The UK’s top coastal destinations to visit this summer

SUMMER IS ON THE WAY SO IT’S TIME TO HEAD TO THE COAST. GET DOWN TO THE BEACH ON A TRIP TO ONE OF THESE SOUGHT-AFTER HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS.

Our island nation is known for its spectacular coastline, but how do you pick which spot is right for your 2019 summer holiday? We’ve tried to narrow it down for you in this list which showcases some of our favourite beach holiday destinations in the UK.

Discover a range of award-winning beaches and popular seaside resorts just waiting for you to visit. With sand between your toes and the sun beating down in any one of these spectacular coastal spots, you’ll be sure to get that summer feeling.

Grab the shades and get the bags packed for a UK summer holiday:

Woolacombe, Devon

The incredible beach is regularly hailed as one of Europe’s best beaches and is a coastal haven year-round. During the winter, it is wild and beautiful, and during the sunshine of the summer season, Woolacombe Beach is a lovely place for sunbathers, beachcombers and surfers to unwind. The village of Woolacombe itself has a range of traditional pubs and restaurants, so after days spent on the beach, you get to enjoy a well-deserved meal together.

Lulworth, Dorset

The turquoise waters and white pebbles of this section of Dorset’s famed Jurassic Coast make Lulworth Cove a beautiful place for a beach escape. Just down from Lulworth Cove is the equally well-known and wonderful rock formation known as Durdle Door. Walk along the coastline to see it or simply relax down by the lapping waves on the beach. Stay in the nearby village of West Lulworth which has a variety of pubs and tearooms to enjoy, and visit the magnificent Lulworth Castle or the ancient Fossil Forest.

Whitby, Yorkshire

A popular seaside escape, this ancient town is made up of ramshackle red and white houses sat on the cliffs and has the River Esk running through the middle. The inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this town has plenty of ghost walks and even an annual Goth Festival thanks to Mr Stoker’s macabre tale. Besides being the vampire capital of the UK, Whitby is a popular seaside escape for families and groups looking to head to the coast for a traditional beach holiday. Ice cream stands and chip shops line the front and the sandy beach offers a great spot for sunbathing and splashing through the sea.

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

If you’re thinking of heading towards the flats of Norfolk on a seaside break, consider the popular coastal resort of Wells-next-the-Sea. From the quaint village, which has independent shops and cafes to browse, hop aboard the Harbour Railway that will take you down the estuary to the beach. Colourful beach huts line the sand, backed by dunes, and there is pine woodland behind which has trails for you to walk. It’s a beautiful location and one of the more unique coastal spots on this list.

Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire

This sandy stretch of beach can be found in Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Dig in the sand and splash through the waves, you can even take the dog as part of this pretty beach is dog-friendly. Hide away in a cottage by the beach in the quiet family-friendly seaside resort of Broad Haven for a serene getaway. There’s a shop and pub, and miles of scenic coastal walks.

Whitstable, Kent

Roll up your trousers and make your way down to the waves on this pretty pebble beach. Despite being close to London and a popular spot for weekend getaways, Whitstable has retained a traditional seaside town vibe. Twisting side streets and colourful houses exude seaside charm and the high street is full of independent shops and cafes for you to browse. There is also a working harbour so you can relax and watch the boats come and go. Take a trip to this pretty Kent escape on the South Coast.

Falmouth, Cornwall

This harbour town is an elegant seaside escape in Cornwall. Head down to sandy Gyllyngvase Beach, which has a café with outdoor seating, so you can enjoy a coffee and cake in the sunshine. There’s also a coastal walk that leads to the quieter Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve, a delightful spot for a peaceful day by the sea. The town of Falmouth itself is a creative hub with art galleries, boutiques and cafes to explore on a high street that leads down to the harbour, where you can dine in waterfront restaurants.

Find a range of holiday cottages next to all of these beautiful beach spots in the range of coastal cottages on offer from holidaycottages.co.uk. They have a fantastic choice of self-catering holiday escapes for you to choose from beside the sea. Feel inspired by browsing through their cottages and start planning your UK summer holiday for 2019.