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!
There are currently 79 locations in this directory beginning with the letter L.
Lagavulin, Isle of Islay
The small hamlet of Lagavulin is placed on the shore of a small rocky bay, a row of cottages that back onto the sea. Like quite a few settlements on Islay, it is famous for its large malt whiskey distillery, a grand white-painted warehouse that was built in 1816. Ardbeg Distillery, another malt whiskey-making plant, is placed 1.2 km (three-quarters of a mile) to the east of Lagavulin. The remote and rugged coastal landscape that flanks the hamlet is an ideal location for quiet walks.
Laide, Highland
Placed on the south-western side of Gruinard Bay, the remote village of Laide is placed within a pleasant slice of Scottish scenery. The rugged coastline around the bay is rather beautiful, with coastal hills, cliffs and rocky shorelines that grow as the tide inches out. A small curve of sand is also located next to the village. Although the area around Laide is typified by rolling hills, the peaks of the Highlands can be seen across the bay. A few cottages, bungalows and a Post Office make up much of the village, with a churchyard and the remains of a centuries-old chapel overlooking the shore.
Lamlash, Isle of Arran
The pretty village of Lamlash sits at the head of a large bay. A collection of white-painted cottages makes up much of Lamlash, many of which overlook the promenade that divides the village from the sandy shore. Several hotels and guest houses, and even a small caravan park, are located in and around the village, which is placed within a particularly lovely part of Arran. The scenery around the village is beautiful, with views across Lamlash Bay to Holy Isle, a towering island that sits just off from the coast. The hills of Arran flank the northern, western and southern sides of the village, covered in extensive patches of woodland and moorland. The COAST Discovery Centre, a museum dedicated to sea life, is situated in the village.
Lamorna, Cornwall
The quiet village of Lamorna is nestled in a wooded valley, on the southern edge of the Land’s End peninsula. It is home to a collection of country cottages, a hotel named The Cove, and the Lamorna Wink, a cosy village pub. As the hotel’s name suggests, the village does indeed have a cove – a rather pretty and sheltered coastal inlet flanked by rocks on both sides. During the early part of the 20th century, a number of post-Impressionist artists spent time in the village, drawn to its great surrounding landscape.
Lancing, West Sussex
Located just to the east of Worthing, Lancing is a large coastal village flanked on its southern side by a large shingle beach. Although parts of it date back to before the Edwardian period, such as the grand Lancing College chapel that overlooks the village, much of Lancing consists of suburban housing that was built in the 20th century. A short high street forms the centre of Lancing, with a road that runs down to a large green, which divides the village from the shore. A beach café overlooks the sea, and a selection of eateries, including an Italian restaurant, can be found in the village centre.
Land’s End, Cornwall
Although there is no village at Land’s End, there exists a small tourist complex that has built up on part of the headland. This includes the Land’s End Hotel, with rooms that look out over the Atlantic, along with a restaurant, a few shops and a small model village. The famous signpost, which points in the direction of many different cities across the world, is located near the tip of the headland, along with the viewing area, which provides some amazing sunsets. Land’s End is often the start (or end) point of journeys that travel across the entire length of Great Britain, ending (or starting) in John o’ Groats in northeast Scotland.
Langton Herring, Dorset
The small village of Langton Herring can be found close to Dorset’s coast, around 7 km (4 miles) to the northwest of Weymouth. It is a collection of lovely stone-built cottages, many of which have traditional thatched roofs, and four buildings with a Listed status. The Elm Tree Inn, a country pub, is located here. Several footpaths connect the village with the shore, a tidal lagoon named The Fleet that is separated from the open sea by Chesil Beach to the south. Rolling hills surround the village, which make for some great scenery to walk around in.
Largs, Ayrshire
The popular resort town of Largs lies on the Ayrshire coast, around 40 km/25 miles to the west of central Glasgow. It is a vibrant and charming town, with a Victorian promenade seafront flanked by many buildings, including townhouses, hotels, bars and restaurants. Much of the seafront is lined by a linear patch of greenery, providing impressive views of Great Cumbrae, an island around 1.8km/1.1 miles from the coast, and of the meandering coastal landscape either side of the town. The pebbly shoreline provides great opportunities for walking along the coast at Largs, particularly to the south of the town. The town is famous for the Battle of Largs, when, in 1263, a Viking army was driven back. An award-winning leisure centre and attraction named Vikingar! includes many exhibitions showcasing the town’s Viking heritage, as well as a swimming pool and other leisure facilities. In addition, Largs Viking Festival is held towards the end of every summer, and includes battle re-enactments, a Viking galley burning and a firework display.
Latheronwheel, Highland
Latheronwheel is a small linear settlement, that runs along a lane from the A9 towards the North Sea, stopping a couple of hundred yards from the cliff edge. The lane then winds down the side of a valley to a harbour, which was built to support the village’s fishing industry. It is built in a tight cove, flanked by large rocks and cliff faces. As is the case with north-eastern Scotland, the coastal landscape along this stretch of the shore is incredible, with rocky cliffs running past the village.
Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
With a population of just over 1,000, the small town of Laugharne feels more like a village, with a charming feel to the place. It is located on the eastern side of the Afon Taf estuary, a tidal channel that is flanked by lovely rural scenery. Laugharne is very well-known for its connections with Dylan Thomas, one of Wales’s most celebrated poets and writers, who lived with his family in a boathouse between 1949 and 1953. The boathouse is open to the public as a heritage museum that showcases his life and work, includes original memorabilia, and features a tea room and a bookshop. Dylan Thomas was buried in Laugharne, with a headstone in the grounds of St Martin’s Church. The settlement itself is very quaint, with a selection of cottages and traditional inns, including Brown’s Hotel. A visit to Laugharne would be incomplete without taking a look around its stunning 12th-Century castle ruins, which are built on a small hill, overlooking the estuary. More here.
Laugharne, Wales Dylan Thomas Boathouse - Photo GBC
Leasowe, Merseyside
The large village of Leasowe sits on the northern edge of the Wirral Peninsula, around 6 km (3.5 miles) north-west of Birkenhead, and not much further from central Liverpool. It is a fairly quiet suburban settlement, with a great deal of 20th Century-built semi-detached housing. The North Wirral Coastal Park, a large stretch of green open space, divides Leasowe’s sandy beach from the village – the park includes Leasowe Common, a few patches of sand dunes and a coastal foot and cycle path. Leasowe Castle, a late 16th-Century stately home built in the Tudor style, is located close to the sea front – it is now open as a hotel. Leasowe Lighthouse, a large white-painted and disused lighthouse, can be found in Leasowe Common, where it looks out over the North Sea.
Lee-on-the-Solent, Hampshire
As its name defines, the seaside town of Lee-on-the-Solent overlooks the channel between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, around 5.5 km (3.5 miles) to the west of Gosport. It is a charming coastal town, with a large promenade that is flanked by a sand and shingle beach, and is home to a small amusement arcade, a beach restaurant named On the Water, and a skate park. The promenade provides sweeping views across the Solent, with the Isle of Wight visible on the other side, and the chimney of Fawley Power Station in the distance to the west. Townhouses and apartments face the sea, and a range of shops, cafes and restaurants are located in the town centre. A hovercraft museum, the world’s only collection of historic hovercraft, is situated in the northern outskirts of the town.
Lee, Devon
The small village of Lee is nestled in a wooded river valley, just a stone’s throw away from Lee Bay, an incredibly rocky cove that is flanked by some equally rocky cliffs. It is a rather pretty village of thatched cottages, a craft gallery, and a cosy pub named The Grampus.
Leebitten, Mainland Island, Shetland Islands
The small village of Leebitten overlooks the Wick of Sandsyre, a small bay bordered by a steep coastal hillslope on its northern side, and by the village on its southern edge. It is a small collection of bungalows and cottages, with Sand Lodge – a large stately home – placed next to the village. A ferry service links the village (and Shetland’s Mainland) with the small island of Mousa, located just off from the coast.
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Located to the west of neighbouring Southend, Leigh-on-Sea is a rather pleasant town on the south coast of Essex. Its charming town centre is rather village-like, with a selection of independent shops, quaint cafes and inviting restaurants. The centre is placed a stone’s throw away from the coast, where old wharves – many of which have been converted into cafes, bars and a seafood restaurant – border the edge of the Thames estuary. A heritage centre and museum is located here, in an old smithy – it is filled with artefacts about the town’s history, including its maritime heritage. A small splash of sand flanks the edge of Leigh’s seafront, with a yacht club located nearby. Much of the town is built on a low hill, with views from Cliff Parade across the Thames estuary, with the Kent coastline on the other side. The hill runs steeply down to the shore – much of the hillslope is occupied by a linear park.
Leith, City of Edinburgh
The charming town of Leith has long played its role as Edinburgh’s port. Although a series of docks now exist to the north of the town, the banks of the Water of Leith – the river which runs through the town – once formed its commercial centre. Here, long rows of beautiful townhouses and wharves line the river, many of which have been converted into apartments, offices, shops and bars. A handful of boats still line the Water of Leith, but these are for recreational purposes, including the Ocean Mist – a vintage-styled yacht that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. Leith is rather vibrant, with a selection of trendy bars and exquisite restaurants located in the town, as well as a handful of art galleries. Leith also has a royal connection, with kings and queens as far back as the Tudor era travelling through the town – the Royal Britannia yacht is based in the docks to the north, and is open to the public as a tourist attraction.
Lelant, Cornwall
Placed on the western side of the Hayle Estuary, Lelant is a pleasant village of stone-built cottages. A traditional pub named The Badger Inn is located on the main street that runs through the village, and a selection of holiday lettings are available here. The South West Coast Path links Lelant with the Porthkidney Sands, a pretty beach that is bordered by a row of sand dunes.
Lendalfoot, Ayrshire
The quiet village of Lendalfoot is placed around Carleton Bay, which is flanked by the steep coastal hillslopes of southwest Ayrshire, and a beach of pebbles and sand. A long row of cottages and bungalows makes up much of the village. The beach provides great views across the outer reaches of the Firth of Clyde, with Ailsa Craig, a towering 340 metre (1,120 foot) high island, visible out to sea.
Lepe, Hampshire
The coastal hamlet of Lepe is placed on the southern coast of the New Forest. Mostly made up of a row of stone-built cottages, it overlooks the generally calm waters of the Solent, with the rolling hills of the Isle of Wight visible on the other side. A country park borders the hamlet, which offers a shingle beach and walks along the coast to Stansore Point. A beach café named The Lookout is located next to the shore.
Lerwick, Shetland Islands
Lerwick is the largest town on the Shetland Islands. It is a small and rather picturesque town, with narrow streets and alleyways that wind their way through the town centre, around many stone-built buildings. A ferry terminal links the town with the rest of Shetland, the Orkneys and the Scottish mainland. The town itself has a fair amount of history to it, such as Fort Charlotte – a 17th Century fortress, built during the Second Dutch War, that overlooks the town and its seafront. Furthermore, a row of lodberries – 18th and 19th Century storehouses – were built directly onto the shore. Their purpose was to assist with unloading boats, but they also played a part in hiding smuggled goods – nowadays they function as homes, a bar and a café. Traditional hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, along with pubs, restaurants and family-run shops, are located throughout the town centre. Lerwick is also host to a few museums, including the independently run Vaila Fine Art gallery, and Shetland Museum & Archives – a heritage museum.
Leven, Fife
Located on the south coast of Fife, Leven is a small seaside town that is popular with tourists during holiday season. A holiday park is located along the coast just to the east of the town, nestled between the sandy beach and a large golf course. A smart, grass-covered promenade divides the town from the shoreline. Attractions in Leven include an amusement park and the Action Zone – an indoor children’s play area. Silverburn Park, a lovely flower garden and woodland, is located to the east of the town; a small campsite and café can also be found here. A selection of shops, including chain stores and independent businesses, are located in the town centre, along with many pubs, restaurants and cafes. Guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts are scattered along the seafront, as well as in the town.
Leverburgh, Harris, Outer Hebrides
The village of Leverburgh is located on the southern side of Harris, and is known for its ferry port, which offers connections between Harris (and Lewis) with the southern half of the Outer Hebrides. Built on the edge of a small inlet, it is surrounded by water on three of its four sides, and provides dramatic views of the hills of Harris, which rise to the north of the village. As well as a collection of houses, a café, a restaurant named the Anchorage and several holiday homes are located in Leverburgh.
Limekilns, Fife
The village of Limekilns is located less than a mile to the east of Charlestown, and like its neighbour, was once a centre for lime production. It is, however, older than Charlestown, having been founded in the 14th Century. A row of old townhouses lines the promenade, sheltered under a steep cliff lined with outcrops of rock. Like much of the villages along the Forth Estuary, Limekilns is located among some rather pleasant scenery, with woodlands nearby, and impressive views across the water. Broomhall House, a grand stately home, overlooks the village.
Linaclate, Benbecula, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Linaclate is scattered along the south-western side of Benbecula. It is flanked by an impressive beach of white sand, with a vast tidal water channel to the south of the hamlet offering great views across to South Uist, which lies on the other side. The Hebridean Way – a long distance footpath that spans the entire length of the archipelago – runs adjacent to the coast here. Linaclate is a quiet hamlet of cottages and bungalows, a few of which are used as bed-and-breakfasts or guest houses. The Dark Island Hotel, which also includes a lounge bar, is located in the hamlet.
Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
Just to the south of Broad Haven lies Little Haven, a picturesque village of seaside cottages that overlooks a sandy cove. The surrounding landscape is very scenic and interesting to explore, with rugged cliffs that include many rocky inlets, a couple of wooded valleys and a fine sandy beach that runs up to Broad Haven during low tide. It is a vibrant village, with three traditional pubs to choose from, a seafood shop and café, and a quaint art gallery named the Boathouse Gallery. The Pendyffryn Guesthouse, and a few holiday cottages, can be found in and around the village.
Littlehampton, West Sussex
Littlehampton is a charming seaside town that is located on the South Coast of England. It includes many picturesque Victorian townhouses and holiday houses, as well as a twee town centre that is filled with many shops and other amenities, and another promenade along the side of the Arun Estuary, which borders the west of the town. A mainly pebble beach makes up the town’s sea-facing edge – this is bordered by a large green area that separates the shoreline from the town. Attractions in the town include a fun fair named ‘Harbour Park Amusements’, a miniature railway, a boating lake and a few tennis courts. The Arun Estuary is wide enough to accommodate mooring areas for yachts and sailboats, which are often lined along the promenade here. The town centre borders the estuary, with a range of buildings, including traditional pubs, small independent shops and modern river-facing apartments, all located here.
Liverpool, Merseyside
Liverpool is a city of about 500,000 inhabitants and a Metropolitan Borough in the northwest of England. Liverpool is located at the mouth of the River Mersey into the Irish Sea. The Liverpool Urban Area agglomeration is home to approximately 860,000 residents. Liverpool has the second largest export port in the United Kingdom.
The historic part of the port city was a World Heritage Site from 2004 to 2021. The city is known for its traditional soccer clubs Liverpool FC and Everton FC, as well as for its creative music scene, from which, among others, the Beatles once sprang. In 2008, Liverpool - together with Stavanger in Norway - was European Capital of Culture.
The inhabitants of Liverpool are officially called Liverpudlians. In addition, there is also the colloquial name Scousers, after the dialect Scouse spoken in Liverpool, whose name in turn derives from the local stew speciality Scouse.
Lizard, Cornwall
The most southerly village on the British mainland, Lizard is a bustling village that is home to a collection of cottages, a range of gift shops and a few cafes. A pub and hotel named the Top House Inn overlooks the village square. A short country lane connects the village with Lizard Point, the southern tip of the Lizard peninsula, and a viewing area that looks out over the vast open waters of the English Channel. The rugged coastal landscape, with a series of wild rock stacks and meandering cliffs, is visible on either side of the viewpoint. Lizard Lighthouse is also perched on top of Lizard Point, and includes a heritage centre
Llanbedrog, Gwynedd
Like the nearby village of Abersoch, Llanbedrog is also popular with tourists, with its long sandy beach that arches around a large bay, and is flanked by a large promontory on its southern side. The village itself is a rather pleasant collection of houses and bungalows, with a few shops and a pub and restaurant located in its centre. A range of guest houses and holiday lettings can be found in and around Llanbedrog.
Llandanwg, Gwynedd
Located around 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to the south of Harlech, the small village of Llandanwg is made up of a few cottages and bungalows, several of which overlook directly onto the sea. It is a peaceful village that is surrounded by a plethora of beautiful scenery, including a sandy beach backed by sand dunes, a coastal lagoon to the south, and the peaks of Snowdonia that rise to the east. The Wales Coast Path runs through the village.
Llanddulas, Conwy
Much of the village of Llanddulas is a suburban-style settlement, with a collection of semi-detached houses that flank a number of streets, although a fine stone-built pub named The Valentine Inn is located here. It is placed near the head of a large valley, sheltered by a couple of large hills including the 204 metre (669 foot) high Cefn yr Ogof. Llanddulas is in easy reach of the beach, which is located just to the north of the village, on the other side of the A55 North Wales Expressway. It is a rather pleasant beach of sand and pebbles that is flanked by a stretch of greenery. Looking out to the west, the Little Ormes Head can be seen in the distance. More here.
Llandudno, Conwy
The largest seaside resort in Wales, Llandudno is a traditional-style resort town. Located on the coast of North Wales, it exploded in popularity during the 19th Century, as evidenced by the grand Victorian villas and townhouses that straddle the promenade. Many people continue to visit the town, attracted by its traditional charm and the wide selection of attractions on offer. A long pier lies to the north-west of the bay, next to the impressive Grand Hotel building, perched on the rocks above the shoreline. Llandudno is overshadowed by the Great Orme Headland, a vast limestone promontory that lies to its north-west. A large cable car links the town with the top of the headland, providing spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the peaks of Snowdonia to the south. The Great Orme Tramway also connects the top of the hill with the town, with original tram cars that started operating in 1902. The headland is designated as a country park, and provides walks along numerous paths. Bronze Age mines also exist underneath the Great Orme, with frequent tours available, whereas a botanical garden lies along the south-eastern side of the headland.
Photo: GBC
Llaneilian, Anglesey
The village of Llaneilian is nicely spread out, with various cottages and farmhouses that reach down a hillslope to the edge of a rocky cove. Many of its buildings are painted in white colours, as is common in Anglesey. It is a quiet and remote village that is surrounded by rolling hills and the rugged cliffs of north-eastern Anglesey. The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path passes the village, following the tops of the cliffs, which makes for a great coastal walk. Point Lynas, a large rocky headland, extends into the sea for a few hundred yards – a lighthouse sits on top, built with turret features that are designed to resemble a Medieval castle.
Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
The town of Llanelli is located on the northern side of the Loughor estuary. The town centre, a busy assortment of chain stores, restaurants and cafes, is situated just under a mile from the Loughor, separated by suburban houses and the Millennium Coastal Park, a linear park that borders the estuary. Llanelli’s waterfront is significantly quieter than the town centre, with a sandy beach, patches of sand dunes and a large lake bordered by trees. Several footpaths cross through the park, including the long-distance Wales Coast Path.
Llanfairfechan, Conwy
Equidistant from the historic towns of Conwy and Bangor, the small town of Llanfairfechan lies on the coast of North Wales. With the peaks of the Snowdonia National Park to the south, and the large Penmaen Mawr hill to the east, the coastal town is surrounded by some lovely dramatic scenery. The town centre is rather village-like, with rows of traditional stone-clad cottages with slate roofs, and a cluster of shops located a short distance from the coast. A large grassy promenade makes up the seafront, backed by a row of townhouses that face out onto Conwy Bay, and fronted by a pebble beach. The promenade provides great views across the bay, with the rocky Penmaen Mawr towering to the east, the Great Orme headland out to the northeast, and the hills of Anglesey to the northwest. Plenty of footpaths climb up onto the hills to the south of the town, offering great walking and hiking opportunities.
Llangrannog, Ceredigion
Llangrannog is a small village perched at the head of a rocky cove, at the mouth of a sheltered valley. It is a rather pretty village, with a row of stone-built cottages that face the sea, a beach shop and general store, and two cosy pubs – the Ship Inn and the Pentre Arms. A sandy beach arches around the cove, which is flanked by two large rocky cliff faces that form part of Ceredigion’s wild and rugged coast. On top of the southern cliff face stands a statue of St Carannog, a 6th-Century abbot and saint who is credited as founding Llangrannog and a local church. More info here.
Llanmadoc, Gower Peninsula
The village of Llanmadoc is located in north-west Gower, nestled beneath the slopes of a large hill. It is surrounded by a great deal of idyllic scenery, with the marshlands of the Loughor estuary to the north-east, and a lovely beach and sand dune system to the north. A range of footpaths cross the dunes and border the edge of the saltmarshes, providing great views of the natural landscape. The village itself is overlooked by Llanmadoc Hill, the summit of which provides an incredible 360-degree panorama across the Gower Peninsula, the Loughor estuary and Carmarthen Bay. The centre of Llanmadoc is rather pretty, with traditional cottages, a country pub named the Britannia Inn, a general store and a selection of holiday cottages. A couple of camping and caravan sites are situated close to the village.
Llanrhidian, Gower Peninsula
The small village of Llanrhidian is located on the northern side of the Gower Peninsula, where it slopes down a hill to the edge of a large saltmarsh. Named the Llanrhidian Marsh, it flanks the southern side of the Loughor estuary, and attracts a wide variety of wildlife. It is cared for by the National Trust. The village itself is rather quiet, and surrounded by a lovely rural landscape of green fields and rolling hills. A pub and a store are located in Llanrhidian, with a 13th Century church just beneath a hillslope.
Llanrhystud, Ceredigion
The small village of Llanrhystud is located where three streams join, around half a mile before reaching the sea. It is a quiet village, with a collection of houses, a pub named The Black Lion, a Post Office and a petrol station. Although Llanrhystud is placed slightly inland, a country lane and footpath link it to a stony beach – its remoteness means that it is a rather tranquil coastal setting. A couple of caravan parks, along with a bunkhouse at Morfa Farm, are located just outside from the village.
Llansanffraid and Llanon, Ceredigion
The conjoined villages of Llansanffraid and Llanon are located in rural Ceredigion. Llansanffraid is a small and quiet village that is located next to the coast, a scenic rocky shore that is bordered by a footpath. Llanon, on the other hand, is a larger village situated a short distance inland - it includes rows of pretty terraced cottages, a Post Office, a couple of takeaway food shops and a pub named The White Swan Inn. The rolling hills of Ceredigion lie to the east of the settlement, providing a great rural landscape, and a range of walking and hiking opportunities.
Llansanffraid Glan Conwy, Conwy
Often shortened to just ‘Glan Conwy’, the village borders the estuary of the River Conwy, to the south of Deganwy and Llandudno Junction. Glan Conwy offers some amazing views of the estuary and its bordering hills, many of which are covered in patches of woodland. The village centre is rather pleasant, with an old church, a series of terraced cottages and a few shops. A pub named The Cross Keys is also situated in the centre of the village.
Llanstadwell, Pembrokeshire
The small village of Llanstadwell is located on the northern banks of the Daugleddau estuary, around a mile to the west of Neyland. Much of the village is a row of houses, from old stone-built cottages through to more modern homes, which overlook a large water channel. A small church – Saint Tudwal’s – is placed on the banks of the estuary.
Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire
Llansteffan is a rather quaint village perched on the western side of the River Towy estuary. Its centre is very pleasant, with rows of small terraced cottages, a couple of pubs and a village shop, all overlooked by an old church. A part of the village, made up of another row of cottages, overlooks the estuary, which is bordered by a lovely beach of golden sand. The shore provides great views across the Towy, with rolling hills and the village of Ferryside on the other side.
Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Located around a mile from the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Llantwit Major is a small town that has a mainly suburban feel to it. However, its small town centre is made up of traditional stone-built cottages and independent shops, many of which flank a number of narrow and twisting streets. A range of pretty cafes, a few restaurants and a couple of pubs are located in and around the town. A country lane and several footpaths link Llantwit to the coast, with a small river valley that runs to the shoreline at Col-huw Point, providing easy access to the rocky coast through a gap in the cliffs. As previously mentioned, the cliffs along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are marked by distinctive and striking horizontal rock layers, and fossils are quite commonly found on the shore.
Llwyngwril, Gwynedd
Placed between the steep coastal slopes of Snowdonia and the tranquil shores of Gwynedd, Llwyngwril is a pretty village made up of old cottages and a lovely country pub. Numerous scenic footpaths run from the village up onto the slopes above, providing great walking and hiking opportunities. A stony beach borders Llwyngwril, providing great views of the coastal landscape. A few holiday lettings and a camping and caravan site are located in the village.
Lochaline, Highland
The village of Lochaline is located on the southern side of the Morvern Peninsula, where a small coastal loch meets the much larger Sound of Mull. The surrounding landscape is rather pleasant, with grass-covered coastal hills that rise from the shore, and a huge forest of spruce and fir trees that stretches back for miles into the peninsula. The village itself provides one of only two vehicle ferry links to the Isle of Mull. A post office, general store, petrol pump and a couple of restaurants are located here. The includes the Lochaline Hotel, which looks out over the beautiful landscape of the Sound of Mull.
Lochboisdale, South Uist, Outer Hebrides
Lochboisdale serves as South Uist’s main village and port. It is located along the side of a rocky inlet, which itself lies in the shadow of a large coastal hill named Beinn Ruigh Choinnich. Its port provides ferry services to the island of Barra and Oban on the Scottish Mainland. The pleasant Lochboisdale Hotel is placed on the village, as are a number of shops and a couple of food outlets. A row of terraced townhouses overlooks a small rocky bay next to the village. Lochboisdale Harbour, a marina used partly for pleasure boats, is situated to the south-east of the village.
Lochcarron
The village of Lochcarron is located on the northern shore of the loch of the same name. Much of the settlement is made up of a row of terraced cottages that overlook the loch, placed against a coastal hillslope. With a great deal of pleasant scenery, Lochcarron contains a number of guesthouses and holiday homes. It is bordered by patches of woodland, with a pebbly shore that expands during low tide.
Lochgair, Argyll and Bute
Lochgair is a small village that sits on the side of a small inlet from which it takes its name. It is a tranquil settlement that is surrounded by lush forests and rolling coastal hills. The Lochgair Hotel is located on the A83 road that runs through the village.
Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute
The small town of Lochgilphead is located in western Scotland. It sits along the northern tip of Loch Gilp, a coastal inlet that branches off from the larger Loch Fyne. Placed within a tranquil rural landscape of woodland and rolling hills, it is a quiet town made up picturesque white-painted buildings, including a row of townhouses that overlooks the loch. The views from the green that borders Loch Gilp are amazing, with the rolling wooded hills of Knapdale flanking the right-hand side of the loch, stretching into the distance for miles and miles. The town also lies on the banks of the 14 km/9-mile-long Crinan Canal, which was built to allow boats to travel between Glasgow and the Inner Hebrides without having to navigate around the Kintyre Pensinula. Pleasure boats mainly use the canal today; a cycle track runs along the towpath, taking riders past luscious woodlands and through rolling hills. A selection of hotels, pubs, cafes and restaurants are located in Lochgilphead
Lochgoilhead, Argyll
The village of Lochgoilhead is located exactly where the name suggests – at the head of Loch Goil, a large coastal loch that branches off from Loch Long. Surrounded on three of its sides by the rugged peaks of Argyll, the village is surrounded by some incredible scenery, with impressive views of the loch and its valley to the south. Lochgoilhead is placed within Argyll Forest Park, with a great deal of footpaths and hiking trails that run from the village up into the surrounding woodland and moorland – this includes the Cowal Way, a long-distance footpath that spans much of Argyll. The village itself hosts a variety of different hotels, guesthouses and holiday lettings, including the Lochgoilhead Hotel that is placed on the waterfront.
Lochinver
The large coastal village of Lochinver is placed at the head of a large loch with which it shares its name. Set within a landscape of rocky hills and pockets of woodland, it is a rather lovely and tranquil village. A row of cottages straddles the main road that runs along the waterfront. One side of the loch is flanked by a working fishing harbour that still supports the area’s economy to this day. It is overlooked by the Culag Hotel on the southern side, whereas a series of houses are placed on the northern edge of the loch. As well as a petrol station, a general store and a couple of restaurants, Lochinver is also one of the locations of Highland Stoneware, which has a pottery shop in the village.
Lochmaddy, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
Located on North Uist’s eastern side, the village of Lochmaddy forms the island’s administrative centre. It is placed on a small peninsula, and is surrounded by several rocky coastal inlets and a few small islands. The Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre is located in the village, which provides exhibition space for artists, as well as a facility for artists to teach others. A ferry terminal links North Uist to the Isle of Skye (and thus the Scottish mainland, via a bridge), and a general store, a post office and a few guest houses/holiday rentals are also placed in the village.
Lochranza, Isle of Arran
Placed on the southern side of the loch it is named after, the small village of Lochranza is a rather quiet village surrounded by some amazing scenery; the wild hills of northern Arran flank three of its four sides, while lush coastal woodland sweeps down the hillslope to the back of the cottages. The village also has great views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Kintyre Peninsula. A couple of attractions are located in the village: the ruins of a 13th-Century castle, and the Isle of Arran Distillery, which includes a visitor centre. A ferry links the village (and Arran) to the Kintyre Peninsula, and therefore one long and protruding arm of the Scottish mainland.
Longhope, South Walls, Orkney Islands
The small village of Longhope lies on the northern side of South Walls, an island linked to Hoy via a causeway. It is made up of a collection of cottages and bungalows, as well as a general store and a couple of guesthouses. The views across the water towards Hoy are rather scenic.
Longniddry, Lothian
The leafy village of Longniddry is placed along the southern side of the Firth of Forth. It is a rather charming village with a high street flanked by stone-built cottages, and with larger houses close to the shore and alongside a golf course. A pleasant beach filled with golden sand borders the village, providing amazing views across the firth, with the mountains to the north visible in the distance. Brilliant sunsets are often seen here, especially as the beach faces the north-west.
Longrock, Cornwall
The village of Longrock is located at the head of Mount’s Bay, with the town of Penzance to its west and Marazion to its east. A large beach of golden sand flanks the village, which itself is divided from the shore by a railway line. A small bank beside the beach provides a great view across the bay. St Michael’s Mount, a famous tidal island that harbours an old castle, is visible just out to sea – however, Penlee Point can also be made out towards the south-west.
Looe, Cornwall
Situated on the south coast of Cornwall, Looe is an incredibly picturesque town that is built on two opposing sides of a large flooded valley, divided by a tidal channel. Looe serves as both a working fishing port and a popular tourist destination. A long quay borders the western side of the inlet, flanked by townhouses, inns and cafes on one side, and by yachts and small fishing trawlers on the other. The centre of Looe is on the eastern side of the river, and is packed with many narrow streets and alleys that wind their way around centuries-old buildings. Here, you will find many independent gift shops, and traditional Cornish pubs and restaurants, such as the Golden Guinea, and the Smugglers Cott restaurant, the latter of which dates back to 1430. It also includes a 15th Century-built Guildhall which is open as a museum. A glorious beach of white sand is located to the south of the town centre, which also provides impressive views of the natural landscape – with rocky cliffs to the east, and the large hillside to the west.
Lossiemouth, Moray
Lossiemouth is located on the coast of Moray in eastern Scotland. It is a rather pleasant town filled with old buildings, and surrounded by a scenic natural landscape. Much of the town centre is made up of terraced cottages, placed on a grid system of wide streets, which is unusual for a town in Scotland. Lossiemouth once had a large fishing industry – although this has declined during the last few decades, two harbours border the town’s waterfront, used primarily for recreational purposes. A collection of traditional hotels, including bed-and-breakfast style guesthouses, can be found within the town, along with many pubs, cafes and restaurants. The mouth of the River Lossie separates the town from Lossiemouth East Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that extends from the town along the Moray coast. Lossiemouth Forest – a vast area of pine trees – lies behind the beach, providing a great area for hiking and cycling. A sandy beach also lies to the west of the town, and is bordered by a large golf course.
Low Hauxley, Northumberland
Like much of southern Northumberland’s coast, the village of Low Hauxley is bordered by a pleasant sandy beach, located at the bottom of a row of low cliffs. Outcrops of flat rock are exposed during low tide. A collection of small seaside cottages, many of which are clad in weatherboard, overlook the North Sea.
Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland
Mostly owned by the National Trust, the coastal village of Low Newton is located just to the north of Embleton Bay. It overlooks a rather pleasant sandy beach, filled with rocks that emerge during low tide. The village itself is a collection of cottages – some stone-clad, some paint-covered – and a pub named The Ship Inn, which serves locally-caught fish and beer made in the pub’s micro-brewery.
Lower Largo, Fife
Situated around 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north-east of Leven, Lower Largo is a rather picturesque village, made up of numerous terraced cottages and townhouses that face onto the Forth. A rocky burn runs through the village, bridged by a splendid stone viaduct which once carried the Fife Coast Railway. The costal landscape either side of the village provides a great setting for walks, with a footpath following the course of the long-dismantled railway to the east of Lower Largo.
Lower Swanwick, Hampshire
The village of Lower Swanwick lies along the eastern side of the Hamble estuary. A mostly suburban-style village, a large marina and boatyard is based here, filled with many yachts and sailboats. A quaint brick-built pub named The Old Ship is located in the village, along with a steakhouse and a café. The United Kingdom’s only steam-driven brickworks is situated to the north of Lower Swanwick, and is open as a museum.
Lower Town, St. Martin’s, Isles of Scilly
Situated on the western side of St. Martin’s, Lower Town is a small hamlet that is flanked by an idyllic beach of white sand. It offers great views of the island of Tean, a small isle made up of several rocky hillocks that lies to the west of St. Martin’s. Although the hamlet is not large, it is home to a nice hotel that overlooks the shore, and the Seven Stones Inn, a cosy and rustic country pub.
Lowestoft, Suffolk
Located in the north-eastern corner of Suffolk, Lowestoft is the most easterly town in the United Kingdom. The town has two sections – a north and a south, which are divided by an inlet named the Inner Harbour. The section of Lowestoft located south of the Inner Harbour is a traditional Victorian-era seaside resort, with a long terrace of grand townhouses overlooking a smart-looking promenade. An Edwardian-built pier extends from the seafront out over the clean and sandy beach – it is host to an amusement arcade, a bar and a traditional fish-and-chips restaurant. North of the Inner Harbour, the seafront clings onto the last of its industrial past, with numerous quays and warehouses. Lowestoft town centre is also situated on the north side – it is a traditional East Anglian town with numerous townhouses, shops, cafes and pubs. Ness Point can be found here – this consists of a directional ground marker, which indicates that this is the most easterly part of the United Kingdom. Along Lowestoft’s northern outskirts is North Beach, another sandy beach.
Luccombe, Isle of Wight
The hamlet of Luccombe lies on the south-eastern side of the Isle of Wight. It is surrounded by some rather dramatic scenery – it is perched on top of a row of towering cliffs, with great views provided across the vast open waters of the English Channel. Large hills border the hamlet to the west, including Shanklin Down – the summit is accessible via a footpath. Luccombe is placed in a rather quiet part of the island, and is bordered by patches of lush coastal woodland. A coastal path winds its way through the hamlet.
Lunan, Angus
The coastal hamlet of Lunan overlooks the large bay of the same name. The lovely natural landscape of the area, with its wide sandy beach, grassy sand dunes, and lengthy views out to sea all attract many visitors to the area. A burn named the Lunan Water meanders its way to the bay, where it winds through the sand to the sea. Apart from several farmhouses and a few homes, the hamlet consists of a hotel and restaurant, located within a small country manor named Lunan House, and a campsite. Red Castle – the remnant of an ancient fort – is situated just to the south of Lunan.
Luskentyre, Harris, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Luskentyre is placed on a small promontory on the western side of Harris. A beautiful beach arches around the hamlet, bordering three of its sides with a curved ribbon of white-hued sand, backed by a large patch of sand dunes. A bay named Tràigh Losgaintir is placed directly to the south of the hamlet, providing great views of the rocky peaks of South Harris. Being west-facing, the area provides amazing sunsets, enhanced even further by the golden sunlight shining off the sand and the coastal hills.
Lusta and Stein, Isle of Skye
Lusta and Stein are two hamlets that are placed in very close proximity to one another – Lusta is placed on the side of a hill that overlooks Stein, which borders the waters of Loch Dunvegan. Both hamlets are made up of croft-style farmhouses and cottages, although Stein also includes a row of traditional white-painted cottages and a small jetty. A rustic pub and inn named The Stein Inn is located on the hamlet’s short waterfront. The settlement faces directly onto the towering Sgurr a’ Bhàgh headland, located on the other side of a large bay.
Lydd-on-Sea, Kent
The village of Lydd-on-Sea lies around 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north of Dungeness, and is mainly made up of a series of residential homes that were built in the 1950s and 60s. A large shingle beach separates the village from the sea, providing wide views across the Strait of Dover – the large chalk cliffs around the towns of Folkestone and Dover are visible to the north-east. Lade Fort – a battery built in 1798 – lies within the village, and is filled with a row of homes.
Lydstep, Pembrokeshire
Perched on the top of a hill, the hamlet of Lydstep overlooks the lovely scenery of Lydstep Haven, a tranquil sandy bay that is bordered by two rocky cliff faces on either side. The beach is placed in a rather sheltered location, with its golden sands bordered by a large holiday park that runs down the side of a hill. The hamlet itself includes a pub named the Lydstep Tavern, a health spa and a golf club.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
The seaside town of Lyme Regis is located in southwest Dorset, perched on the side of the world-famous Jurassic Coast. It is a charming resort town, with old townhouses and terraced cottages that flank a web of narrow streets, a promenade that curves around a shingle bay, and a beautiful garden of exotic plant and tree species perched on a coastal hillslope. A great selection of cafes, restaurants and pubs are located in the town, along with a range of shops that includes craft stores and gift shops. Lyme Regis also includes a quaint harbour, which is sheltered by its historic Cobb wall, along the western part of the town.
Lyme Regis is particularly famous for its fossil discoveries – Mary Anning, a geological pioneer, found and identified many fossils in the cliffs to the east of the town, which kickstarted a great deal of scientific research into dinosaurs and other ancient lifeforms. The town showcases extensive collections of fossils at the Lyme Regis Museum and the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. Lyme Regis is surrounded by some stunning scenery, with large cliffs stretching out from the town in both directions. The Spittles is visible to the east, with the wooded Ware Cliffs to the west. The South West Coast Path follows the cliffs, providing amazing views of the natural landscape.
Lymington, Hampshire
Lymington is a charming market town located on the edge of New Forest National Park, close to the Solent. Picturesque Georgian townhouses, which include quaint shops, cafes and a few traditional pubs, make up much of the town centre. This includes a wide high street that runs through the town, and Quay Hill, a lovely cobbled street that links the high street with the quay. Each Saturday, a market is held on the high street, a tradition which dates back to the 13th century. The St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery is also located in Lymington, and holds a variety of art-related exhibitions and events.
The town is famous for its rich sailing history, with two large marinas placed along the Lymington River, an estuary that links the town with the Solent. Lymington lies in close proximity to the New Forest, which provides a large variety of outdoor activities, including walking, hiking and cycling. A vehicle and passenger ferry links the town with Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.
Lympstone, Devon
The charming village of Lympstone is located on the eastern banks on the Exe estuary, around 3 km (2 miles) to the north of Exmouth. It is a cluster of old brick- and stone-built cottages, many of which flank a web of narrow streets, and some of which back directly onto the shore. A small quayside provides great sweeping views across the estuary, with tree-lined rolling hills on the other side. Being west-facing, Lympstone is treated to beautiful sunsets whenever the sky is clear. A beautiful Italianate clock tower, built in 1885, stands next to the shore.
Lyness, Hoy, Orkney Islands
The small village of Lyness is situated on the eastern side of the isle of Hoy, on a rocky headland flanked by two bays. As is quite common with Orkney’s settlements, it is a fairly scattered village, with a few spread out cottages and farmhouses. The Hoy Hotel, which also houses the Anchor Bar, is located in the village. The Scapa Flow Museum – an exhibition about the area’s wartime history – is due to re-open in 2022, after renovation work has been completed.
Lynmouth, Devon (North Side)
The neighbouring settlements of Lynton and Lynmouth are located on the northern edge of Exmoor, in the midst of north-east Devon’s wild and rugged coastal scenery. Lynmouth is a very picturesque village of thatched cottages and stone-built townhouses, which include quaint shops, cafes, tea rooms and a traditional pub named The Ancient Mariner. It is nestled beneath a large row of steep hills at the mouth of the River Lyn, which is fed by two separate rivers that surge from the open moors of Exeter through deep tree-lined valleys to the Bristol Channel. A wide range of guest houses and holiday cottages are located in and around Lynmouth, many of which are built up onto the steep slopes, providing incredible views that overlook the village and its surroundings.
Lynton, Devon
Lynton, Devon (North Side)
Located more than 100 metres (300 feet) above Lynmouth, Lynton is a delightful town of townhouses, cottages and independently-owned shops that flank narrow and winding streets. A few restaurants and tea rooms are situated in the town, which is a popular destination for visitors, particularly during holiday season. Along with Lynmouth below, the town is famous for its water-powered cliff railway, the steepest of its kind in the world. It was opened in 1890 to quickly link the two settlements with each other, thus avoiding a steep trek up the hill. Lynton is also a magnet for artists, with two galleries located in the town. The Lyn and Exmoor Museum, a local heritage centre, and a toy museum, are also situated in Lynton. The dramatic landscape surrounding the town, from deep wooded river valleys through to towering cliffs, makes for some great walking opportunities, with a network of footpaths in and around the area. One of these walks follows the South West Coast Path along the coast to the Valley of the Rocks and back.
Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire
The dual seaside resort town of Lytham St. Anne’s is located around 6 km to the south of Blackpool, on the south-eastern edge of the Fylde Peninsula. Lytham St. Anne’s is a picturesque and rather relaxed town, with plenty of ornate Victorian townhouses that line large tree-lined avenues. A large promenade runs along the sea-facing side of the town, which is bordered by a small linear park. A lake garden and a small golf course also border the shoreline, which consists of a large sandy beach that stretches past much of the town. A 19th Century-built pleasure pier also expands from the promenade – due to the large tidal range and the vastness of the sand flats, the end of the pier is above open sea water when the tide is in, but is above the sand during low tide. The seafront is also bordered by a large boating lake named Fairhaven Lake.
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