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Calling all island hoppers, beach lovers and adventure seekers! Britain has over 18,000 miles (30,000km) of coastline to explore: from idyllic soft sands and vibrant seaside resorts, to wild nature reserves filled with puffins, dolphins and adrenaline thrills. Wherever you’re heading, here’s where to splash, surf, scuba, swim – and perhaps even sunbathe – on Britain’s shores.

Top coast destinations to visit

All coast destinations

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

South West England
A woman cycles along a Cornish beach with her surfboard

Hugging the south-west, Devon is a playground for adventurers, explorers and foodie lovers.

South West England
Couple carrying surfboards and wearing wet suits on beach

A land of mighty scenery and epic stories, this wild corner of Northern Ireland will steal your heart.

Northern Ireland
Man and boy sitting on the red basalt columns

A masterpiece in the making, filled with beaches, clifftops, cities and nature.

East England
A person on a footpath on the coastal path near sea

Located in the northern reaches of Scotland, the Highlands are about beauty and adventure.

Highland Scotland
Rear view of two men jumping with joy on a country road

A route to adventure, culture and wildlife hugging the shorelines of Wales.

North Wales
Lighthouse on a prominent rocky outcrop

The gateway into Scotland, the Borders and Lowlands pack the punch,

Lowland Scotland
Girls standing on the zipwire platform in the pine forest

From ice-cream parlours to sea food festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

South East England
Man and woman walking between vines at a vineyard

Welcome to dinosaur territory, with beaches and rocks strewn with ancient fossils and footprints.

South West England
People kayaking along the shores of coastline

Jaw-dropping landscapes wrapped in tales of legends, the wild nature will stay with you forever.

Scottish Islands
A group of deer near a lake, grazing grass

From valleys, shorelines to towns, find North Wales packed with adventure.

North Wales
Castle standing on a grassy hilltop. Blue skies and clouds

One epic road trip with hefty mountains, dazzling beaches and tranquil lochs.

Highland Scotland
Peedie Sands, a hidden gem beach near the village of Dunnet in Caithness

Things to do on the coast

Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 90-year-old wooden rollercoaster in this seaside theme park.

Get your tickets for Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
View to a fairground ride at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Spot bottlenose dolphins in the summer at Aberdeen Beach.

Discover the beautiful sands of Aberdeen Beach
Aberdeen Beach Front
Aberdeen Beach

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of an extinct volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Get behind a steam engine at the world’s first preserved railway.

Go full steam ahead at Talyllyn Railway
Train on Talyllyn Railway
Talyllyn Railway

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles.

Get your tickets for Bamburgh Castle
View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this Medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Book tickets to Conway Castle
A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

Rock, pop, punk and rave you way through popular music history.

Discover the sounds of the British Music Experience
Gentleman playing a guitar, wearing headphones in front of a play and white over-sixed image of a male guitarist at the British Music Experience, Mereyside. Bronze winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022
British Music Experience

An island paradise, Tolsta Beach is great for surfing.

Hit the waves at Tolsta Beach
Traigh Mhor Pony Trekking
Tolsta Beach

A history spanning 16 centuries, this iconic fortress exhibits tales from its Roman history to its role in the Second World War.

Visit Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle

A three-day food takeover brining local delights, drink live music and entertainment to the coastline.

Discover the flavours of St Ives Food and Drink Festival
St Ives Food & Drink Festival
St Ives Food and Drink Festival

Thrillseekers, you’ll love the 90-year-old wooden rollercoaster in this seaside theme park.

Get your tickets for Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
View to a fairground ride at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Spot bottlenose dolphins in the summer at Aberdeen Beach.

Discover the beautiful sands of Aberdeen Beach
Aberdeen Beach Front
Aberdeen Beach

Discover this dramatic fortress, perched on top of an extinct volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Castle
Green and red deck chairs laid out on grass in a park
Edinburgh Castle

Get behind a steam engine at the world’s first preserved railway.

Go full steam ahead at Talyllyn Railway
Train on Talyllyn Railway
Talyllyn Railway

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles.

Get your tickets for Bamburgh Castle
View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach
Bamburgh Castle

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this Medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – both a joy to explore.

Book tickets to Conway Castle
A castle lit up at night in winter snow near harbour
Conwy Castle, Conwy

Rock, pop, punk and rave you way through popular music history.

Discover the sounds of the British Music Experience
Gentleman playing a guitar, wearing headphones in front of a play and white over-sixed image of a male guitarist at the British Music Experience, Mereyside. Bronze winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022
British Music Experience

An island paradise, Tolsta Beach is great for surfing.

Hit the waves at Tolsta Beach
Traigh Mhor Pony Trekking
Tolsta Beach

A history spanning 16 centuries, this iconic fortress exhibits tales from its Roman history to its role in the Second World War.

Visit Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle
Pevensey Castle

A three-day food takeover brining local delights, drink live music and entertainment to the coastline.

Discover the flavours of St Ives Food and Drink Festival
St Ives Food & Drink Festival
St Ives Food and Drink Festival

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Still not sure where to go?

Fancy dancing ’til dawn at a festival, exploring our mighty national parks, or getting out and about on two wheels? Britain’s rural regions are ripe for adventure…