With thousands of miles of stunning coastline, the UK boasts a wealth of seaside towns and villages that offer an idyllic lifestyle for those wishing to embrace the sights and sounds of life on the shore. From dramatic cliff faces and sandy beaches, to bustling ports and marinas, living by the sea in the UK offers a very different living experience from both rural and land-locked urban areas.
The delights of living by the sea are endless, whether it be enjoying the taste of freshly caught seafood every day, enjoying the sweetness of breathing in the brisk sea air, or taking to the water itself in any maritime sports or boating activities at leisure. The following hotspots from around the UK’s impressive coastline present strong cases for making the move to seaside living.
Bournemouth
With eight miles of pristine, sandy beaches, the bay of Bournemouth delivers one of the highest quality seaside living experiences in the UK. Evolving from a modest Victorian pleasure town to a thriving community for retirees during the 1980s, today the town is a thriving, heavily modernised place to live with an exceptional quality of life thanks to its location and well-developed neighbourhoods. Combined with excellent rail links to London and its own international airport, Bournemouth has more in common with coastal cities in continental Europe than it does with those in the rest of the country.
Property prices are relatively high for the region, particularly in areas like Westbourne or near the cliff tops with sweeping views of the bay, but they remain competitive compared to the nearby artificial island of Sandbanks, one of the most expensive postcodes in the world. With the beauty of the New Forest at its back, the majestic Isle of Wight to the east, and the Jurassic Coast lying west around the Swanage Peninsula, the area is undoubtedly one of the best places to live by the sea in the UK.
North Berwick
Just a 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh, North Berwick offers some of the most desirable seaside living in Scotland. With golden sand beaches, charming coastal paths, and world-famous golf courses broadening its appeal, the town is one of the most popular commuter spots outside of the Scottish Capital. As such, North Berwick boasts an affluent community, with plenty of chic cafes, bars and restaurants dotted around, with wonderful views of the shoreline.
Housing varies from stone cottages to large detached homes and period properties. Exploring the islands from across the Firth of Forth, is a must for those wanting to truly embrace the untouched beauty of the area. Whilst winter weather may prove challenging for some to bear, the changing of the seasons always brings new light and life to Scotland’s famously dramatic landscapes, and the quiet charm of Berwick is one of the best towns to call home to fully experience this.
Brighton
From its rise to prominence during the Regency period until the present day, Brighton has long been known as London’s original seaside escape. The city, cushioned against the coast by the sweeping hills of the South Downs, tops multiple liveability and happiness surveys across the country thanks to its inclusive and artistic city culture. Glamorous Georgian crescents, pebble beaches, and an eclectic mix of shops and nightlife have cemented the city’s identity in popular culture and as a heavily desirable place to live.
In neighbourhoods like The Lanes, Hove, and Fiveways, a healthy stock of Victorian terraces and Regency townhouses make ideal homes to live in, whilst quieter areas on the outskirts of the city, backing onto the countryside contain gorgeous cottages and converted farm buildings for those who desire separation from the vibrant city. Trains run fast and frequently to London Victoria and London Bridge, making it a haven of sorts for commuters looking to enjoy the enclave-like atmosphere that Brighton offers by the sea.
Whitby
Right on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, where the mouth of the River Esk meets the North Sea, sits Whitby - a historic fishing town with beautiful local landmarks and a rich history. The ruins of Whitby Abbey are the area's dominant vista, and famously inspired the location of Carfax Abbey in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The town's charming cobbled streets are filled with charming fishing cottages, pubs, and stores from the Middle Ages, giving Whitby a postcard-esque feel.
Whitby’s property market has seen a solid rise in interest over the last decade, particularly second-home seekers wanting to profit from the area’s increased tourism. Neighbourhoods like Sandsend and the West Cliff are coveted for their sea views and proximity to the town’s centre, but prices remain competitive despite surging interest. Other key Yorkshire settlements, such as York and Harrogate, are easily reachable within an hour; this ease of access, combined with the town's enduring rustic charm, makes Whitby an increasingly desirable place to live by the sea.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth’s waterfront boasts pastel-coloured fishing cottages and townhouses. Coupled with a charming steam railway that runs from the marina up the river, the views are postcard-worthy, and the town feels like it jumped straight off the pages of a romantic novel. The town has long been a haven for yachting enthusiasts and walkers alike, with the South West Coast Path just minutes from the centre of town, and the river providing an idyllic spot for leisurely cruises up and down the river. The result is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in the country.
The town centre is compact, with steep streets and filled with independent shops, heritage pubs and multiple eateries with riverside views. There is no shortage of high-end properties here, especially those with seafront or estuary views, with living in the town seen as a rare privilege. Although not the best-connected town thanks to its secluded spot on the coast, the quality of life and incomparable aura of Dartmouth make it one of the most desirable places to call home in the country.
Bangor
Bangor stands out as a smaller city with a ton of personality. Sitting between the Menai Strait across the mystical isle of Anglesey band just north of Snowdonia National Park, it enjoys proximity to some of Wales’ greatest natural attractions. The landscape offers copious opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and sailing, all within minutes of the city centre. Living in this often overlooked part of the UK is a fine way to experience the best of Wales' stunning natural beauty.
Housing stock within Bangor is mixed, ranging from more modern apartments and terraces to large Victorian villas, particularly around the Upper Bangor area. Whilst the town continues to gentrify, property remains significantly less expensive than most of the UK. While not a traditional seaside town compared to the other entries on this list, the benefits of Bangor’s location when it comes to exploring the beauty of the local area make it worthy of consideration for living close to the sea.
