Seaside towns – best places to live in 2026

Are you looking for the best seaside towns that offer easy access to the coast, good amenities, and a sense of always being on holiday?

Waking up to the sound of waves rolling back and forth and the possibility of opening your windows to fill your lungs with fresh sea air is a dream come true for many.

Seaside towns were once only fully inhabited in high season, during the summer months, they now offer an idyllic lifestyle through all the seasons.

Over the years, as transport and communication connections have improved and the way people work, with many opting to work remotely, has changed, more and more people have chosen to plant their roots by the sea and set up home in a seaside town.

Seaside towns tend to have much to offer residents; a good selection of amenities as standard, a sense of permanently being on holiday, and of course, the best bit, immediate access to the coast.

So which seaside towns are excellent places to live in the UK?

Here we take a look at just some of the best seaside towns:

The East Coast

Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea, one of the most picturesque towns on the North Norfolk coast, is renowned for its expansive, award-winning sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts set against a backdrop of pine trees.

Historically significant for its malting industry in the 19th century, the town’s harbour is dominated by a converted granary, which now contains stylish flats.

Wells-next-the-Sea offers a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.

Property options range from quaint Flint fisherman cottages and converted barns to Georgian townhouses around Buttlands, a leafy green square featuring old country inns.

Popular with tourists in the summer months, Wells boasts a delightful array of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels, including the esteemed Globe Inn.

Residents enjoy easy access to the scenic Norfolk Coast Path and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Norwich is under an hour away by car.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

One of Suffolk’s gems, Aldeburgh is known for the image of its line of pastel-coloured houses serving as the backdrop to the pebble beach.

The town is also incredibly well known for its fish and chips and often large queues form as they are so popular.

Residents choose Aldeburgh for its stunning coastal scenery, the pace of life, and the friendly atmosphere.

Naturally, as with all seaside towns, there are a number of second homes but there is a strong community spirit in Aldeburgh that isn’t always present in coastal locations.

Aldeburgh boasts a number of independent shops and galleries and for those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are many water sports possible in the area along with sailing and golf.

Woodbridge, Suffolk

Woodbridge is a market town that lies eight miles up the River Deben from the sea and is a beautiful, vibrant East Suffolk town. The larger town of Ipswich is seven miles southeast.

The Sunday Times has previously named Woodbridge as one of the best places to live in the East of England.

It is situated on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring shingle beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, farmland, and forest. The area offers a range of leisurely walks to more challenging hikes and includes the Suffolk Coast Path.

Woodbridge has a lively, creative community with a thriving high street. Here you’ll find artisan wine shops and independent boutiques, galleries, art spaces, and two theatres. Frequent and seasonal food markets are held on Market Hill.

Direct train services to Ipswich and Lowestoft are operated by Greater Anglia, as well as connections to Norwich, Cambridge, and London Liverpool Street.

The South East

Hove, East Sussex

In East Sussex, Hove is the lesser-known neighbour to Brighton. Hove is a tranquil more suburban place than Brighton whilst still benefitting from incredibly easy access to the next-door city.

You might not want or need to venture into Brighton as these days Hove is very well established and has much to offer its residents.

From the many independent shops to impressive eateries such as etch., popular gastropubs including The Urchin and The Ginger Pig – there’s a lot to enjoy in Hove itself.

Hove is filled with stunning period properties including Regency townhouses that look out to sea, house hunters will also find an abundance of Victorian and Edwardian properties.

Many choose to commute to London from Hove, there are regular and direct trains into London Victoria which take a little over an hour.

Whitstable, Kent

Previously rated the best seaside area to move to based on a number of factors including the low annual rainfall and the quality of the beaches.

The stylish seaside town of Whitstable is famed for its fresh seafood.

A seaside town with history, visitors have long enjoyed Whitstable’s beaches, independent shops, and many places to eat from Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy cafes.

As a place to live Whitstable has seen its popularity steadily increase as visitors decide to put down more permanent roots.

Margate, Kent

Once a small fishing village, Margate rose in popularity during Victorian times, when many believed in the medicinal benefits of sea bathing.

The town has recently seen a revival with the bustling old town now featuring a blend of coffee shops, quirky vintage stores, and stylish bars and restaurants.

Margate offers a variety of activities, from live music and visits to the Turner Gallery to enjoying a drink while overlooking the stunning sandy beach.

Walpole Bay hosts the UK’s largest tidal pool, complemented by a community sauna for those who brave the year-round cool waters.

As a place to live Margate is also convenient for those who need to reach London; fast trains from the town centre station reach London in around 90 minutes.

The South

Lymington, Hampshire

The Georgian market town of Lymington is a highly desirable place to live. Renowned for its stunning waterfront, large marina, and beautiful views across the Solent.

The town has various amenities including boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, along with a vibrant weekly market.

Lymington’s location on the edge of the New Forest National Park means it offers some of the very best of the British coast and country.

The town’s well-regarded schools, excellent transport links, and proximity to larger cities like Southampton and Bournemouth make it ideal for families and commuters.

There are also ferry services from Lymington that connect to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Or for those who own a boat, they can keep them at Lymington and sail across to the Isle of Wight as and when they wish.

The town is famed for its yacht clubs; The Royal Lymington and Lymington Town Sailing Club making it a mecca for those who sail.

Homes in Lymington range from charming period properties and modern apartments to luxurious waterfront houses and flats.

With its scenic beauty and high quality of life, Lymington stands out as an exceptional place to call home.

The South West

Padstow, Cornwall

Padstow is one of the most popular places to live in Cornwall and, not surprisingly, has a robust property market.

The harbour is the focal point of the town, which is known for being a foodie destination thanks to Rick Stein.

His famous fish and chip restaurant, and other harbourside eateries, showcase seafood freshly caught by the local fishermen.

Those who love the great outdoors are well served in Padstow with stunning beaches, hiking, watersports, and cycling paths. The town is the start and endpoint of the Camel Cycle Trail.

In terms of amenities, Padstow has a decent-sized Tesco, independent clothing stores, galleries and craft shops, and a farm shop.

The nearest train station to Padstow is Bodmin Parkway, with the town being connected by bus to Newquay and Newquay Airport.

St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives is a historic seaside town known for its picturesque fisherman cottages, cobbled streets, and beautiful beaches.

It is a popular spot for surfing and watersports and boasts a laid-back atmosphere.

It is also home to the prestigious Tate Gallery, contributing to its cultural appeal.

St Ives is brimming with boutique and distinctive shops, particularly along The Didgey, Ayr Lane, and Fore Street. These areas offer exceptional places to eat, many with picturesque sea views.

The town offers many hidden gems along its quaint backstreets, and its proximity to stunning sandy beaches, such as Carbis Bay, adds to its desirability.

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth’s population swells in the summer months due to its proximity to the English Riviera, plentiful family attractions in the area, and one of England’s best beaches, Blackpool Sands, just down the road.

Dartmouth has recently been named one of the coolest seaside towns in the UK.

The town itself boasts picturesque waterfront townhouses overlooking the River Dart, while terraced houses and flats are set back from the water.

There are many independent bakers, butchers, and veg shops; together with convenience stores.

The Flavel is the town’s cultural hub incorporating an art gallery, a cinema, a cafe, and Dartmouth Library.

In terms of schools, Dartmouth Academy has a primary and secondary school and an independent on-site nursery.

Dartmouth has two car ferries for ease of travel: Dartmouth Higher and Lower ferries, and a passenger ferry that connects Dartmouth with Kingswear. There are regular bus links to Totnes and Kingsbridge.

Salcombe, Devon

The seaside town of Salcombe is extremely desirable, Devon is known for its coastal towns and villages and the seaside town of Salcombe is comfortably one of the best places to live in Devon.

Renowned for its microclimate, Salcombe’s average temperatures are higher due to its protected position on the Salcombe Estuary.

The town has two sandy beaches and easy access to a third via a short boat trip to East Portlemouth.

The town itself has an excellent section of shops, restaurants, and pubs and there are good road connections to the M5 motorway via the A38 Devon Expressway.

What Salcombe is best known for and the images that draw homebuyers to the area are the incredibly well-positioned properties that offer far-reaching sea views.

Parts of Salcombe are elevated giving many homes vantage points from which to look out to sea, completely unobstructed by their neighbours.

In the heart of the town, there are many period homes and cottages hailing back to the town’s origins as a thriving fishing village.

Poole, Dorset

More specifically Sandbanks, the small peninsula which crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour is an incredibly sought-after place to live.

The seaside town of Poole in Dorset is well known for this small area and the desirable homes located there.

There is a misconception that Sandbanks is full of glitz and glamour, and while it might be present, overall the area is peaceful, relaxed, and beautiful.

Families are drawn to Dorset for access to excellent schooling, there is also a good direct train service from Poole to London Waterloo which takes just over two hours.

The waterfront property rarely becomes available to buy on the open market and buyers might wait years to find their dream home in Sandbanks with sea views and a gate from their garden onto the beach.

The blue-flag beach is a key attraction, along with the large natural harbour and the sailing clubs which operate in the area.

Swanage, Dorset

Swanage, a desirable town on the Jurassic Coast, boasts gently sloping sandy beaches and sheltered waters which have been popular since the Victorian era. Despite being just six miles from Poole and Bournemouth, Swanage maintains its bustling seaside town charm.

The town’s beach has held the prestigious Blue Flag for nearly 22 years.

Nearby Durlston Country Park, a 280-acre countryside haven.

Swanage has an active local community with a busy social calendar, including popular jazz and folk music festivals and various walking and railway events.

For schools, you’ll find quite a few options, including St Mark’s, St. George’s, St. Mary’s, and Swanage Secondary School.

The North East

Whitby, Yorkshire

The historic coastal town of Whitby offers a unique blend of charm, culture, and convenience.

Renowned for its iconic abbey, scenic harbour, and beautiful beaches, Whitby provides a picturesque setting for residents.

The town boasts a variety of amenities, including excellent schools, diverse dining options, and independent shops.

Whitby’s vibrant arts scene and annual events, such as the Goth Weekend, add to its cultural appeal.

With good transport links to larger cities and a welcoming community, Whitby is an ideal place for homebuyers seeking a lively yet tranquil living environment steeped in history and natural beauty.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Situated just a few miles from the Scottish border, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a frontier town that has changed hands no less than 13 times between the Scots and the English.

For house hunters, the bustling seaside town boasts a wealth of attractions and interesting architectural features, a thriving arts scene, good schools and amenities, as well as large, well-maintained Georgian and Victorian homes.

Although there are bigger supermarkets on the outskirts, the town centre has a number of independent delis and grocers.

The town is encircled by Elizabethan Walls (built in 1558 to keep out marauding Scots) which are a mile and a quarter in length and can be walked around.

Berwick has around half a dozen primary schools and the area is well served by three high schools.

There are regular train connections to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London King’s Cross.

Amble, Northumberland

Amble is an appealing choice for those looking for a tranquil yet vibrant place to live. Known as “The Friendliest Port,” this small town boasts a strong sense of community and a welcoming atmosphere.

The town offers a variety of amenities including local shops, restaurants, cafes, a health centre, and a primary and high school.

Residents can readily enjoy scenic walks along the marina and the beautiful coastline, with stunning views of Coquet Island.

Popular with bird watchers, Coquet Island is home to a colony of roseate tern, puffins, and other nesting sea birds. Being an important nature reserve, you cannot visit the island but can view the wildlife by boat as tours operate through the summer months.

Other nearby attractions include Warkworth Castle and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Scotland

North Berwick, East Lothian

A mere half an hour from central Edinburgh, the Scottish town of North Berwick is easily one of the best seaside towns to live in the UK.

North Berwick’s high street is a hive of activity with many places to eat and drink as well as a fine selection of shops all within a stone’s throw of the sandy beach.

The east coast of Scotland is typically less stormy and a little drier than the rest of Scotland’s coastline but being Scotland the area is well prepared for the wetter months meaning residents can happily enjoy all that the area has to offer year-round.

The local golf courses are sufficiently well-drained so that play can continue whatever the weather and the East Lothian Yacht Club runs races through the winter.

Properties with sea views are the most desirable and command premium prices, especially those that are also within walking distance of the station.

UK seaside towns

Only including a handful of seaside towns was incredibly hard to whittle down – being an island the UK naturally has an abundance of places to live by the sea and there are many we’ve not included here that are well worth considering.

Wherever you are looking for a place to live in the UK our team of experts can assist.

From Scotland to Cornwall, we have professional property finders who can advise on the best possible seaside location and then scour the market to find your dream home. To discuss your search and our services please do contact us.