Seaside holidays, as they’re known in Britain, have been a popular form of recreation since as far back as the late nineteenth century. During the summer months, people would flock to these tiny and quaint coastal towns in their droves. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit one of these charming little towns, then you already know just why they are such popular tourist destinations. If you haven’t then, you don’t know what you’re missing.
1. Brighton
Brighton is one of the most exciting, and probably our personal favorite of all the UK seaside destinations. Must-see attractions include the historic Brighton pier, which has all kinds of rides and amusements to keep both the young and old entertained. But the thing that really sells the place is its unparalleled nightlife. Full of bars, restaurants and traditional British pubs, the town is a social mecca that attracts people from all walks of life. If you also happen to be a bit of a fashion-fanatic, Brighton is packed full of independent shops, designer stores and vintage boutiques.
2. Bournemouth
For an authentic taste of British life in a coastal town, there can be no better place to visit than Bournemouth. Situated in the southern English county town of Dorset, it boasts some of the best weather that the whole of the UK has to offer. There’s fun for the whole family here. With everything from water sports, coastal walks and comedy shows to choose from. So, there’s plenty here to keep even the hard-to-please entertained. If you’re interested in architecture, then you’re also in for a treat in Bournemouth, which has an exciting mix of both Victorian and contemporary design. One look in the window of a Sandbanks estate agent will provide testimony to this.
3. Suffolk
The drinking of real ale has long been a favored pastime of the British. So, if you fancy seeing what all of the fuss is about, Suffolk is well worth a visit. Because Suffolk has one thing that many other coastal towns don’t, and that’s its own brewery. Be warned though, because the Brits tend to serve their beer at room temperature. So, it can come as a bit of a shock to us Americans who are used to drinking our beer chilled. But once you get over the initial shock, you’ll soon see why this national pastime has remained so popular for so long.
4. Northumberland
Northumberland is located further up in the north east of England. It’s known as a surfer’s hotspot and offers a wide range of amenities from beautiful beaches through to ancient ruins. Jump on the ferry to see the ruins of the ancient monastery at Lindisfarne, or stop and see the puffins that reside on the Farne Islands. If you do choose to make Northumberland your vacation destination, be sure to sample the local seafood. We’d recommend eating a traditional British meal of fish and chips on the seafront.
If you are planning a vacation, or even a business trip to the UK, be sure to include at least one of these towns in the itinerary, and we promise you will not be disappointed.
