Coastal Towns
There is something in the water and in the air of our coastal towns. Historically retreats for artists and the rich who came in search of inspiration, to take the sea air and enjoy restorative walks along the promenade, nowadays our English coastal towns appeal to all of us in search of an expanse of big sky and afternoon tea in a grand hotel. Bustling marinas and coastal villages offer a place to moor up or the opportunity to cast off in search of a day on the waves. The artists are still here for the special light and many seaside towns host year-round cultural events and festivals.
Visit the public artwork of the “TERN” Project
Have your photo taken with Eric Morecambe, and enjoy stunning views over the Bay as you take a stroll along Morecambe Promenade.
Location: Morecambe, Lancashire
Be royalty for a day at Scarborough Castle
Take an audio tour around the Castle, enjoy breathtaking views from the headland of the North Yorkshire Coast and have tea in a historic building.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Explore historic Whitby Abbey
Discover how over 2,000 years of history made Whitby Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Find yourself face-to-face with gigantic outdoor sculptures
Each face reveals a story as you meet the gigantic outdoor sculptures that span the width and breadth of the seaside resort.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Experience the locations that have inspired great literature
The constantly changing scenery, dramatic landscapes and distinctive character of Yorkshire’s people have all been sources of literary inspiration.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Tuck into fish and chips on the beach
Make it a traditional English seaside holiday and have fish and chips on Mablethorpe Beach.
Location: Mablethrope, Lincolnshire
Uncover Wareham’s southern charm and civil war past
Wareham is packed with old red-brick houses and wonky, half-timber cottages that'll have your trigger finger reaching for the camera button.
Location: Wareham, Dorset
September events: Help yourself to the best food and drink in Aldeburgh
Fine food, local brews and idyllic seaside make the perfect ingredients for a tasty weekend away.
Location: Aldeburgh, Suffolk
September events: Sample some fantastic seafood at the Newquay Fish Festival
Feast upon the edible delights that swim Cornwall’s waters as local chefs cook up a treat, right before your eyes, at the Newquay Fish Festival.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
September events: Experience Agatha Christie's Riviera in Devon
Discover Agatha Christie's Riviera and follow in her footsteps by attending her namesake festival, and walking the Agatha Christie Mile in the bustling harbour town of Torquay.
Location: Torquay, Devon
Join a ghost tour of England’s spookiest fortress
Join a spooky twilight tour at Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress this October for a fun and frightful tour around the creepy cobwebbed corridors.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
October Events: Party hard at England's biggest indoor world music festival
Take a journey through the world of music at Whitby’s annual Musicport Festival, an event full of excellent live music and cultural diversity.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Taste fresh seafood caught straight out of the harbour
Overlooking Scarborough’s harbour, this spacious restaurant serves the very best seafood dishes and the finest fish and chips on the seafront.
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Cook with celebrity chefs in Dorset
Share in Lesley Waters' and Mark Hix's kitchen secrets.
Location: Dorset
September events: Pop-up galleries and festival arts in North Yorkshire
The Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage in North Yorkshire invites visitors to experience a unique weekend featuring 130 artists in 90 pop-up galleries.
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Escape on a romantic break to Merchants Manor Hotel
Hot tubs hidden away in a secluded garden, snooze-inducing massages, and an award-winning restaurant serving sublime locally-sourced dishes; welcome to Merchants Manor.
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall