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A holiday by the sea doesn’t have to involve warm weather, swimming or spending the day on the beach. Winter can be a great time to visit the UK coast, especially if you enjoy walking, exploring seaside towns and visiting places that are much busier during summer.
There are plenty of things to do along the coast between November and March. You can go fossil hunting in Dorset, explore historic castles in Northumberland, visit fishing harbours in Cornwall or spend a weekend in a Welsh seaside town.
Here are ten UK coastal destinations worth considering for a winter break, along with some ideas for making the most of your visit.
1. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby is well worth visiting outside the summer season. The harbour, narrow streets and historic buildings provide plenty to explore, while the surrounding coast has some excellent walking routes.
Start with a walk along the harbour and the West Pier before exploring the old town. You can climb the famous 199 steps to St Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey, where there are views across the rooftops and North Sea.
The abbey is managed by English Heritage and opens on selected days during the winter, so it’s worth checking before visiting.
Whitby Beach is also popular with walkers, and the nearby village of Sandsend offers another stretch of coast to explore. If the weather turns, Whitby Museum and the town’s cafés provide indoor alternatives.
For accommodation, browse our collection of Yorkshire cottages by the sea, including properties in Whitby and other coastal towns.
2. Lyme Regis, Dorset
Winter is an interesting time to explore Lyme Regis, particularly if you’re interested in fossils and the Jurassic Coast.
The town is famous for the Cobb, its historic harbour wall, and the beach that runs along the seafront. On a dry day, you can walk along Marine Parade, explore the independent shops and visit Lyme Regis Museum, which tells the story of local fossil hunter Mary Anning.
One of the main reasons to visit in winter is fossil hunting. Storms can expose fossils along parts of the Jurassic Coast, particularly around Lyme Regis and nearby Charmouth. There are also plenty of opportunities for beach days and coastal walks along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, including routes around West Bay, Lulworth Cove and Swanage.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers organised fossil walks, where visitors can learn what to look for and how to search safely. Always check tide times and keep well away from unstable cliffs.
If you’re planning to stay in the area, you’ll find a selection of holiday cottages along the Dorset coast, including properties in Lyme Regis and nearby seaside towns.
3. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby is one of Wales’ most popular seaside towns, but there is still plenty to enjoy during the winter months.
The town’s medieval walls, colourful harbour buildings and narrow streets are interesting to explore throughout the year. You can walk around the harbour, visit Castle Hill and enjoy views across North Beach towards Goscar Rock.
Tenby’s beaches are particularly appealing for winter walks. North Beach and South Beach offer long stretches of sand, while Harbour Beach is close to the town centre.
Winter is also a convenient time to visit with a dog, as seasonal restrictions are lifted on several of Tenby’s beaches between October and April.
If the weather isn’t suitable for a long walk, you can explore the town’s shops, cafés and pubs. Tenby Museum and Art Gallery is another possibility when open, although winter opening times should be checked in advance.
Tenby is one of several popular places to stay in Pembrokeshire. Our selection of coastal cottages in Pembrokeshire also includes accommodation around Saundersfoot, St Davids and other seaside villages.
4. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives has plenty to offer during winter, particularly for visitors interested in art, coastal walking and exploring the harbour.
The town is home to several beaches, including Porthmeor, Porthminster and Harbour Beach. Walking between them is an easy way to explore the town and enjoy views across St Ives Bay.
Art lovers can visit Tate St Ives, which overlooks Porthmeor Beach, or explore the town’s smaller galleries. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is another well-known attraction, although seasonal opening arrangements should be checked.
For a longer walk, head towards Carbis Bay or explore part of the South West Coast Path. Further along the coast, Godrevy is another popular location for winter walking, with views towards the lighthouse. If you’re planning to explore more of Cornwall, there are plenty of other coastal towns worth visiting during winter, including Bude, Fowey and Porthleven.
St Ives also has a selection of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, although some businesses operate reduced winter hours.
If you’re considering a few days away, our collection of Cornwall beach cottages includes accommodation in St Ives and other locations along the county’s north and south coasts.
5. Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Wells-next-the-Sea is a great destination for anyone who enjoys long beach walks and wildlife watching.
The town has a working harbour, traditional shops and a quay overlooking the salt marshes. From the harbour, you can follow the route towards Wells Beach, which is known for its colourful beach huts and extensive sands.
The beach is backed by pine woodland, and there are walking routes through the trees towards neighbouring Holkham Beach.
This area is also worth visiting for its wildlife. The salt marshes around Wells and Holkham attract a variety of wintering birds, including geese and waders. Holkham National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for birdwatching throughout the colder months.
After a walk, return to Wells for a meal or explore the shops around the town centre.
If you’re looking for places to stay along the Norfolk coast, you’ll find accommodation around Wells, Holkham and other North Norfolk villages.
6. Bamburgh, Northumberland
Few places on the Northumberland coast have a setting quite like Bamburgh, with its large castle overlooking the beach.
Bamburgh Beach stretches beneath the castle and offers views towards the Farne Islands. It’s an excellent place for a winter walk, although conditions can be windy and exposed.
Bamburgh Castle is one of the main attractions and has winter opening dates, including special Christmas arrangements. Check the official website before travelling, as opening days vary during the colder months.
You can also visit the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, which tells the story of the famous Victorian lighthouse keeper’s daughter who helped rescue survivors from a shipwreck in 1838.
Nearby Seahouses has a working harbour and places to eat, while Beadnell Bay offers another sandy beach for walking.
Bamburgh, Seahouses and Beadnell are among the coastal destinations featured in our collection of Northumberland cottages by the sea.
7. Ventnor, Isle of Wight
Ventnor is on the Isle of Wight’s south coast and is known for its sheltered position beneath steep hills.
The town has a seafront promenade, a small harbour and a beach bordered by cafés and traditional seaside buildings. The coastal scenery is particularly attractive along the routes towards Bonchurch and Steephill Cove.
Ventnor Botanic Garden is another reason to visit. Its sheltered grounds contain plants from different parts of the world, and the garden normally remains open during winter, with shorter daily hours.
You can also explore the town’s independent shops and take a walk along the seafront when the weather allows.
For a longer day out, visit nearby Shanklin or explore other parts of the island’s southern coastline.
If you’re planning a winter visit, our selection of coastal holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight includes accommodation in Ventnor and several other seaside towns.
8. North Berwick, East Lothian
North Berwick is an attractive Scottish seaside town with sandy beaches, a harbour and views across the Firth of Forth.
West Bay Beach is close to the town centre, while Milsey Bay stretches towards the east. Both are worth visiting for a winter walk, especially on clear days when you can see Bass Rock offshore.
The Scottish Seabird Centre is a major attraction beside the harbour. Its indoor Discovery Experience provides information about Scotland’s marine wildlife and live camera views of seabird habitats.
North Berwick also has independent shops, cafés and restaurants, making it a pleasant destination for a weekend away.
If you’d like to explore further, nearby Tantallon Castle occupies a spectacular clifftop position overlooking Bass Rock. Check visitor access and winter opening times before travelling.
North Berwick is one of several coastal destinations where you can find sea view cottages in Scotland, with accommodation also available along the country’s west and northern coasts.
9. Llandudno, North Wales
Llandudno is one of the best-known seaside resorts in North Wales, with a long promenade, Victorian buildings and views towards the Great Orme.
The promenade runs alongside North Shore Beach and provides an easy walk with views across Llandudno Bay. You can also explore the town’s pier, subject to weather conditions and seasonal opening.
The Great Orme is a major attraction at any time of year. Walking routes lead across the headland, with views towards Anglesey, Conwy and the mountains of Snowdonia.
The Great Orme Tramway operates seasonally rather than throughout winter, but parts of the headland can still be reached by road or on foot when conditions allow. Another popular excursion is nearby Conwy, where you can explore the medieval town walls and visit Conwy Castle.
If you’d like to explore beyond Llandudno, there are plenty of other beaches along the North Wales coast worth visiting, including sandy bays and smaller beaches around Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula.
For a longer break, browse our collection of North Wales coastal cottages, which covers Llandudno and other seaside destinations.
10. Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Stonehaven is a harbour town on Scotland’s east coast, around 15 miles south of Aberdeen.
The historic harbour, seafront and old town are worth exploring, but the main attraction nearby is Dunnottar Castle.
The castle stands on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, with steep cliffs on three sides. Its position makes it particularly impressive during the winter months, although access depends on the weather.
Dunnottar Castle generally opens throughout winter, with shorter hours and closures during dangerous weather. Check the official website before setting off.
Stonehaven also has a sheltered harbour, independent cafés and restaurants. A walk along the seafront towards the harbour is a simple way to explore the town.
For a longer holiday, you can visit other coastal destinations along the Aberdeenshire coast. Our collection of holiday cottages along the Scottish coast includes accommodation in several different regions.
Planning a Winter Holiday by the Coast
A winter coastal break needs a little more planning than a summer beach holiday, particularly if you’re heading somewhere remote.
Check seasonal opening times. Some museums, castles, restaurants and visitor attractions reduce their opening hours between November and March. Check official websites before travelling, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Check the weather and tide times. Strong winds, rough seas and high tides can make exposed beaches, harbour walls and coastal paths dangerous. Avoid walking close to cliff edges or unstable cliffs.
Choose accommodation with suitable winter facilities. Reliable heating, comfortable living areas and nearby places to eat can make a difference during a short winter break.
Plan a few indoor activities. Museums, galleries, castles and visitor centres provide alternatives when the weather prevents longer coastal walks.
Find Your Next Winter Break by the Sea
From the historic harbour at Whitby to the beaches of Pembrokeshire and the castles of Northumberland, there are plenty of places to enjoy a coastal holiday during winter.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a longer break, Beach Stays features a wide range of cottages by the sea in coastal towns and villages across the UK. Browse the collection to find somewhere for your next winter holiday.