The Express has revealed the 15 best seaside towns in the UK, teaming up with locals across 15 popular holiday regions to find the finest stretches of the British coast. The ranking considered food and drink, activities, beach quality, the cost of a day out, atmosphere, and childhood nostalgia.
From Tenby's sandy beaches to Blackpool's iconic tower, the list showcases a diverse range of coastal destinations. Readers can now vote for their favourite.
Tenby, Wales
Tenby offers epic sandy beaches that stretch for miles, a boat-filled harbour edged by pastel-painted houses, and cobbled streets with fish and chip shops that draw long queues. Its castle walls and nostalgic charm are paired with modern touches.
Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth manages to balance everything people love about Cornwall in one place, with a lively harbour, beautiful beaches, a thriving food and drink scene, and plenty of history and culture. As a genuine working port, it maintains a vibrant year-round community.
Torquay, Devon
Torquay was a top holiday spot in the 1960s and 1970s and remains a key part of the English Riviera, alongside Paignton and Brixham. Its attractions now include an airshow, a waterfront big wheel, and the UK's first World Cup for stand-up paddleboarding, which recently drew huge crowds.
Clevedon, Somerset
Clevedon is a hidden gem sandwiched between busier resorts, offering a more peaceful and relaxing alternative to the noisier beaches. It has plenty of heritage and activities but no tourist traps, making it a classic seaside town that is never a cliché.
Amble, Northumberland
Amble, known as 'the friendliest port', is Northumberland's most active fishing town. Lobster pots and busy fishing boats give it an industrious vibe along with the picturesque charm of the Northumberland coast.
Scarborough, Yorkshire
Scarborough offers all the traditional seaside day-out tick list items, with a castle overlooking the town and a town centre regeneration in its infancy. The summer concert season at Scarborough Open Air Theatre has boosted the local economy.
Southport, Merseyside
Southport is a seaside town that has found its groove again, with a charming Marine Lake, Parisian-style boulevards, and a thriving hospitality scene full of bustling bars and busy restaurants.
Portstewart, County Derry
Portstewart Strand is one of Northern Ireland's most renowned beaches, with a two-mile stretch of golden sand and nature-rich dunes. It is one of the few beaches in the country where visitors can drive on to the sand, and it is owned and cared for by the National Trust.
Folkestone, Kent
Folkestone has undergone a cultural renaissance, becoming arguably the most vibrant slice of coastline in Kent. Its Harbour Arm, colourful Creative Quarter, award-winning restaurants, and unique events have led to it being dubbed the best place to live in the south east.
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Leigh-on-Sea is a vibrant seaside town full of character, popular among those wanting to enjoy the sun and sea while avoiding the crowds of nearby Southend-on-Sea. Its Broadway is lined with independent shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, and it has a lively arts scene with galleries.
Skegness, Lincolnshire
Skegness attracts more than two million visitors each year, drawn to its Blue Flag beach, amusement centres, funfair rides, and countless places to eat and drink. The town is known for Skegness Pleasure Beach, Butlin's holiday resort, and Skegness Raceway with its iconic Skeg Vegas sign.
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Wells-next-the-Sea is famous for its colourful beach huts and woodland overlooking a vast sandy beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and the water quality is rated excellent, making it safe for bathing or paddling.
Gullane, East Lothian
Gullane's main draw is Gullane Bents beach, which is accessed via a car park with 650 spaces. From there, it is a short walk to the spectacular sandy beach with mesmerising views over the Firth of Forth.
Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool's legendary status as one of the best seaside resorts is undeniable, with beaches, piers, and thrilling rides. It also boasts unique features such as Blackpool Tower, the Illuminations, and the Blackpool Tramway.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis offers a throwback to traditional seaside holidays, with golden sand, calm swimming, ice cream shops, and fish and chips by the water. Nearby cliffs on the Jurassic Coast are ideal for hunting 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossils.
