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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.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
A disused water tank almost entirely underground could be yours for £400k
It dates to the early Edwardian era and is almost entirely underground. But now the decommissioned 1905 water tank in a picturesque seaside town is up for sale for under £400,000. The B-listed circular property over 9,686 sq ft – equivalent of more than four tennis courts in size - occupies a half-acre plot on Heugh Brae overlooking North Berwick, in East Lothian. It comes with a planning permission to turn it into a striking family home with six bedrooms and three reception rooms over two floors plus a double garage. Known as the Heugh Water Tank, the building commands spectacular views of the volcanic Bass Rock, North Berwick Law, Tantallon Castle and the surrounding hills. The structure is made of brick and concrete and surmounted by a twelve-sided pitched and slated roof making it of historic and architectural significance. On a secure, fenced site, the plot is not currently serviced but the vendor does hold quotations for water, drainage and electricity connections. It is being marketed by law firm Gilson Grey as a 'development opportunity' and commands an asking price of £395,000. The sales brochure points out North Berwick was recently voted as the best place to live in the UK with a lively and vibrant town centre. It has also been ranked as one of Scotland's best coastal resorts with the coastline forming a significant part of the John Muir way. The brochure lists amenities from galleries to a family-run butcher, coffee houses and two large supermarkets. It adds: 'The surrounding area has plenty to offer for the active type, with scenic walks, cycling routes, and a sports centre with a swimming pool, fitness classes, and a gym. 'For golf enthusiasts, there are several fantastic courses, including the nearby Glen Golf Course and North Berwick Golf Course. 'North Berwick is known for its outstanding schools, with North Berwick High being the only state school in Scotland on the Prestigious List.' A mere mile from the town centre and a half-an-hour commute from Edinburgh by train, the area is in the grips of a property boom with families and young couples seeking to locate there. The former Scottish Water property which was decommissioned in 2004 was last on the market in 2021 when the asking price was offers over £450,000.
Edinburgh Reporter
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Trophy for centenarian Lois at Dunbar rugby event
Also involved in an expanded girls event at Hallhill Recreation Ground were teams from Biggar, Dunbar, Lasswade and Watsonian Wildcats. Popular winners were the Dunbar under-14 girls for whom Lois Houston received a trophy to mark her 100th game for the team. The overall scoreboard read: P3 winners – North Berwick; runners-up Haddington. P4 winners – Haddington; runners-up North Berwick. P5 winners – Haddington; runners-up Duns. P6 winners – North Berwick; runners-up Haddington. P7 winners – Dunbar; runners-up Haddington. U14 girls – winners Dunbar; runners-up Biggar. Neil MacPherson, spokesperson for Dunbar Rugby Club and organiser of the event said: 'It is great to see this event continue to grow because it's such a great advert for community sport and families enjoying a great day out together. 'With around 500 children taking part and approximately 900 spectators, this event is a fantastic way for us to showcase our incredible community here in Dunbar.' Kirsty McGill, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, added: 'We are so proud to have supported this fun tournament for the 13th year, attracting teams from across the local area and beyond. 'It was also brilliant to see the Dunbar Minis tournament being extended to include girls and mixed teams, and we are naturally delighted that Dunbar Girls picked up a win, continuing their winning streak from last year.' Donna Koch, local sales executive for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland, presented medals to every participant. Dunbar under-14 girls North Berwick P3 winners Haddington P4 winners Haddington P5 winners North Berwick P6 winners Dunbar P 7 winners Like this: Like Related
The Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Pilot dies & passenger left fighting for life after aircraft crashes in Scots field
A PILOT has died and another passenger is fighting for his life after a plane crashed in a Scots field. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and air ambulances, attended the scene at East Fortune Airfield in North Berwick after the alarm was raised at around 4.55pm. The 40-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 42-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, where he remains in critical condition. Two fire appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "We received a report of a light aircraft having crashed in the East Fortune area around 4.55pm on Thursday, 8 May, 2025. "Emergency services attended however the 40-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware. "The 42-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is described as being in a critical condition. "Enquiries remain ongoing and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified." A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: 'We were alerted at 4.55pm on Thursday, May 8, to an incident involving a light aircraft near to Lammerview, East Fortune, near North Berwick. 'Operations Control mobilised two appliances and specialist resources to the scene. 'Crews left after ensuring the area was made safe.' For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Scottish Sun. is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
North Wales Live
26-04-2025
- North Wales Live
List of 'prettiest' British seaside towns includes North Wales community with Med like waters
A list has been drawn up of the prettiest seaside towns in Britain. Time Out created the 21 strong table (full list below) with quite the choice given that Great Britain is a three nation island. There were two places in Wales on the list with one in Gwynedd and the other in Ceredigion. Time Out said: "If you're dreaming of finding sand in your shoes after a long day out and queuing too long for ice cream, then you could do a lot worse than venturing out of the city and planning a trip to one of the UK's seemingly endless coastal towns. This is an island nation, after all, which means it's packed with rugged cliffs and windswept headlands as well as quaint fishing villages and shoreline surf spots. "We might not have the sunkissed weather of our European neighbours, but when it comes to costal charm, the UK ticks a hell of a lot of boxes. Planning a trip to the seaside? Check out our list of the best coastal towns in the country, from Scotland to Cornwall." The North Wales selection that the cut was Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsula - with judges also including Morfa Nefyn and Porthdinllaen in their considerations. Its standout features were its "extreme isolation" and "surprisingly blue waters" - with this part of the country looking like the Med when the sun shines. Time Out said: "The Llŷn Peninsula is where you go in Wales if you really want to get away from it all. But if you don't want to do away with human company altogether, we'd suggest staying in Nefyn: a small town and community that stretches out to nearby Edern and Morfa Nefyn. "The main draw here is the Morfa beach – a sandy stretch complete with pretty pub and whitewashed cottages. The town itself is a brilliant base for hikers with their sights set on nearby Eryri (Snowdonia)." While the beach is stunning their top tip was a trek up to the Tre'r Ceiri hillfort, on Yr Eifl hills. It's one of the best-preserved Iron Age settlements in the UK. The other Welsh seaside community among the top 21 was Aberaeron. They called it "foodie central, with a weird thing for honey". On why to go there, Time Out said: "Three reasons: the buildings, the ice cream and the dolphins. Roughly halfway between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, on Wales's west coast, Aberaeron's harbourside is ringed with beautiful Georgian houses – like especially radiant gems on a fairly everyday necklace. "The town is perhaps best known for its honey ice cream, the most delicious of which you'll find at restaurant The Hive, but it's also a prime spot for seafood and afternoon tea and cake – making it the ideal pitstop on your way up the Wales Coast Path." The full list: Margate (Kent) Brighton (East Sussex) Whitby (Yorkshire) North Berwick (Scotland) Deal (Kent) St Ives (Cornwall) Hunstanton (Norfolk) Nefyn (Gwynedd) Dartmouth (Devon) Lymington (Hampshire) Dungeness (Kent) Lyme Regis (Dorset) Tobermory (Isle of Mull) Tynemouth (Tyne & Wear) Crosby (Merseyside) Falmouth (Cornwall) Aberaeron (Ceredigion) Cromarty (Highlands) Bardsea (Cumbria) Saltburn-by-the-Sea (Yorkshire)
