10 Best Towns for Beach Holidays in 2024

Hurray, there is finally sunlight at the end of the winter tunnel with Easter and Summer holidays just around the Spring corner. At last, it’s time to book an idyllic coastal cottage somewhere special. There is a whopping 11,073 miles of coastline in the UK, but if we had to narrow it down to 10 of Britain’s best Beach Holiday Towns they would be these...

St Ives, Cornwall

If you like to get as far away from home as possible, St Ives is the perfect town, where you can find a good dose of culture coupled with a daily dip in the ocean. St Ives is famous for its very own artist movement, the Tate Gallery, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and many more irresistible independent galleries. Then there are the glorious beaches of Carbis Bay, Porthminster and Porthmeor to soothe your soul with some fabulous St Ives cottages by the sea for those considering self-catering breaks.

Newquay, Cornwall

Of course, if you have a young family in tow, you’ll need fun and action to entertain the kids, so Newquay is the best seaside resort for that. No family member will be underwhelmed with Newquay's roster of outdoor activities, fun restaurants, and proximity to Cornwall’s best attractions. The most popular activity here is surfing, and you'll find some of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, including Lusty Glaze, Fistral and Crantock. There are tons of beachfront apartments in Newquay too, as well as very affordable coastal cottages next to the sea or with sea views.

Westward Ho, Devon

North Devon’s Coastline is just as beautiful and surfy as the Coast of Cornwall and offers its own unique vibe. I’d say Westward Ho is a great alternative to Newquay and just around the corner there are many more fabulous resorts including Appledore, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe. If your kids are into surfing then sign them up for some sessions with one of the many surf schools including Surfsupacademy 

Salcombe, Devon

For those who just want to appreciate nature and absorb Devon’s delights, Salcombe has it all and is perfectly located to explore the incredible natural beauty around the Salcombe Estuary, including East Portlemouth and multiple coves and beaches. Hire a self-drive boat for an unforgettable adventure when you are staying in Salcombe accommodation by the sea with your family or friends.

Mundesley, Norfolk

Now if you fancy sampling the traditions of an East Anglia beach holiday, Mundesley has the best examples of Norfolk beach cottages, as well as some of the most exquisite beaches and surrounding landscapes. Mundesley is Victorian and delightful in every way, but specially for its location, which is perched on top of clifftops and perfectly positioned to explore all the best Norfolk beach resorts as well as the Norfolk Broads.

Hunstanton, Norfolk

Another fabulous Victorian seaside resort on the Norfolk Coast is Hunstanton. This bustling Norfolk gem is designed to delight as it is steeped in Victorian elegance and charm. Entertainment comes in the form of a huge beach, bright orange cliffs, gardens, amusements and a theatre. Don’t miss Hunstanton's SEA LIFE experience, the lighthouse or a visit to nearby Sandringham. There are some very affordable beach cottages in Hunstanton for rent, perfect for a family holiday.

Broadstairs, Kent

Further south on the Kent coast, Broadstairs showcases another example of British beach charm. The beachside cottages and seaside apartments in Broadstairs are very chic and the beaches here are surrounded by cliffs, paths and promenades. There is a real buzz in town and the local beaches of Viking Bay and St Mary’s Bay are a highlight in themselves.

Camber Sands, Sussex

The best beach bum experience in this corner of our beautiful island must be Camber Sands thanks to its vast sandy shores and dunes, which are a haven for beach lovers looking to chill. The beachfront holiday homes in Camber Sands are something to die for and neighbouring Rye's is a very enjoyable walk away. These cobbled streets and the medieval charm blend perfectly to complete this unique coastal experience with a touch of historical richness.

Sandbanks, Dorset

Now for those lucky few who can afford a five-star luxury beachside holiday, Sandbanks flaunts the most exclusive holiday cottages overlooking the sea on Millionaires' Row. A few steps away from this exclusive paradise are the lively coastal ports of Poole and Bournemouth ready to entertain with seaside attractions, chic harbour restaurants and more Blue Flag-awarded beaches.

Weymouth, Dorset

Finally, a little further west on Dorset´s Jurassic Coast, lies a slightly more modest but just as sparkling Weymouth with its golden crescent framed by perfect Georgian beach holiday homes. Weymouth Beach boasts shallow waters and a vibrant esplanade ideal for families on a budget beach holiday.