The great British seaside is famous for its mix of nostalgic charm, natural beauty, and, of course, the staple fish and chips. The UK has more seaside towns, cities and villages than you can shake a stick at, with some boasting Victorian charm and others having all the modern elements of a 21st-century day at the beach.
The heyday of British seaside resorts began in the 18th century when the health benefits of sea air and bathing became popular. Two classic symbols of a traditional British seaside town are the humble promenade and pier full with your favourite arcade games. To this day England still has more seaside piers around our coast than any other country in the world. British beaches are extremely beautiful, with some boasting golden sands and others having dramatic cliffs and coves.
Here are 17 beautiful UK seaside villages you must visit at least once in your lifetime:
Clovelly
Steeped in maritime atmosphere, Clovelly is a privately owned harbour village in the Torridge district of Devon.
This picturesque fishing village was once owned by Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror and England’s first crowned queen.
Offering stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the North Devon coastline, Clovelly is a traffic-free village.
(Image: Getty)
Polzeath
Polzeath on Cornwall’s North Coast might be a small village but it’s a charming place for a holiday.
The village is known for its sandy beaches and blue waters – it’s a popular spot for surfing and has attracted a celebrity crowd.
Prince Harry and Prince William are among the famous names who have visited, first as young teenagers and then again as adults.
Polzeath is surrounded by beautiful coastal walks, including the scenic South West Coast Path, which provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
(Image: Getty)
Mousehole
Tucked away in the western corner of Cornwall and just 12 miles away from the busier hub of St Ives lies the beautiful village of Mousehole.
Full of quaint white washed buildings Mousehole wows visitors with its beautiful coastal scenery and historic buildings.
The pretty little fishing village is famous for its spectacular Christmas lights display, which illuminates the harbour and village each December. This tradition started in 1963 and to this day draws large crowds.
(Image: Getty)