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Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Britain's 10 most genteel seaside towns, perfect for a weekend away
While there's a certain nostalgic joy to the type of coastal resort that's all candy floss, waltzers and slot machines, there's arguably greater pleasure in towns that have the seascapes and the golden sand but that are more cute than kitsch. More sourdough than doughnut. More vibrant arts scene than end-of-the-pier innuendo. More artisanal ice cream than Mr Whippy. Below, we've selected – in no particular order – 10 lovely British seaside spots where you can promenade in a posher fashion. 1. North Berwick, East Lothian Welcome to the 'Biarritz of the North'. When the railway arrived in the 19th century, North Berwick became a fashionable holiday hotspot, tourists drawn to its two sandy bays and its seaside links – the venerable North Berwick Golf Club was founded in 1832. The town, still only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh, is increasingly attracting younger folk priced out of the capital, adding a cosmopolitan edge. Do the classics: the Scottish Seabird Centre, a boat trip to Bass Rock. But also find exquisite pastries at Bostock, hip coffee at Steampunk and award-winning gelato at Alandas. Where to see (and be seen) Fringe by the Sea (1-10 August 2025) for an eclectic mix of talks, music and more in leafy Lodge Gardens. Where to stay Built in 1875 but fresh from a refurb, the sea-gazing Marine (01620 897300) has B&B doubles from £194pn. 2. Lymington, Hampshire The clank of boat masts, the cluster of cobbled streets, the views across the Solent, the New Forest spreading behind – Lymington has a plum location and oodles of maritime chic. Indeed, the latest Lloyds Coastal Homes Review found it to be the country's fifth most expensive spot (average house price: £608,253). Join the yachtie crowd at the marinas and sailing clubs, or book a skippered charter. Alternatively, stick on land browsing the Georgian High Street: pop into Stanwells award-winning womenswear boutique or come on a Saturday for one of the country's oldest markets. Finish with an exhibition at the St Barbe Museum. Where to see (and be seen) The Elderflower, enjoying the three AA rosette-awarded restaurant's imaginative modern-British tasting menu. Where to stay Stanwell House (01590 677123) is a handsome pile on the High Street; B&B doubles from £188pn. 3. Padstow, Cornwall Peaceful fishing village turned foodie phenomenon, Padstow is the British coast's tastiest choice. Rick Stein is the main man about town, of course. His original Seafood Restaurant turns 50 this year, but has since been joined by a smorgasbord of other venues; for sociable platters served with Camel Valley sparkling, try his Seafood Bar & Fishmongers. For fancy, opt for Paul Ainsworth's Michelin-starred No 6, while BinTwo is the wine bar/bottle-shop of choice. Balance all this consumption with a walk along the cracking coast path and a ferry trip over to – even posher? – Rock, 'Britain's Saint-Tropez'. Where to see (and be seen) Gorging on greenhouse dinners at Padstow Kitchen Garden, created by former Rick Stein chef and seventh-generation farmer Ross Geach. Where to stay Opened in 2025, Plum Cottage (01841 521175) is an exquisitely restored, Grade-II listed, antique-filled hideaway. Three nights cost from £600, sleeping four. 4. Deal, Kent Is there a prettier seaside spot than this? Deal is one of the country's best-preserved medieval towns, its centre a tight-knit cluster of cute. The Middle Street Conservation Area protects the best bits, from handsome Georgian terraces now housing antique shops and indie stores to grand Victorian villas and even a castle, one of Henry VIII's finest forts. All of this sprawls alongside a long pebble beach where you'll find colourful beach huts, waterfront bistros and a 1950s pier that's home to Deal Pier Kitchen – book early for its weekend steak and lobster nights. Where to see (and be seen) Sitting at the Blue Pelican, the hottest table in town since opening in 2024, where fine Kent produce is given a delectable Japanese spin. Where to stay The Rose (01304 389127) has eight individually-designed bedrooms plus a lauded restaurant; B&B doubles from £105pn. 5. Aberaeron, Ceredigion Designed in 1805, Aberaeron was one of Wales's first planned towns – and those Georgians did a good job. It's still a handsome old harbour, lined with elegant townhouses painted in appealing rainbow hues. More recently, Aberaeron's gained a foodie reputation: there's excellent honey ice cream at the Hive; local organic veg at Watson & Pratt's; and creative dining at the indigo-blue Harbourmaster, the Quay's most striking building. Major flood defence works, due to be completed by summer 2025, are preserving the town's historic character and will provide a new breakwater to promenade. Also, stroll up the River Aeron to visit elegant 18th-century Llanerchaeron. Where to see and be seen With an aperitif in the piano bar at Y Seler, crowned Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Wales 2024. Where to stay The Harbourmaster (01545 570755) is the height of modern-nautical chic; B&B doubles from £150pn, 6. Southwold, Suffolk According to Land Registry data, Southwold is Suffolk's most expensive address. And it's easy to see why. It has a traditional pier, a working harbour and a mile and a half of soft, blonde sand that's backed by a cheeriness of beach huts and an understatedly elegant town. There's a lighthouse right in the middle (which you can tour) plus a venerable brewery and many charming independents. Browse the high street, from classy womenswear boutique Collen & Clare to the UK's oldest amber specialist. Pit-stop for pastries at Two Magpies, which also runs doughnut-making classes. Where to see (and be seen) Eating fresh crab and prawns at the newly reopened Sole Bay Fish Company, down at Southwold's working harbour. Where to stay The Swan (01502 722186) is a Michelin-key Georgian inn offering an urban-hip seaside stay; B&B doubles from £220pn. 7. Lytham, Lancashire Though just miles from Blackpool, Lytham is a very different kettle of fish. This is the Fylde Coast's more refined side – the town's icon isn't a flashing tower, but a white-washed windmill. There's heaps of green space spreading down to the huge beach; it's lined with red-brick mansions and home to the century-old Lowther Pavilion Theatre. Lytham's comely centre also offers plenty of appealing independents and cafes – if you're a pistachio iced latte kinda person, the Courtyard is your stop. There's also a glorious Palladian manor, which serves excellent afternoon teas. Where to see (and be seen) Swinging a driver at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club – this world-class course has hosted ten Open Championships. Where to stay Lytham's grand dame is the 19th-century classical-styled Clifton Arms Hotel (01253 739898; overlooking the seafront; B&B doubles from £210pn. 8. Burnham Market, Norfolk Burnham Market isn't right by the coast – though it's only a mile away (aim for beautiful Brancaster Beach). Still, this small but but idyllically-formed little town/large village has earned the nickname Chelsea-on-Sea. London types pour in to amble its quaint 17th- and 18th-century streets and its surfeit of delightful places to shop, eat and drink. Don't miss Gurneys for fresh fish, the Tuscan Farm Shop for Italian goodies and the Gun Hill Clothing Company for a countryside-chic makeover. Where to see (and be seen) Dining on superb small plates at Michelin-listed Socius – book the 'Kitchen Table' to watch the chefs at work. Where to stay The classic choice is the smart, 17th-century Hoste Arms (01328 738 777), which also serves great food and has its own cinema; B&B doubles from £99pn. 9. Lyme Regis, Dorset Lyme Regis – the 'pearl of Dorset' – is a seaside gem. It gained its royal charter in the 13th century and was once a bigger port than Liverpool; now it's a much more genteel spot, perfect for promenading the iconic Cobb and pretty seafront – popping into Swim for brunch – or walking further along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. Alternatively, join a guided fossil walk and visit the statue of local-born palaeontology pioneer Mary Anning. Eating and drinking is excellent: Town Mill Bakery for bread; Lyme Regis Brewery for craft beer; Red Panda for bao buns. Also, catch a show at the historic Marine Theatre. Where to see (and be seen) At Michelin-listed Lilac, eating super-seasonal small plates in a 400-year-old cellar. Where to stay Perched up on the cliffs, the contemporary-classic Alexandra Hotel (01297 442010) has B&B doubles from £125pn. 10. Tenby, Pembrokeshire Tenby's four, beautiful Blue Flag beaches are enough to attract anyone. But the cliff-top town behind is a looker too. Here old stone walls encircle pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses, many of which are now neat little shops, bars and cafes. Top choices include the Harbwr Brewery, Môr Tenby, for Welsh goodies and Stowaway Coffee, tucked into a harbour-side arch. For culture, pop into the Museum and Art Gallery and visit the 15th-century Tudor Merchant House before eating at Plantagenet, fine-dining in a 1,000-year-old building. Where to see (and be seen) Sweating at Sea and Steam – take a fabulous four-mile walk along the coast path to Saundersfoot, to jump on the sauna trend. Where to stay Freshly reopened from a major refurb, the 120-year-old cliff-top Imperial Hotel (01834 843737) has doubles from £99pn room-only.
Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
It's still Jane Austen's world we're living in – just look at the Beckhams
One of the highlights of my year so far was talking to the brilliant Jane Austen biographer Paula Byrne at the Althorp Literary Festival, to mark the 250 th anniversary of the maestra's birth. Byrne was on our screens last night as contributor and consultant to the BBC's celebratory series Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius. What I particularly relish about Byrne's approach to Austen is that she puts family, humour and social engagement at the heart of understanding the novels – rather than the often espoused view of a shy spinster, slightly detached from the world. She makes a point of highlighting Austen's frequent travel and love of the British seaside, as helping form a literary vitality so fully realised that almost any character can walk off the page and into the 21 st century without feeling outmoded. But then Byrne was brought up a middle daughter on the Wirral in a pack of seven siblings and views Austen through the prism of domestic life, with shared jokes and confidences. This makes good sense to me, as the middle child of five, who saw my own sisters reflected in Elizabeth and Jane Bennett's bond, while my book-loving publican mother's anxieties over our marital prospects closely mirrored Mrs Bennett's. (It was mum who gave me a full set of Austen's novels aged 11, forever awakening me to the potential eligibility of vicars and the importance of witty, combative discourse in courtship.) Whenever a young man from one of the locale's land-owning families came into our rural pub, mum would loudly call for my big sister Holly or me to come and join her from our linked cottage, although it was clear only one bar-hand was required to serve a pint. We were mortified by the blatantness of her strategy, but now I see it as an immensely practical act of love. As an English Literature graduate in my twenties, I pined to be Lizzie Bennett, but recognised that I was almost certainly a less loveable, know-it-all Emma Woodhouse type, who tried to match-make friends with catastrophic results. I even ended up marrying my very own Mr Knightley, a kind, wise man 15 years my senior prepared to critique my less sensible decisions. You can't grow out of Jane Austen and her world is ever-pliable, encompassing updates and endless adaptations, of which my favourite may be Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The novels themselves withstand endless updates, makeovers and even down time tunnels, going back to the original serialisation form. This month, the Novel Magazine Company publishes a glossy 'magazine novel', three-issue version of Pride and Prejudice, 'curated' by one 'SJ King Esq', complete with imagined early 19 th -century advertisements. There are also lavish fashion plates of real Regency beauties, such as Georgiana Cavendish (the future Duchess of Devonshire, who was brought up at Althorp House), brought to life by the digital witchcraft that is AI. Volume one contains the first 23 chapters of the novel, just like Austen's 1813 first volume of Pride and Prejudice, which was published in three parts. And purists need not fear, the text is faithful to the original while the digital creator runs riot with the visuals. I must confess to a ferocious yearning for this Annie Leibovitz-style reimagining of P&P. It seems to me that Austen herself might applaud a Tatler-style rendition of her best loved novel. Her letters to her sister Cassandra betray a rich love of gossip and, if writing today, Austen would surely mull over family dramas in the public domain. Just imagine what the author's wry take would be on Victoria Bennett's – I mean Beckham's – estrangement from her feckless son Brooklyn, due to her new daughter-in-law's presumed machinations. How she would have laughed at Lauren Sánchez's staggeringly ostentatious hen night and wedding plans. The formats may change, but human folly remain the same. We are all living in Jane Austen's world.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- The Independent
Why a weekend in medieval Rye is the perfect British seaside escape
Is there anywhere more charming than the British seaside in early summer? When the weather plays ball, there's little need to hop on a plane to the Med. The milky blue of the English Channel backed by pebble beaches – perfect if you don't fancy returning home with pockets weighed down by sand – and the faded grandeur of the south coast's Victorian townhouses and perky piers. Rye is one such Medieval town set a couple of hours' drive from London, or just over an hour by train from London St Pancras or Stratford International. Different to Hastings, St Leonards, Brighton or Eastbourne, in that it's not set directly beside the sea; rather, sea adjacent. A vast nature Reserve divides it from sandy Camber and eerie but beautiful Dungeness, and yet it's home to all the things you might need to make a great day trip or overnight stay. A fish & chip shop, ice cream parlour, several great pubs, a couple of gorgeous pubs with rooms, local cafés, antiques shops and trendy boutiques. We opted to drive so we could cram in my daughter's scooter, pram and all the healthy snacks she undoubtedly wouldn't touch, and the car we rented from Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, was delivered personally by the owner – a 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport – was impeccable and plenty roomy enough for our family of three. Car hire prices in London – especially over peak bank holiday weekends such as the one ahead of us – can go stratospheric, and Turo was comparable to other sites we scanned, but with a better vehicle selection. The fact it was delivered to our door, saving us the hassle of an extra journey to collect it, sealed the deal. Within two hours, we arrived in Rye and made a beeline for our base for the night, the George in Rye. Owned by Alex and Katie Clarke, a husband and wife team with a great eye for design. Katie has a background in film set design, evidenced by her choice of unique wallpaper ('either William Morris or sourced in France'), antiques ('I adore hunting them down') and curios ('I've a thing for quirky lamps'). Each room is individually designed and, while colourful, offers a calm and elegant space to bed down for the night. The George has always been an important meeting point in the town, and today its convivial pub maintains this feeling, while the restaurant offers an elevated space to enjoy a confident menu of gastro-pub classics and inventive cocktails. From The George, turn right or left along the narrow High Street and you'll find independent boutiques, restaurants, cafés, art galleries and even a couple of wine bars, and at the bottom of the hill are a row of antiques emporiums. Happily, many of the streets in Rye are cobbled and historic, with Mermaid Street – dating from 1891 and stuffed full of Tudor buildings – being the most Instagrammed of the lot, along with Conduit Hill, Pump Street by the castle and West Street. The best things to do in Rye Peruse antique shops and markets Antiques shopping is one of the highlights of a visit to Rye. Strand Key Antiques, Halcyon Days and Wishbar Antiques are huddled together, while on Sundays, Rye Emprium is a vast brocante held March through September, 8-2pm. Visit Rye Castle Fun for all the family, Rye Castle and its Ypres Tower date to the 13th century. You can climb the tower for far-reaching views, gander at the museum's collection, or let the little ones play dress up in the costume department. Visit an art gallery There are plenty to choose from. Try Mccully & Crane for vintage and antique collectables and object d'art, Roche Gallery for classical and still life paintings, Rye Art Gallery for exhibitions from local and international artists and Ethel Loves Me, which sells original pieces from local artists, artisans and craftspeople. Go shopping Rae is a boutique that wouldn't look out of place in London, with a Marzano coffee machine doling out the flat whites and a well-curated selection of homewares, gifts and tableware. Sailors of Rye is a wonderful concept store, Colette Rye offers sustainable and ethically-made clothes for women. Head to the Nature Reserve Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is set between marshland and the sea and is home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals, including an impressive 300 that are rare or endangered. Birds are the big ticket item, so look out for Ringed Plover, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Lapwing, and Wheatear while you stroll or cycle the network of pathways. Where to eat in Rye Brunch at The Fig This lively, compact eaterie gets packed at the weekend, and the brunch is legendary. Fresh and healthy ingredients sourced as locally as possible are made into dishes like shakshuka, roasted tomatoes and whipped feta or sweetcorn fritters with chorizo. There's also great coffee by andbloss and smoothies and juices. Have tea and cake at Apothecary House The town is peppered with cafés, but this one is set inside an old apothecary, where old medicine bottles line the shelves and the higgledy piggledy layout lends the space a vintage charm. Order a slab of homemade lemon drizzle cake and a pot of tea and perch in the window to watch the world go by. Order a hot chocolate at Knoops Hot chocolate specialist Knoops has stores accross the UK but the story began in 2013 in Rye. The menu has more than 20 different per cent chocolates available as hot chocolates and six are available as iced chocolates and milkshakes. Sunday lunch at The George in Rye Hands down the best roast in Rye, but also a stellar choice for a dinner of elevated pub classics with a Basque, cooked-over-coals vibe, The George's restaurant is an elegant setting in which to enjoy a meal. Book ahead. The best bars and pubs in Rye Visit a local winery Owing to those chalky dliffs in nearby Dover, the area's soil is perfect for growing chardonnay, meunier and pinot noir, otherwise known as champagne's holy trinity of grapes. For the Kent version, head to the highlighly regarded Chapel Down in nearby Tenterden, or, to see how Kent winemakers are experimenting with unlikely grapes and blends, Oxney Organic and trendy Tillingham are on Rye's doorstep. Have a pint in a beer garden There are 15 pubs in and around Rye to choose from – that's the most per capita in the county. Ypres and The Old Bell have lovely outside courtyard space, and at weekends Ypres has a lively atmosphere with occasional bands playing on the terrace. The Standard is known for its food, along with The George in Rye and, closer to Camber Sands, The Gallivant. The best beaches near Rye Dungeness Dungeness is an odd place. It feels a little like Middle America when you're driving along the narrow road that weaves through the flat, featureless salt marsh towards the lighthouse. The single-story clapboard houses painted black look almost Nordic and as if plonked wherever their owners fancied. Very few have direct neighbours. Sitting incongruously on the pebble beach near the lighthouse is an enormous nuclear power station, the first Advanced Gas-cooled reactor to begin construction in the UK, which has become a symbol of the area. Camber Sands One of the only sandy beaches on the south coast, Camber Sands has a classic holiday village vibe, but the beach itself is expansive, so it rarely feels too crowded. Lay out a towel in front of the dunes or take a dip when the tide is in. Emilee Tombs was a guest of The George in Rye, which has rooms from £125 per night, and Turo, the world's leading car-sharing marketplace.
BBC News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Saltdean Lido art exhibition inspired by swimmers' memories
Brighton artist Ruth Mulvie has been inspired by real stories from Saltdean Lido's living history archive to create an art collection which is on display at the venue. Endless Summer, part of the Brighton Artists Open Houses festival, examines the rituals of the British seaside holiday and the emotional pull of nostalgia. The work is based on recordings of memories of people who visited the Lido, which play in the foyer."I love the quirkiness of the British Holiday, the kitsch furniture, the humour, the nonsense, Mr Whippy, people walking around in their flip flops and I really enjoy painting that," said Ruth. "There's a radio in the foyer of Saltdean Lido that plays recordings from people who visited in its earlier years," she added."They speak about their memories - including the ladybird invasion of '76, knobbly knees competitions and warm sunny days."Breaking the Rules is one of Ruth's favourite paintings in the collection."You can see people dive bombing, kissing, ball games, there's a bike, the bottle of Evian sitting next to the lifeguard, and it's all those things that I really enjoy picking out," she Stevens, the Brighton Artists Open Houses director, said there weren't many places to exhibit in the city so being at Saltdean Lido was an "amazing opportunity" for people to see art in an unusual setting."The Artists Open Houses is about having art in homes and studios but to have art in a setting like this is perfect for the theme of Ruth's work," said Ms are 196 houses taking part in the festival around the city, as well as Saltdean Lido. Ruth said the work had emerged from a very difficult time in her life. "My marriage ended last year and I found myself reaching for things that have always grounded me: swimming, sunlight, the sea, the moon," she said it was "a dream come true" exhibiting at the Lido and she was thrilled she could share her work with other display at the Lido is open to the public on 17, 18, 24 and 25 May.
