Taking some time off and getting away for a well-deserved break doesn’t always have to involve boarding a plane and leaving the country. This can sometimes make a holiday feel more stressful, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. Problems posed by overtourism, which has seen protests and some cities introduce a fee for visitors, mean you also might want to consider a staycation this year instead of jetting off.
Fortunately, the UK is home to plenty of stunning seaside destinations that make for an ideal getaway. From whitewashed cottages overlooking stretches of golden sand and turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean, exploring towns full of historical charm or wandering along some of the UK’s Victorian-era piers, there’s something for everyone. This quaint town on the coast of Kent was even featured alongside Thailand and Greece in the world’s best 30 destinations to visit, but when it comes to getting the most from a beach staycation, there’s one British destination that trumps the rest.
A highly fashionable seaside resort in the Georgian era, this vibrant coastal city has managed to maintain its charm as one of Britain’s most popular resorts, attracting 11.8 million visitors from England alone each year.
Known for its pebbled beach and quirky five-mile promenade complete with crazy golf, concert venues, beach huts that double up as karaoke bars, bars and restaurants, there’s also plenty of opportunity to unwind if that’s more up your street.
Whether it’s having a go on a sandy volleyball court, kayaking or indulging in a post-swim sauna, there’s no shortage of things to do in Brighton and it’s no surprise the city ranks highly in a new look at the most popular seaside destinations in the UK, especially if you consider yourself a foodie.
Boasting 907 restaurants, Brighton ranks highly for its plentiful dining options, with Peruvian specialities served at Kusikuy Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Bar, Indian delicacies at Bayleaf and upmarket European dishes at Bom-Bane’s all voted as some of the best restaurants in the city by Tripadvisor users.
Looking out over the pebbled shore, the Brighton Palace Pier is another of the city’s most recognisable attractions, where boxes of fresh fish and chips cooked to golden and crispy perfection are paired perfectly with the unspoiled views at sunset.
Whether you prefer something low-key or your tastes are more upscale, terraced bars and restaurants nestled along the Victorian beachfront arches offer plenty of options for dining, which is what makes it such a popular destination for those in search of a seaside getaway.
There’s plenty to do beyond the seafront too, with Time Out even naming it as one of the best cities in the world for 2025. From taking in the grandeur of the Royal Pavilion, which has been awarded a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, or exploring The Lanes full of independent coffee shops and vintage markets.
The buzzy city of Brighton bagged the title of the UK’s best seaside resort thanks to its impressive number of bars (53), restaurants (907) and things to do (674) in research conducted by VSO. The research compared several seaside resorts, with scores based on the number of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as the average summer temperatures and Airbnb pricing per week.
