The famous 199 stone steps lead from the old town up to St Mary's Church and the Abbey, where the Whitby Brewery offers local beers in its taproom or courtyard.
The biannual Whitby Goth Weekend has grown into one of the world's best Goth events. The next weekend takes place from October 30 to November 1, with live steampunk bands and alternative markets taking over the town. No trip is complete without indulging in The Magpie's famous fish and chips, which has won awards from the 2025 Fry Awards and was named one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire by The Telegraph.
Three beaches in one
For those wanting to tick off three iconic Yorkshire spots in one trip, beach hopping is recommended. Robin Hood's Bay, a 15-minute drive from Whitby, is a postcard fishing village with steep, winding lanes and a slower pace of life. Runswick Bay, just 5 miles north of Whitby, was named The Times' 2020 Beach of the Year for its sandy beach, red-roofed hillside cottages, and fossil-hunting spots.
Warkworth, Northumberland, was named the 'best hidden beach' in the UK last month. Described as a 'perfect two-mile stretch of the purest sand,' it sits between the historic village of Warkworth and the coastal village of Alnmouth, known for dramatic sunsets. The beach is uncommercialised, backed by grassy dunes, with no shops, ice cream vans, arcades, or pier. The nearby town of Amble, a four-minute drive away, offers a harbour filled with fish shacks, seafood restaurants, and pastel-painted beach huts.
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight has many beaches, including Ventnor, known as the 'English Med' for its Italianate vibes and pastel-coloured villas, and Shanklin, with Jurassic history and consistently ranked the sunniest place in the UK. Freshwater Bay, located in rural West Wight, is a pebbly cove nestled between striking white chalk cliffs, featuring sea caves and smuggler hiding spots.
There is also the scenic three-to-six-mile circular Tennyson Down Walk, named after the Victorian poet. Starting at Freshwater Bay, hikers ascend the chalk downs, pass the Tennyson Monument, and can continue toward the Needles Headland and Alum Bay for panoramic coastal views. Alternatively, visitors can stop for a coffee at the newly refurbished Albion Hotel, right on the beach.
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby, a historic seaside resort town in West Wales, is defined by pastel houses, medieval stone walls, and sandy beaches. These include North Beach, Castle Beach, South Beach, Penally Beach, and Harbour Beach, where miles of golden sand meet clear waters along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. On the harbour, visitors can watch local fishermen return with their catch or take a day trip to nearby Caldey Island, whose season runs from Easter to October.
Caldey Abbey is home to Cistercian monks, and the 15th-century Tudor Merchant's House, managed by the National Trust, offers a glimpse into Tudor trading life with adult entry costing £7. The 13th-century medieval town walls are thought to be some of the best-preserved in the UK. Reddit users confirm Tenby's postcard reputation, with one visitor claiming that on a 'glorious sunny day,' it looks like a Mediterranean fishing village, and noting it is just as beautiful out of season with fewer crowds.
Weymouth, Dorset
Weymouth in Dorset blends British seaside charm with boutiques and coffee shops. St Alban Street, a corridor of quirky gift shops and traditional fudge stores, has a laidback bohemian feel. The beach, adorned with pastel huts and a relaxing shoreline, was crowned the best in the UK by TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards in 2025.
Georgian and Regency architecture lines the Esplanade, thanks to King George III making the town a summer holiday staple in the late 1700s. In more modern times, Weymouth was a major departure point for the Normandy Landings during World War II. For hikers, the white-brushed clifftops of Portland in the Jurassic Coast are just a 15-minute drive away.
