Beach and harbour, St. Ives, Cornwall, England.

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.

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Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters

A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.

Location: Salcombe, Devon

 

Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera

The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.

Location: English Riviera, Devon

 

Explore The Grand Pier of Weston-super-Mare

Relive happy childhood memories of eating ice creams, skimming stones and skipping along piers in Weston-super-Mare.

Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

 

Glamping in a shepherd’s hut

Find inspiration, learn and relax at Woodspring Farm, a well-hidden jewel on National Trust Land, in the seaside village of Kewstoke.

Location: Kewstoke, Somerset

 

Leap into the surf at some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches

Surfing is every bit as much fun as it looks and the true Cornish experience is not complete without riding the waves at one of Cornwall’s golden beaches, with well-trained instructors.

Location: Across Cornwall

 

Hawker's Cove in Cornwall

A real Cornish hidden gem.

Location: Padstow, Cornwall

 

Explore Lyme Regis

Wander round narrow streets and along the South West Coastal Path.

Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset

 

Go rugged and budget in Cornwall

Newly renovated, situated on the rugged cornish coast and cheap as chips.

Location: Boscastle, Cornwall

 

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

 

July events: Penzance Literary Festival

A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.

Location: Penzance, Cornwall

 

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

 

Wake up early for a totally worth it tour of Brixham Fish Market

An early morning visit to Brixham's famous fish market is the most authentic way to experience coastal life in the southwest of England.

Location: Brixham, Devon

 

September events: Bournemouth Air Festival

The world's biggest airshow brings together the thrill of gravity-defying plane displays and an abundance of family entertainment on the ground - all for free!

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

 

Escape modern life with a stay at Skipper’s Cabin

Enjoy the splendid isolation and dramatic sea views in the rustic retreat that is Cornwall’s Skipper’s Cabin.

Location: Padstow, Cornwall

 

Enjoy jazz, art and sunsets in St Ives

Some say it’s the painterly light that makes St Ives so special. For others it’s the great swathes of golden sand.

Location: St Ives, Cornwall

 

Be a big cat keeper for a day at Dartmoor Zoo

Join the Big Cat Keepers at Dartmoor Zoo for this hard work, hands on, all day experience.

Location: Plymouth, Devon

 

Head to The Cary Arms for a luxurious dog friendly getaway

The Cary Arms is the perfect location for a dog friendly getaway, and with one of the UK’s dog friendly beaches on its door step, dogs can enjoy a paddle all year round.

Location: Babbacombe, Devon

 

Take a walk through Tresco Abbey Garden

Tresco Abbey Garden has unique climate conditions that allow for the growth of exotic and unique plant life.

Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

 

Explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum

Whether you’re a garden lover, art aficionado or simply a St Ives devotee you can’t fail to fall for the magic of the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Location: St Ives, Cornwall

 

Experience a spiritual side to Bournemouth's history

Visit St. Peter's Church for the stunning architecture, the famous final resting places or simply the atmosphere.

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

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