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 52 locations in this directory beginning with the letter M.
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
Mablethorpe is a small seaside town that is located on the coast of Lincolnshire. It is a rather relaxed resort town, with a long and sandy beach, and a large patch of sand dunes to the north. A small funfair and a crazy golf course sit along Mablethorpe’s seafront, whereas a few amusement arcades are located along the town’s High Street. Pubs, cafes, take-away food shops and restaurants can be found in the town as well. A sand train runs between Mablethorpe and the town’s northern end of the beach. Queens Park is located in the town’s southern outskirts – it includes a large boating lake and a miniature railway. The Lincolnshire coast is a common habitat for seals – as a result, a seal sanctuary is situated just to the north of the town. More here.
Macduff, Aberdeenshire
The small coastal town of Macduff sits on the northern coast of Aberdeenshire, overlooking the vast waters of the Moray Firth. It sits on the eastern edge of Banff Bay, separated from the town of Banff by the River Deveron. Rows of traditional stone-built terraced cottages and townhouses fill the town centre, which is built on the side of a hill. Macduff prides itself on its fishing heritage, an industry which still supports the town to this day. Locally caught fish is sold at seafood restaurants, bars and other food outlets in and around the town. Macduff Marine Aquarium can be found on the seafront, showcasing many sea creatures that live in the Moray Firth. A small sandy beach lies just to the west of the town, at the mouth of the River Deveron. A beautiful landscape of rocky headlands, coves and large cliffs extends from the west of Macduff, providing great hiking opportunities. Royal Tarlair Golf Club sits behind part of the cliffs.
Machrihanish, Argyll and Bute
Machrihanish is situated around 15 km (9 miles) to the north of the Mull of Kintyre, the tip of the huge peninsula that the village is located on. Machrihanish is a linear settlement on the southern side of a large bay, and is home to a number of stone-built Victorian-built villas, and the grand three-storey-high Ugadale Hotel. Machrihanish Beach, a 5.5 km (3.5 miles) long stretch of sand, extends northwards from the village, part of which is bordered by a large golf links course. The village, which also includes a camping and caravanning park, offers a great base from which to explore the Kintyre Peninsula, including the many footpaths and country lanes that wind across its southern portion.
Machroes, Gwynedd
Perched at the southern end of a long, sandy beach, the leafy village of Machroes overlooks the southern coast of the Llyn Peninsula, which meanders into the distance. It is surrounded by patches of coastal woodland and a rocky promontory on its eastern side. Machroes is fairly popular with holidaymakers, with a couple of camping and caravan sites located around the village.
Maenporth, Cornwall
The small village of Maenporth can be found perched at the head of a sandy cove, and at the foot of a scenic wooded valley. It is most known for its lovely beach of golden sand, which arches around the head of the cove. A couple of rocky cliffs flank the cove on either side, sheltering the beach from many of the strong breezes that blow from the English Channel. A beach café is tucked away next to the shore.
Maidencombe, Devon
Although Maidencombe lies around 5 km (3 miles) to the north of Torquay, it is a very different type of settlement, a quiet village of rural cottages sprawled along the coastal hillslope. It is located a stone’s throw away from Maidencombe Beach, a hidden sandy shore that is surrounded by towering cliffs of red sandstone. This is a rather wild section of South Devon’s coast, where large cliffs meander around small rocky coves and large promontories – the South West Coast Path provides great views of the coastal landscape. The village itself includes a pub named The Thatched Tavern – like many of Maidencombe’s buildings, it is rather pretty and has a thatched roof.
Maidens, Ayrshire
Maidens is a rather pleasant village – not only for its great sweeping views out to sea, but for its fine sandy beach that flanks Maidenhead Bay. The northern edge of the bay backs onto a lush coastal woodland, and close to the grounds of Culzean Castle, whereas a marina forms the western side of the bay. The village itself is quite popular with visitors during the summer months, with a couple of holiday parks in and around the settlement. The Wildings Hotel and Restaurant also offers accommodation and a range of dishes, and is located in the centre of the village.
Mallaig, Highland
The large village of Mallaig is placed on the coast of North Morar, part of a large peninsula that stretches out from western Scotland. It is well-known for its port, consisting of a harbour used by freight, and a ferry terminal that links Mallaig with southern Skye, a few smaller islands and the remote village of Inverie. It is a rather bustling village, with a small shopping area, a range of cosy pubs and restaurants, and various hotels and guest houses. The surrounding rural landscape is rather pleasant, with moorland-covered hills and peaks that are interspersed by small lochs and patches of woodland. A range of walking and hiking trails connect to the village.
Malltraeth, Anglesey
Placed at the head of a large sandy inlet, the small village of Malltraeth is a fairly quiet settlement made up of terraced cottages, a fish-and-chip shop, a pub named The Joiners Arms and an arts and crafts café. Malltraeth is located in a rather flat area of Anglesey, where the land glides gently down to the shore, and one can see for miles without interruption. The majestic peaks of Snowdonia loom in the distance to the west of Malltraeth, whereas the sprawling woodland of Newborough Forest can be seen much closer to the village.
Malpas, Cornwall
The small village of Malpas can be found tucked away where two flooded river valleys meet – the Truro River and the Tresillian River. The valleys are flanked by stretches of lush coastal woodland, and many sailboats are moored on the water – a small marina is located on the edge of the village. Malpas is therefore a quiet and serene village, made up of old stone-built cottages built on the hillslope. The Heron Inn, a lovely country pub, and a few quaint holiday cottages, look out over the river valley.
Manorbier, Pembrokeshire
The village of Manorbier is located on the southern coast of Pembrokeshire, a mere stone’s throw away from a lovely sandy cove that is popular with surfers. It is known for its history – Mesolithic and Neolithic archaeological remains have been found in and around Manorbier, including a burial chamber known as King’s Quoit, which is located on the coastal footpath to the south-west of the village. The remains of a large 12th Century castle that is open to the public, and a well-kept Medieval church, are also located at Manorbier. The village is rather quaint, with a series of small terraced cottages that flank a couple of narrow streets. A cosy pub named the Castle Inn, and a small tearoom, can be found in the village.
Mappleton, East Riding of Yorkshire
Mappleton is a small village that lies along the North Sea coast, around 5 km (3 miles) to the south of the coastal town of Hornsea. The All Saints Church makes up the centrepiece on Mappleton. Access to the beach is rather easy, with a car park by the coast – a small row of cliffs separates the village from a sandy beach.
Marazion, Cornwall
Marazion is an incredibly charming Cornish town, not just for its old buildings that straddle winding streets, but for its views across to St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island that is home to a 12th-century castle. Accessible via a causeway that is uncovered twice a day, St Michael’s Mount attracts many visitors each year, and is home to an old castle, the remains of a Benedictine priory and an old cemetery. The island is managed by the National Trust. The town, on the other hand, is also rather pretty, and includes a host of granite-built townhouses, some of which include independent shops, and a few cafes, restaurants and a pub. A couple of art galleries and a local heritage museum are also located in the town, along with a selection of bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages.
Marbhig, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
The small and quiet village of Marbhig is located on the shore of a loch with which it shares its name. It is a well-scattered settlement, with a number of cottages and farmhouses making up many of its buildings.
Margate, Kent
The North Kent resort town of Margate is known for its blend of traditional Victorian charm mixed with a rather hip and modern twist. The town is a popular attraction, with visitors often flocking to its large Dreamland fun fair, the large sandy beach with its tidal swimming pool, and Margate’s Old Town. The Old Town is a magnet for many retro-styled independent shops, numerous pubs and bars, and various cafes and restaurants. The Bull’s Head is one such traditional Victorian pub located in the Old Town – it is located opposite The Lifeboat, another pub that specialises in craft ale and cider. Margate has always been a hub for artists – this is especially true today, with the internationally-renowned Turner Contemporary art gallery situated on the promenade, and other galleries, studios and museums located in and around the town. Great views of the promenade and the beach can be seen from the harbour arm, which stretches out into the bay.
Marsden, Tyne and Wear
Located on the outskirts of South Shields, the neighbourhood of Marsden has a rather suburban feel to it. A strip of grassland separates Marsden from the shore, which is a sandy beach backed by a row of fairly high cliffs. It is a rather attractive section of coastline, with several rock stacks standing distant from the mainland. A pub and restaurant named the Marsden Grotto is nestled along the side of the beach – part of it is carved into the cliff-face, making it one of few cave bars in Europe. A lift shaft connects the beach to the clifftop. Just to the south-east of Marsden lies Souter Lighthouse, the world’s first lighthouse to be powered entirely by electricity. Owned by the National Trust, it is open to the public as a museum.
Marske-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Marske-by-the-Sea is a large village located between the towns of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Redcar. Much of it is made up of housing built during the 20th Century, although Victorian-era terraces run from the village centre to the beach. Marske Hall – a giant 17th Century former manor house – is situated in Marske, but is not open to the public. A large sandy beach flanked by a pleasant dune system borders the village, and is a great place for paddling and swimming. The hills of the North York Moors are situated to the south of Marske, hence the lack of cliffs here.
Maryport, Cumbria
Perched on the edge of north-western Cumbria, Maryport is a small town located where the River Ellen flows into the Solway Firth. It is a traditional Cumbrian town, with rows of terraced houses and cottages that stretch down a small hillslope to a quayside. Shops, several cafes and a cluster of pubs are located in the town, including the Sailors Return, which overlooks the quay. Once an industrial hub, its docks today are home to a pleasure marina, and are bordered by the Lake District Coast Aquarium. A maritime museum is also located in the town, along with a 19th century lighthouse. The area of land that the town sits on has been inhabited since 122 AD, when the Romans established a fort and a settlement here – a museum dedicated to the town’s Roman heritage is located on a hill to the north of the town, and includes the earthworks of the fort, and a collection of 17 Roman altars. The remains of a 12th century motte-and-bailey castle are located to the south of the town centre.
Mawbray, Cumbria
Located around 7 km (4.5 miles) to the south of Silloth, Mawbray is a small village consisting of small cottages, a few farmhouses and a traditional pub named the Lowther Arms. A ridge of sand and shingle named the Mawbray Banks runs parallel to the coastline for a short distance – it divides the village and its surrounding farmland from a pleasant sandy beach.
Melbost, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Melbost lies around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) to the west of Aignish, on the opposite side of the strip of land linking the Eye Peninsula with Lewis. A village of cottages mixed with suburban-style houses, it is located very close to Stornoway Airport, which provides passenger flights to the British Mainland. Melbost is flanked by sea on both its northern and southern sides, and by a small beach of sand to its east.
Mellon Udrigle
Although Mellon Udrigle is a rather remote coastal hamlet, it is quite popular due to its beautiful beach of sand that curves around a small bay. The remoteness of the location means that the natural landscape surrounding the landscape is incredibly serene, and is ideal for walks along the coast, and across the Rubha Mor peninsula that surrounds it. The peaks of the Scottish Highlands can easily be seen to the east of the hamlet.
Menai Bridge, Anglesey
Menai Bridge is a pretty seaside town that is located on the southern side of Anglesey. Much of it is placed on a promontory that juts out into the Menai Strait, and is named after its famous suspension bridge, one of two road crossings that link the Isle of Anglesey with the Welsh mainland. A high street flanked by townhouses, a selection of shops (both independent and chain stores) and a handful of cafes runs through the centre of the town. Water Street links the centre with the town’s promenade, providing scenic views across the strait. A few traditional pubs are located in this part of the town, including the Auckland Arms and the Liverpool Arms. Several rocky tree-covered islands are located just off from the shore, one of which is home to St Tysilio’s Church, which dates back to the early 15th Century.
Methil, Fife
Methil is a coastal town on the south-eastern coast of Fife. Placed between Buckhaven and Leven, it includes a high street bordered by terraced houses, a few shops, a café and a pub, along with a local heritage centre. The seafront is made up of a series of docks flanked by a handful of warehouses, along with a patch of reclaimed land – a business park has been built on part of the reclaimed area, including a new renewable energy innovation centre. East Fife Football Club also has a stadium situated near the docks.
Mevagissey, Cornwall
Mevagissey is a picturesque Cornish fishing village, with cottages and townhouses that arch around a working harbour. Once a centre of Cornwall’s pilchard industry, its catches have decreased over the years, but it still brings in fish every day. Tight streets and alleys wind their way through the village, and are flanked by a range of gift shops, craft shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants. A selection of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and holiday cottages are also located in the village. The Mevagissey Model Railway is also situated here, along with the Mevagissey museum, a local heritage centre, and a small aquarium that is placed on the side of the harbour.
Mid Yell, Yell, Shetland Islands
As the name suggests, Mid Yell is located at around the middle part of the island, on the edge of a large inlet that protrudes from the open sea. It is the largest settlement on the island, and is made up of a number of cottages, bungalows and other buildings. A school, a medical clinic, a harbour and a small petrol station can be found in the village. Mid Yell also has a small beach of sand, located adjacent to the harbour.
Middle Town, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly
The small island of St. Agnes is covered by a well-scattered village that is in easy reach of the coast. The most southerly village in the United Kingdom, Middle Town is a collection of cottages, a Post Office and a disused lighthouse that is surrounded by the shore on either side. The rocky Porth Conger bay is located to the east, with the white sands of Periglis to the west. A caravan site, a small church and a cosy pub are also located on the island. A Troy Town maze is situated on St. Agnes – it is said to have been laid out in the 18th century, but some evidence suggests it may be of Viking origin, making it hundreds of years older.
Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex
The large village of Middleton-on-Sea is located around 5 km (3 miles) to the east of Bognor Regis. Like much of West Sussex’s coast, a large shingle beach makes up the shore, but a splash of sand is exposed during low tide. Middleton is a quiet village, with suburban-style houses that brush up against the edge of the beach – however, unlike nearby Bognor Regis and Climping Beach, parking is very limited here. A pub named The Cabin is placed in the centre of the village.
Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Placed on the northern side of the Daugleddau estuary, Milford Haven is a small and pleasant coastal town that is known for its large pleasure marina, which is home to many sailboats and yachts. On top of a small hill lies the town centre, a collection of townhouses, cottages and shops, many of which are built on a grid pattern. Several restaurants can be found on the marina’s waterfront, along with a museum that showcases the nautical heritage of the town and its port. A pebbly beach is located next to the marina, whereas a more sheltered beach arches around Gelliswick Bay, around a mile to the west of the town centre.
Milford on Sea, Hampshire
Milford on Sea is a pretty village located in southwest Hampshire. Its centre has a lovely village atmosphere, with a high street lined with quaint cottages and shops, and a few pubs and restaurants. A large village green forms the centrepiece of Milford. The seafront is also rather pleasant, with a fine beach of sand and shingle, and views across to the Isle of Wight. The iconic Needles rock stacks can be seen from the shore, with the western end of the island next to them. At the eastern end of the seafront is a lovely seaside bar and restaurant named The Lighthouse.
Millbrook, Cornwall
Millbrook is a village perched at the tip of Millbrook Lake, a muddy inlet on the northern side of the Rame peninsula. Millbroom crowds around a man-made pond, created in the 1970s by the construction of a dam – it is flanked by grassy banks, adding to the village’s pleasant scenery. Cottages flank a small web of narrow streets, with a café and a pub named the Devon & Cornwall Inn located in the centre.
Millport, Great Cumbrae, Ayrshire
Although Millport is considered to be a town, its population of around 1,200 means that it feels much more like a large village. The largest settlement on Great Cumbrae Island, Millport has a seafront that curves around a rocky bay, and is flanked by a row of shops and townhouses. Both independent family-run shops and chain stores are located in Millport, as well as handful of pubs and guest houses. Although much of the shore close to the settlement is rocky, there are patches of sand, such as at Kames Bay. Although Millport is not a cathedral city, it is home to the Cathedral of the Isles; part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, it is the smallest extant cathedral in the British Isles.
Milovaig, Isle of Skye
Milovaig is a small crofting hamlet placed on a hillslope overlooking Loch Pooltiel. It is located in a rather remote and quiet part of Skye, on its western Duirinish Peninsula. The view from the top of the hamlet (Upper Milovaig) provides some spectacular views of the towering cliffs on the other side of Loch Pooltiel, another part of the peninsula which carries on northwards to Dunvegan Head. The grand and rugged cliffs of Neist Point and Waterstein Head are situated around 3 km (2 miles) to the south of the hamlet; the former is accessible by car. The Art at Eight gallery is located in Milvaig, as is a wide selection of holiday lettings.
Minard, Argyll and Bute
The small village of Minard is placed on the north-western side of Loch Fyne. It is made up of a series of stone-built cottages and houses that overlook the loch, with amazing views across the water of the forested slopes of the Cowal Peninsula. The landscape around Minard is also rather forested, with woodland sweeping down to the rocky shore. Crarae Garden is located just to the north-east of the village – this beautiful Himalayan-style botanic garden features a wide range of exotic plant and tree species.
Minehead, Somerset
Minehead is an historic resort town that is located on Somerset’s northern coast. It is surrounded by the wild hills of Exmoor National Park, which lies to the south and west of the town. The town curves around a scenic bay, with a tree-lined hillslope bordering its western side. Minehead Harbour lies just to the west of the town – although some seasonal fishing still takes place here, it is mainly used for pleasure sailing. Various buildings face the sea along the promenade, ranging from traditional thatched cottages to three-storey townhouses, many of which are used for holiday homes and hotels. A couple of pubs and restaurants, a café and an ice cream parlour can be found on the seafront. A large tree-lined high street named The Avenue makes up the centre of the town, with a great deal of shops and other amenities on offer.
Minster, Kent
Sitting on the northern side of the Isle of Sheppey, the village of Minster has a fairly old feel to it, with a narrow high street flanked by a couple of pubs and a handful of shops making up its centre. Minster is built on a low hill, with views across Sheppey’s large marshlands to the south, and a series of sloping wooded cliffs running down to sea on its northern edge. A shingle beach makes up the shoreline, and is flanked by a row of beach huts.
Moelfre, Anglesey
The picturesque village of Moelfre is made up of a cluster of buildings that crowd around a small cove. Once a fishing village, Moelfre is home to a fine pub named the Kinmel Arms, with a couple of cafes, a convenience store and a series of holiday lettings located here. A pebble shore borders the village, providing views of both the eastern tip of Anglesey and the mountains of Snowdonia behind it. A lifeboat station is also located in the village, along with a lifeboat museum that is open to the public.
Monifieth, Angus
Monifieth is located on the northern side of the Tay Estuary, just upstream from where the river flows into the North Sea. The town has a suburban feel to it, with a high street flanked with shops, cafes and other places to eat forming much of the town centre. A lovely stretch of open green space separates much of the town from the shore, which is made up of a pleasant sandy beach. A couple of small holiday parks also border the sea. Scotland is famous for its golfing heritage, and it is no surprise that many of its seaside towns include a large golf course. Monifieth Golf Links Course sits to the west of the town; located within a fine coastal landscape, it attracts visitors from far and wide.
Monreith, Dumfries and Galloway
The small village of Monreith is a rather quiet place, made up of a few cottages and bungalows, along with a small caravan park. Its location on the south-western side of the Machars Peninsula means that the village is surrounded by a plethora of great scenery – a long beach of sand backed by a row of low cliffs divides Monreith from the sea, with many rockpools along the upper section of the shore, and several caves in the cliffs. A large area of rolling hills is located behind the village, with numerous footpaths, tracks and country lanes that are ideal for walking and hiking activities.
Montrose, Angus
Montrose is a picturesque seaside town on the eastern coast of Angus, with the North Sea to its east and the Montrose Basin – a large tidal lagoon – to its west. The town grew in the 18th Century, mainly due to its port, which brought in trade and subsequent wealth. Montrose is filled with a wide selection of Georgian-era buildings, including a large number of grand stone-clad townhouses. A rather wide high street runs through the town centre, flanked by shops, cafes and restaurants; a beautiful tree-lined park stretches through much of Montrose. The town is also an historical centre for artists, with the William Lamb Studio and Montrose Museum & Art Gallery both located in the town. A long sandy beach borders the eastern side of Montrose, backed by a row of grass-covered sand dunes; a large golf course divides the North Sea from the town. The expansive Montrose Basin lies to the west of the town, and is a huge magnet for wildlife.
Morar, Highland
Surrounded by beaches, moorland and a large freshwater loch, the small village of Morar is well-known for its idyllic scenery. It is placed at the head of Morar Bay, a beautiful inlet flanked by lush woodland that reaches down the water’s edge, and patches of white-coloured sand – named the Silver Sands of Morar – that expand during low tide. A river connects the bay with Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, via a series of rapids and a low waterfall. The views of the Scottish Highlands across the loch are amazing, with the peaks towering in the distance. The village itself is rather pleasant, and includes the Morar Hotel, a grand white-painted building. More info here.
Morecambe, Lancashire
Morecambe is a traditional seaside town located in northern Lancashire. A long row of large stone-clad townhouses and shops line the promenade, overlooking the sandy beach. The promenade itself has been recently regenerated, with a line of art instillations lined up along the seafront, a statue to renowned British comedian Eric Morecambe (who hailed from the town), lots of open green space, and a modern stone jetty that takes people out into the bay. The promenade provides impressive views across Morecambe Bay, with the peaks and fells of the Lake District to the north. The large Midland Hotel sits on the seafront, a 1930s-built Art Deco building that has been recently refurbished – the retro-styled Ravilious Rotunda Bar is also part of the hotel.
Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd
Morfa Bychan is a small village located in the south-eastern part of the Llyn Peninsula. Much of the village consists of relatively modern bungalows, surrounded by a large holiday park. Morfa Bychan is popular with tourists particularly due to its close proximity to a lovely beach, which extends for 3 km (2 miles) in length, and is ideal for paddling and swimming. The sandy shore provides amazing views of the peaks of Snowdonia, which rise a few miles to the east, and also draw visitors to the area. Also, a row of sand dunes borders the beach.
Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd
Just to the west of Nefyn lies the village of Morfa Nefyn, a settlement made up of suburban-style semi-detached houses. Several holiday lettings are available in the village, along with a petrol station and a convenience store. A lane links the village with a large sandy beach, which arches around Porth Dinllaen bay, backed by a row of low cliffs. The beach provides views across the bay, with a rocky headland extending out into the sea to the west.
Mossbank, Mainland Island, Shetland Islands
The village of Mossbank sits on the north-eastern edge of Shetland’s Mainland, overlooking the Yell Sound and the small island of Samphrey. A few traditional cottages and a pub named the Welcome Inn lie close to the village’s small jetty – fishing remains a large contributor to Mossbank’s income. Numerous houses, constructed during the last few decades, also make up much of the village.
Mousehole, Cornwall
Mousehole is perhaps one of the most quintessential of Cornish fishing villages. A web of streets and narrow alleyways wind their way around granite-built fishing cottages, many of which have stood in the village for hundreds of years. A great number of its buildings are huddled around the side of the harbour, which is still used to bring in fish every single day – along the waterfront, a general store, an ice cream parlour, and an inn are spaced in between many old cottages. A few art and picture galleries are located in the village. Mousehole is popular with visitors, and there is a handful of holiday lettings to stay in, along with a lovely hotel named The Old Coastguard.
Photo: GBC
Muasdale, Argyll and Bute
The small linear hamlet of Muasdale is located on the western side of the Kintyre Peninsula, flanked by a beach of sand on one side, and by a coastal hillslope on the other. Although it is placed directly on the A83, it is a rather quiet and tranquil settlement, surrounded by the pleasant landscape of Kintyre, with the hills and forests just to the east. Muasdale’s west-facing position means that it commonly enjoys glorious sunsets, which are made particularly great when the Sun sets over the island of Gigha, which is situated just to the north-west.
Muchalls, Aberdeenshire
The small village of Muchalls is located close to the shoreline. It is a traditional ex-fishing village, filled with several rows of single-storey cottages that once housed workers in the fishing trade. It is surrounded by lovely natural scenery, with wild cliffs that meander their way around sheltered coves and rocky headlands. A footpath connects the village to Muchalls Beach, with its incredibly rocky shoreline that provides views of a small natural arch, carved by many years of wave action.
Mudeford, Dorset
Forming the easternmost extent of Christchurch, Mudeford is a pleasant harbourside area flanked by Christchurch Harbour on one side, and by open sea on the other. A couple of restaurants, cafes and pubs are located here, along with the plush Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa. A small patch of greenery is placed near Mudeford Quay, which overlooks the harbour. However, Mudeford is also flanked by Avon Beach, a large pebble and shingle beach that faces onto Christchurch Bay, a large patch of open sea. Flanked by a row of quaint beach huts, Avon Beach is a rather quiet stretch of shore when compared with Bournemouth’s sandy shore.
Mullion, Cornwall
Located on the Lizard peninsula, the large village of Mullion is home to a few shops, cafes, restaurants, and a 13th century church. The village centre is located a short distance from the coast – a country lane links the main village to Mullion Cove, where the walls of an old harbour reach out into a rocky inlet flanked by cliffs and large rock stacks. Polurrian Beach, with its beautiful sandy shore, is also placed close to the village. Several footpaths link Mullion with the coast, which is well-worth visiting for its striking cliffs and wild geology. The top of the cliffs is where Guglielmo Marconi played a large part in developing radio transmission technology, and sent the first transatlantic radio message – the huts he worked in are open as a National Trust museum.
Mundesley, Norfolk
A pleasant coastal resort village, Mundesley boomed in popularity during the late 19th Century, when the railways finally reached this part of North Norfolk. Even though the railway has since closed, the resort village remains a popular tourist destination, attracted to Mundsley’s quiet charm. As with much of the Norfolk coast, a pristine sliver of golden sand makes up the shore, backed by a small grassy hillslope that separates the beach from the town. A row of brightly-coloured beach huts overlooks the sand, whereas a pleasant flint-clad pub named The Ship Inn sits just above the hillslope.
Musselburgh, East Lothian
Musselburgh is an old market town that sits on the Firth of Forth, around 8 km/5 miles to the east of central Edinburgh. It has two main areas – a traditional town centre and an area that overlooks the Firth of Forth. A Roman settlement existed on the same site as Musselburgh, but no buildings from that era exist today. The town centre consists mainly of a long high street, flanked by old stone buildings, including a selection of shops and other amenities. The River Esk runs through the town to the sea. It is crossed by several bridges, one of which is named the Roman Bridge – although it was built in 1597, it was named after a previously existing bridge that was built by the Roman occupation. The beach area is located just to the north-west of the town centre, and includes a harbour, a sandy beach and a long stretch of grass that runs along the promenade. The seafront is rather quiet, and includes several residential homes that overlook the firth.
Mylor Churchtown, Cornwall
The small village of Mylor Churchtown faces onto where the Mylor Creek joins the Carrick Roads, the former being a relatively small inlet, and the latter being a vast flooded river valley that extends into Cornwall’s interior. The village is most known for its large marina, a collection of sailboats and yachts that are used for pleasure sailing. A short row of houses faces onto the water, with a modern café and sailing school situated next to the quay.
Author: Julian Marks