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- Always dreamt of living by the sea? Here are 9 beautiful seaside towns
There’s something magical about living by the sea. Being able to take bracing walks on the beach while gazing out at gleaming waters can give you a unique sense of freedom, while the invigorating sea breeze is unbeatable if you’re having a bad day.
Plus, many seaside destinations encapsulate much of what’s best about Britain – from painted beach huts to cosy coastal pubs and, of course, the obligatory fish and chips or Mr Whippy with a flake!
While some seaside towns are perfect for a staycation, others seem more suited for putting down roots. So, if you’ve always dreamt of living by the sea, why not make those dreams a reality?
For inspiration, here are nine beautiful seaside towns…
1. Salcombe, Devon, England

Devon definitely isn’t short of pretty beach towns – but Salcombe often tops the list as the loveliest.
Today, this upmarket coastal town is perhaps more famous for its picture-perfect harbour than for its maritime history and smuggling roots, and it’s probably best suited to people who prefer culture over hiking and adventure.
The colourful waterfront is circled by pastel buildings; with majestic rolling hills on one side and golden sandy beaches on the other. Boats and yachts bob in the aquamarine waters, and opposite the beach, you can taste your way around some of the best food in the county: from seafood shacks to nautical pubs and award-winning restaurants, Salcombe has it all.
While summer is busy, the rest of the year is much quieter, and you can take advantage of the town’s excellent shops and galleries without the crowds.
If you’re looking to get away from it all, just hop on a ferry to the isolated Sunny Cove – though there are many gorgeous beaches right on your doorstep, too. Plus, situated on the Kingsbridge Estuary, there are plenty of riverside walks to enjoy here.
Unsurprisingly, living in such a stylish and sought after destination isn’t cheap. House prices are typically around £706,706.
2. Bamburgh, Northumberland, England

Another excellent coastal location for people wanting to live somewhere that feels quiet and remote is Bamburgh.
Known as ‘England’s last great wilderness’, Northumberland is the least populated county in the country, so if you’re looking to live in a traditional English seaside village that’s decidedly less busy than those down south, Bamburgh fits the bill.
Surrounded by windswept beaches and beautiful moorland, the picturesque village is enchanting – boasting cosy pubs and cafes tucked away down side streets, old, snug cottages, and grand houses backing onto vast greens.
Bamburgh was voted the UK’s best seaside town in 2022, so its charms aren’t exactly a secret, but its secluded location still makes it a smart choice for anyone seeking solitude. The town’s beauty, history, and stunning location don’t come cheap and the average property price over the last year was around £407,000.
Bamburgh’s most spectacular attraction is its imposing castle, which dates back to 1500. Looming above Bamburgh Castle Beach, the castle is an impressive sight and makes the village feel both unique and historic. From the beach, you can spot seals and porpoises, as well as countless seabirds – and if you want to see puffins, just head to the nearby Farne Islands.
3. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Pembrokeshire is famous for its miles of pristine coastline. And though there are many beautiful and charming seaside towns here, Tenby is undeniably a contender for being the most special.
This Victorian harbour town is a lovely place to lay down roots. It’s perched on a headland where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish Sea; bordered by Blue Flag beaches; and packed with culture, nature, and history.
If you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, you won’t find a better spot in Pembrokeshire. Not only is Tenby one of Wales’ sunniest places, but Castle Beach was named ‘British Beach of the Year’ by The Sunday Times in 2019.
History lovers will be in their element, too, as Tenby boasts a 13th-century medieval wall and is home to Wales’ oldest independent museum: the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.
Meanwhile, if you’re into nature, you’re only a 20-minute boat ride from tranquil Caldey Island, where you can spot seals and seabirds from the shore and buy handmade soaps and perfumes from the island’s resident Cistercian monks.
Tenby’s quaint narrow alleys are also lined with ice cream parlours, art galleries, pubs, restaurants, and colourful pastel houses – so you won’t be short of things to do!
Average house prices in Tenby are around £274,097.

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4. Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Portrush is famous for being one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic seaside towns – and, if being surrounded by dramatic landscape appeals to you, Portrush is an excellent choice. Plus, average house prices sit around the £211,000 mark, so your money goes further here.
Situated along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, Portrush isn’t only home to breathtaking coastal paths, it’s also one of Ireland’s top surf spots – perfect for those who enjoy being active and spending time outdoors.
The name Portrush comes from the Irish Port Rois, which means ‘promontory port’ – an apt title once you glimpse the one-mile peninsula that Portrush is perched on. With the wild Atlantic Ocean in front, stunning blue flag beaches on either side, and miles of rugged countryside behind you, Portrush’s County Antrim location couldn’t be more idyllic.
There’s plenty for residents to do in the town itself, too. Royal Portrush Golf Club hosted the 148th Open in 2019, which should give you an idea of how stunning it is – and the town has all the traditional shops, pubs, restaurants, arcades, and galleries that you’d expect from a seaside town.
Nearby Portstewart is a little more sedate and genteel, so there’s something for every mood.
5. Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales

Llandudno might be Wales’ biggest seaside resort, but that doesn’t mean it’s not also a lovely place to live.
Home to some of Wales’ most glorious beaches, vibrant Llandudno has been popular since the Victorian times. And thanks to its excellent surf, fascinating history, and timeless British seaside charm, it remains a thriving destination today.
Llandudno can trace its history back to the Bronze Age, but it was in the Victorian era that this town boomed – and the tall, elegant architecture that lines its sweeping promenade is a testament to this. There are two award-winning beaches that are excellent for water sports and sunbathing. Or, if you prefer quieter beaches, head to West Shore Beach, where you can watch kite surfers and kite fliers.
If you enjoy walking, you’re in luck, as Llandudno has the Great Orme on its doorstep – a rugged limestone headland that’s a great place to stretch your legs. At the top of this mini-mountain, you can admire otherworldly views of Snowdonia and the craggy landscape that surrounds you. From the end of Llandudno’s Victorian pier, there are also dazzling views over Llandudno Bay and the Irish Sea.
House prices in this lovely destination hover around £232,045.
6. Weymouth, Dorset, England

If you enjoy wandering along winding coastal paths and sweeping golden beaches, Weymouth in Dorset might be the seaside town for you.
Weymouth has been one of the most popular seaside resorts ever since King George III started holidaying here, and it has just as much to offer today as it did in the 18th century.
As part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline and the South West coastal path, there are miles of stunning trails to explore in and around Weymouth. The town’s award-winning sandy beach is perfect for walking and sunbathing, and the pretty harbour is dotted with gently bobbing fishing boats and sleek yachts. Surrounded by pastel-coloured houses, it’s a great spot to people-watch.
While the town’s beach is beautiful, you’re also just a short drive from famous coastal spots like Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach, and Durdle Door, as well as many other beach towns. So when Weymouth gets busy in the summer, there are plenty of places to retreat to if you’d like some peace and quiet.
Weymouth is also one of the sunniest places in the UK, and even when it does rain, there’s still plenty to do – from visiting museums to cosying up in snug quayside pubs.
Average house prices for this beautiful spot on the south coast are around £307,439.

Find your perfect home with Anchor New Homes
Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. We offer an impressive choice of new affordable homes to purchase exclusively for over 55s.
Our later living new homes are designed around you, your needs, and your future. We offer a variety of homes for you to choose from, including ready-to-move-in apartments and our coming soon developments.
7. Margate, Kent, England

In a 2022 survey of the UK’s best coastal towns, Margate – England’s original seaside town – came out on top.
Popular since the 1730s, Margate has had its ups and downs, with many describing it as ‘rough’ and ‘rundown’ in recent decades. But, fast forward to today and it’s experienced somewhat of a resurgence. With affordable properties, blue flag-certified beaches, and enviable hours of sunshine, it’s a great place to live. Average house prices sit around £302,009.
Margate is a town of contradictions; it’s faded yet glorious, vintage yet contemporary, and boasts historic 18th-century buildings as well as new bars, restaurants, galleries, and independent shops.
If you’re hoping to have loved ones visit, it won’t be difficult to persuade them. Margate is known for its varied attractions – from the iconic and colourful Dreamland amusement park to the mysterious Shell Grotto: an underground chamber decorated with over four million shells that was discovered in 1835. Plus, with a thriving food and arts scene, Margate has something for everyone.
8. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland

If you’ve always loved the idea of living somewhere remote, then Tobermory, in the Inner Hebrides, definitely ticks the box.
The Isle of Mull boasts some of the wildest and most rugged scenery in the UK, yet its capital, Tobermory, is a picture-perfect harbour town. Despite being the capital, Tobermory is home to less than 5,000 people – and with average house prices sitting at around £195,826, you get a lot more for your money here.
Painted in vibrant shades of yellow, red, and blue, the waterfront houses are more reminiscent of Scandinavia than Scotland, but this town is bursting with Gaelic heritage.
Tobermory comes from the Gaelic ‘Tobar Mhoire‘ – the well of Mary – and you can visit the site where the medieval well once stood, marked by a granite cross. You can also delve further into the past at Tobermory’s Mull Museum, which is packed with historical artefacts.
In contrast, modern Tobermory is home to attractions like a nine-hole golf course, the Tobermory Distillery, Tobermory Chocolate shop, and Mull Aquarium.
If you’d like to work up an appetite for local delicacies like mussels, oysters, or piping hot chips, there are miles of beautiful coastal and forest paths just outside the town to explore on foot or by bike. If you’re feeling brave, you could even take a dip in the chilly emerald-green waters!
9. Deal, Kent, England

Margate might be known as Kent’s ‘original’ seaside town. But it’s Deal that’s often considered the most charming.
Located along the iconic White Cliffs, this quirky yet underrated town boasts gorgeous sea views year round – you can see all the way to France on a clear day! Coastal walks are exceptional in Deal, and the lovely town has plenty more to offer, too.
Its pedestrianised centre is a joy to explore, with excellent and varied dining options – from fancy French cuisine to retro fish bars. Pastel-coloured cottages rub shoulders with elegant Georgian houses; art galleries sit beside upmarket delis on the high street; and if you’re into antiques and bric-a-brac, you’ll have a blast strolling through the winding streets of the old town.
A major draw for history lovers will be having Deal Castle – one of the country’s finest Tudor artillery castles – on your doorstep. Plus, just down the road is Walmer Castle, which has gorgeous gardens and a cute tearoom. There are also football, cricket, tennis, golf, and rowing clubs here – and, as you might expect, Deal Castle Beach is a wonderful location for windswept walks.
Average house prices in Deal sit at around £345,902.

Find your perfect home with Anchor New Homes
Helping people enjoy later life is our passion. We offer an impressive choice of new affordable homes to purchase exclusively for over 55s.
Our later living new homes are designed around you, your needs, and your future. We offer a variety of homes for you to choose from, including ready-to-move-in apartments and our coming soon developments.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, creative inspiration, invigorating sea air, or captivating coastal views, the UK isn’t short of spectacular seaside towns. From bustling, stylish towns like Salcombe in South Devon to the remote Tobermory in the Inner Hebrides, there’s a coastal spot to suit every personality and preference.
For some, living by the sea is a chance to enjoy a sense of freedom and solitude while, for others, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the lively ambience that’s typical of coastal resorts. The good news is that because the UK is so diverse, you’re sure to find a seaside destination to suit you.
For more on moving home, you can visit the home and garden section of our website – or for UK travel inspiration, head over to the travel section. And you can browse hundreds of UK staycation deals below.
Have you always dreamed of living by the sea? Or perhaps you have your own recommendations for the best seaside towns in the UK? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.
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