England offers many excellent locations to visit and experience, including stunning towns beside the seaside, says Frankie Girl of travel blog A Popsicle Stand. You can visit the different sights, see what they offer and swim in the ocean while enjoying some time with your loved ones.
Consider a coastal town if you plan to honeymoon or mini-moon on home soil. Doing so will let you experience more of England, see a different side to this great country and have a wonderful experience while you visit.
Eastbourne, Sussex
When packing for your trip, carefully consider what you will be doing at your coastal destination. Eastbourne presents several reasons to enjoy the area.
While Britain is known for its unpredictable weather, Eastbourne provides plenty of sunlight, making it an ideal location for swimming and outdoor exploration. There are many beaches to discover and you can enjoy great food at restaurants like Skylark, Cru, or Anema e Core.
There is also a pier you can visit and plenty of historic locations to explore, such as Bodiam Castle and Redoubt Fortress. Wherever you choose to holiday on the coast, you can enjoy a rich history. Eastbourne is home to various museums, including the Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum.
Try to book accommodation at Eastbourne as soon as possible, because – much like any sought-after location on the coast – it gets busy in peak season.
Eastbourne is best for…
Long seaside walks. With its south coast location and proximity to the stunning Seven Sisters cliffs and Beachy Head, Eastbourne is a great destination for anyone who wants to lace up their hiking boots and explore some of the most beautiful coastal trails that England has to offer.
Brighton, Sussex
Brighton is a trendy and quirky destination for sun-seekers who are looking for an alternative to the traditional British beach holiday but crave the busyness of a bustling crowd.
It’s just south of London, making it a more accessible location for many. Also, if you choose to honeymoon in the capital city, Brighton can be easily incorporated into your trip.
Make your stay extra special by choosing to holiday in one of the seafront hotels, such as the Harbour Hotel or the Brighton Grand.
There are multiple events held in Brighton predominantly in the summer, including various music events, and there are also historically significant attractions like the Royal Pavillion. Sit on the pebble beach and enjoy the far-reaching views, or traverse the Lanes, which are home to several unique shops and businesses.
Brighton is best for…
Alternative entertainment. Brighton has a reputation as one of the best places to party on the south coast, and with its progressive and alternative attitude it offers a wonderful opportunity to let your hair down in clubs like Coalition, Concorde and PRYZM.
Blackpool, Lancashire
If you're looking for somewhere further north, try Blackpool, which lies in close proximity to Liverpool and Manchester.
There are beautiful beaches in the area, as well as various attractions and locations that make it stand out, including Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Zoo.
A trip to Blackpool wouldn't be complete without paying a visit to the Blackpool Tower. This 158-metre tower looms over the entire seaside resort, creating an iconic landmark and piece of architecture that tourists can enjoy as they walk the streets and swim in the sea during their stay. There are various attractions located inside the tower and a wealth of events held there throughout the year.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is also a must-visit for adrenaline junkies, with thrilling rides aplenty. Families with young children are also welcome, with lots of child-friendly amusements and Nickelodeon Land to explore.
Blackpool is best for…
Classic British charm. The Blackpool Illuminations have been a staple of English seaside holidays for over a century. Blackpool has retained its traditional atmosphere and is one of the best places in England to experience an authentic English seaside vacation.
Newquay, Cornwall
Located on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, Newquay is one of England’s most popular seaside towns. Vibrant surf culture meets sleepy, traditional Cornish life in Newquay, satisfying all ages and interests.
The Cornish coastline is gorgeous and dramatic, and Newquay boasts some of the best surf breaks in the country, making it a haven for wave riders. But it is also a great option for beach bunnies, with wide, long sandy beaches like Fistral Beach or Watergate Bay, and a surprisingly warm climate making it perfect for visitors who want to swim or soak up the sun.
Newquay is actually one of the warmest and sunniest parts of England, as evidenced by Trenance Gardens and the tropical gardens at Newquay Zoo, one of the best attractions the town has to offer.
For a summer beach trip that offers beautiful countryside, magnificent coastline, great food and stunning beaches, there are few better places in England to visit than Newquay.
Newquay is best for…
Surfing. If you want to surf in England, Newquay is THE place to go. Thanks to the wilder Atlantic Ocean waves and the mega-waves of Fistral Beach, Newquay is a paradise for surfers, and probably the best place in the British Isles for serious surf breaks.
Southwold, Suffolk
With its picturesque location at the mouth of the River Blyth, in the heart of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Southwold is one of the gems of the East of England, and one of the prettiest seaside towns in the entire country.
Known for its charming pastel-coloured beach huts and iconic vintage amusement pier, there’s an extraordinary atmosphere of tranquility and exquisite style in this lovely town. With its wide sand-and-shingle beach and historic lighthouse, there are sights aplenty, as well as lots to do away from the seafront.
Southwold is an upscale seaside destination and boasts an array of fantastic eateries. From drinks in the historic Lord Nelson pub to fine dining at Sutherland House, or something more easy-going and traditional at The Little Fish and Chip Shop, eating your way around Southwold is a wonderful experience.
Southwold is best for…
Literary culture. Southwold has a long history of being the seaside destination of choice for some of the best writers and novelists in English history. Authors such as P.D. James and George Orwell have visited, making it an ideal place for anyone looking for a little culture and artistic inspiration.
