Top 5 coolest coastal towns and villages in the UK

5. Salcombe - South Hams – South Devon 

Salcombe is a famous estuary town in South Devon. Extremely popular with the well-heeled, nautical types the town is vibrant in the spring and summer months. Families and couples also love this place as there are many gorgeous, beaches and coves to explore. If sailing is not your thing then why not stroll through Fore Street where you will find a wide range of designer shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Crack open a crab claw or two at The Winking Prawn at North Sands or if you are feeling energetic a stunning portion of the South Devon Coastal Path is on hand. Salcombe is cool, chic and we think deserves its place in our top five.

4. Seahouses - Northumberland Coast

We think you will just love Seahouses on the Northumberland Coast. You will not be alone though as the secret is out. Once a sleepy fishing village, Seahouses is now very popular with visitors all year round. If you are the boaty type you will enjoy the atmosphere, particularly but there is plenty to do for all visitors. There are excellent amenities and eateries but perhaps Seahouses is most famous as the 'Gateway to the Farne Islands. This is truly a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers to marvel at this natural bird sanctuary. Twitchers will be able to spot the numerous species and everyone will recognise the inquisitive Puffins. There is also a very large seal colony here.

3. Tenby - Pembrokeshire - South West Wales

Tenby has long been a favourite destination for tourists and since the recent T.V programme The Harbour this has only been further enhanced. The quaint, bustling harbour is the centre point for activities in Tenby with boat and fishing trips, cafes and ice cream all readily available. There are also three fabulous beaches, quirky shops, art galleries and even a museum. Foodies just love Tenby as well as there is a good choice of cafes and restaurants that specialise in local produce including understandably seafood and fish caught off the bay. Visit Tenby the next time you are in Pembrokeshire as you will be glad you did or sorry you didn’t!

2. Aldeburgh - Suffolk Coast

This is a delightful coastal town in Suffolk and is everything you could want from a typical English seaside town. Aldeburgh is so colourful and has so much to see and do and it need not cost the earth. The town has shingle beach, museums, art galleries, interesting shops, restaurants and was the home of the famous composer Benjamin Britten for many years. Take in a concert at the Maltings at Snape, or maybe a boat trip on the River Alde. The choice is yours but we think you may find that once visited Aldeburgh is a place you could return to again and again. 

1. Rock - North Cornwall Coast

Rock is a beautiful Cornish coastal village on the north-east bank of the River Camel estuary. Rock has been on an upward trend now for several years in terms of tourism. Once a sleepy fishing village, this water sports paradise is now a firm favourite with the uber-wealthy visitors that flock here in very large cars each year. Trendy to say the least, there are some very fine eateries here and lots to see and do. Padstow is just across the estuary and can be easily reached by ferry or water taxi.