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Discover the North West coast

It's where iconic seaside towns meet serene nature reserves and art trails lead to seafood feasts. Press pause, make memories and find something new on your next coastal break, all on England's North West coast.
  • From speedboat rides to snazzy shopping streets and Victorian carousel rides, discover our top things to do in Southport.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Zedmill

    A mother and two sons stand outside an amusement park
  • Serene walks, rum-drunk pirates, Michelin stars and unrivalled harbour views – these are the top things to do on the Cumbria coast.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Zedmill

    Father and daughter having fun on a beach
  • Chow down on chowder, stay in an Art Deco icon and catch a show in a converted railway station on the Lancashire coast.

    Photo by: Visit Lancashire/Robin Zahler

    View of man, female child and statue of a man in front of the sea
  • Shimmy on the Strictly dancefloor, explore an unsung art scene and sample soul food before unwinding with a dip in the pool at this iconic resort.

    Photo by: Sean Conboy, Visit Blackpool

    Grand interiors of Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
  • The sandy beaches, quirky shopping, free museums and spas found in The Wirral are more than worth a weekend of your time.

    Photo by: Liverpool City Region LVEP/Rob Jones

    Family walk along a beach with a lighthouse in the background
  • From a vast sandy beach and a gorgeous Georgian manor house to gin tasting – these are the best things to do in Lytham St Annes.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Zedmill

    A father and son have fun in a field in front of a windmill

In the spotlight: Southport

A sophisticated seaside break near Liverpool filled with headline events, independent eateries and nostalgic thrills - discover what makes Southport elegantly eccentric.


 

Photo by: VisitBritain/Zedmill

A father and son ride on a Carousel in an amusement park

More coastal break itineraries

  • From scoffing seafood to discovering secret gardens, these are some of the top things to do in Lindisfarne.

    Photo by: Westend61 GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo

    Posts marking the pilgrims' way crossing to Lindisfarne with emergency refuge at sunrise
  • Take an unforgettable five-day break to the Isles of Scilly, exploring a dreamy archipelago just off the coast of Cornwall.

    Photo by: Visit Isles of Scilly

    Isles of St. Agnes and Gugh, Isles of Scilly
  • Short breaks in England come in all varieties – and this one’s all about relaxing and rewilding on Durham’s spectacular coast.

    Photo by: Seaham Hall

    The outdoor spa area at dusk with a lit outdoor spa pool surrounded by loungers and the glass fronted circular spa building in the background.
  • From snoozing in a treehouse to hiking the Tarka Trail and surfing on Woolacombe Bay, this four-day trip is packed with adventure.

    Photo by: Anna Stowe Landscapes UK/Alamy Stock Photo

    A clear view of a village from above and bay across mountains and out to the ocean
  • Get ready for a five day adventure along the Cleveland Way exploring lush countryside, legendary seaside sites and the prettiest villages around.

    Photo by: Visit Britain / Helen Hotson/Shutterstock

    1481844023. Sunset over heather in bloom Ravenscar towards Robin Hoods Bay North York Moors
  • With epic beaches, fairytale castles and top-notch fish and chips, this is one of the best seaside short breaks in England.

    Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

    A castle on a cliff by a beach
  • From dolphin watching to seafood shacks and glorious beaches – discover outdoor adventures and things to do in South Devon.

    Photo by: Devon Scenic Photography/Alamy Stock Photo

    A beautiful evening dusk view over a quaint English village and harbour
  • Discover top things to do and places to stay in Cornwall plus the best beaches without crowds.

    Photo by: Darina Stoda / Boardmasters

    Boardmasters Festival
  • From Blue Flag beaches to artisan eateries and romantic inns with stylish rooms, these are best things to do and places to stay in North Norfolk.

    Photo by: travellinglight/Alamy Stock Photo

    View of cliffs with white chalk overlaying red limestone in a colourful formation.
  • Make way for a memorable Cornish getaway, starring golden beaches, arty attractions and gourmet ice cream.

    Photo by: VisitBritain

    Fisherman in a fishing boat in the sea
  • Beautiful beaches, sensational seafood and wonderful walks. Discover the best things to do in East Yorkshire.

    Photo by: Visit Hull & East Yorkshire/Tom Arran

    Two men eat lobster in a restaurant with a harbour view
  • From fossils and castles to cosy pubs and cliffside camping, discover dazzling Dorset attractions for every kind of explorer.

    Photo by: fotoVoyager/Getty Images

    People walking up and down the water front of a busy seaside town lined with colourful terraced houses and boats anchored in the harbour
  • A two day city break featuring fun and free things to do in Sunderland.

    Photo by: Sunderland City Council/Creo Comms

    Two people seen through an art display on a beach sculpture trail.
  • Promising scenic hikes, bohemian towns, foodie experiences and cosy pubs, Somerset is a West Country wonder.

    Photo by: Visit Somerset/Ian Brodie

    View of the coast with sheep grazing nearby
  • A weird and wonderful day trip to the North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby.

    Photo by: Getty Images/Cavan Images/English Heritage

    Woman walking along a coastal path towards a ruined abbey

Find beaches near London

  • Gay-friendly hangouts and grand Victorian landmarks blend with vintage shopping and buzzing restaurants in England’s most famous seaside town.

    Photo by: VisitBritain

    Close up of person holding ice cream cone on pier
  • Make a dash for Margate for vintage rollercoasters, rooftop bars and sandy shores.

    Photo by: Turner Contemporary/Hufton + Crow

    Modern building overlooking a harbour and beach, a row of townhouses in the background
  • Speedboats on the Solent, sipping champagne, Tudor history and laugh-out-loud comedy in this coastal south-east city

    Photo by: Spinnaker Tower

    A modern tower next to the ocean at sunset
  • From sprawling vineyards to invigorating coastal walks, enjoy three days exploring the national park that's just over an hour away from London.

    Photo by: Getty Images / Cold Snowstorm

    Two men hiking together with the stunning backdrop of white cliffs overlooking the ocean.
  • Sleep in sub-tropical gardens, admire roman mosaics and try a glass of blue wine in the Isle of Wight.

    Photo by: Wight Coast Fossils

    Houses on chalk cliffs overlooking the ocean
  • Royal retreats, epic coastal views and pizza and spritz at sundown, here’s where to go in West Wight.

    Photo by: Visit Isle of Wight

    Landscape shot of chalk cliffs and ocean
  • Discover the best coastal adventures, gin-tasting tours and glorious beaches in Suffolk on this action-packed four-day itinerary.

    Photo by: I-Wei Huang/Alamy Stock Photo

    Beach with seaside cottages, beach huts and a lighthouse

In the spotlight: Newquay

Experience the thrill of Newquay, Cornwall’s surfing capital. Hit the waves at Fistral Beach, one of England’s most iconic surf spots, or unwind at the town’s relaxed beach bars and cafes. 

Photo by: Darina Stoda / Boardmasters

Boardmasters Festival

Useful coastal resources

  • England’s Coast is an easy-to-use travel website that helps you discover, plan and book memorable trips to England’s beautiful seaside destinations.

  • Around 2,700 miles long, The King Charles III England Coast Path is a new National Trail that, once complete, will be an almost continuous walking route around the entire English coastline, linking beaches, cliffs, harbours and seaside towns into one of the world’s longest managed coastal walks.

  • England’s diverse coastline is home to many different habitats. Discover more about them with the Wildlife Trust, along with information on how you can help protect these special places for future generations.

  • Historic England’s Seaside Stories invites you to share photos, memories and information about cherished historic coastal places as part of the Missing Pieces project, helping to build a richer picture of England’s seaside heritage.

  • The National Trust cares for more than 890 miles of the UK’s coastline, inviting you to explore sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and scenic seaside walks with plenty of ideas for days out along the shore.