Oh we do like to be beside the seaside, we do like to be beside the sea…

For around five months now, we have been asked to ‘stay at home’ as much as possible, unable to leave the house unless for buying essentials from the supermarket and a ‘one exercise a day’ in our local park. However, as the UK roadmap for easing restrictions is finally underway, we are finally allowed to travel out of our local area to explore for the day and are allowed to book a holiday with our household within the UK as of April 12th!

Whilst we understand that many of you have indulged in a vast amount of nature walks and hikes around and outside your local area within the past year, and holidays abroad are still not permitted, many of us have been dreaming of that relaxing beach holiday; imagining golden sand beneath our feet, the sun shining on our faces and having fresh salt water breeze brushing through our hair. Well, why not explore the beautiful beaches around the UK for that perfect sunny weekend trip? From the colourful coastal town of Brighton to the awe-inspiring beaches of Cornwall, discover our top seaside towns you must visit around the UK! Life really is a beach...

St Ives, Cornwall

If you’re looking for the ultimate sandy-beach getaway in the UK, escape to the dramatic and unspoilt coastlines of Cornwall. A place filled with a plethora of sandy beaches, pretty fishers’ cottages, sprawling church towers, breathtaking scenery, independent boutiques and cafes, modern art exhibitions and more!

Discover St Ives, possibly one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the UK. This enchanting town nestled within England’s beloved West Country truly is one of the most breathtaking seaside locations to explore. St Ives truly is the ultimate surfers paradise. If you’re a total surfer-dude or you’re looking to learn how to ride the waves, you couldn’t pick a better spot than here as you will always find somewhere nearby offering the equipment and help that you need. It’s right to say that Cornwall really is the surfing capital of the UK, making this quaint coastal town the prime point to try your luck on the waves all year round. So what are you waiting for? Don a wetsuit and brave the waves at one of the many surfing sweet spots, including Perranporth, Porthtowan, Fristal, Gwithian and Polzeath.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, tantalise your tastebuds with Cornish delicacies (who doesn’t love some clotted cream with jam on scones?). Explore Cornwall’s secrets whilst you wander through the charming cobbled streets. Take a rejuvenating walk through the rugged moorlands and coastal paths, and breathe in that fresh salt-water air that surrounds you. Why not explore a little further and take a trip to the magnificent Seal Island, just 3.5 miles along the coast from St Ives. Even if you’re not one for gazing upon nature, the spectacular views from the boat trip alone are sure to take your fancy and you’ll gain a completely fresh perspective of the rough and rugged Cornwall coastline!

Brighton & Hove, East Sussex

Possibly one of the most popular seaside destinations in the UK, a day or weekend trip to Brighton & Hove will not disappoint. This iconic ‘London by the sea’ was a place known for its love of music, from the mods to the rockers, which is now deeply rooted in the city’s history. Brighton is now not only a place where people travel to from all over England once a bit of sunshine comes out, but its awe-inspiring shoreline is fringed with fun activities for all; roller coasters and carousels on Brighton Pier, independent boutiques, lively pubs and bars sprawling on the seafront and of course, the iconic colourful beach huts.

Take a stroll through the the twisting alleyways and cobbled streets of the North and South Laines, home to vintage and antique stores, designer boutiques and organic cafes, indulge in the sounds of live music being played by magnificent local artists busking on street corners, bringing the crowds together, tease your palette with an array of delicious organic delicacies and of course, the quintessential fish and chips, and look out for Banksy’s ‘Kissing Policemen’. Soak up Brighton’s vibrant atmosphere and watch the world go by as you view the mesmerising starling murmuration that flows around the old West Pier.

Weymouth, Dorset

A gorgeous harbour town known to be one of England’s first modern resorts, head to enchanting Weymouth for its magnificent natural wonders and colourful harbour. If you’re looking for the ideal coastal town retreat that’s a little bit more off the beaten path than other places you may think to visit in the UK, then look no further than this beautiful destination on the Dorset coast. This spot is filled with unspoilt beauty and full of an array of sensational places to drink, eat and shop. Whether you’re looking to just lounge around on the beach with an ice cream in hand, or you’re wanting to adventure around the area’s more cultural and scenic side, Weymouth is the place for you.

Discover the iconic natural structure of Durdle Door, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short drive from central Weymouth, that looks like a doorway leading out onto the glistening blue waters and was created by the waves slowly eroding away at the limestone of the coastline. If you’re travelling to this Dorset town, a visit to this iconic natural structure is a must! Experience artistry at its finest at the awe-inspiring and completely mind-blowing Sandworld Sculpture Park, a place where sandcastles are taken to a whole new level. Wander around Trinity Terrace, a place on the harbour packed with cute cottages, pastel-coloured houses, serene sail boats and independent boutiques, it’s got a true Ye Olde English vibe about it. Explore the historic Nothe Fort dating back to the nineteenth-century, having played a huge role in Britain’s defence during World War II. Then, end the day with some tantalising food and drink from the local cafes and restaurants. A trip to Dorset’s marvellous Weymouth truly is worth the drive!

Southwold, Suffolk

If you’re looking for the perfect UK escape and to capture some colour to add to your Instagram feed, Southwold will tick all the boxes. With its awe-inspiring sandy beach with a colourful beach hut-lined promenade and its thriving market town atmosphere, this wonderful coastal town nestled on the English North Sea coast in the East district of Suffolk offers the perfect environment for holidays and weekends away for all. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or you’re after a more exhilarating holiday, this picture-perfect seaside town is the perfect year-round destination, especially in the summer months.

It’s difficult to beat a trip to the great British seaside when you discover one of the best beaches in the UK. Climb up to Southwold’s working lighthouse and indulge in the magnificent panoramic coastline that surrounds you, grab an ice-cream from the many colourful ice-cream vans around, take a dip in the glittering sea and soak up the fun and wonderful vibes of Southwold Pier, home to crafty boutiques, arcades, food stalls and Tim Hunkin’s eccentric Under The Pier show. Don’t forget to tease your palette with some tantalising local fish and chips, as food and drink are an integral part of the Southwold experience!

So after a day of exploring, grab some items for an evening picnic, set up camp on the sand in front of the pastel-painted beach huts and watch the sunset over the sea. Not to mention, you can rent a beach hut for the day for just £40!

Whitstable, Kent

Home to the famed Whitstable Oyster Festival and Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, this coastal town nestled in the heart of Kent is the perfect place to escape to for the weekend if you’re a true lover of seafood. Kent’s coastlines are dotted with picturesque towns, but Whistable wins our hearts. From its best self-catering cottages and quaint independent boutiques, to old-world pubs, unassuming Michelin-starred restaurants and golden-hour walks along the beach, a trip to this Kentish Riviera is the place to be post-lockdown.

When the sun’s out, soak up the seaside vibes and make your way down to its delightful pebble beach. On your way there, make sure you stop off for a pint or two at The Old Neptune pub, commonly known as The Neppy to the locals, and indulge in its pretty water edge views. A trip to Whitstable isn’t complete without tantalising your taste buds with some local rock oysters. Make sure you visit The Lobster Shack, perched right on the beach, that serves stunning Whitstable ones. Not to mention, back in the eighteenth century it was an oyster-grading house! Wander through the centre of the town and indulge in its fantastic array of third-wave cafes, indie stores filled with sustainable clothes and crafts, industrial-luxe accommodation and Banksy-style art. This charming Kentish coastal town not only retains the same charming coastal character that first drew holiday makers here in the mid 18th-century, but it’s one of our favourite seaside towns to visit in the UK. HIP Hotels approved!

Salcombe, Devon

A place where seascapes blend into the sky, traditional seafood shacks are favoured above restaurants and being spoilt for choice with sandy and pebble beaches, discover outstanding natural beauty within the South Devon area of Salcombe, a popular coastal town in south west England. Known for its utterly spectacular coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, this beautiful town is perched right at the water’s edge and is one of the prettiest towns in the UK.

With its coastal location being more ideal than ever, Salcombe is the perfect haven for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into sailing, kayaking, surfing, even paddle boarding or simply a dip in the crystal blue waters, there’s something for everyone. The local beaches are nothing short of outstanding, quite literally; its golden sands and turquoise sea is just one of the many reasons why this is a perfect place to escape to for a weekend with friends or family. The charming town is filled with gorgeous local boutiques and independent stores, as well as high street brands and local art galleries – it’s a place where you can spend hours wandering along cobbled streets, browsing through the diverse selection of shops, to truly enjoy some perfect retail therapy! Indulge in some tantalising delicacies and of course don’t forget its deliciously famous Salcombe Dairy ice cream and award-winning gin.

Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear

A Victorian seaside village steeped in history, Tynemouth is a great place to visit for your perfect weekend away by the coast. Just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Newcastle, this magnificent seaside town will enchant you from the moment you arrive.

Tynemouth lies exactly where its name suggests, right at the mouth of the River Tyne, between North Shields and Cullercoats Bay beaches – famous for being the perfect place for surfing championships. The Tynemouth Longsands is one of the most beautiful beaches in North East England. From its stunning golden sands that stretch for over a mile long, to its clifftops, rocks and dunes, it’s the perfect place to adventure on a great day walk followed by a relaxing drink and meal by the sea. This coastal town is a great place for families, friends and of course, our four-legged friends to indulge in the perfect weekend away by the sea. Take pictures by the Instagram-worthy colourful cafes and bars, enjoy some superb seafood and real ales, explore the Tynemouth Priory and Castle located on the rocky headland overlooking the pier, and wander around the fantastic Sunday flea market.