As you approach the coast of North West England, you realise just how blessed we are to live in this stunning corner of the world. Although you might think of the decay of Victorian beach holidays or gimmicky souvenirs available on every corner, our seaside towns are far from that these days.
That Victorian architecture mostly still remains – think Blackpool Tower, iconic piers and old-fashioned promenades – but further than that, the community spirit and enthusiasm for the BEST fish and chips is something that can’t be overestimated. Now, Holiday Cars have curated a list of the UK’s top coastal destinations, and although the likes of Blackpool and Southport don’t make the cut, there’s one spot that we’d happily travel a bit further to see.
Trearddur Bay in Anglesey named one of the best seaside towns in the UK
The beautiful Trearddur Bay in Anglesey was named number 18 on the list, making it our closest seaside town in the top 20. The small seaside village is a quiet little gem – the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for a relaxing coastal getaway. Treaddur Bay is the name of the village and its main beach, and the beach is one of the most beautiful in Anglesey.
Head further south to Porth Diana Beach for a sheltered sandy cove, popular with boats and the local yacht club, making it a great spot for watching boats come and go. Trearddur Bay perfectly encapsulates maritime charm, topped off with an atmospheric lighthouse on the tip of South Stack Island. It’s a gorgeous walk to the lighthouse, with the foamy sea lapping up the cliffs on either side, and being the furthest point west, the sunsets are to die for.
Trearddur Bay is around a 2.5 hour drive from Manchester, taking you across the Menai Bridge and through the likes of Conwy and Colwyn Bay – meaning it’s a pretty stunning road trip.
Other top seaside towns in the UK
Wales takes up much of the top 20 for such a small country, with the likes of Ceredigion, Gwynedd and Pembrokeshire all boasting towns in the list. In England, Cornwall and Dorset predictably take the highest spots, with some fight from the likes of Yorkshire and Northumberland.
Of course, Northern Ireland and Scotland’s stunning landscapes are well represented, with East Lothian, the Isle of Skye and Portrush all making appearances. We’re so lucky.
The best seaside towns in the UK
- New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales
- North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
- Looe, Cornwall, England
- Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire, England
- Barmouth, Gwynedd, Wales
- Lyme Regis, Dorset, England
- Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
- Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
- Weymouth, Dorset, England
- Cullen, Moray, Scotland
- Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Broadstairs, Kent, England
- Bamburgh, Northumberland, England
- Staithes, Yorkshire, England
- Rye, East Sussex, England
- Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, Wales
- Dartmouth, Devon, England
- St Andrews, Fife, Scotland