Discover the stunning beauty of Britain’s coastline with our comprehensive A-Z guide to coastal cities, towns, and villages. This resource is designed for travelers, adventurers, and anyone looking to explore the diverse and picturesque seaside destinations that the UK has to offer. From charming fishing villages to vibrant coastal cities, our guide covers a wide range of locations, each brimming with its own unique character and allure.
Navigating the guide is simple. You can scroll through the alphabetical list of coastal destinations, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your next getaway. Each entry provides essential information, including key attractions, local history, and travel tips, helping you plan your visit and make the most of your coastal adventure. Whether you’re interested in discovering hidden gems or popular tourist spots, this guide caters to every type of traveler.
As you explore the guide, you’ll encounter a variety of stunning landscapes, from rugged cliffs and sandy beaches to serene marshlands and bustling harbors. Each location offers its own unique experiences, making it easy to plan trips that cater to your interests, whether you prefer relaxing by the sea or engaging in active pursuits.
Ultimately, the A-Z guide to coastal cities, towns, and villages serves as your key to unlocking the wonders of the British coastline. Embrace the spirit of exploration and start planning your next seaside adventure today. With so much to see and experience, the coast awaits you!
Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A - Z
There are currently 41 locations in this directory beginning with the letter G.
Gairloch
Curving around a large bay that forms the north-western side of a large loch, the village of Gairloch is comprised of a few small settlements, made up of pleasant white-painted cottages, bungalows and various other buildings. It is located within the great landscape of Wester Ross, with coastal hills and large mountains in and around the village. A sandy beach makes up the shore bordering parts of the village, including the idyllic Gairloch Beach, which is flanked by luscious woodland and rocky hills. The hamlet of Charlestown makes up the southern part of the village; it includes Gairloch’s harbour, and is placed on the side of a sheltered inlet. It is overlooked by scenic tree-covered hillslopes. More info here.
Galmisdale, Island of Eigg
The hamlet of Galmisdale serves as a port for the rugged island of Eigg, the most easterly of the Small Isles. It is a rather quiet and remote settlement, although it attracts a fair number of visitors, particularly during the summer months. The hamlet curves around a small rocky bay, with a sandy beach that emerges during low tide. Galmisdale is home to the Earth Connections Eco Centre, which runs courses and holidays for people, allowing them to connect with nature and to learn practical environmental skills. Although accommodation is quite sparse here, a number of camping pods are available on the hillslope overlooking the bay.
Ganavan, Argyll and Bute
Much of Ganavan was built rather recently, with a series of swanky suburban houses and low-rise apartments that overlook a pleasant sandy beach. Its close proximity to the town of Oban means that it is quite popular with visitors. The surrounding coastal landscape is ideal for walking, with rolling hills covered in grass overlooking the sea. The Isle of Lismore is visible, with the towering peaks of Kingairloch and the Isle of Mull a fair distance away.
Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire
The picturesque fishing village of Gardenstown is built on the steep slopes that rise up from Gamrie Bay. The oldest part of the village hugs its harbour – once a part of Gardenstown’s fishing industry, today it is home to mostly pleasure boats. The village contains a small web of streets and alleyways, which are flanked by picturesque cottages that overlook the bay. The local scenery is stunning, with a series of steep and rocky cliffs contributing to the great coastal landscape.
Garelochhead, Argyll
Located around 10 km (6 miles) to the north-west of Helensburgh, Garelochhead is placed where the name suggests – at the head of Gare Loch. Although it is often regarded as a town, its small size means that the settlement feels much more like a large village – a collection of cottages and terraced houses surround a small high street that includes a pub named the Anchor Inn, a fish-and-chip shop, a post office and a SPAR convenience store. The B872 road runs from Garelochhead and down the eastern side of the inlet, providing great views across the loch to the wooded hills of the Rosneath Peninsula.
Garenin, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Garenin is located in a rather pleasant and scenic area, with a wild rocky cove next to the settlement, and a great view of the rolling hills of Lewis, which spread out to the south. As well as a few cottages, the hamlet is home to a Blackhouse Village Museum, where visitors can see how people traditionally lived on the island, and the Garenin Art Gallery. A café and gift shop are also open at the village.
Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway
Garlieston is a coastal village located on the eastern side of the Machars Peninsula. It is placed at the head of a sandy bay, flanked by stretches of rather pleasant coastal scenery on both sides – mountains are absent on the Machars, meaning that gentle hills covered in patches of coastal woodland slope down to the shoreline. The village itself is filled with many small cottages dating back to the 1780s. An old harbour is located next to the southern part of the village, flanked by both old cottages and a cluster of new townhouses. The Harbour Inn is located on Garlieston’s waterfront, and several holiday lettings are located here.
Garrabost, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Garrabost is a small linear village that extends from the A866 – the main road running through the Eye Peninsula – to the coast. It is a rather quiet village, with rows of cottages and bungalows flanking a narrow country lane. Built on top of a row of rugged cliffs, the coast-facing end of the village offers great views across Broad Bay, with the coastline meandering towards the north on the other side.
Gillan, Cornwall
The coastal hamlet of Gillan is located close to where the Lizard peninsula meets the Helford River, a large flooded valley in south-western Cornwall. It is a rather quiet hamlet, with the peacefulness of the surrounding countryside adding to the serenity of the area. A couple of small rocky coves border the hamlet, interspersed by patches of rocks. The South West Coast Path winds its way through Gillan.
Girvan, South Ayrshire
The small town of Girvan sits on the coast of Ayrshire, overlooking the waters of the Firth of Clyde. It is placed within a rather scenic landscape, with a rocky shoreline flanking both sides of the town, and the hills of south-western Scotland within a stone’s throw away from Girvan’s centre. Although the town grew as a seaside resort in the 19th Century, it managed to retain its village-type feel, with quaint terraced cottages facing the Water of Girvan, a river which flows through the town. However, a promenade flanked with stone-built townhouses runs alongside the shore, providing great views of the hills to the south of the town, and across the firth. Ailsa Craig island can be seen straight ahead, around 16 km/10 miles out to sea. Girvan Beach forms the town’s shore – a great expanse of golden sand running from the town centre to the Horse Rocks, around 1.8 km/1.1 miles to the south. A range of bed-and-breakfast hotels are located in the town, as well as a selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Glasson Dock, Lancashire
As the name of the village suggests, Glasson Dock is known for its large dock – once used by industrial barges, Glasson Waterside & Marina forms part of the area’s leisure industry, with many small yachts and sailboats moored here. The dock is directly linked to the Lancaster Canal. The village itself is a rather pleasant settlement, with grassy banks that overlook the dock, and a series of old townhouses facing onto the watercourse. The village also provides great views across the Lune Estuary.
Glenborrodale, Highland
The small village of Glenborrodale is a placed on the southern edge of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. It is a collection of cottages, plus a large former stately home, that curves around a tight rocky bay. Surrounded by large oak woodlands, rocky shorelines and a nature reserve that is frequented by many bird species, it is fair to say that Glenborrodale is placed within a very scenic landscape. Glenborrodale Castle, a former stately home that is used today as a luxurious hotel, overlooks the wild coastline that passes the village.
Glencoe, Highland
Glencoe sits on the southern side of Loch Leven, at the mouth of the large valley with which it shares its name. The views along Loch Leven, as well as Glen Coe, are not only incredible, but reveal how glacial activity formed the valleys, with the distinctive ‘U’ shape of the sides. Glencoe is popular with visitors, and therefore includes a caravan and camping park nestled along the shore of Loch Leven, as well as a handful of bed-and-breakfasts and holiday lettings. Glencore Outdoor Centre and a folk museum, which showcases exhibitions about the heritage of the local area, are also placed in the village.
Glenelg, Highland
The small village of Glenelg is placed around the rocky shore of Glenelg Bay. Overlooked by the wild peaks of the Scottish Highlands, and surrounded by patches of lush woodland, it a village of mainly white-painted terraced cottages, with a cosy pub named The Glenelg Inn that provides a range of food and beverages. The Bernera Barracks, a set of ruined 18th-Century army barracks, are placed close to the village. A ferry connects Glenelg with the nearby Isle of Skye; although the ferry has been largely usurped by the road bridge, it is still frequented during the holiday season by visitors.
Glenuig, Highland
The small village of Glenuig is located at the head of a small bay, an inlet of the much larger Sound of Arisaig. Despite its rather small size, Glenuig is home to the Ardshealach Smokehouse, which produces a range of smoked salmon and other foods, and the Moidart History House, a small museum that showcases local history. A pub, restaurant and bed-and-breakfast named the Glenuig Inn is located in the village. The lovely remote scenery that surrounds Glenuig makes it a great base for exploring the local area, including the rugged hills of the Moidart Peninsula.
Golant, Cornwall
Perched on the side of the River Fowey, Golant is a rather quiet and idyllic village that is surrounded by woodland and the rolling hills of southern Cornwall. Lovely cottages, many of which are built of stone, make up the village, with a cosy pub named the Fishermans Arms located on Fore Street. A single-track railway divides Golant from the water’s edge, but the southern tip of Water Lane provides the best views across the river, with the lovely wooded slopes on the other side.
Goldcliff, Gwent
The small village of Goldcliff is located close to the shore, surrounded by the low-lying levels of south-east Wales. The Wales Coast Path links the small village to the shore of the Severn Estuary, where a grass-covered sea wall helps to prevent storm waves from flooding the landscape. It is a rather quiet village, with a series of cottages and a traditional country pub named The Farmers Arms. The village is known for its archaeological discoveries, including 8,000-year-old human footprints preserved in the laminated silts of the shore, eight Iron Age buildings just off the coast, and evidence of Roman activity. More here.
Golspie, Highland
The village of Golspie is surrounded by some amazing natural scenery, with the rocky crags of Ben Bhraggie overlooking the village and the sea, and many miles of dense forests hugging the hillslopes. Golspie itself is a rather pleasant village, with stone-clad cottages, townhouses, shops and cafes. A beach of white sand borders the village. However, around 2 km (1.2 miles) to the north-east of Golspie is a grand stately home named Dunrobin Castle. Built in the 19th Century, Dunrobin Castle resembles the sort of castle one would typically find in Central Europe – it is bordered by large areas of woodland, and is fronted by a lovely country garden.
Goodwick, Pembrokeshire
With a population of just below 2,000, the small town of Goodwick feels much more like a large village. It is located on the western side of Fishguard Harbour, close to the port town of Fishguard. A ferry terminal is located just outside of Goodwick, one of two ferry routes that links Wales with Ireland. A quaint main street lined with terraced stone-built cottages makes up the centre of Goodwick, with a few shops and a pub named the Rose and Crown located here. A series of bed and breakfasts and holiday lettings can also be found here.
Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk
Situated on the east coast of the East Anglian peninsula, just south of the port and resort town of Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea is a traditional and laidback British seaside resort town. The northern part of the town borders the estuary of the River Yare, whereas its southern half faces directly onto the North Sea. A wide sandy beach borders the southern part of the town, as does a promenade containing a long strip of green space. The town centre is located where the River Yare meets the North Sea, containing the Gorleston Pavilion – a grand, red-brick Edwardian theatre that regularly features performances, the Pier Hotel, various popular dining venues, and numerous traditional pubs. The northern part of Gorleston consists of warehouses and other light industrial units, all of which line the River Yare.
Gorran Haven, Cornwall
Gorran Haven is a beautiful village, with stone-built fishing cottages that flank narrow streets, and stretch down towards a sandy beach. The village is built around a cove – a sliver of sand that is bordered by rugged cliffs. A small harbour makes up the southern side of the cove. A few holiday homes and a hotel are located in the village, along with a fish and chip shop and a beach café.
Gosport, Hampshire
The town of Gosport is located in southern Hampshire, on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour. It overlooks the port city of Portsmouth, and like its larger neighbour, shares a great deal of naval history. Several pleasure marinas flank the town’s eastern shore, including the large Haslar Marina. It is here where the Royal Navy Submarine Museum is located, allowing visitors to take a tour on board a large submarine that survived World War II. The Museum of Naval Gunpowder is also situated in Gosport, in historic 18th century buildings that overlook the harbour. A Diving Museum, a collection of diving suits and equipment, is located just to the west of the town – it is housed in a former 19th century gun battery.
Gosport is a bustling town, with a centre filled with a range of shops, from chain stores to family-run businesses. A selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants can be found in the town centre and beyond. The Royal Clarence Marina is placed to the north of the town centre, and includes a quayside that overlooks the harbour, and several restaurants and cafes. A short passenger ferry links the town with Portsmouth.
Gosport is a bustling town, with a centre filled with a range of shops, from chain stores to family-run businesses. A selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants can be found in the town centre and beyond. The Royal Clarence Marina is placed to the north of the town centre, and includes a quayside that overlooks the harbour, and several restaurants and cafes. A short passenger ferry links the town with Portsmouth.
Goswick, Northumberland
Made up of a row of cottages and a farmhouse, Goswick faces north-eastwards onto an area of marshland, with a patch of sand dunes in the distance. The sandy beach expands significantly during low tide, creating a vast section of golden sand flats. Unfortunately for such a peaceful and tranquil area, there is a lack of public parking, and there are no facilities available such as public toilets.
Gourdon, Aberdeenshire
Like much of Aberdeenshire’s coast, Gourdon has a lengthy maritime history. With a working harbour, the village still has a fishing industry, with a traditional quayside shop that sells locally-caught fish. Streets and alleyways wind their way past rows of terraced cottages and small townhouses. Gourdon is located within a rather scenic area, with steep coastal hillslopes and a rather rocky shoreline adding to the great natural landscape. A coastal path runs from both sides of the village.
Gourock, Inverclyde
The seaside town of Gourock sits on the northern edge of Scotland’s Inverclyde region, overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Its popularity grew massively in the 19th Century, when it became a popular destination for day-trippers from the growing city of Glasgow, located only 37 km/23 miles to the east of Gourock. It is a rather pleasant town, with many of its Victorian buildings constructed on the hillslopes overlooking the firth. Gourock gives impressive views across the Firth of Clyde, especially of the peaks of the Cowal Peninsula. Tower Hill Park, located above the town, provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the region. Back down to sea level, a promenade runs along the rocky shoreline, flanked by a row of holiday homes and villas, with many townhouses and bed-and-breakfasts found in the town centre. Furthermore, a recently-modernised outdoor swimming pool borders the shore. A ferry terminal, with services running across the Clyde to Dunoon and Kilcreggan, lies to the east of the town.
Grabhair, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Grabhair is a small village placed at the head of Loch Odhairn. It is a collection of small cottages and bungalows, which are built on a hillslope that slides down to the loch. The landscape is rather scenic, with coastal hills flanking both sides of the water.
Grain, Kent
The small village of Grain sits on the north Kent coast, bordering the outer reaches of the Thames Estuary. Although much of the village is fairly modern, with many of its houses built in the 20th Century to serve a nearby oil refinery, it is surrounded by bits of interesting history. The church of St. James lies just outside of the village, parts of which date back to the 12th Century. The foundations of Grain Fort – an artillery fort built in the 1860s – lie between the village and the sea to its north-west. Grain Coastal Park – a pleasant stretch of luscious woodland – separates the village from the sea.
Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
The charming town of Grange-over-Sands is situated in southern Cumbria, on the eastern edge of the Cartmel peninsula. The town is built on the side of a large coastal hill, overlooking where the River Kent flows out into Morecambe Bay. Although a large patch of marshland separates the town from the bay, Grange-over-Sands still makes for a rather decent coastal resort town. It grew rapidly as a holiday destination during the Victorian era, with many of its stone-clad townhouses and villas being built during this era. The town centre is rather village-like, with a collection of shops, a few cafes and restaurants, and a pub named The Keg & Kitchen located here. Grange-over-Sands is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, with the rolling hills of southern Cumbria bordering one side of the town, and the peaks of the Lake District not too far away. The town itself is also home to a slice of greenery, with a lovely ornamental lake and garden situated near the train station.
Grangemouth, Stirling and Falkirk
The town of Grangemouth is located on the banks of the Firth of Forth, around 3 km (2 miles) from the inland town of Falkirk. It is known for being a mainly industrial town, with a large oil refinery, a port (the busiest deep-water port in Scotland) and a cluster of warehouses located along the side of the firth. The town centre is a mixture of traditional stone-clad buildings and a more modern shopping centre, with a selection of stores and cafes situated here. A heritage museum is also located in the town centre, showcasing many artefacts relating to Grangemouth’s past, including old photographs. An outdoor wildlife centre, an urban green space that is home to many species of plants and animals, is also situated in the town.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
On the northern side of the River Yare is the seaside town of Great Yarmouth – facing onto the North Sea, it has a large sandy beach that borders much of the town. It has two Victorian-built pleasure piers – Wellington and Britannia Pier. The former is host to a large amusement arcade and a tenpin bowling alley, whereas a large funfair and a few bars are located on Britannia Pier. A large promenade lines the sandy beach, containing green areas, and attractions such as an aquarium and other funfair rides. Like Gorleston-on-Sea to the south, Lowestoft is filled with many residential terraces, as well as a large industrial area on the town’s southern tip. Many industrial warehouses line the Yare Estuary, which runs to the south and west of the town. However, the town centre is rather bustling, containing various shops and other amenities, as well as a maritime museum.
Greatstone, Kent
Like Lydd-on-Sea to its south, Greatstone is also made up of homes built during the middle of the 20th Century. A row of shops can be found here, as well as a nice pub and restaurant named the Jolly Fisherman. Greatstone Beach lines the village, which is filled with a glorious strip of golden sand, and is backed by a small row of grass-covered dunes.
Greenock, Renfrewshire
Placed on the southern edge of the Firth of Clyde, Greenock is a historic industrial town filled with stone-clad Victorian buildings, including many townhouses and the large Victoria Tower, and a regenerated waterfront next to the town centre. Although its industry has declined over the past few decades, a container terminal is located along Greenock’s quayside, along with a series of warehouses. Aside from this, the waterfront area is rather pleasant, with a lovely 19th-century custom house that overlooks the firth, located next to the glass-clad Beacon Arts Centre, a theatre and culture venue that opened in 2013. Greenock has retained large parts of its Victorian heritage, with a grand town hall, the aforementioned Victoria Tower, and rows of impressive townhouses and apartments that extend westwards from the town. The McLean Museum & Art Gallery is also located near the town centre. A shopping centre, a choice of takeaway options, cafes and a few pubs and bars are placed in and around central Greenock.
Grenitote, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Grenitote is made up of a few scattered farmhouses and stone cottages, placed on the remote grassy landscape of the northern edge of North Uist. A short country lane links the hamlet with Tràigh Ear bay, which during low tide, exposes a vast patch of white-hued sand. With an assortment of sand dunes behind the bay, another beach at Tràigh Iar close to the hamlet, and scenic views across the sand flats, the natural landscape around the hamlet is rather impressive.
Grimsby, Lincolnshire
The port town of Grimsby is placed on the north-eastern side of Lincolnshire, where it overlooks the Humber estuary. The town is famous for its thriving fishing port – once the largest in the world, it remains one of the busiest fishing ports in the United Kingdom, and brings in large quantities of fish from the North Sea every day. A heritage centre, complete with exhibits about how Grimsby was built on its fishing industry, and a surviving 1950s trawler named the Ross Tiger, is located in the town. With a population of just under 90,000, Grimsby is a bustling town, with a shopping centre and a busy high street situated in its centre. A wide range of chain stores, and independent shops, are located here, along with a selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Grimsby is also home to patches of greenery, with the pretty People’s Park, a slice of grass, woodland and a large pond, placed to the south of the town centre. More here.
Grosebay, Harris, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Grosebay sits at the head of a scenic loch with which shares its name. As well as cottages and bungalows, the hamlet is home to a small shop that sells Harris Tweed-related clothing items.
Gulberwick, Mainland Island, Shetland Islands
Gulberwick is a village built on the side of a hill, overlooking the rocky bay of the same name. Due to its proximity to the port town of Lerwick, it has grown in recent years, and thus many of its houses are rather modern in appearance. A small sandy beach sits at the head of Gulber Wick bay, and is accessible via a small country lane.
Gullane, Lothian
Gullane is a rather pleasant village, located near the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It is characterised by its large, stone-clad Victorian-era townhouses and villas, as well as a selection of suburban-style bungalows. Several appealing cafes and restaurants are located along Gullane’s high street, which runs through the village. A large area of grassy parkland gently slopes down from Gullane to the beach, providing great opportunities for walks along the coastline, and views across the firth. A sandy beach makes up the shoreline.
Gurnard, Isle of Wight
The seaside village of Gurnard is located on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, a short distance to the west of Cowes. It is pleasant village, with a shingle beach that is flanked by a row of beach huts, and a cluster of houses and bungalows that face onto the Solent. Patches of lush woodland cover the coastal hillslopes, along with a couple of footpaths. The Portland Inn is located around half a mile from the shore.
Gwbert, Ceredigion
The small village of Gwbert is located in a scenic area – perched on the top of a cliff, it overlooks a pretty bay, where the Afon Teifi meets the North Sea, and the rocky coastal slopes of Cemaes Head on the other side. Its west-facing position means that the village often receives brilliant sunsets. A small footpath runs along the top of the cliffs to the north of Gwbert, where it meanders its way around inlets and coves. The village itself includes a selection of homes and bungalows, with the large Cliff Hotel overlooking the bay. Cardigan Island Farm Park, which includes a selection of farm animals, can be found close to the village.
Gweek, Cornwall
Nestled at the head of the Helford River, the village of Gweek is known for its boatyard, where pleasure craft is often harboured during the winter months. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is also located in the village, which treats injured seals and seal pups, and is open as a wildlife centre. Gweek itself is a lovely village, with stone-built cottages, a Post Office and a pub named The Black Swan. The village is surrounded by rolling countryside, and the lush coastal woodlands that flank the Helford River.
Gwithian, Cornwall
Much of the small village of Gwithian is separated from the shore by sand dunes, part of the large Towans dune system that stretches along the eastern side of St Ives Bay. A lovely beach of golden sand stretches past the village, frequented by many surfers, swimmers and sunbathers. A couple of beach cafes are located next to the shore. Its popularity with holidaymakers means that two camping and caravan sites are placed in and around the village.
Author: Julian Marks