The UK’s best coastal destinations for a staycation have been named by Sykes Holiday Cottages, boasting coral beaches, turquoise waters, and traditional beach huts
Beautiful Scottish coastal destination beats St Ives in Cornwall as ‘best’ staycation hotspot (picture: St Ives in Cornwall)(Image: Getty Images)
Britain’s finest seaside spots for a short staycation have been revealed, featuring ‘coral’ shores, crystal-clear waters and classic beach huts dotted along the coastline.
Britain boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes, with its stretches of stunning coastline playing a major part. From Devon’s whitewashed cliffs to Victorian piers extending into the sea along Somerset’s coast, and Cornwall’s brilliant blue waters that rival those found in the Caribbean.
With an impressive 1,500 beaches scattered across Britain, we’re blessed with countless options for a weekend getaway or short seaside break. However, some have been crowned the finest of all, arriving at just the right moment before the May bank holiday weekends.
According to research conducted by staycation experts Sykes Holiday Cottages, the top 10 British locations ideal for a brief coastal retreat have been unveiled. Whether you’re after a seaside escape with mountain peaks as your backdrop, unspoilt shores featuring sugar-white sand, or classic seaside entertainment complete with a pleasure pier, there’s a destination to match everyone’s preferences.
Leading the rankings was the stunningly beautiful landscape of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, celebrated for its expansive stretches of coastline set against dramatic mountains and emerald-green valleys. The shores are remarkable, featuring crystal-clear waters, dark volcanic beaches and crushed maerl at the renowned Claigan Coral Beach.
St Ives in Cornwall, renowned for its turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches, came in just behind. Dubbed the ‘Cornish California’, it’s remained a longstanding favourite amongst Britons looking for a coastal getaway, offering surfing spots, a picturesque harbour and protected bays, reports the Mirror.
One potentially unexpected entry, surpassing destinations like Devon, is the varied coastline of Whitby in North Yorkshire. Its principal beach, West Cliff, boasts expansive stretches of golden sand, classic beach huts, and rock pools, set against a striking backdrop of rugged cliffs and the remains of the historic Whitby Abbey.
Fourth place went to the vibrant shore of Brighton in East Sussex, featuring its famous four-mile seafront, the historic Palace Pier extending over its shingle beach and Victorian arches. Nicknamed ‘London by the Sea’, it offers a buzzing atmosphere, numerous restaurants, retail outlets and leisure facilities, while retaining its classic seaside appeal.
Another coastal destination making the top five was the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, famed for its 30-mile expanse of Atlantic shoreline, sandy beaches and white chalk cliffs. Villages, towns, and harbours are scattered along the coast, providing an ideal weekend escape amid its picture-postcard vistas.
Although Devon missed out on the top five, its coastline at Torquay secured the popular resort a place in the top 10, alongside Anglesey in North Wales and Bournemouth in Dorset. Cornwall, however, dominated the rankings, with both Newquay and Padstow also featuring amongst the top 10 best coastal retreats.
Top 10 coastal destinations for a short break:
- Isle of Skye, Scotland
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
- Torquay, Devon
- Anglesey, North Wales
- Bournemouth, Dorset
- Newquay, Cornwall
- Padstow, Cornwall
To book a seaside staycation, head to the Sykes Holidays Cottages website. Alternatively, you can ring 01244 617 683, or download the Sykes Holiday Cottages app.
Accommodation across a wide range of UK destinations can also be found on the Holiday Cottages website and on Cottages.com. The National Trust additionally offers a selection of holiday cottages available to book throughout the UK.
