Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A – Z

Kallin is a small village that is located on the eastern side of the island of Grimsay. It overlooks a rocky tidal channel that is filled with a number of islands, and is flanked by rugged hills. A rather quiet village, it includes a working harbour, as well as a shop (Namara Seafoods) that sells a diverse range of shellfish caught around the waters that surround the Outer Hebrides.

The village of Kames is located on the eastern side of the Cowal Peninsula, on the western arm of the Kyles of Bute water channel. It is a small village of stone-clad and white-washed cottages that are built on a hillslope, overlooking the grey and rugged hills of the Isle of Bute to the east. The Kames Hotel provides great views across the water, with other places to stay available in the village.

The quiet village of Keiss is centred on the A99, which connects the A9 with the ferry at John O’Groats to the north. It is mainly a collection of cottages, although the Sinclair Bay Hotel is also located in the centre of Keiss. A road named ‘High Street’ connects the village to Keiss Harbour, which is sheltered beneath a row of low cliffs. The top of the cliff provides an amazing view across Sinclair’s Bay, with the Noss Head promontory to the south. Keiss Harbour is rather old, with a series of stone-built breakwaters protecting a collection of boats from the North Sea.

Located on the eastern side of the Cartmel Peninsula, Kents Bank is a fine village of bungalows and other suburban-style houses. It is built on the side of a hill, meaning that the upper parts of the village in particular have a great view across Morecambe Bay, with the tree-covered limestone hills of Arnside and Silverdale visible on the other side. A marsh separates the village from the edge of the bay.

The large village of Kessingland mainly consists of houses constructed during the past few decades, but the oldest section – with its Victorian-built terraced cottages – borders the beach to the south-east of the settlement. A traditional pub named Sailors Home, and a modern restaurant called The Waterfront, are located here. A wide patch of sand and shingle, including some dunes, separates the village from the sandy beach. Palaeolithic and Neolithic artefacts have been found in and around Kessingland, and underneath the seabed, located just off from the coast here, lies the remains of an ancient forest.

The hamlet of Kettleness sits on the south-eastern edge of Runswick Bay, perched high above the cliffs. It is made up of not much more than a row of houses, all of which face out towards the sea. The Cleveland Way runs along the clifftops, providing impressive views of the North Yorkshire coastline, with several large bays and rocky headlands curving and meandering to the north-west.

Placed on the western side of a clear bay, the small village of Kettletoft is home to a few buildings, including a guesthouse named the Kettletoft Hotel. During low tide, a lovely beach of white sand makes up the northern half of the bay.

The village of Kewstoke is placed along the head of Sand Bay, a large inlet on the side of the British Channel that is flanked by two rocky headlands. Much of the village is a row of houses that face out into the bay, taking advantage of the attractive coastal views – however, an older section is placed near the southern side of the bay, and includes traditional stone-built cottages. A few caravan and camping sites are located next to Kewstoke, with several hotels situated in the village. A row of dunes separates the village from the sandy beach.

Situated in the far south-western reaches of the New Forest National Park, Keyhaven is a small and quiet village. It lies on the edge of the Solent, the large water channel that separates the English mainland from the Isle of Wight, close to a large spit of land that juts out into the sea. Hurst Castle, an impressive Tudor fortress built by Henry VIII, is located at the tip of the spit – it is open to the public, and is accessible by either a footpath or a passenger ferry. The village itself is home to a traditional pub named The Gun Inn.

Kilaulay is a tiny hamlet that is placed at the north-western tip of South Uist. It overlooks a large sandy bay, which is flanked by rugged outcrops of rock at both ends.

The small village of Kilchattan Bay is a row of Victorian-built cottages and villas that overlook the large bay of the same name. Although the shore next to the village is rocky, a large sandy beach is located close by, at the head of the bay; it is bordered by a small hamlet named Kingarth. Garroch Head, the southern tip of the Isle of Bute, is located only 3 km (2 miles) away from the village. A network of footpaths links the settlement to Garroch Head, all of which cross over an area of rugged hills covered in outcrops of rock and grassland.

The most westerly village in mainland Britain, Kilchoan lies on the southern side of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, facing the Isle of Mull. Placed near the end of a single-track road (the B8007), Kilchoan is well-worth visiting for its tranquillity and surrounding scenery. The rugged hills and peaks of Ardnamurchan lie to the north of the village, and the coastal landscape to the west is very wild, with the 528 metre (1,732 foot) high summit of Ben Hiant overlooking the sea. A range of holiday lettings, small guesthouses and a campsite are located in and around Kilchoan, making this an ideal base from which one can explore the surrounding area.

Sheltered beneath the steep coastal hills of south-east Arran, Kildonan is a small village flanked by a superb beach of golden sand and many jagged rocks. Looking out to sea, one cannot miss a distinctive cone-shaped hill on the horizon – the 338 metre (1,108 foot) high summit of Ailsa Craig, an isolated island placed in the middle of the Firth of Clyde. As well as a row of cottages, Kildonan includes a large campsite located next to the beach. The ruins of Kildonan Castle, built in the 13th Century, sit on top of a cliff to the east of the village. A couple of wooded valleys run from the village up onto the hills of southern Arran, one of which is headed by the Eas Mòr waterfall. A web of footpaths running through a wide range of scenic landscapes is located in and around the village.

The small village of Kilmory sits on a low hill overlooking the Firth of Clyde. A patch of farmland and a raised cliff – a commonly-found feature on Arran – divides the settlement from the beach, a lovely stretch of sand and pebbles. Part of the village is nestled within a cosy wooded valley, made up by a small collection of white-washed cottages, as well as the Lagg Hotel and a bunkhouse. The rest is located above the hillslope. The area is great for walking and hiking, with a network of country lanes and footpaths linking the village with a 5,300-year-old cairn, the coast, and a large forest covering the hills of southern Arran.

The small hamlet of Kilnsea sits on the north bank of the Humber Estuary, very close to its mouth. It is also located just to the north of the Spurn, a narrow tidal island that stretches for 5 km (3 miles) into the estuary, dividing the Humber from the North Sea to the east. Despite Kilnsea’s small size, a pub named the Crown and Anchor is located in the village.

Located around half a mile from the coast, the small village of Kimmeridge is most known for its nearby bay. Considered to be one of the most geologically important parts of the Jurassic Coast, Kimmeridge Bay is an amazing landscape, with ledges of rock that extend out into the sea, and a cliff made up of distinctive horizontal rock folds. The bay is also rich in marine wildlife, with the Wild Seas Centre located here. The South West Coast Path runs along the bay, climbing up onto a headland to the south, which provides great views of the coastal landscape. Clavell Tower, an early 19^th century folly, is built on the headland. Although the bay is on a private estate, and requires a £6 charge (per car) to reach the bay, it is well-worth it for the great natural landscape.

The village is home to a modern museum – named The Etches Collection – which showcases an impressive collection of fossils from the Jurassic period. A thatched restaurant named Clavell’s is also located here – it is an old stone building which includes a fine outdoor eating area. Kimmeridge is also home to a large bed and breakfast.

The small seaside town of Kinghorn sits on the northern coast of the Firth of Forth. It is a popular resort town, with two sandy beaches, one flanking the town centre, the other just to the west of the town. The coastline is also rather rocky in places, with a series of low cliffs that meander their way around small promontories. Kinghorn Beach curves around a small bay, bordered by a series of quaint cottages – the view from the eastern side of the bay is rather scenic, with trees adding greenery to the small hillslope on the other side. A road follows the coastline from Kinghorn to the village of Pettycur, offering further views of the rugged coastline. The town itself is rather village-like, with a high street flanked by shops and old buildings. Several guest houses and holiday homes can be found in the town, as well as a small holiday park.

Located around 6 km (4 miles) to the west of central Dundee, Kingoodie is a rather quiet hamlet on the northern banks of the Firth of Tay. Mainly filled with a collection of homes and bungalows, the hamlet provides impressive views across the firth, with the rolling hills of Fife on the other side.

The twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are perched on the side of the Rame peninsula, a large headland that forms the south-eastern tip of Cornwall. The centre of each village is located around 250 metres (250 yards) from each other, and crowds around a small cove. The conjoined settlement is made up of small cottages that flank a web of narrow streets, with a couple of restaurants, an ice cream parlour and a few pubs located here. Both parts of the settlement are flanked by small pebble beaches. During the summer months, a passenger ferry connects the Cawsand part with the city of Portsmouth. The settlement is located close to Rame Head – a network of footpaths and country lanes, including the South West Coast Path, link Kingsand and Cawsand with the tip of the headland.

Located within a mile from the coast, Kingsbarns is a charming village, with stone-built cottages, winding streets and a central green. The Inn at Kingsbarns – a pub, restaurant and hotel – is also situated within the village. A beach filled with golden sand lies just to the east of Kingsbarns – it sits within a pleasant marine landscape, with sand dunes lining the shore. A large golf course is located to the south-east of the village.

Placed at the far northern tip of the Kingsbridge estuary, Kingsbridge is a pretty market town on the southern edge of Devon. The town has a pleasant character to it, with a charming high street that runs down to the water’s edge, and a tree-lined quayside that flanks the tip of the estuary. A small marina is placed here, and is home to yachts and sailboats. Kingsbridge is a bustling place, with various chain stores, independent shops, and a few cafes and restaurants located in the town centre. Several cosy pubs can also be found in the town. Kingsbridge is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with surrounding scenery that includes rolling hills that slope down to the estuary.

The picturesque village of Kingsdown is situated just to the north of Kent’s chalk cliffs. Filled with small cottages, a couple of country pubs and local shops, the village has a quintessentially English feel to it. The tree-lined streets and country lanes run down to the coast – the southernmost tip of a stretch of beach that extends northwards to the Thanet peninsula. The beach itself is mostly made up of pebbles, backed by a row of beach huts.

Often abbreviated to just ‘Hull’, the port city of Kingston-Upon-Hull lies on the northern bank of the Humber estuary, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. With a population of around 260,000, Hull includes a bustling city centre, with an art gallery, a wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants, and a rather modern waterfront area. Hull University is also located in the city, with its campus situated in the north-western suburbs, within easy reach of the city centre.

Hull grew rapidly in the Victorian era, as industrial expansion allowed its docklands to increase in number, and for industry to grow with it. The city centre reflects this, with a cluster of grand 19^th century buildings flanking many of its streets, in particular around Queen Victoria Square. Located at the centre of the city, the square is overlooked by the grand City Hall, the Ferens Art Gallery, which is home to a great collection of European paintings and Medieval sculptures, and the Hull Maritime Museum, which showcases art and numerous artefacts relating to the city’s seafaring heritage. Queen’s Gardens, with its lovely flower garden and green open space, stretches from Queen Victoria Square to the Wilberforce Monument, which is dedicated to William Wilberforce, who played a leading role in abolishing the slave trade.

Like many towns and cities in Britain, Hull’s roaring industry declined during the 20^th century, leaving behind a derelict docklands area by the 1980s. A large regeneration project began the following decade, which resulted in an attractive seafront of modern apartments, paved walking areas and a cluster of trendy bars, restaurants and independent shops along Humber Street. Entertainment and culture venues, including the Humber Street Gallery and a large outdoor stage (named ‘Stage @ The Dock’) are also located on the seafront. An aquarium named ‘The Deep’ – home to around 5,000 marine animal species – can be found to the east of Humber Street, on the other side of the River Hull. A couple of the docks have been converted into large pleasure marinas, filled with many yachts and sailboats. But the city’s modernisation is not limited to the seafront – the large Princes Quay Shopping Centre is located in central Hull, and is home to a wide range of shops.

However, Hull manages to retain some of its industry, with large docks and a manufacturing centre located to the east of the town, in the Marfleet area. Warehouses are located here, along with a container port, a ferry terminal that provides services to Belgium and the Netherlands, and a vast wind turbine blade factory. More here.

The village of Kingston lies just to the west of Spey Bay, on the other side of the River Spey. It is a larger settlement, but still retains a rather quiet character. Banks of pebbles make up the beach, which is an ideal location for coastal walks. The natural, rural landscape is incredibly tranquil, with rolling countryside bordering the village. Unsurprisingly, this section of the Moray coast, which centres on Kingston, is popular with birdwatchers and other people interested in wildlife.

Located on the eastern side of the River Dart, Kingswear is a charming village of cottages and townhouses, many of which face onto the water. The village provides some great views across the Dart, which at this stage forms a drowned river valley flanked by lush wooded hillslopes. Kingswear lies directly opposite the port town of Dartmouth, and is connected to the town by two ferries – one for passengers and one for vehicles. The village is popular with visitors, with a café and two old pubs placed along its narrow streets. Interestingly, Dartmouth is not directly connected to the rail network – its closest railway station is located at Kingswear, and is accessible from Dartmouth via the ferry.

The village of Kinlochbervie is located in northwest Scotland, along the outer reaches of Loch Inchard. It is a rather scattered village, with various cottages and bungalows placed along the hillslope. A working harbour and marina straddle a small inlet – Loch Bervie – on the village’s southern side, whereas a more natural cove faces towards the west. The landscape is rather beautiful, with a series of rocky coastal hills flanking the shore. Oldshoremore Beach, with its pristine sand, is located around 3 km (2 miles) to the north-west of the village centre.

Located at the easternmost tip of Loch Leven, the village of Kinlochleven is placed within the heart of the Scottish Highlands, making it a magnet for mountain hikers. The Mamores, a spectacular mountain range that includes several summits peaking above 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), is located to the north of the village; more mountains flank the village’s southern side. The River Leven charges through the village, filled with water that has drained from the surrounding terrain. A small range of pubs and cafes are located here, and there are a handful of places to stay, including the Blackwater Hostel, which also offers camping and glamping facilities.

Made up of several houses and a church, the hamlet of Kinneff is situated only a stone’s throw away from the coast. Several rocky coves are sheltered here, cutting into the rocky cliffs that make up the shore.

The village of Kippford (also known as Scaur) lies on the estuary of the River Urr, a coastal inlet on the southern edge of Dumfries and Galloway, close to the much larger Solway Firth. It is surrounded by idyllic scenery on all sides, with the waters of the Urr and the Rough Firth inlet to the west and south-west respectively, flanked by patches of coastal woodland. A large forest of conifer trees is located to the east of the village, covering a series of rugged hills that contain a network of footpaths. Kippford itself is a rather quiet and pleasant coastal village, with a row of old buildings facing onto the shore, which include many cottages and a couple of traditional hotels.

The village of Kirkby-in-Furness is located only a short distance outside of the Lake District National Park, within the beautiful countryside of southern Cumbria. It is placed on the western side of the Duddon Sands, an estuary that exposes large sandflats during low tide. It is a rather pleasant village, with numerous cottages, a general store and Post Office, a petrol station and a railway station. The Ship Inn is located at the western end of the village – built in 1691, this pub also includes accommodation. Kirkby Moor, a large and hilly area of moorland, is located to the east of the village, providing a network of footpaths and amazing views of the surrounding area.

The large seaside town of Kirkcaldy is placed on the northern side of the Firth of Forth. It is a rather bustling town, with a wide range of shops, a selection of bars and restaurants, and many traditional-styled hotels to choose from. Although the seafront is flanked by many late 20th Century-built buildings, large parts of the town are pretty and have a decent amount of history behind them, including the large Victorian-era Adam Smith theatre, and a renowned art gallery. The area around Kirk Wynd is also rather picturesque, with its stone church, and a row of old terraced cottages and family-run businesses. The best beach at Kirkcaldy is located around 1.5km/0.9 miles to the north-east of the town. The pebble-and-sand beach is in a rather scenic location, sheltered by a low tree-lined cliff. Quaint steps and pathways take you through the trees to Ravenscraig Park, a large recreation ground, and the 15th Century remains of Ravenscraig Castle lie just behind the beach.

 

Kirkcolm is a small village located in the northern part of the Rhinns of Galloway Peninsula, near the western edge of Loch Ryan. It is a pretty village with old terraced cottages – the Blue Peter Hotel, which also includes a bar and restaurant, is located on the main road that runs through Kirkcolm. The Kilmorie Stone, a cross-slab from the early Medieval Era, can be found in Kirkcolm churchyard, and is covered with designs of Christian and Norse imagery. Kirkcolm is surrounded by some lovely scenery, with rolling hills that slope down to the loch. The shore is situated a short walk away from the village, offering great views across Loch Ryan.

The small town of Kirkcudbright is perched on the estuary of the River Dee, just to the north of Kirkcudbright Bay. As well as a fishing port, it is a vibrant centre for many creative artists, who regularly hold arts and crafts-related events and exhibitions throughout the year. Several art galleries can be found in the town, including the Harbour Cottage Gallery, and at Broughton House, a lovely 19th Century manor. The town itself is incredibly picturesque, with many terraced cottages lining the streets, many of which have been painted in beautiful bright colours. Independent shops, including jewellers, gift shops, florists and bakeries can be found at Kirkcudbright, as well as selection of traditional taverns and hotels. Great scenery surrounds the town, with the rolling hills of south-west Scotland on either side. Kirkcudbright Bay is within easy walking distance of the town, providing great views across the water.

The largest town on the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall is known largely for its ferry terminal, with links to the Scottish mainland, the rest of the Orkneys, and the Shetland Islands. During the 11th Century AD, Orkney was part of the Kingdom of Norway, and a Norse settlement existed where Kirkwall is located today; the name ‘Kirkwall’ derives from a Norse name. The town itself is rather impressive, with a row of townhouses – and the large Kirkwall Hotel – overlooking the town’s harbour. Narrow streets and small alleyways (known as ‘wynds’) twist their way through the town centre, which is filled with a wide range of independent family-run shops, cafes and restaurants. Many hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and self-catered holiday homes are also located in the town. A trip to Kirkwall would be incomplete without visiting St. Magnus Cathedral. The most northerly cathedral in the United Kingdom, its spire is visible for many miles around. Built using red and yellow sandstone, its oldest parts date back to 1137.

A collection of cottages and scattered farmhouses make up the village of Kneep, which is placed on the eastern side of the Bhaltos Peninsula. Kneep is rather well-positioned for pleasant beaches – it overlooks two splashes of white-coloured sand flanked by rocks and pebbles. Reef Beach is located to the east of Kneep, whereas Cliff Beach is placed on its western side. As this is a rather remote area, the serenity and pleasant coastal landscape attract some visitors; a few holiday rentals are available in the village.

Knott-end-on-Sea is a large village that is located on the southern side of Morecambe Bay, on the other side of the River Wyre estuary from the town of Fleetwood. An esplanade runs along the seafront, providing great views across the bay, with the hills and peaks of southern Cumbria in the distance. A row of shops is located in the centre of the village, which includes a Co-op convenience store, a Post Office and a tea room. A traditional pub named the Bourne Arms is situated at the western end of the esplanade, next to a ferry terminal that links the village with Fleetwood.

The Kyle of Lochalsh is a large village placed near the western tip of a mountainous peninsula, on the shore of Kyle Akin. Facing directly onto the Isle of Skye, it is often referred to as the ‘gateway to Skye’, and is close to the A87 road bridge which connects the island with the mainland. It is also home to Skye’s closest train station, providing direct services to parts of northern and western Scotland. The village itself is rather pleasant, with white-washed cottages, a small shopping area and a selection of cosy pubs, cafes and restaurants. The Kyle Hotel is located in the centre of the village, whereas the grand Lochalsh Hotel is placed on the banks of Kyle Akin, facing the great sweeping landscape of Skye.

Placed on the southern side of the Kyle Akin strait, which separates the Isle of Sky from the mainland, Kyleakin is a pleasant village that is surrounded by the lovely scenery of western Scotland. The mountains of the Scottish Highlands are visible to the west, flanking Loch Alsh, and the peaks of the Applecross Pensinula can be seen in the distance to the north. Kyleakin is located close to the Skye Bridge – a large concrete structure that links the island to the mainland, and to the Kyle of Lochalsh, where the nearest train station is located. It is a rather charming village, with a row of old terraced cottages that overlooks a tidal inlet used as a harbour. It contains a good selection of guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts, as well as a handful of self-catered cottages.

Kyles Stockinish (also referred to as Stockinish) is a small hamlet that clings to the side of Loch Stockinish, a large coastal inlet that stretches for around 3km (2 miles) inland. It is located on the eastern side of Harris, which mostly consists of rolling terrain, with rocky outcrops interspersed by grassland.

Located at the junction of two coastal lochs, the small hamlet of Kylesku faces towards the east. Placed on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, it looks onto some rather spectacular scenery, with the waters of a large loch that stretches into the distance. It is surrounded by several towering peaks, including Beinn a’ Ghrianian and Beinn a’ Bhùtha. The large lochs are connected to the open sea by a relatively small channel that is known for its fast tidal currents. It is spanned by the Kylesku Road Bridge, which gracefully curves over the channel and is engineered to withstand strong winds.