Best seaside towns in England named with one for every holidaymaker | UK | Travel
The summer holidays are just around the corner and it won’t be long before the UK’s coasts are filled with tourists from across the country.
With staycations growing increasingly popular, experts at Village Hotels have compiled a list of the top five coastal destinations in southern England to visit.
With destinations suitable for everyone from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, each coastal town has its own unique atmosphere.
Looking through Tripadvisor data, the holiday experts have found the perfect locations you can visit depending on your interests and who you’re travelling with.
For the outdoor enthusiast – Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth makes for a perfect staycation destination for anyone looking for a getaway to the great outdoors. With over ten miles of award-winning sandy beaches, there are plenty of locations to visit. As part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bournemouth comes out top when it comes to fossil hunting – with long walks along the coast potentially uncovering heaps of archaeological artefacts.
Bournemouth Beach ranks as the coastal town’s top attraction, with an average review of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor. There are also over 532 places to eat out in restaurants in Bournemouth and 6 hotels rated over 5 stars.
For the quintessentially British – Poole, Dorset
Just a short distance from Bournemouth lies the smaller town of Poole, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its frequent appearance at the top of the UK’s most desirable postcodes. This ‘quintessentially British’ port town features a charming old town and a rejuvenated Quayside area, showcasing the best of both traditional and contemporary British architecture.
When it comes to dining options, there are over 240 choices and 9 hotels with a rating above 5 stars. The top attraction in Poole is Brownsea Island, a National Trust Island just off the harbour, which is one of the few places in the UK where red squirrels still live.
For the history buffs – Southampton, Hertfordshire
Southampton, known for its maritime history, is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts. The city houses the SeaCity Museum, which features an interactive model of the Titanic, which famously embarked on its maiden and final voyage from this city in 1912. Other museums in the city, such as the Solent Sky and The Wool House, delve into the city’s industrial heritage.
The Solent Museum, dedicated to the history of aviation, is the top attraction in the city. And beyond local attractions, there are over 563 dining options in the city and 3 hotels rated 5 stars.
For the vibrant queer scenes – Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton, well-known for its popular seaside and thriving LGBTQ+ scene is increasingly becoming a favourite spot particularly among the young professionals. As it has purportedly established itself as having one of Britain’s largest queer populations.
Rich in vibrant nightlife, independent cafes, boutiques and businesses, Brighton offers over 904 dining options and a five-star rated hotel. The Royal Pavilion remains its top attraction, built originally as a coastal resort for King George IV.
For a taste of the Mediterranean in the UK – Torquay, Devon
Meanwhile, Torquay in Devon gives visitors a feel of the Mediterranean right here in the UK. Its resemblance to the ‘English Riviera’ due to the clear waters and lush green cliffs is unmistakable.
The tranquil setting of the Imperial Spa and Babbacombe beach imparts an Italian village charm to this small town. It hosts 239 places to eat, 13 top-rated hotels, and is home to Kent’s Cavern Britain’s oldest prehistoric dwelling.
Speaking on the must-visit coastal towns in South England, a representative from Village Hotels noted, “The southern coast holds a big place in the hearts of many people across the UK, from its shoreline to its vast countryside, what’s not to love? “.
“However, before you book your time away its important to find which town or city will suit your needs best. With this in mind, we’re pleased to have put together a comprehensive list on where to book, depending on your needs. We hope this list has inspired anyone who is thinking of going away this summer.”