To many of us, thinking of the seaside brings back happy childhood memories like watching the endless sunsets, ice-creams, building sandcastles on the beach and the funfair rides. Taking seaside holidays has always been the ideal break for many people, waking up to the sound of crashing waves, long walks along the coast and admiring the beautiful views over the ocean.
The UK boasts of over 7700 miles of coastline which has some of the most spectacular beaches and breathtaking sea views. The seaside town renaissance refers to the coastal towns getting a new lease of life or rebirth through facelift projects and the set up of new attractions. Over the past few years, there has been a major rise in overnight stays and mini-breaks. These figures are expected to rise even more, with many Britons opting for the traditional seaside town for staycations and short getaways.
The rebirth of coastal towns has already begun in several coastal towns. For example, Margate town recently opened the Dreamland pleasure park, which has seen a rise in activities since its opening. Scarborough’s new alpine-themed waterpark has also seen a rise in visitor numbers since its opening. Therefore, it is safe to say there is a seaside town renaissance. Here are some of the seaside towns that are undergoing this renaissance in the UK.
1. Margate, Kent
While visiting this town, you can enjoy eating some fish and chips on the promenade and paddling in the surf. It was initially abandoned in the early 1990s by many holidaymakers. However, today the town is enjoying a renaissance due to its popularity with a number of leading artists, high-speed rail links with London and the reopening of the Dreamland pleasure park.
2. Bournemouth, Dorset
Surprisingly, this English south coast town boasts a fast-growing digital economy. For visitors, the warm sandy beaches have become a beehive of activities including a pier to beach zip line. If you want to see the coast at high speed, then this is the attraction for you.
3. Brighton, Sussex
Although Brighton lacks sand, it still manages to rank among the coolest beach towns. It is famously known for its ‘anything goes’ attitude and pier filled with classic attractions. Every year in August, the town celebrates Pride Parade since it is the UK’s self-proclaimed gay capital. The winding lanes of this coastal town are an Aladdin’s cave of trinkets. The city also boasts a green culture, which means there’s a wide range of interesting food on offer from biodynamic wine to vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
4. Whitby, Yorkshire
This coastal town is a classic seaside resort, famously known for its traditional donkey rides, amusement arcades and several fish and chip shops. Whitby hosts the biannual Whitby Goth Weekend, where the town celebrates Dracula and its Gothic connections. This involves dressing head to toe in your Gothic splendour and ensuring a spooky soundtrack to match the celebrations.
5. Weymouth, Dorset
The town has a golden horseshoe-shaped beach that is studded with stripy deckchairs. It has a 17th-century harbour that has a lively maritime scene and friendly pubs. The surrounding waters are world-famous for hosting the 2012 Olympic sailing and have frequent waterborne events like the Weymouth Regatta. In July, huge crowds turn up to the beach to watch the annual volleyball tournament.
6. Woolacombe, Devon
This North Devon coastal town boasts sweeping dunes and golden sands, cliffs and plenty of rock pools. Besides the rich sandy beaches and the great surf, there is always something to do. During sunny days its 4.8km coastal strip is full of beach towels and bathers. Devon is also famously known for its early morning horse rides along the sandy beaches, which attract many spectators.
7. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Sitting on the South Wales coast, Tenby has pretty pastel-hued buildings and the town is surrounded by an old medieval wall. The beaches surrounding the town each are stunning. For instance, the castle beach is known for St Catherines Island while the north beach is known for its swimming and hidden sun traps. People use ferries to travel between the quaint harbour and the seabirds and seals on Caldey Island. At night, Tenby’s streets light up, bringing the bustling streets, restaurants and pubs to life during the summer.
These are just a few of the UK seaside towns which are experiencing a renaissance. They are all ideal to visit if you are looking for a great traditional seaside holiday while visiting the UK. Feel free to read more about what experience these seaside towns have to offer.
