Travel expert Simon Calder has named two unexpected seaside towns as his top picks for a UK summer holiday in 2026. With Britain experiencing its third heatwave of the season, many holidaymakers are choosing to stay local, and Calder has highlighted Blackpool and Aberdeen as standout destinations for their beautiful beaches and unique offerings.
Blackpool: A Traditional Seaside Getaway
Speaking on the Travel Expert with Simon Calder podcast, Calder selected Blackpool as his top choice for a traditional seaside experience. "Why would you not go there?" he asked. "If you cannot find it in Blackpool, then probably you shouldn't be travelling. It is brilliant. You have got a couple of piers and a beautiful, wide beach with plenty of room for everybody."
Calder also praised the iconic Blackpool Tower, urging visitors to take in the panoramic views. "Forget the Burj Khalifa, you have got the Blackpool Tower. You can see all the way across the Fylde peninsula from the top, and on a clear day, you might be able to see the Isle of Man." He described the Tower Ballroom as the "most beautiful room in Britain." For entertainment, Calder recommended Pleasure Beach and classic seaside treats like fish and chips and a stick of rock.
When co-host Greg Dickinson asked if Blackpool catered to "travel snobs," Calder responded: "You can get a boutique B&B experience, and of course, it's not just the main bit of Blackpool. You can get a tram to the lovely area of Fleetwood, where you have got an old vibe. It is lovely."
Aberdeen: The Greatest City Beach in the UK
For culture and cuisine, Calder selected Aberdeen as the "greatest city beach in the UK." He explained: "Honestly, if you have not been there, it is just a delight." The beach is a "really lovely" sandy stretch about two miles long with plenty of space. While swimming may not be common, Calder highlighted "lovely" places to eat and drink along the shore, including Silverdarling, a seafood restaurant on the water serving "superb" dishes.
Aberdeen also offers cultural attractions such as an art gallery and a maritime museum, making it a well-rounded destination for visitors seeking both beach time and urban amenities.
