Shortlist
Studying abroad is not an easy affair. Thus, students who opt for it also want to experience life to the fullest. Thus, the best seaside towns in UK are the top picks for students who wish to balance study and enjoy life. However, they get confused with hundreds of options. So, here are the 10 famous towns by the seaside in the UK with the best and worst in them. Now, you can analyze them and make the right choice. In addition, there are also a few travel tips to help you in the process.
Table of Contents
Are you here looking for the best seaside towns in UK? If yes, that's great!
Everyone knows that the United Kingdom is the top pick for students across the globe for its beauty, education quality, and affordability. But only a few are aware of the marvellous sea it is surrounded by. Here, we will take a look at the top 10 famous seaside towns in UK. So, let's get started!
Brighton is also known as "London by the Sea." It is known for its creative arts, vibrant nightlife, music festivals, and Brighton Pier. Moreover, the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex are nearby, so it covers all aspects of life. This place is known for its trends, great cafes, coastal charm, and nightlife. However, it is way too crowded during summers and weekends, and the housing here is expensive.
Next up is the stunning coastal gem – Bournemouth. Known for its long sandy beaches, charming Victorian architecture, lively student atmosphere, surf-friendly waves, and vibrant beach festivals, it's the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. It has sunny weather, active social life, affordable rents, and top universities like Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth. However, the party-centric feel and lesser cultural venues can be a buzzkill.
Swansea, or the "City by the Sea" is known for Poet Dylan Thomas. Maybe the place is the inspiration for his lines, "The only sea I saw… Was the seesaw sea…With you riding on it." from "Under Milk Wood." However, this place is also famous for the Bay campus by the sea, green spaces, historical coastline, Swansea University, low cost of living, friendly locals, and great spots for hiking and surfing. But, if you are into nightlife or shopping, this is a smaller city with very few options.
If you are looking for nice seaside towns in the UK, then Aberystwyth is the best pick. Aber is famous for the National Library of Wales and Castle ruins. It has a calm pace, amazing mountain and sea views, a relaxed vibe, and a nature-inspired vibe. The students at Aberystwyth University say this is an ideal place to focus while studying and a safe town. However, it is remote and has few student clubs or shopping spots.
The "Artistic Capital of Cornwall" is famous for its port town, art, and design. Moreover, the harbour walks, live music, and open mics give a relaxed vibe to the people. This hubs the famous Falmouth University and is one of the best seaside towns in UK. However, it has fewer job opportunities and requires long travel to major cities.
Plymouth, or Britain's Ocean City, is famous for its naval base and maritime history. The home park, aquarium, water sports, and historic sites are must-visit places. Moreover, the renowned University of Plymouth and affordable student housing make this a perfect blend of urban and coastal life. However, it can sometimes feel grey, and frequent weather changes can be trouble.
The St. Andrews is also called the "Home of Golf." This is known for its renowned University of St. Andrews. It is also popular for Royal Alumni, Medieval Buildings, Academic Prestige, Beach Walks, and Golf. But with the high academic life and beautiful historic architecture comes the high rentals and limited nightlife options.
If you are looking for the best coastal towns in UK, then this is your thing. The Pompey is known for its historic dockyards, Southsea Beach's strong student community, and naval history. This place also has the popular university of Portsmouth, a diverse city, good job options, and a public transportation facility for a connected life. However, it has a few rough areas and is less green compared to other towns.
If dramatic cliffs and grand hotels are what you are looking for, then this is it. Scarborough is also known as "The Original Seaside Resort." It has a rich heritage and calm seaside living. The students at Coventry University promise traditional charm and great coastal views at budget-friendly prices. However, it has a smaller student population and low nightlife.
When talking about the best seaside towns in UK, how can we miss the "Gateway to the World" that hubs the Titanic's last port? This port city is famous for its festivals, shipping industry, waterfront parks, and Marine and Engineering courses at the University of Southampton and Solent University. But it has less seaside compared to other towns and an industrial atmosphere in places.
So, this is the list of the top 10 seaside towns in UK. Now, let’s take a quick look at some travel tips to visit these places to have a safe and comfortable stay.
Are you planning to visit the best seaside towns in UK, then you want to make your trip memorable, right? But do you want to remember it as the time when all you saw were people more than grains of sand? Or as a trip where you call in sick and stay in bed all day? Or do you end up hopping hotels and finding a place to stay? No, right? So, here are some travel tips to ensure you have the best trip and stay.
Since you are planning to visit the best seaside towns in UK, you must choose a time with less crowd and more good weather. Check local forecasts and plan your visit at non-peak times to get the best deals at affordable prices.
Rather than grabbing one-season clothing or the one you can find, pack consciously. Coastal areas can turn windy and chilly, so pack for all seasons to avoid spending unnecessarily.
Seaside towns fill up fast. So, you must plan and make bookings for student accommodation in UK. Moreover, you can try different options like hostels, Airbnb, and university halls to see what matches your preferences.
You can try local foods that are famous in that particular location. They turn out to be nutritious and delicious, and they have a cultural story behind them. So you can taste and learn the traditional story behind that cuisine. In addition, you can visit cultural places other than the sea views such as museums, historic sites, art galleries, parks, and gardens. These places tell you about the history.
You can try public transportation for a closer experience. But, at the same time, check the timings and plan your trip to avoid delays and confusion. Moreover, one good thing about public transport is that it's well-connected and affordable too. So, when you plan to visit the best coastal towns in UK, make sure to try public transport.
So, these are a few tips to help you make your visit to the famous seaside towns the best. However, if you need any more information or have any queries, feel free to reach out to our experts. They can help you with suggestions on the best places, student accommodation in London, UK, and more.
This blog sheds light on the best towns by seaside to visit in UK. These are listed based on the scenic beauty, student life, access to universities, affordability, and amenities. It also covers the pros and cons of each town. Moreover, you can also find a few travel tips to help you plan your visit to the best seaside town in UK. In addition, you can count on our experts for more information or suggestions related to your visit or student accommodation in UK.
St. Ives, Cornwall is known as the nicest seaside town in the UK. The mild climate, stunning beaches, food, artistic vibe, and coastal walks make it the best pick for families, solo travelers, and couples as well.
There are 100+ seaside towns in the UK.
The beautiful beaches, calmness of nature, holiday vibes, fresh seafood, events, festivals, and watersports are a few of the many reasons why seaside towns are famous.
According to Lloyds Bank, Salcombe in Devon is the most expensive seaside town. The average housing here costs around £970,657.
Swansea, Plymouth, and Aberystwyth are the most affordable seaside towns for students and budget travelers. Here, the property prices start at around £100K per month.
6 People watching now
Chat with Expert
6 People watching now
Let us shortlist and book accommodations that match your preferences—all for a small amount
Service charge
Chat with Expert
We are available in :
LondonBirminghamNewcastleManchesterLiverpoolLutonPortsmouthPrestonLeicesterSheffieldBristolReadingDerbyEdinburghGlasgowNottinghamLeedsCanterburyBathSunderlandDisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities and properties used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding Homes does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
