From traditional deckchairs on its sandy beaches to the tallest rollercoaster in Britain, the seaside resort of Blackpool welcomes visitors with open arms.

Photo by: South West Coast Path/Roy Curtis
From idyllic soft sands and vibrant seaside resorts, to wild nature reserves filled with puffins, dolphins and adrenaline thrills, expect the unexpected on the British coast.
Spring brings bumper waves for super surfing, and peaceful beaches for rockpooling adventures. Explore blossoming clifftop gardens, follow seaside cycle tracks and spot nesting seabirds.
Wherever you’re heading, here’s where to splash, surf, scuba, swim – and perhaps even sunbathe – on Britain’s shores.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc
Be inspired by cool and creative St Ives, loved by artists thanks to its remarkable quality of light. Discover the work of Ithell Colquhoun and Edward Burra in a special exhibition at Tate St Ives, then immerse yourself in art and nature at the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. If your New Year’s resolution is to learn a new sport, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Surfing, coasteering, paddleboarding, kayaking – they’re all here at St Ives Surf School. Recognise the backdrop at St Ives? It featured in the film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).
Photo by: Visit Kent/Rebecca Douglas
For retro rides and vintage vibes head to Dreamland Margate, which reopens in April. Thrill seekers of all ages are welcome – think cups and saucers, swinging pirate ships, big wheels and helter skelters! Late spring is a great time to go rockpooling and discover Kent’s sparkling coastline. Young adventurers will love the Coastal Explorer bags, available to hire from Margate’s Visitor Information Centre. Sam Mendes’ 2023 film Empire of Light was also shot in Margate.
Photo by: Conwy County Borough Council
Tram, cable car, toboggan – how will you explore the Great Orme? Llandudno’s very own coastal country park comes to life in spring and summer. Spot rare butterflies, nesting seabirds and frolicking Kashmiri goats with their shaggy white fur. Or visit in May to experience the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, for time-travelling costumes, fairground rides, vehicles and parades.
Photo by: North Yorkshire Council/ Tom Arber
Make waves in Whitby on a boat trip with Whitby Coastal Cruises. Look out for their bright yellow boats in the town’s harbour, whisking you out to sea or inland up the River Esk. For more thrills, discover the town’s connection with Dracula at the imposing Whitby Abbey. Explore the haunting ruins and enjoy views over the North Sea.
Photo by: BCP Tourism
Location: Bournemouth, England
Bournemouth may be famous for its glorious, sandy beaches, but did you know it’s home to 1,000 hectares of parks and gardens too? Discover the green oasis that is Bournemouth Gardens, where you can have a game of tennis or mini golf, or simply take a stroll, ice cream in hand. At Alum Chine, you’ll find sea-breezy tropical gardens on the cliff face, plus a Treasure Island-themed children’s play area.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes
Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a joy to explore in spring, and Tenby makes a super base for your adventures. Framed by pastel-coloured houses, the town’s Harbour Beach is a must-see and the nearby cobbled streets are brimming with cafes and independent shops to explore. The seaside town can be seen in the 2008 movie The Edge of Love, with some scenes shot at Lexden House on St Julian Street. Boat trips to pretty Caldey Island restart in spring, with its Cistercian monastery, quaint cottages and island-made souvenirs.
Photo by: VisitBritain
Have you ever been to a seaweed festival? On 25 May, picture-perfect Clovelly (as seen in the 2025 film The Salt Path) puts the spotlight on this incredible yet underrated plant. Tuck into lip-smacking seaweed dishes and pick up seaweed-related products at the quayside. See more Clovelly produce at the carefully curated Clovelly Court Gardens, which are in full bloom this season. If you want to know what the fruit and vegetables here taste like, the kitchen gardens supply the village’s Red Lion Hotel!
Photo by: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
All aboard for a wildlife-watching adventure from Portree this spring. On a tour with Stardust Boat Trips, you’ll have the chance to spot sea eagles, dolphins and perhaps even whales from your boat. Back on dry land, Portree buzzes with live music in May with the Skye Live Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.
Our coastlines are no stranger to the screen. Marvel fans – don’t miss Holkham beach in Norfolk, which made a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). Just like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s characters, you too can take a peaceful stroll along this sandy beach – although we can’t guarantee Dogpool will turn up.
Discover the real-life High Tide, from House of the Dragon (2022–), in Cornwall. St Michael’s Mount stepped in as Driftmark island in the fantasy series and it’s a joy to visit, whether you love history or hiking, wild swimming or paddleboarding.
See the dunes where Shell Cottage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010) was constructed during filming in Pembrokeshire, Wales. While it may have been dismantled after the shoot wrapped, you can still follow in the sandy footsteps of Harry, Ron and Hermione at Freshwater West.
The quiet fishing village of Dunure, south-west Scotland, has a starry secret: it appeared in Outlander (2014–). Its harbour, beach and ruined castle all appear in series three, and they’re yours to explore.
Take a walk on the South West Coast Path which snakes through Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Several locations on the 630-mile (1,014km) route star in the 2025 film The Salt Path. Hike the whole path, or dip in to some of the key filming locations, including Minehead, Padstow, Newquay and St Ives.
Photo by: VisitBritain/National Trust/Paul Sampson
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…