Best Seaside Towns in the UK for Coastal Getaways | OLPRO

There’s nothing quite like the joy of the Great British seaside. The scent of salty air, the crunch of sand beneath your feet, rainbow-hued beach huts, and the unmistakable satisfaction of fish and chips enjoyed on a breezy promenade. For many of us, the UK’s coastal towns are steeped in nostalgia and provide the perfect antidote to busy modern life.

But this guide isn’t just about pretty views. We’re curating a list of the best seaside towns the UK has to offer—places bursting with charm, character, and easy access to the outdoors. We’ve picked locations ideal for campers, caravanners, vanlifers, and outdoor-loving families who want more than just a beach—they want adventure, great food, local culture, and ideally, a good campsite nearby.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away in your campervan or setting up the family tent for a longer summer escape, these seaside destinations are paired perfectly with an OLPRO awning, a beach tent, a sturdy windbreak, and a colourful melamine set for beachside dining. Ready to hit the coast?

What Makes a Great Seaside Town?

When we talk about the best seaside towns UK, we’re looking beyond the clichés and postcard-perfect views. The towns in this list are:

• Scenic and atmospheric, from rugged cliffs to golden sandy bays
• Family-friendly and dog-welcoming, with things to do for all ages
• Accessible for campervans and caravans, with good local campsites
• Home to brilliant local food, whether it's fresh seafood, farmers’ markets, or quirky beach cafés
• Close to great walking routes, many forming part of the England Coast Path or regional trails

Add to that a sense of place—somewhere with local character and a warm welcome—and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable seaside escape.

Our Favourite UK Seaside Towns to Visit

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Gothic charm, fossil-filled beaches, and fish ‘n’ chips that rival anywhere in Britain—Whitby is a true classic. The town has cobbled streets, the ruins of Whitby Abbey, and sea views from every angle.

Stay at: Sandfield House Farm or Whitby Holiday Park
Don’t miss: Climb the 199 steps to the Abbey and enjoy a kipper breakfast from Fortune’s Smokehouse.
OLPRO Tip: The cliff-top campsites are exposed—bring a windbreak to shield your space from sea gusts.

St Ives, Cornwall

Possibly one of the most picturesque seaside towns in the UK, St Ives offers golden beaches, turquoise seas, and an artistic heart, thanks to the Tate St Ives.

Stay at: Ayr Holiday Park or Trevalgan Touring Park
Don’t miss: A dip at Porthmeor Beach followed by lunch at the Porthminster Café.
OLPRO Tip: Melamine dining sets are perfect for beach picnics—lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

Southwold, Suffolk

A quintessential British seaside town with colourful beach huts, a working lighthouse, and an old-school pier—Southwold oozes charm.

Stay at: Southwold Caravan & Camping Site
Don’t miss: Adnams Brewery tour or a walk along the sandy coast path.
OLPRO Tip: Pair your awning with a matching windbreak to claim your pitch in style.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Walled town meets seaside perfection. Tenby offers pastel-painted houses, a medieval vibe, and beaches to rival the Med.

Stay at: Meadow Farm Campsite or Kiln Park Holiday Centre
Don’t miss: A boat trip to Caldey Island
OLPRO Tip: Coastal spots like Tenby benefit from OLTECH REPRO waterproof awnings made from recycled plastic bottles—sustainable and strong.

Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire

Tiny lanes, cliff-top walks, and rich smuggling history—this is coastal Yorkshire at its best.

Stay at: Bay Ness Farm
Don’t miss: Fossil hunting at low tide
OLPRO Tip: The steep paths mean you’ll want to pack light. Roll up your windbreak for easy carrying.

Broadstairs, Kent

One of the best seaside towns near London, Broadstairs boasts sandy Viking Bay, Dickensian heritage, and ice cream to die for.

Stay at: Nethercourt Touring Park
Don’t miss: Rossi’s Ice Cream and the annual Dickens Festival
OLPRO Tip: Need shade on the beach? Use your awning as a daytime sun shelter.

Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula

A serene, lesser-known gem on the Welsh coast. Ideal for those who want to unwind off-grid.

Stay at: Ty-Newydd Farm
Don’t miss: Walk the Wales Coast Path to Porth Oer (Whistling Sands)
OLPRO Tip: Use melamine tableware for peaceful clifftop lunches with a view.

Lyme Regis, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast’s fossil capital, with great seafood, independent shops, and stunning coastal walks.

Stay at: Hook Farm or Newlands Holiday Park
Don’t miss: The Cobb harbour wall at sunset
OLPRO Tip: Waterproof awnings keep your gear dry whatever the coastal weather.

Salcombe, Devon

Yachting meets crabbing. Salcombe offers upscale charm and brilliant water-based activities.

Stay at: Higher Rew Campsite
Don’t miss: A crab sandwich at The Winking Prawn
OLPRO Tip: Store picnic essentials in a colourful melamine set—practical and eye-catching.

Portree, Isle of Skye

A bit further afield, but wow—Scotland’s Portree has staggering scenery and rich Gaelic culture.

Stay at: Torvaig Caravan & Campsite
Don’t miss: Boat tours to see sea eagles and seals
OLPRO Tip: Choose an OLPRO tent with a porch for muddy boots and sudden showers.

Bamburgh, Northumberland

Windswept beaches and the dramatic Bamburgh Castle make this one of the best UK seaside towns for wild beauty.

Stay at: Budle Bay Campsite
Don’t miss: Sunrise over the castle
OLPRO Tip: A windbreak helps create a private corner on exposed beaches.

Llandudno, North Wales

Classic Victorian architecture meets pier-side fun. Great for families and older travellers alike.

Stay at: Bodafon Park
Don’t miss: The cable car to the Great Orme
OLPRO Tip: Melamine sets are great for seaside dinners on the go—sturdy and dishwasher safe.

Cromer, Norfolk

Famous for its crabs and old-school pier, Cromer is wonderfully British and full of character.

Stay at: Seacroft Holiday Park
Don’t miss: Crab sandwiches and the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum
OLPRO Tip: Combine a windbreak and awning to carve out your own cosy space at the campsite.

Porthmadog, Snowdonia Coast

Gateway to both the coast and the mountains—Porthmadog is a unique blend of beach and peaks.

Stay at: Black Rock Sands Touring Park
Don’t miss: Ffestiniog steam railway
OLPRO Tip: An OLPRO awning doubles as a basecamp for mountain walks and beach days.

Deal, Kent

Historic charm, arty shops, and an unspoilt seafront make Deal a rising star among best seaside towns UK for families.

Stay at: Kingsdown Camping
Don’t miss: The Timeball Tower and Deal Castle
OLPRO Tip: Deal can be breezy—bring a windbreak to keep your picnic gear in place.

Planning Your Coastal Getaway

A few tips to make your coastal escape go smoothly:

• Travel Light but Smart: Pack essentials like waterproofs, sun cream, windbreaks, and picnicware.
• Check Seasonal Openings: Some campsites and cafés are seasonal—plan accordingly.
• Book Early in Summer: The best seaside towns UK fill up fast. Weekdays and colder seasons offer quieter experiences.
• Use Campsite Reviews: Look for campervan-friendly spots with good amenities and sea views.

And don’t forget to check out OLPRO’s blog for packing lists and travel inspiration.

Make the Most of It with OLPRO Gear

When you're camping by the sea, your gear makes all the difference:

• Beach Tent's offer shelter when relaxing at the beach
• Awnings offer sheltered space for dining, relaxing, or drying off after a swim.
• Windbreaks create a private nook and fend off the sea breeze.
• Melamine tableware is perfect for beach dining—durable, easy to clean, and available in stunning prints.
• OLTECH REPRO tents and awnings use recycled materials, meaning you’re helping the planet while exploring its beauty.

Our gear is designed with real British adventures in mind—rain or shine, surf or turf.

Got a favourite seaside spot we should feature? Tag @OLPRO with your beach photos or pitch-perfect moments!