It’s been named the best seaside spot in the UK to visit in 2026
The UK boasts plenty of magnificent coastal towns. Each year, visitors flock to the shoreline for seaside strolls, fish and chips and brief getaways by the ocean. And with the King Charles III Coastal Path now making the coastlines of England, Wales and Scotland fully accessible on foot, even more tourists are turning their attention seaward in 2026.
Fortunately for those finding it difficult to decide on a destination, a fresh ranking by TimeOut has unveiled the 16 finest UK coastal towns to explore this year. While Brighton and Hastings both featured on the list, neither secured the number one position. Hastings came in second place, while Brighton ranked 11th.
Rather, the accolade of the UK’s finest seaside town to visit in 2026 was awarded to Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire.
TimeOut characterised it as “an energetic village with one of Wales’ best-looking beaches”, noting that it boasts a bustling parade of surf shops, bistros and pubs during the peak of summer.
Tourists will also discover a broad expanse of blonde, Blue Flag-designated sand and a compact village centre brimming with dining and drinking establishments, reports the Express.
Saundersfoot is a modest coastal resort situated between Tenby and Amroth and is frequently regarded as a more intimate and laid-back alternative to its renowned neighbour.
The town hosts more than 20 independent retailers, alongside its harbourfront eateries and cafés. Widely regarded as the jewel in the town’s crown, Saundersfoot Beach is a firm favourite among visitors. Its broad, sandy shores and shallow waters make it perfectly suited to families and swimmers alike, while at low tide the sands extend dramatically towards the surrounding clifftops.
A brief stroll eastwards leads to Coppet Hall Beach, an even more tranquil spot renowned for its historic railway tunnels dotted along the coastal path.
Beyond Coppet Hall, two additional tunnels and a broad, level track wind their way towards Wiseman’s Bridge.
This paved route, accessible to wheelchairs, prams and cyclists, follows the old dramway — a 19th-century industrial horse-drawn railway — through woodland towards Stepaside.
The harbour has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now proudly billed as a “Marine Centre of Excellence”.
This bustling hub draws visitors who come to watch fishing vessels, try their hand at crabbing during the summer months, or book a sea safari in search of local seals.
For those keen to venture further afield, Colby Woodland Garden, a National Trust estate, nestles in a peaceful valley just a short drive away. Spanning eight acres, it boasts wildflowers, specimen trees and winding woodland trails.
Families may also wish to visit Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, roughly 10 minutes inland, which is home to lions and rhinos alongside a charming indoor vintage funfair.
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