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A luxury seaside holiday isn’t just about where you stay. Choosing the right destination is equally important, especially if you’re planning a romantic getaway, a special occasion or a holiday with family and friends. The UK has plenty of coastal towns where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and interesting places to visit, alongside high-quality holiday accommodation.
From the sandy bays of Cornwall to the historic harbour towns of Devon and the beaches of Dorset and Wales, there are some excellent places to consider. Whether your idea of a special holiday involves fine dining, surfing, coastal walks or simply enjoying the sea views, these ten destinations offer plenty of choice.
1. St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives is one of Cornwall‘s most popular seaside towns, known for its sandy beaches, art galleries and excellent restaurants. The town has several beaches within walking distance of the centre, making it easy to spend a day exploring without needing the car.
Porthminster Beach is a particularly attractive setting, with golden sand and views across St Ives Bay. The Porthminster Beach Café is well known for its seafood and coastal location, making it a good choice for a special lunch or dinner.
Porthmeor Beach is popular with surfers and is overlooked by Tate St Ives, while the smaller Porthgwidden Beach offers a more sheltered setting. Visitors can also explore the independent shops and galleries around the harbour and old town.
For a luxury break, St Ives has a choice of contemporary apartments, stylish coastal cottages and larger holiday homes, including properties with views across the beaches and harbour.
2. Newquay, Cornwall
Newquay has developed into much more than a traditional surfing destination. Alongside its famous beaches, the town now offers excellent restaurants, contemporary coastal accommodation and plenty of activities for visitors looking for a special seaside holiday.
Fistral Beach is Newquay’s best-known surfing beach, with a wide stretch of sand, surf schools and several places to eat overlooking the Atlantic. The Headland Hotel stands above the northern end of the beach, providing one of the area’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.
Visitors looking for a more sheltered setting can explore Towan Beach, Tolcarne Beach and Lusty Glaze. A short drive north, Watergate Bay has another impressive sandy beach and restaurants close to the shoreline.
Newquay also has a growing food scene, with restaurants such as The Fish House at Fistral serving seafood in a relaxed coastal setting.
For those interested in learning to surf, our guide to the best surfing beaches in the UK includes Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, alongside other popular surfing destinations around the country.
Luxury accommodation around Newquay includes modern beachfront apartments, large family holiday homes and properties with private terraces overlooking the coastline.
3. Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Carbis Bay is an excellent choice for visitors who want a beautiful sandy beach and high-quality accommodation within easy reach of St Ives.
The bay is known for its pale sand, clear water and sheltered position along the north Cornwall coastline. The beach is backed by wooded hillsides and offers attractive views across St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Carbis Bay Beach is the main attraction, particularly during the warmer months when visitors can enjoy swimming, paddle-boarding and relaxing on the sand. Beach facilities and places to eat are available close to the shoreline.
The Carbis Bay Hotel has helped establish the area as a luxury holiday destination, while the surrounding village offers a selection of private holiday homes and apartments.
One of the area’s biggest advantages is its proximity to St Ives. The scenic branch railway connects Carbis Bay with the neighbouring town, making it easy to visit the galleries, shops and restaurants without driving.
Walking is another popular activity. The South West Coast Path follows the shoreline towards St Ives in one direction and Porthkidney Beach and Lelant in the other.
For couples or families wanting a quieter base near St Ives, Carbis Bay is a particularly attractive option.
4. Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe is one of South Devon‘s most sought-after coastal destinations, particularly popular with visitors interested in sailing, boating and waterside restaurants.
The town overlooks the Kingsbridge Estuary, where colourful buildings, sailing boats and waterfront properties create an attractive setting. Along the main streets, you’ll find independent shops, cafés and restaurants, many within walking distance of the harbour.
Some of the area’s finest beaches lie across the estuary at East Portlemouth. A passenger ferry connects Salcombe with the opposite shore, providing access to sandy beaches including Mill Bay and Sunny Cove.
Closer to town, North Sands and South Sands are popular for swimming and spending time beside the water. Visitors can also enjoy boat trips, kayaking and walks along the South West Coast Path.
Food is another reason to visit Salcombe. The town has a good choice of seafood restaurants, pubs and waterfront dining options, with outdoor seating particularly popular during the summer.
Salcombe offers an impressive selection of coastal holiday homes, including contemporary properties with large terraces, spacious living areas and views across the estuary.
It’s an excellent destination for couples, families and groups looking to celebrate a special occasion.
5. Dartmouth, Devon
Dartmouth combines an attractive harbour setting with historic buildings, excellent restaurants and easy access to some of South Devon’s most interesting coastal attractions.
The town sits beside the River Dart, where narrow streets lead towards the waterfront and colourful buildings overlook the harbour. Visitors can browse independent shops, explore the historic town centre or take a ferry across the river to Kingswear.
Dartmouth is particularly well known for its restaurants. The Seahorse specialises in seafood and has a waterfront location, while several other restaurants and bistros offer seasonal menus using local ingredients.
For more ideas about coastal destinations with good places to eat, take a look at our guide to where to go for a foodie break by the sea.
Dartmouth Castle stands near the entrance to the estuary and offers an interesting insight into the area’s maritime history. Boat trips along the River Dart are another popular activity, with routes towards Totnes and the surrounding countryside.
For a beach day, Blackpool Sands is a short drive away. This sheltered shingle beach is known for its clear water, attractive surroundings and beachside facilities.
Dartmouth has a choice of luxury waterfront apartments, historic townhouses and larger coastal properties overlooking the estuary, making it a good destination for a romantic weekend or a longer family holiday.
6. Westward Ho!, Devon
Westward Ho! is a popular seaside town in North Devon, known for its long sandy beach, excellent surfing conditions and views across Bideford Bay.
The beach stretches for around two miles, with sand exposed at lower tides and a large pebble ridge separating parts of the shoreline from Northam Burrows. It’s a popular location for swimming, surfing, paddle-boarding and long walks beside the sea.
Unlike some of North Devon’s smaller coastal villages, Westward Ho! has a good selection of shops, cafés, restaurants and family attractions close to the beachfront.
The town is also home to the Royal North Devon Golf Club, which was founded in 1864 and is one of England’s oldest golf courses. Its links course provides an additional attraction for visitors planning a golfing holiday.
Northam Burrows Country Park is worth exploring for its coastal scenery, wildlife and walking routes. Nearby Appledore offers a contrasting setting, with narrow streets, independent galleries and restaurants overlooking the Taw and Torridge Estuary.
For visitors planning a longer stay, there are plenty of other North Devon destinations within reach, including Instow, Croyde, Saunton Sands and Woolacombe.
Westward Ho! has a selection of modern coastal holiday homes, including spacious properties with sea views, private balconies and facilities suitable for family celebrations or group holidays.
7. Croyde, Devon
Croyde is one of North Devon’s best-known surfing destinations, with a sandy beach, attractive village centre and several excellent coastal walks.
Croyde Bay is the main attraction, offering a wide sandy beach surrounded by dunes and cliffs. The beach is particularly popular with surfers, although the waves and currents can be powerful, so beginners should use local surf schools and follow lifeguard advice.
The village itself has traditional cottages, pubs, cafés and a selection of independent shops. It’s a compact place where visitors can enjoy a quieter holiday while remaining close to some of North Devon’s best beaches.
One of the area’s main attractions is Baggy Point, a National Trust headland overlooking Croyde Bay and the surrounding coastline. The walking routes offer impressive views towards Woolacombe and across Bideford Bay.
Nearby Saunton Sands provides another excellent beach, with a long stretch of sand backed by Braunton Burrows. Golfers can also visit Saunton Golf Club, which has two championship links courses.
Croyde and Westward Ho! both feature in our guide to where to stay on the North Devon coast, which compares the area’s beaches, villages and seaside towns.
For a luxury break, Croyde offers contemporary coastal homes, stylish cottages and larger properties suitable for families or groups of friends.
8. Sandbanks, Dorset
Sandbanks is one of Dorset’s most desirable seaside locations, known for its long sandy beach, impressive waterfront properties and position between Poole Harbour and the English Channel.
Sandbanks Beach is the main attraction, with golden sand and views across Poole Bay towards the Isle of Wight. It’s popular for swimming, paddle-boarding and relaxing beside the sea, while the sheltered waters of Poole Harbour provide excellent conditions for sailing and other water sports.
The area has several restaurants, including Rick Stein Sandbanks, which overlooks the harbour and specialises in seafood.
One of the best ways to explore the surrounding coastline is to take the Sandbanks chain ferry across the entrance to Poole Harbour. The ferry connects the peninsula with Studland, where visitors can enjoy beaches including Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and South Beach.
From Studland, walking routes lead towards Old Harry Rocks, one of Dorset’s best-known coastal landmarks.
Sandbanks also provides easy access to Poole and Bournemouth, offering plenty of options for shopping, restaurants and days out.
Luxury accommodation is a major attraction in Sandbanks, with contemporary beachfront apartments and large modern holiday homes, some offering extensive sea views and private outdoor space.
9. Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis is an attractive seaside town on Dorset‘s Jurassic Coast, combining historic buildings, independent shops and restaurants with beaches and interesting coastal attractions.
The town is best known for the Cobb, its historic harbour wall, which offers views across Lyme Bay and the waterfront. Nearby, visitors can enjoy the main sandy beach, seafront gardens and a selection of cafés and restaurants.
Seafood is a particular highlight. The Oyster & Fish House overlooks the bay and offers an appealing setting for a special meal, while the town centre has smaller restaurants, pubs and wine bars.
Lyme Regis is also famous for its fossils and connections with Mary Anning. The Lyme Regis Museum provides information about the town’s history and the remarkable fossil discoveries made along this coastline.
Visitors can explore the surrounding area on foot, although the cliffs are unstable in places and it’s important to follow local safety advice.
Nearby Charmouth is another popular destination for fossil hunting, with a heritage centre and opportunities to join guided walks.
Our article on exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast includes more information about Lyme Regis, Charmouth and other attractions along this famous stretch of coastline.
For a special seaside break, Lyme Regis offers stylish coastal apartments, traditional townhouses and holiday homes overlooking the bay.
10. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby is one of the most attractive seaside towns in Wales, with colourful harbour buildings, medieval town walls and several sandy beaches within walking distance of the centre.
North Beach is particularly well known for its golden sand and views towards Goscar Rock and the harbour. South Beach offers a longer stretch of sand, with views towards Caldey Island and the surrounding Pembrokeshire coastline.
The old town has narrow streets filled with restaurants, cafés and independent shops. Many visitors enjoy exploring the historic town centre before heading down to the harbour for a meal or a walk along the waterfront.
Boat trips to Caldey Island are another popular attraction when weather and operating conditions permit. The island is known for its monastery, beaches and walking routes.
Tenby is also a good base for exploring the wider Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Nearby Saundersfoot has another sandy beach and a busy harbour, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers excellent walking routes.
For visitors interested in activities, there are opportunities for kayaking, paddle-boarding, boat trips and exploring nearby coastal villages.
Tenby has a selection of high-quality holiday accommodation, including modern apartments overlooking the beaches, stylish townhouses and larger coastal properties suitable for families and groups.
Planning Your Luxury Seaside Break
The right destination for a luxury coastal holiday depends on what you’d most like to do during your stay.
For excellent restaurants and seafood, St Ives, Dartmouth and Lyme Regis are particularly appealing. Salcombe offers sailing and waterfront dining, while Newquay and Croyde are excellent choices for visitors interested in surfing.
If you’re planning a holiday around beaches, Carbis Bay, Sandbanks and Tenby all offer beautiful sandy stretches within easy reach of restaurants and other facilities. Westward Ho! is another good option, especially for families who want a large beach and plenty to do nearby.
Accommodation is also worth considering carefully. Some coastal properties offer direct beach access, while others are positioned above the shoreline with impressive sea views. Features such as private hot tubs, spacious terraces, modern kitchens and large living areas can be particularly appealing for birthdays, anniversaries and family celebrations.
For your next trip, explore our collection of luxury coastal holiday homes, featuring high-quality seaside accommodation across the UK. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family celebration or a longer seaside holiday, there’s plenty of choice in these popular coastal destinations.