Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A – Z

Salen is a small coastal village placed at the head of a narrow, rocky bay. Nestled in a valley, Salen is surrounded by large areas of scenic woodland, which slope down to the water’s edge. The coastal landscape, along with the relatively low height of the neighbouring hills, makes an ideal place for walking and hiking – much of the terrain here does not exceed 300 metres (1,000 feet). A collection of cottages, some of them white-washed, overlook the bay. Salen House, a cosy bed and breakfast, along with the Salen Hotel, are placed in the village.

Often referred to as the gateway to Cornwall, the town of Saltash is located on the western side of the Tamar estuary. Two bridges cross the Tamar here – a spectacular railway bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1850s, and a giant road bridge constructed around a hundred years later. They are important crossings between southern Devon and Cornwall, carrying railway services and the A38 road. The town itself is rather pretty, with a series of cottages and townhouses built on the side of a hillslope. A pleasant waterfront flanks the estuary, with a patch of grass that offers great views across the water to Devon, and of the bridges. The Union Inn pub, one of several in the town, is situated here – the Union Flag is painted on its façade, looking out across the Tamar. Mary Newman’s Cottage, built in 1480, is open to the public as a museum, complete with Tudor-style furniture and a lovely flower garden. A high street runs through the centre of Saltash, flanked with shops and cafes.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is an incredibly charming North Yorkshire seaside town that is perched on top of a small cliff, overlooking the North Sea. Many of Saltburn’s buildings are Victorian in age, including large townhouses that overlook the sea. Marine Parade runs along the top of the cliff, providing great views of Hunt Cliff to the east, and of the shoreline to the north-west, with Redcar in the distance. An extensive beach lies at the bottom of the cliff, part of a continuous sandy shoreline that runs from the Tees Estuary to Hunt Cliff. A cliff railway runs between Marine Parade and the beach area. Two restaurants, a crazy golf course and an amusement arcade, run along a small promenade that borders the shore. Saltburn Pier also extends from the coastline. The town centre has a quaint village feel to it, with numerous family-run shops and an old church running along Milton Street. A visit to the town would not be complete without taking a walk around Saltburn Valley Gardens, situated in a beautiful wooded valley just to the east of the town

The conjoined towns of Ardrossan and Saltcoats flank either side of South Bay, on the coast of Ayrshire.  Saltcoats is a more traditional town, filled with various townhouses, shops and chain stores, and several cafes. Around 1 km/0.6 miles to the west of Saltcoats, Stevenson Beach and sand dunes line the shoreline, providing great views across the Firth of Clyde.

The seaside town of Saltdean lies on the South Coast of England, around 6 km to the east of Brighton. A quiet residential town, it is built on the slopes of the South Downs, and overlooks the English Channel. It is centred around Saltdean Park, a smart patch of greenery that includes tennis courts and a children’s playground. The town is best known for its impressive 1930s Art Deco lido (outdoor swimming pool). The beach itself is largely made up of pebbles, with limited stretches of sand appearing during low tide. Two sections of chalk cliffs flank either side of the main beach, their distinctive white colour glistening in the sunlight – a concrete pathway lies at the base of the cliffs, allowing people to walk along the shoreline.

Saltfleet is a small village in rural Lincolnshire, filled with a collection of cottages and suburban-style homes. A rather wide beach, made up of sand and bordered by a row of lush grass-covered dunes, lies immediately to the east of the village. More here.

The village of Salthouse is located within the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a tranquil natural environment. A large series of marshes, a popular habitat for many bird species, separate the village from the North Sea. A bank of shingle runs between the pebble beach and the marshes. The village itself is rather peaceful, with a series of cottages and a country pub named the Dun Cow.

The village of Sandbank lies on the shore of Holy Loch, an inlet that branches off from the Forth of Clyde. Despite being around 3.5 km (2 miles) to the north of the resort town of Dunoon, Sandbank has a more industrial feel to it, with a jetty that stretches out into the loch. However, a marina is also located beside the village, with a series of Victorian-built cottages and villas that look out across the loch, taking in the mountains of the northern Cowal Peninsula. A road curves its way around the meandering shore, offering great views of the scenery.

Built on a spit of sand that flanks part of Poole Harbour, Sandbanks is one of the most exclusive areas of the country. An area of Poole, it is known for its incredibly high land value, and is largely made up of luxurious houses and mansions. A range of lovely pubs and restaurants are located in and around Sandbanks, including a world-class seafood restaurant owned by the celebrated chef Rick Stein. A Blue Flag award-winning sandy beach borders the southern side of Sandbanks, and is home to a volleyball club – the shore is open to the public, and is ideal for swimming. A short vehicle ferry runs from the southern tip of Sandbanks to South Haven Point.

Located on the western side of Sandend Bay, the village of Sandend is made up of numerous pretty single-storey cottages. A small harbour lies at the end of the village, looking out onto the Moray Firth. A lovely patch of sand makes up the beach – one of few beaches in northern Aberdeenshire, it is popular with surfers due to the crashing waves that frequently crash onto the sand.

The village of Sandhaven is placed around 3 km (2 miles) to the west of the centre of Fraserburgh, and is filled with suburban-style homes and rows of traditional stone-built cottages. A 19^th-Century harbour borders the village, which along with many of Aberdeenshire’s coastal settlements, was once a busy fishing harbour. Despite the lack of cliffs, the shoreline is rather rocky.

The village of Sandhead is located at the north-western corner of Luce Bay, a vast coastal inlet that separates the Rhinns of Galloway from the Machars Peninsula. It is placed at the western end of Luce Sands, an impressive 12 km (7 mile) long sandy beach that flanks the northern side of Luce Bay. Sandhead itself is a fairly quiet village of bungalows and houses, some of which have been converted into holiday lettings. The Tigh Na Mara Hotel – a traditional hotel and restaurant – overlooks the bay.

Like many of the Isle of Wight’s seaside towns, Sandown is a scenic coastal resort that is filled with many Victorian-era buildings. Situated on the island’s eastern coast, it includes an esplanade that is flanked by numerous bars and shops on one side, and by a large sandy beach on the other. Sandown Pier extends from the promenade close to the centre of the town, hosting an amusement arcade and a small fun fair at the end. Since the town is located at the head of a bay, the pier provides impressive views of the Dunnose headland in the distance to the south, and of the Culver Down headland to the north. It is a rather vibrant town, with a range of cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from. The beach is great for walking along, particularly between Sandown and Culver Down, where one can see a dramatic change in the cliff colours from yellow to white, where sandstone meets chalk.

Located only 4 km (2.5. miles) to the north-west of Whitby, the coastal village of Sandsend sits within some rather pleasant natural scenery. The seafront provides great views of large, rugged cliffs to the north, whereas a beach of glorious sand arches around the bay. Behind the village, a pretty valley flanked by cottages and luscious woodland is carved into the landscape, carrying a small stream of water from the North York Moors. Sandsend is a quieter place than the nearby town of Whitby, with a small row of townhouses bordering the seafront.

Overlooking the large bay of the same name, the hamlet of Sandwich Bay is made up of a collection of houses that line several streets. These include several large Victorian-built villas, which look out over the beach and across the pleasant clear waters. A pristine shingle beach makes up the shoreline.

Sandyhills is a small hamlet placed at the head of a small sandy bay with which it shares a name. Although the hamlet only contains a few cottages, it is known for its sandy bay and idyllic landscape, with lush coastal woodland that slopes from the hills down to the edge of the Solway Firth. The beach is easily accessible from the A710 road that runs through Sandyhills. During low tide, a 3 km (2 mile) wide patch of sandflats are exposed between the sea and the land, but care must be taken when walking on these – the tide can turn very quickly. A camping and caravan park is located next to the beach.

Sanna is a remote hamlet placed near the north-western tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, around 10 km (6 miles) to the north-west of Kilchoan. A row of scattered cottages and croft farmhouses make up much of Sanna, overlooking a lovely bay of light-coloured sand that is broken up outcrops of grey-hued rocks. With the sand dunes that curve around the bay, and the rugged hills that rise up to the south, the area is surrounded a very tranquil coastal landscape.

The small village of Sannox is placed on the eastern side of Arran. Bordered by a beach of golden sand, and within view of a spectacular valley flanked by two towering mountains, it is surrounded by some rather amazing scenery. The Sannox Bay Hotel and a vegan bed and breakfast are located in the village.

Saundersfoot is a charming coastal resort that is located in south-eastern Pembrokeshire, around 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north of Tenby. It overlooks a lovely sandy shore, a Blue Flag Award-winning beach that stretches for over a mile. Being a popular tourist destination, a range of different cafes, restaurants and takeaway outlets are located in the village, along with a few pubs – each has its own traditional character. A decent selection of hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts can also be found in and around Saundersfoot. A large harbour, flanked by two stone-built breakwaters, is placed along the seafront – one of the breakwaters provides great views across the bay, with the rocks of Monkstone Point to the south, and the hills of Gower just about visible on the horizon to the east.

The village of Scalasaig is the largest settlement on the island of Colonsay. Ferry services to both Oban on the Scottish mainland and nearby Islay run from the village’s quay; therefore, all visitors to the island must pass through Scalasaig. It is home to the island’s shop, post office, a café, a hotel named The Colonsay and a couple of fuel pumps. It is placed within a pleasant valley that is flanked by grassy slopes. A few outcrops of rock are visible on the valley’s northern side.

The port village of Scalloway is the largest settlement on the west coast of Shetland’s Mainland. It is a rather attractive village, with a collection of cottages and townhouses spread around a harbour, and on the side of a hill overlooking the coast. Its location at the head of a large bay made it an ideal location for a fishing harbour – like much of Shetland, its fishing industry has largely declined over the past few decades, but the village is rather popular with tourists. The remains of Scalloway Castle – built in 1600 – are located in the eastern side of the village. Scalloway Museum is placed next to the castle.

The small village of Scalpay is the largest settlement on the island with which it shares a name. It sits at the head of a small rocky inlet, and contains a café, a restaurant, and a few rentable holiday homes, which are located in and around the village. A bed-and-breakfast named ‘Cnoc na Uamha’ is placed in Scalpay.

Scarborough is a large resort town that is located on the North Yorkshire coast, just to the south of the North York Moors. The town borders two large bays that are split by a large headland – the South Bay is the busiest. Here, a promenade curves around the bay, its sandy beach a popular attraction for visitors. A large amusement arcade, as well as numerous townhouses, shops and traditional pubs overlook the sea, adding to the town’s vibrancy. A large harbour covers the northern part of the bay. Much of Scarborough is built on a hill, resulting in some of its buildings being perched up on a cliff, such as its magnificent 19th-Century-built Grand Hotel. A large headland reaches out from the town into the North Sea, upon which rests the Medieval ruins of Scarborough Castle. The North Bay is more relaxing and less bustling than the bay to its south, with another sandy shoreline, and a row of beach huts that sit on a small promenade. A SeaLife aquarium and a small miniature railway are located here. Peasholm Park – a beautiful Japanese-styled botanical garden and boating lake – is located just to the west of North Bay. More here.

The hamlet of Scarfskerry is the most northerly settlement on the British mainland. It is a rather elongated village, made up of an intermittent row of cottages and bungalows that straddles a country lane. A row of low cliffs borders the shoreline, which is rather rocky and is interspersed by a number of small coves and headlands.

The main village on the island of Tiree, Scarinish is a small settlement that faces the open sea. As well as a collection of cottages, a Co-op convenience store and seafood shop are located at Scarinish, along with a local heritage museum named An Iodhlann. The coastal landscape around the village is free of cliffs, but the shore consists of outcrops of rock that surround a few scenic sandy bays. Tiree’s ferry terminal, with links to the Scottish Mainland and neighbouring Coll, run from Scarinish.

The hamlet of Sconser is sandwiched between the waters of Loch Sligachan and a large mountain named Glamaig. It is a collection of small cottages, some of which have been turned into holiday lettings. Although it is placed on the A87 road, it is surrounded by some rather dramatic scenery. Sconser is home to a ferry terminal, which connects Skye with the much smaller island of Raasay.

Scourie is surrounded by a great slice of northwest Scotland’s wild scenery, with large rocky hills covered with grass and moorland, along with an inland loch, all adding to the area’s idyllic charm. The village sits at the head of Scourie Bay, which is flanked by rugged cliffs on either side, although a small pebbly beach borders Scourie. It is a popular village for tourists – being placed on the A894 and the North Coast 500, it is rather accessible considering its remote location. A hotel, a bed-and-breakfast and a campsite are located in and around the village.

Sea Palling is a small and quiet village, with a great beach of pale-yellow sand backed by a row of sand dunes. It is an ideal place for swimming, paddling and even jet-skiing. The rural landscape is great too, with countryside surrounding three sides of the village. As with much of the Norfolk coast, seals are spotted here during certain times of the year. The village itself includes a couple of cafes and an amusement arcade.

Seaford is a traditional-styled resort town that is located on the South Coast of England. A rather relaxed seaside town, it has a rather twee charm about it, with many of its buildings Victorian in age or older. Like much of south-east England, it is common to see cottages, walls, and even its church (St Leonards) built using flints, among other materials. It has a large esplanade that borders the shingle beach – although some townhouses directly overlook onto the sea, a great amount of the area close to the beach is occupied by green space. This includes Martello Fields – a large patch of grass that is backed by a large stately home. A large 19th Century Martello Tower sits on the seafront, built as a defence to guard against possible invasion.

The harbour town of Seaham lies on the shore of County Durham, around 8 km (5 miles) to the south of Sunderland. It is a rather pleasant town, with rocky cliffs, a selection of beaches, and a vibrant harbour area. In fact, the harbour area lies next to the town centre, and is home to a pleasure marina, a maritime heritage and lifeboat centre, and a seaside café. The Slope Beach, with its sandy shore, is placed next to the harbour – other beaches are located along the northern and southern areas of Seaham, and tend to be more pebbly in nature. They include Glass Beach and Blast Beach, both of which are sheltered by a row of rocky cliffs, and the latter of which lies in the shadow of Nose’s Point. The town centre is also rather vibrant, with a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes located here.

The charming seaside village sits on the Northumberland coast, around 20 km (12 miles) to the north of Alnwick. It is a working fishing village, with a harbour overlooked by rows of stone-built terraced cottages. Many independent shops can be found in Seahouses, along with a traditional pub named The Olde Ship Inn, and a handful of places selling locally-caught fish. Boat trips run from the harbour to the Farne Islands, a small archipelago located a few miles off the coast.

In the middle of the 19^th Century, a railway was constructed along the west coast of Cumbria, connecting this part of the country with many large towns and cities. At around this time, the village of Seascale grew in popularity as a holiday resort, with a small promenade overlooking the sand and shingle beach. However, it never grew into a town, maintaining Seascale’s quiet charm. Today, a handful of guest houses, a few shops and an ice cream parlour are located close to the shore.

Terraced houses and semi-detached suburban homes make up much of Seaton Sluice, a village that straddles both sides of the Seaton Burn, a small stream that flows into the sea. It is a rather quiet village, with the rock-strewn Collywell Bay bordering the southern part of the village, and a long sandy beach stretching from the Seaton Burn up to the town of Blyth, around 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north. A rocky headland protrudes into the North Sea from the village, upon which sits the Kings Arms, a traditional pub, and the Watch House Museum, which served as a coastguard station.

Seaton is a small village that is located at the mouth of a large valley. A beach of sand and shingle flanks the village, and is popular with visitors during the summer months. The village is located just to the south of Seaton Valley Countryside Park & Nature Reserve, a beautiful country park that occupies the valley of the River Seaton and its surrounding slopes, and provides a handful of footpaths through lush woodland. The Smugglers Inn and Beach House pubs are situated in the village, along with a beach café.

Situated in the heart of south-west England’s Jurassic Coast, Seaton is a small and relatively quiet resort town that sits on a bay between two large cliffs. An esplanade runs along the town’s shingle beach, which is overlooked by numerous houses, and several cafes, pubs and restaurants. The town itself has a village-type feel to it, with narrow streets flanked by shops and townhouses. The Seaton Tramway runs from Seaton to the town of Colyton – it consists of trams that were built to resemble a late Victorian or Edwardian style. Seaford is set amongst great scenery, with a series of chalk and mudstone cliffs flanking both sides of the bay. Walking along the beach, in a westward direction from the town, takes you past wooded cliffs to the quaint port village of Beer. Following the South West Coast Path to the east of Seaford takes you over the top of the cliffs, and winds along the steep wooded slopes that rise up from the shoreline below.

The hamlet of Seatown can be found on Dorset’s coastline, placed in a gap between two large cliff faces. Aside from a holiday park, Seatown is home to a country pub named the Anchor Inn, and a cluster of traditional thatched cottages. A large pebble beach makes up the shore. Two large rugged cliffs flank either side of the hamlet, including the 191 metre (626 foot) high summit of Golden Cap, which towers above the sea to the west. The hamlet is located within the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is surrounded by some amazing scenery. A range of footpaths, including the South West Coast Path, make for some great walking and hiking trails. More info here.

The charming seaside village of Seaview is located just to the east of Ryde, on the Isle of Wight’s northern coast. The village grew in popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian eras as a seaside resort, with large townhouses built along the seafront and on the sides of the village’s narrow streets. A few hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, many of which retain their 19^th century charm, are located in Seaview, along with a village store and a few other independent shops. Seagrove Bay, with its beach of sand and shingle, flanks the southern edge of the village – a larger, sandier beach also runs from the village towards Ryde.

Located at the tip of the Selsey Bill peninsula, Selsey is a small seaside town that overlooks the English Channel, on the southern coast of England. It is a mainly residential town filled with low-rise houses, many of which were built since the 1930s. Selsey is unusual in that there is no well-defined sea front with amenities such as shops – however, there is a short promenade along the town’s eastern side. A few pubs and cafes are scattered along the coast, such as the Lifeboat Inn and the East Beach Kiosk, although more shops and pubs are situated on the town’s High Street, roughly 800 metres inland. A shingle beach borders the town on both its eastern and southern sides. More info here.

The village of Sennan Cove is placed on the southern edge of Whitesand Bay, which is home to the westernmost sandy beach in England. It is thus a haven for surfers, who enjoy the strong waves from the Atlantic, propelled by the prevailing westerly winds. Much of Sennan Cove is located beneath a coastal slope, extending along the southern side of the bay – a seaside pub, a lifeboat station and a number of holiday cottages make up part of the village. Pedn-mên-du, a rocky promontory, is situated just to the west of Sennan Cove, whereas a mile-long walk down the South West Coast Path connects the village with Land’s End.

Severn Beach is a largely suburban-style village which, as the name suggests, is located along the eastern bank of the Severn Estuary. A café and a few shops, including a convenience store, are located here. A large sea wall protects the village from the waves of the estuary; covered in grass, it forms a linear park that offers great views across the channel, with the hills of Wales in the distance on the other side, and the Prince of Wales Bridge just to the north, which carries the M4 Motorway between England and Wales. The Severn Way footpath runs along the top of the sea wall.

Located directly to the north-east of Bridlington, Sewerby is a fine village of old, brick-built terraced cottages. A row of low cliffs stands between the village and the beach, but a footpath takes visitors down to the shoreline. Sewerby Hall – an incredibly ornate early 19th Century stately home – is located next to the village, and includes beautiful gardens and a zoo in its grounds.

Placed on the southern side of the Teign estuary, Shaldon is a rather charming village, with townhouses that face onto the water, and a village green surrounded by terraced cottages. A few shops are located in Shaldon, including a gift shop and an independent boutique, and a handful of cafes, restaurants and pubs can be found in the village centre. A beach of shingle and sand, given a red hue by the local sandstone, flanks part of the village. From here, the town of Teignmouth is most visible, on the opposite side of the estuary – a road bridge links both sides. Shaldon is famous for its annual regatta, which runs for nine days each August. A botanical garden and a small zoo are located on the outskirts of the village. More info here.

Situated on the eastern side of Gare Loch, Shandon is an affluent village grew in popularity during the 19th Century. It is chiefly made up of large and spacious houses, many of which date back to the Victorian era. It is a leafy settlement, with tree-lined streets and patches of woodland that run down the hillslope to the edge of the loch.

Shanklin is a small resort town that sits on the Isle of Wight’s eastern coast. It is a rather charming seaside town, consisting of an esplanade and a traditional Old Town, as well as other attractions. The esplanade is located beneath a low row of cliffs – connected to the rest of the town by a cliff lift, this is a rather vibrant part of the town, with a large amusement arcade, holiday apartments and crazy golf course stretched along the seafront. A sandy beach makes up the shoreline. South of the esplanade, the coast meets Shanklin Chine, a narrow gorge filled with paths that wind their way through steep woodland. Shanklin Old Town is situated on the southern side of the town, consisting of various low-rise Thatched buildings, including traditional pubs and a tea room. In addition, a row of quaint independent gift shops flanks the main road that runs through the Old Town.

Shawbost is a fairly large and scattered village placed on the north-western side of Lewis. It is within easy reach of the coast, with an arc of white-coloured sand curved around a small bay at the end of two small country lanes. As well as a collection of houses, Shawbost is home to a school, a café and a Post Office. A re-created Norse Mill and Kiln are located to the west of the village, and are open as a museum.

Sheerness is a small seaside and port town situated on the north coast of Kent, overlooking the outer reaches of the Thames Estuary. A Royal Navy dockyard was based in the town for around 300 years, up until its closure in 1960. A series of large warehouses and quays make up the west of the town. However, it also functions as a small seaside town, with a promenade lining the town centre and stretching out to its eastern outskirts. A mainly shingle beach borders the town, with a high sea wall defending the town from the waves during storms. A wide expanse of green open space, as well as amusement arcades, sports pitches and a climbing wall, all border parts of the coast. Barton’s Point Coastal Park lies to the east of the town, providing an attractive area for walking and cycling, and a lake that is ideal for fishing, sailing windsurfing and canoeing.

The small seaside town of Sheringham sits on Norfolk’s northern coast, overlooking the North Sea. It is a rather charming resort town, with winding streets and traditional buildings, many of which are Victorian in age or older. Much of the town rests above a low cliff, with a pebble beach and tidal sand flats making up the shore. The clifftops on either side of the town centre contain a large patch of open space, with the town’s eastern side consisting of natural grassland, providing wide views of the North Sea and Sheringham. The Norfolk Coast Path runs along the top of the cliffs, making for a great walk through a rural coastal landscape. A carefully-managed flower garden containing a small boating lake lies to the west of the town. Sheringham is packed with many traditional pubs, such as The Lobster, and numerous tea rooms, ice cream parlours and shops. An amusement arcade is located close to the seafront.

A row of beautiful white-painted cottages faces the shore at Shieldaig, a small village placed amongst some lovely scenery. From the waters of the loch opposite the village, to the rugged peaks that surround Shieldaig, and even the small wooded island located just off from the shore, Shieldaig is an idyllic place to visit. The Tigh An Eilean hotel, which also includes a restaurant and a bar under the same ownership, is located on the waterfront. A range of other guesthouses and holiday homes are located in and around Shieldaig.

A series of small cottages make up the hamlet of Shingle Street, all built in a line, facing out onto the North Sea. The settlement is unusual in that a large patch of shingle up to 250 metres (800 feet) wide separates it from the shore, creating an expanse of pebbles that protects the buildings from strong waves. On a fine day, the shingle provides a great opportunity for walks along the coast.

Shoreham is a small seaside town situated on the South Coast of England, around 10 km to the west of Brighton, and a similar distance to the east of Worthing. It has two main areas: a seafront that stretches along a pebble seafront, and an old town centre. The seafront area mainly consists of a 20th Century-built suburb, with residential buildings and holiday homes lining the pebble shore. The estuary of the River Adur separates this area from the town centre. Shoreham Fort – an abandoned 19th-Century barracks – is located on the far eastern side of the beach. The town centre itself lies on the northern side of the River Adur. It is a traditional seaside town and fishing village, with a large yacht club and many warehouses lining the estuary. Olde-worlde taverns can be found along the High Street, including the Marlipins and the Crown and Anchor. East Street is lined with various shops, cafes and restaurants, all housed in old buildings around a pedestrianised plaza. The St. Mary de Haura Church, some of which dates back to the 12th Century, adds to the town’s quaint feel.

Placed at the tip of the Shotley Peninsula, the village of Shotley Gate overlooks the Stour Estuary, with the cranes of Harwich Port on the other side of the water. By contrast, Shotley Gate is a rather idyllic coastal village, with a tree-lined slope named Shotley Heritage Park flanking the shore. A large, brightly-painted public house named The Bristol Arms sits on the small waterfront. Shotley Marina, which is regularly filled with yachts, lies to the east of the village, where the Orwell and Stour estuaries meet.

Sidestrand is a village in North Norfolk off the A149 with wonderful views of the cliffs & beach it lies next to, which are very popular even if erosion has claimed part of it already.
The village is very small, all accommodations & restaurations can be found in Overstrand, less than half-a-mile away. There is even a golf course a bit more west for when the weather is nice.

Sidmouth is a small seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, in east Devon. It sits at the mouth of a large valley which is flanked by two large sandstone cliffs, both distinctively reddish in colour. Like many beaches in eastern Devon, a pebble beach borders the seafront, which is overlooked by a row of rather ornate Victorian-era townhouses. Many of these are used for bed-and-breakfast hotels. The town centre itself has rather picturesque village-type feel to it – as with many traditional seaside and fishing towns, it is filled with narrow streets, and a wide variety of independent shops, cafes, taverns and restaurants. Connaught Gardens is perched above the shore just to the west of the town – set within the ruins of an old manor house, this is a set of pristine flower beds, a main lawn and a ‘jungle’ area of various exotic tree and shrub species. The gardens also provide great views along the coastline, particularly of the red cliffs to the east of Sidmouth.

Silloth is a charming seaside town located on the northwest coast of Cumbria. It is an attractive town, with a large stretch of coastal parkland that provides grand sweeping views across the Solway Firth, and an opportunity for scenic walks along the shore. Silloth West Beach, with its dunes and sandy shore, extends to the south of the town, whereas a pebble beach extends northwards up towards Skinburness. Much of Silloth was built as a resort town during the Victorian era, and its architecture reflects this, with 19^th-century townhouses that line a grid of cobbled streets. A selection of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, many of which retain their Victorian charm, are situated here, along with several restaurants, cafes and pubs. Silloth Motorcycle Museum, a collection of vintage race bikes, is located in the town.

Located in Lancashire’s north-west corner, the village of Silverdale is placed on the side of Morecambe Bay, with views across to the hills of southern Cumbria. The village is surrounded by Arnside, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that encompasses serene woodlands and limestone hills. A network of footpaths winds its way through Arnside, and meanders along the shore. The village centre includes a collection of charming townhouses and cottages, and a pub named The Royal, all of which are built in traditional stone.

A row of brick-built terraced cottages makes up the majority of Sizewell, a small hamlet around 35 km (20 miles) to the north-eats of Ipswich. It is, however, home to a pub named The Vulcan Arms, and a car park providing access to the beach. Despite being a shingle beach, a small row of sand dunes runs alongside the shoreline. The famous Sizewell Nuclear Power Station lies just to the north of the hamlet.

Skegness is a seaside resort town that is located on the east coast of England, around 50 km to the east of the city of Lincoln. It is a rather popular holiday destination, with its large sandy beach and wide range of other attractions bringing in many visitors each year. These include the Pleasure Beach fairground, with a wide selection of funfair rides, a go-karting track, a large boating lake and an aquarium. An amusement arcade and a tenpin bowling alley can be found on Skegness Pier, which stretches out into the North Sea. The town is also known for its seal sanctuary. Much of Skegness is Late Victorian or more recent in age, with wide streets flanked by small townhouses. The town also includes various shops (both independent and chain stores), restaurants, cafes and pubs. More here.

Situated just to the south of Wemyss Bay, the village of Skelmorlie sits in the north-western corner of Ayrshire, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, with the Cowal Peninsula and the Isle of Bute on the other side. Much of the village, appropriately named Upper Skelmorlie, sits on top on a coastal hill; it is a rather leafy and suburban type of village, with detached homes and bungalows that straddle tree-lined streets. A village store is also located here. Another section of the village, simply named Skelmorlie, runs along the shore; it is flanked by the firth on one side, and by a steep wooded hillslope on the other.

The hamlet of Skinburness is located around a mile to the north of Silloth. Part of it consists of a row of houses that back onto the shore, with a housing estate of more modern bungalows making up the rest of the settlement. A sandy beach named Grune Point is placed to the north-east of the hamlet.

Located a stone’s throw away from a large steel works, Skinningrove is a rather industrial village, filled with terraced houses. It is located at the mouth of a large valley, which opens up onto the North Sea. Here, a sandy beach arches around a small bay, flanked by two large cliff faces.

Although Skipness is a small village, it is definitely worth visiting for its castle remains, and the wild surrounding landscape. Skipness Castle is open to the public all year round; despite being built in the early 13th-Century, the fortress is a rather well-preserved ruin, and overlooks the sweeping landscape of eastern Kintyre. Kilbrannan Chapel, dating from a similar era, contains a selection of carved Medieval tombstones. A seafood restaurant and smokehouse can also be found in the village. The main part of Skipness is made up of a row of traditional single-storey cottages that overlook a sandy beach. The peaks of Arran can be seen on the other side of Kilbrannan Sound.

Sitting on the northern side of Freswick Bay, Skirza is a rather remote linear village, consisting of a few scattered houses and farmhouses. A lane connects the village with a small harbour, which lies along the rocky shore. Despite the lack of cliffs, the coastline at Skirza provides great views, with Ness Head protruding out into the North Sea directly to the south of the village.

The village of Slapton is located within a stone’s throw from the shore, a beach of sand and shingle that flanks the central part of Start Bay. Placed on a gentle hill, the village also overlooks Slapton Ley, a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) long freshwater lagoon and nature reserve that is separated from the sea by a bar of pebbles. A web of footpaths and quiet country lanes link the village to the northern edge of the lagoon, along the pebble bar and the surrounding countryside, and are ideal for walking and hiking. Slapton itself is a lovely South Devon village of cottages, some of which have kept their traditional thatched roof, and an old church that dates to around 1300. A couple of country pubs are located in the village.

Solva is a pretty village that is surrounded by some beautiful landscape. Located on the southern side of the St Davids Peninsula, much of the village is perched on the side of a hill, where it overlooks a picturesque wooded inlet that flows into St Brides Bay. Solva is mostly made up of a collection of old white-washed cottages, including a lovely pub named The Royal George. A smaller part of the village, called Lower Solva, is placed at the head of the inlet – it includes a couple of other pubs (The Harbour Inn and Ship Inn), a pottery shop and a selection of holiday lettings.

The small town of South Hayling sits on the southern edge of Hayling Island, a small isle on the South Coast of England. The town is different from many other seaside towns in that most of it does not extend right up to the shoreline – a 150-metre-wide patch of open space separates the majority of the shingle beach from the houses. The Blue Flag award-winning beach is ideal for sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing – in fact, the latter was invented on Hayling Island. A small funfair, an amusement arcade and a café can be found close to the centre of the town. South Hayling itself a rather residential and suburban, with many of its buildings consisting of 20th Century-built low-level buildings. Like all towns, cafes, pubs and a range of shops are also located here, particularly on Elm Grove.

Located where the River Tyne flows into the North Sea, the bustling coastal town of South Shields is surrounded by water on three of its sides. The large channel of the Tyne lies to the north and west, flanked by a waterfront that is partially made up of warehouses, but is also home to a splash of modern regeneration. A paved walkway provides wide views across to North Shields on the other side, connected via a passenger ferry. A lively performing arts centre is located on the waterfront, within a regenerated Victorian-built customs house, and another cultural venue – the National Centre for the Written Word – is located nearby. The centre of South Shields brushes up against the waterfront, with a wide selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The eastern edge of the town brushes up against the North Sea, which is where beaches filled with golden sand are located. The largest of these, Sandhaven Beach, is popular with visitors, and is easily accessible from the town, and a series of car parks. A large funfair and amusement complex named the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park makes up part of the waterfront, with a recreation ground, a coastal park and an amphitheatre lining the promenade. The rocky cliffs of Trow Point flank the southern edge of the beach, forming part of a rugged coastal landscape that extends southwards towards Whitburn.

The port city of Southampton lies at the northern end of Southampton Water, where the River Test meets the River Itchen. It is the largest city in Hampshire, with a population of just over 250,000. Southampton is famous for its rich history and maritime heritage, with a Medieval city wall and a large dock located in the city. It is also known for its university, and for being a large commercial centre.

The city can track its history back for almost two thousand years, with a Roman settlement being established during the 1^st century AD where the city centre is today. A large stone wall was constructed in Medieval times to ward the city off from invasion – only a few parts of the wall exist to this day, including a long stretch that extends from Castle Way to the Mayflower Roundabout. A pathway runs along the top of the wall. This part of Southampton is also home to the city’s oldest buildings, including the 15^th century Tudor Merchants Hall, and the Tudor House & Garden.

Being located at the northern tip of Southampton Water, it is no surprise that Southampton has a rather rich maritime heritage. The Mayflower took anchor at Southampton in 1620, setting sail for North America from the city later that year (stopping at Plymouth on the way) – Mayflower Park, a large open space situated next to the coast, takes its name from the ship. A memorial to the Mayflower Pilgrims is located in the city. The RMS Titanic also set sail from Southampton docks, in 1912.

A large dock was constructed during the middle of the 19^th century – today, it remains an important commercial dock, with a series of large quays, and a cruise ship port. A ferry terminal provides vehicle and passenger services to the Isle of Wight. The docks are also the location of the National Oceanography Centre, one of the United Kingdom’s largest marine research centres. In fact, Southampton is a centre of research and academia, with a well-regarded university located in the city.

Southampton is a bustling city, with its large Westquay shopping centre, and a wide range of additional shops, pubs and restaurants. A lovely marina, which is flanked by modern apartments and is home to many yachts and sailboats, is placed on the eastern side of the city, opening out into the River Itchen. A luxurious hotel and spa, built to resemble a modern-day cruise liner, juts out into the marina. A range of other hotels are located in and around the city.

Southbourne is a thriving Bournemouth suburb that is located around 5.5 km (3.5 miles) to the east of the city centre. Like much of Bournemouth, it is flanked by a lovely Blue Flag-certified beach of sand that is backed by a large promenade. Quaint beach huts look out to sea, backed by a small coastal slope. Southbourne is a rather bustling place, not only because of its popular beach, but due to the rich selection of restaurants, cafes and bars that can be found here. Holiday lettings can also be found in and around Southbourne.

Located on the south coast of Essex, Southend is one of the UK’s largest and most popular holiday resort towns. Stretched along the northern side of the Thames Estuary, it is a rather bustling resort town, with many attractions that bring in holidaymakers. It is probably most well-known for being home to the world’s longest pleasure pier, which extends for over 2 km from the promenade. A narrow-gauge railway links the viewing platform and Royal Pavilion theatre, both of which sit at the end of the pier, with the town. The seafront is host to further attractions, including a large funfair, a SeaLife aquarium, a short but rather quirky cliff railway, and a linear park that stretches up the small cliff slope behind the promenade. As well as a long beach that runs continuously for 8 km past the town and its outskirts, cafes, fish-and-chip stalls and small restaurants are scattered along the seafront. The town itself is rather charming, with large Victorian townhouses and guest houses located close to Prittlewell Square. The town is also host to numerous pubs, restaurants and a wide range of shops to explore.

Perched on the southern tip of the Kintyre Pensinula, the small village of Southend is surrounded by great scenery. The cliffs of the Mull of Kintyre are located a few miles to the west of the village, with a small and winding country lane connecting it to the clifftops. It sits on the edge of Dunaverty Bay, with its tranquil sandy beach flanked by two rocky outcrops. A camping and caravanning site can be found next to the bay. The village itself is rather quiet, but includes a general store and tea rooms.

Perched on top of the cliffs of south-western Glamorgan, Southerndown is a small village made up of a cluster of cottages and much larger houses, along with a cosy pub named the Three Golden Cups. The village offers some spectacular coastal scenery, including rugged cliffs that feature distinctive horizontal rock folds, some of which date back to the Jurassic Period (up to 200 million years ago). A rocky beach makes up the shore, and is easily accessible via the Wales Coast Path, which dives down to sea level at Dunraven Bay. The Witches Point headland flanks the south of the bay, offering great views of the cliffs of Glamorgan to the east. The remains of a manor house, and a lovely walled garden, are placed on the headland.

Perched at the tip of Southerness Point, the small village of Southerness is a popular destination for visitors, with camping and caravan parks, along with a holiday resort, surrounding the settlement. Southerness itself is a rather small village of single-storey cottages, with a lighthouse located at its tip. Outcrops of jagged rocks make up much of the shore, and a large sandy beach stretches from its western side across to Sandyhills and beyond.

Southgate has a rather suburban feel to it, with its collection of bungalows and semi-detached homes that make up much of the village. However, it is surrounded by a nice selection of scenery. The southern edge of the village is placed on top of a cliff, providing great views across the Bristol Channel. On a clear day, the hills of Exmoor can be seen on the horizon. A 2 km (1.2 mile) long walk eastwards along the Wales Coast Path links the village with Pwlldu Head, a large promontory that provides excellent views of the coastal landscape, with the cliffs meandering around the coves and bays of southern Gower. A couple of cafes are located in the southern part of the village, whereas a traditional pub named The Southgate can be found at its northern end.

Situated at the northern tip of Merseyside, Southport is a seaside resort town that attracts a large number of visitors each year. It grew rapidly during the 19th Century, hence why many of its buildings have a distinctive Victorian style to them. Southport’s town centre is separated from the seafront by an area of reclaimed land used for a large marine boating lake, a seaside funfair, a model railway and a green open space. A long pier – the second longest in Great Britain – stretches from the town into the Irish Sea. When it was opened in 1860, it crossed open sea – however, due to part of the sea being reclaimed in the 1920s, more than half of it travels over land. The town centre itself is filled with many red brick and stone-clad Victorian buildings, with a wide range of shops, restaurants, pubs and guest houses on offer. A grand avenue, named Lord Street, sweeps through the centre of the town, flanked with trees on both sides. It is lined by several large buildings, including The Atkinson – a large arts and theatre venue.

Photo: GBC

Southsea is a popular resort area of Portsmouth, located on the southern side of the city. It is known for its large coastal park – the wide Southsea Common that stretches down from Old Portsmouth to a grand seafront flanked by a row of luxurious townhouses. The Clarence Pier amusement park, an aquarium, an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII, and a museum dedicated to the D-Day landings are placed on – or next to – the park. Southsea is also known for its South Parade pier, which is home to a fun fair, a seafood restaurant and the Gaiety, a large entertainment venue. A pebble beach borders Southsea, and a large esplanade extends eastwards from the pier to Eastney. The town next to the seafront is home to many terraces, with a number of hotels, bed and breakfasts, bars and cafes located here. With further attractions including a model village and a beautiful rose garden, Southsea is a very pleasant place to visit.

Located just over a mile from the southern tip of the Isle of Portland, Southwell is a village of cottages and bungalows that includes a pub named The Eight Kings. It is separated from the sea on both its eastern and western sides by a series of cliffs – the South West Coast Path encircles the isle, providing great views across the open water. Portland Bill, the southernmost tip of the isle, is located to the south of the village – it is home to a towering lighthouse that opened in 1906, and is home to a museum. A 19^th century obelisk is perched just above the shore, built to ward off ships from a shelf of rocks beneath the waves.

Southwick is a suburban town in West Sussex, located around 8 km to the west of Brighton. It is bordered by Portslade-by-Sea to the east and Shoreham to the west, and is situated on Southwick Ship Canal, which leads into the English Channel via the mouth of the Adur Estuary. Like neighbouring Portslade, much of the town is industrial, with warehouses and even a power station situated on the banks of the canal and the sea – however, there is a small recreational marina in the town. Kingston Beach – a small pebble-filled stretch of shoreline, borders the where the ship canal meets the Adur, and a longer stretch of shingle lies adjacent to the English Channel. The town itself has a rather English suburban feel to it, with tree-lined streets, 1930s and 40s-built homes, and a church which dates back to the 12th Century.

The small seaside town of Southwold is placed along the eastern side of the county of Suffolk, in the East Anglia region. It is a rather picturesque town, with a traditional village-type feel to it. Many of the buildings are centuries-old cottages and small townhouses, either with the brickwork left exposed, or painted in pastel colours, including light greens and yellows. Fish-and-chip shops, cafes, guest houses and holiday homes are dotted within the small town centre. The Sole Bay Inn, an old tavern, is located on St. James’ Terrace, and is overlooked by a large lighthouse that sits around 100 metres from the shore. A long beach of golden sand, along with a row of quaint beach huts, border the town. A visit to Southwold would be incomplete without a walk along its pier, which stretches into the North Sea from the promenade, containing an amusement arcade, a gifts shop named Seaweed and Salt, and a long viewing platform.

Made up of a collection of cottages, some of which are used as holiday homes, the small village of Spey Bay lies just to the east of the mouth of the River Spey. It is located next to a long pebble beach, with patches of pine woodland close by. The hamlet provides sweeping views across the Moray Firth to the north, and of the countryside to the south, with rolling hills and mountain peaks visible in the distance. The Scottish Dolphin Centre – with an exhibition centre, gift shop and café – is also placed in the village.

The large village of Spittal is located around 1.5 km (1 mile) to the south-east of Berwick-upon-Tweed, separated from it by the large tidal estuary of the River Tweed. It is a pleasant village, with rows of stone-built cottages and townhouses flanking a small network of streets. Several guest houses and two pubs are situated in Spittal. A welcoming sandy beach makes up the shore, flanked by a promenade providing wide views over the North Sea.

St Agnes is a charming village that is located on the north coast of Cornwall. Much of it is placed above the coastal hillslope, where many lovely cottages, a range of restaurants, pubs and cafes, and the splendid St Agnes Hotel are situated. The St Agnes Museum includes interesting displays about the village and its fishing and mining heritage, along with local archaeology and folklore. Cornwall is renowned historically for its tin mining, with photos and mining tools on display at the museum. A narrow lane links to main part of the village to its shore, a large splash of sand that is nestled within a rocky bay. Named Trevaunance Cove, the beach is flanked by towering cliffs, upon which runs the South West Coast Path.

St Catherines is a coastal hamlet on the south-eastern edge of Loch Fyne. It overlooks the loch, facing directly onto Inveraray, with the castle visible on the other side. Coastal forested peaks make up much of the beautiful scenery that surrounds the hamlet. A few cottages are located in St Catherines, including a guest house and a caravan park.

St Combs is a fishing village located around 7 km (4 miles) to the south-east of Fraserburgh. A rather quiet village, it is made up of rows of traditional stone-built cottages. The village is placed next door to St Combs beach, a pleasant arc of golden sand that stretches around a small bay. St Combs is surrounded by a rather tranquil coastal landscape, with a long extent of sand, Loch Strathbeg, and a nature reserve located for several miles to the south-east of the village.

The village of St Cyrus lies a small distance from the shore, a lovely stretch of golden sand that arches around a wide bay. A row of sand dunes and a cliff separate the beach from the village, adding to the great natural scenery of the area. A series of dark rocks poke above the sand towards the north of the beach, where the cliff forms into a headland. The village itself is filled with various cottages and bungalows, with the Village Inn pub and hotel located along the roadside.

With a population of around 1,600, St Davids is famous for being the smallest city in the United Kingdom, due to its large cathedral. It is an important and well-known city, as its cathedral forms the final resting place of St David, the patron saint of Wales. The city is a rather beautiful place, with narrow streets lined with cottages and townhouses, and a wide selection of independent shops, cafes, places to stay and a couple of pubs located here. A couple of country lanes, and several footpaths, link the city with the rugged cliffs of St Non’s Bay to the south, along with a patch of golden sand at Caerfai Bay. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path winds its way along the top of the cliffs, taking in the dramatic landscape.

Placed along the upper reaches of the estuary of the Afon Teifi, the village of St Dogmaels is known for its ruins, the remains of a 12^th-Century abbey that are open to the public. Much of the village is rather pretty, with a long main street that is flanked by terraced cottages painted in pastel colours, and a footpath that runs along a patch of greenery that borders the estuary. The main coastal part is located in the northern area of the village, where a rustic pub named The Ferry Inn is perched just above the Teifi, and a jetty extends into the water. A pleasant beach of golden sand is located at Poppit Sands, around 2.2 km (1.5 miles) to the north-west of the village.

Nestled within a wooded coastal valley that links to the shore, St Donats is a small village that is known for its 12^th Century castle and the Atlantic College, a large boarding school. The school occupies the castle and a large section of its grounds, running from the village itself to the sea. St Donats Arts Centre, itself a department of the Atlantic College, is located here, and regularly holds drama and music events. A footpath connects the village with the rocky shoreline, offering further views of Glamorgan’s distinctive cliffs.

The village of St Helens sits at the head of Bembridge Harbour, on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight. It is a rather pretty village, with many cottages and a charming country pub that face onto a large village green. Latimer Road connects the centre of the village with the side of the harbour, where sailboats are moored against the quayside. St Helens Beach, which is maintained by the National Trust, is located just to the east of the village – it is a fine shore of sand and shingle that is backed by a patch of heathland named The Duver. The ruins of the old church of St Helens are placed next to the northern side of the beach – built during the Medieval times, storm waves have destroyed much of the church since the 18^th century, leaving only the tower behind.

Much of St Just in Roseland is located on a small hill that overlooks the Carrick Roads, a large flooded valley that extends northwards into Cornwall’s interior. A quiet village of cottages and bungalows, a country lane connects St Just in Roseland with a tidal creek that stems off from the Carrick Roads. The waterfront provides pleasant views across the creek, with patches of woodland on the other side – it is a quiet village placed in a serene natural landscape. Its 13^th century church is placed along the creek, notable for its churchyard that is home to numerous species of sub-tropical plants.

Bordering the southern side of the Blackwater Estuary, and set within the Essex countryside, the village of St Lawrence Bay is rather quiet and peaceful. A pub named the Stone Inn sits along the side of the estuary, where there is some access onto the shore. A watersports club and a sailing club are located in the village.

The village of St Lawrence is located on the south side of the Isle of Wight. It is built on a patch of coastal hillslope named the Undercliff, which lies beneath a series of sandstone crags. Cottages and villas, some of which were built during the Victorian era, make up much of the village – however, St Lawrence dates back to the Middle Ages, with a church that was built in the 12^th century. The village attracts visitors, with several holiday lettings and bed-and-breakfasts located in and around St Lawrence. A couple of coastal footpaths link the village with the shore, which mostly consists of pebbles and rocks.

The third largest settlement on the entire Orkney archipelago, St Margaret’s Hope is a village placed at the southern end of a large bay. It is a rather quiet village, consisting of a network of cottages and other buildings that flank a series of narrow streets. St Margaret’s Hope is surrounded by a rather serene landscape, with green fields that gently slope down towards the water’s edge. A ferry terminal linking the village (and South Ronaldsay) with the Scottish mainland is located just to the north.

The first of a series of villages located on Orkney’s Mainland, St Mary’s overlooks the Bay of Ayre, a pleasant inlet that provides amazing views of the rolling hills that surround it. A series of bungalows and cottages make up much of the village, and a small jetty juts out into the bay. The Commodore restaurant and bar is located just to the east of the village, as does a First Nations and Orcadian totem pole, which was carved in 2007 as part of a community project.

St Mawes is a large fishing village that is located near the tip of the Roseland peninsula. A picturesque quayside runs along the front of St Mawes, flanked by cottages, townhouses, several shops and an art gallery. St Mawes is a bustling village, particularly popular with visitors during holiday season. Several cafes and restaurants, each of which serve locally caught seafood, are located in the village, and there is a wide range of holiday cottages, bed-and-breakfasts and hotels to choose from. The Ship and Castle Hotel is placed on the waterfront, overlooking the village’s harbour. The harbour provides a passenger ferry service to Falmouth.

St Monans is known for its picturesque waterfront, which backed by a row of traditional townhouses and fronted by a lovely harbour filled with fishing boats. A series of narrow streets and alleyways wind their way through the village, adding to its charm. The St Monans Heritage Collection – a gallery showcasing the village’s history as a fishing port – overlooks the harbour. Great views of the village and across the Forth are provided from Braehead, a street that runs past the centre of St Monans.

Located just to the west of Hastings, St Leonards is often overlooked as one of its suburbs – however, it functions as a resort town in its own right. A grand terrace of Georgian-era townhouses makes up much of the seafront, with a long promenade that separates the town from the shore. The elegant architecture extends its way back from the seafront, encompassing a lovely park named St Leonards Gardens, along with Warrior Square, which is flanked by impressive early 19^th century villas. Chain stores, independent shops, cafes, restaurants and a few pubs are located in the town centre – some of these are placed on the seafront. A large shingle beach borders the southern side of the town – during low tide, a stretch of golden sand is exposed.

St. Abbs is a small fishing village set within a rather scenic and tranquil area. The stone walls of its working harbour fare very well in sheltering small fishing boats from the waves of the North Sea. The village itself is made up of many terraced cottages, adding to its charming quality. St. Abbs provides amazing views of the rugged shore, with a multitude of jagged rocks reaching up out from the sea around the harbour. A couple of viewpoints from the village provide views of the cliffs, which curve around inlets and rocky headlands.

A seaside town with an incredibly rich history, St. Andrews sits on the western coast of Fife in eastern Scotland. Founded in 1413, the University of St. Andrews is the oldest in Scotland, and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world, and boasts many impressive alumni, including members of the Royal Family. The remains of St. Andrews Cathedral, built in the early 12th Century, lie next to the shore, looking out to the North Sea. The ruins of the 13th Century-built St. Andrews Castle also border the coast, perched on a rocky promontory. The town itself is just as beautiful, filled with ornate stone-clad townhouses and terraces, many tree-lined streets, narrow alleyways and park gardens. Furthermore, St. Andrews is recognised worldwide as the home of golf, in part due to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, which was founded in 1754 – links courses border the north-western and south-eastern sides of the town. A golf museum is located here, as is an aquarium and a botanic garden. Two sandy beaches flank the town – St. Andrews Beach and West Sands Beach.

The village of St. Bees is located next to a lovely beach of sand bordered by large cliffs on its northern side. These cliffs form part of St. Bees Head – the westernmost tip of Cumbria, this is a large promontory that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Lake District to the east, and across the open waters of the Irish Sea to the west. A variety of footpaths cross the headland, offering a variety of great walks. The village itself is rather pleasant, with a narrow high street bordered by cottages and townhouses – a pub and a general store can also be found here. St. Bees is popular with tourists, with a holiday park located just outside of the village.

St. Ives is a quintessentially Cornish seaside resort town, filled with quaint buildings and narrow cobbled streets, and surrounded by three sandy beaches. A beautiful collection of old cottages, townhouses, and traditional guesthouses line the narrow streets, adding to the town’s charm. Numerous taverns and other places to eat are also commonplace here. Although St. Ives has a long history of being a fishing town, it has also been a magnet for artists, attracting painters, sculptors and studio potters for almost a hundred years. Therefore, numerous highly-renowned art galleries are located here, including a branch of the Tate gallery, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Leach collection of craft pottery. The beaches that surround the town are incredibly impressive – the eastern side is bordered by two large sandy beaches, one of which is mainly used by the town’s harbour, and Porthminster Beach, which is bordered in part by rugged rocks and tree-lined slopes. The north of the town is bordered by Porthmeor Beach – an ideal beach for surfing, Porthmeor is flanked by two rocky headlands on either side.

A stone’s throw away from the town of Dover, St. Margarets Bay sits on top of the distinctive white-coloured chalk cliffs that flank this part of the Kent coastline. It is a pleasant village filled with tree-lined streets bordered by a number of luxurious residential homes, many of which look out across the English Channel. A small country lane winds its way down to a tranquil cove, which is nestled below a series of wooded hillslopes, and is flanked by chalk headlands on either side. A pebble beach makes up the shoreline, with rockpools emerging during low tide.

Nestled on the edge of a small bay underneath a series of cliffs, Staithes is an incredibly picturesque village. Cobbled streets and alleyways twist their way around tightly-packed cottages and townhouses, along with several traditional pubs, many family-run shops and a host of guest houses. The Staithes Beck – a small stream running off from the North York Moors – passes a steep cliff, exposing many layers of the bedrock, just before it flows into the bay. As well as its fishing heritage, Staithes also celebrates its connection to Captain James Cook, best known as a British explorer, who worked as an apprentice in the village.

The village of Starcross is located on the western side of the Exe estuary. A terrace of townhouses faces onto the water, as well as a pub called The Atmospheric Railway Inn. The name is appropriate as the village is home to an old pumping house, which was used to test Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s atmospheric railway in the 19^th century. A conventional railway line separates Starcross from the coast – although mainly modern trains are used today, steam trains stop off at the village station on rare occasions. A marina is placed next to the village, with a passenger ferry service to Exmouth.

The village of Staxigoe is located around 2.5 km (1.6 miles) to the north-east of the port town of Wick. Made up of a collection of houses, Staxigoe overlooks the rocky shoreline that separates the village from the North Sea. The cliffs here are rather low, and access down to the shore is easy – a paved path connects the village with a small inlet.

The town of Stevenston is located in northern Ayrshire, around a mile to the east of Saltcoats. Although the centre of Stevenston is located slightly inland, the town is within easy reach of a lovely sandy shore, which arches around the northern part of Irvine Bay. It is flanked by a patch of coastal parkland and a row of sand dunes, which provide a few scenic walking opportunities, and wide views across the bay. In addition, Ardeer Quarry Local Nature Reserve is placed to the east of the town, and is another splash of parkland that is centred around a small lake. The town centre is mostly made up of a high street, with a small cluster of shops, food takeaways, cafes and pubs.

Stoke Fleming is placed above the northern shore of Start Bay, on top of a rugged cliff face that curves around a small headland. The village is close to Blackpool Sands, a sheltered bay that is bordered by a lovely Blue Flag award-winning beach – here, an arc of golden sand and shingle is flanked by rugged rocks at either end. The village itself is rather beautiful, with old cottages that crowd around narrow streets, a cosy village pub named The Green Dragon, a café and a general store. A small holiday village is located just outside of the village, perched on the coastal hillslope, where it overlooks Start Bay.

Stoke Gabriel is a picturesque South Devon village located close to the River Dart estuary. It is a village of stone-built cottages, a church that dates back to the 13^th century, and two rustic country pubs. It lies on the side of a creek that connects with the Dart estuary – Mill Pool, a permanent pond formed by a dam, makes up much of the creek. The village is surrounded by the countryside of South Devon, with lovely scenery that includes coastal woodland and rolling hills.

Stonehaven is a scenic harbour town that is placed on Aberdeen’s eastern coast, overlooking a large bay of the same name. Its old harbour sits on the southern side of the bay, surrounded by an arch of beautiful 17th and 18th Century townhouses on its western side, and the cliffs of Downie Point headland to the south. Stonehaven’s town centre lies to the north of the harbour, and consists of traditional stone townhouses, shops and other amenities. Apart from the harbour, most of the remainder of Stonehaven Bay is bordered by a beach of sand and shingle, providing great views across the bay. An open-air pool borders the beach, along with a couple of holiday parks. A series of scenic cliffs meander their way along the north of Stonehaven Bay, weaving around a couple of large coves and rocky promontories – this provides great walking and hiking opportunities.

At the head of a large bay on the Outer Hebrides sits Stornoway, the most populated town on the archipelago. It is located on the western side of the Isle of Lewis, and is a terminus of one of the few ferry routes between the Outer Hebrides and the rest of Scotland. The centre of Stornoway is mainly associated with narrow streets, townhouses and a small commercial area bordering the waterfront. Many of the town’s bed-and-breakfast hotels, cafes and traditional pubs are located in this part of Stornoway. Specialist independent family-run shops are also found in the town, selling handcrafted items made on the Outer Hebrides, including Harris Tweed – a renowned type of tweed cloth. The 19th Century-built Lews Castle, along with its large grounds, sits on the western side of the bay, opposite Stornoway. The castle was built as a stately home, and includes a museum and art gallery that are open to the public. A large area of coastal woodland surrounds the castle, and is great for scenic walks and views across to Stornoway.

The village of Storth is located only a mile away from the border with Lancashire, on the southern side of the River Kent estuary. It is surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Arnside and Silverdale, a series of limestone hills covered in woodland that straddles the Lancashire-Cumbria border. A coastal road runs along the side of the estuary, dividing the village from marshland and sand flats. As well as a series of cottages, a few luxurious apartment buildings are situated along the village’s small waterfront.

Strachur is a large and fairly scattered village, the main part of which overlooks the stony shore of Loch Fyne. It is surrounded by an idyllic landscape, with rugged peaks covered in woodlands that slope down towards the loch. A collection of white-painted cottages makes up much of the village, with a selection of holiday lettings and the Creggans Inn hotel located here. The Strachur Smiddy, a blacksmith museum, and a pub named the Clachan Bar, are also placed in the village. However, the village is also known for Strachur House; visible from the A815 road that runs along the coast, this is a grand stately home that was once owned by the Fergusson Clan.

The port town of Stranraer sits at the southern tip of Loch Ryan, in south-western Scotland. It contains a collection of narrow streets that wind their way around many old buildings. A decent selection of traditional pubs, hotels, restaurants and shops – both independent businesses and chain stores – are located in Stranraer. A 16th Century tower house named the Castle of St. John sits in the town centre, and a museum showcasing the local history and heritage of the town, and its surrounding area, is situated in the old town hall. The seafront provides magnificent views across Loch Ryan, with the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway to the east, and the north-western tip of the Rhins Peninsula in the distance straight ahead. The ruins of Castle Kennedy and its vast grounds are located around 5 km/3 miles to the east of the town. These are filled with a large woodland filled with many exotic tree and plant species, as well as a walled garden and an avenue lined with Monkey Puzzle trees.

The scattered village of Strathy surrounds a bay with the same name – a beautiful strip of sand that is surrounded by grassy hillslopes and rocky cliffs. Like many settlements in the local area, Strathy is composed of cottages and farmhouses, although a church and a pub named The Strathy Inn are also located here. A country lane provides access to a car park near Strathy Point, a lovely headland that provides walking and hiking opportunities. A lighthouse is located at the northern tip of the headland, and there are some amazing rugged features along the coastline.

The quiet and pretty village of Strete is located in South Devon, on top of a coastal hill that overlooks Start Bay. It is perched above the north-eastern tip of Slapton Sands, a fine beach of pebbles and golden sand that is accessible from the village via the South West Coast Path. This part of South Devon is quieter than most other areas, with a tranquil landscape that is great for walking and hiking. The village itself includes a short main street flanked by old cottages, along with the ornate Kings Arms hotel and pub.

Built on the side of a large inlet, Stromness is a rather charming settlement, made up of townhouses and independent shops that straddle a narrow, winding street. Several other streets and alleyways wind their way up a small hill overlooking the water. The second largest settlement on the Orkney archipelago, it is a vibrant place, with a fine art museum named the Pier Arts Centre, and a heritage museum that showcases exhibitions about local archaeology and maritime history. A small range of cafes and restaurants are also located here. Stromness Harbour, which borders the town, provides car ferry services to other Orkney Islands, and to the Scottish mainland.

Strone is a large elongated village that stretches around Strone Point, a promontory flanked by Holy Loch to the west, and by Loch Long to its east. Tightly packed between the lochs and the steep slopes of Kilmun Hill, the settlement incorporates Kilmun, Strone itself and Blairmore. A road winds along the coast, flanked by a row of cottages and spacious Victorian-built homes that face onto the Firth of Clyde. A few bed-and-breakfasts and holiday lettings can be found in the village. A pebbly shore borders the settlement, with a large woodland covering the slopes of Kilmun Hill. Kilmun Arboretum, which boasts more than 150 tree species, is placed next to the village.

Placed in a large valley lined with lush woodlands, the village of Strontian overlooks Loch Sunart, close to its easternmost tip. Its location in the middle of a rather remote part of Scotland means that Strontian is home to a general store and a petrol station, along with a collection of mainly white-painted cottages nestled around a village green. As well as numerous holiday cottages, a campsite is located next to Strontian. The loch is bordered by a rocky shoreline, which provides picture postcard-like views of the Highland mountains. The village is also known for its mining; it was during the 18th Century that the mineral strontianite was discovered, from which the chemical element strontium was identified.

The small village of Struan overlooks both Loch Beag and the much larger Loch Bracadale. As well as a collection of cottages, a couple of shops and a few holiday lettings are located in the village. A well-preserved Iron Age broch, named Dùn Beag, is placed just to the north-west of Struan, and is open to visitors with no entrance fee.

Stubbington and Hill Head are two twinned towns on the Hampshire coast, around 9 km to the west of Portsmouth. Both settlements have a rather suburban feel to them, since they are filled with mainly 20th Century-built houses and bungalows. At around 1 km from the shore, Stubbington is situated slightly inland, and contains two parades of shops that line a tidy green. Hill Head directly borders the Solent, the large channel that separates the Isle of Wight from the English mainland. The town is rather quiet, with a pebble beach lined with quaint beach huts, and a harbour on its western side filled with small yachts and other pleasure boats. Salterns Park – a nice patch of greenery – borders the shore on the town’s eastern side. Numerous guest houses and holiday homes face the Solent, and a café, a tea rooms and a pub named the Osborne View can be found along the seafront.

The village of Studland lies on Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, a large peninsula in the southeast of the county. The village is located just to the north of Ballard Down, where it overlooks Studland Bay. A couple of pubs are placed in the village, along with a few holiday cottages and a hotel. Studland is surrounded by lovely scenery, with the large chalk cliffs of Handfast Point located to the southeast – the Old Harry Rocks, a row of rock stacks, stand at the end of the headland. The village is also flanked by a large sandy beach, which extends northwards towards South Haven Point. A patch of sand dunes and marshland named Studland Heath is located to the north of the village.

Sudbrook is a fairly quiet coastal village that is mostly made up of Victorian terraced cottages, built in the late 19^th Century to house workers who were constructing the Severn Tunnel. The railway tunnel runs underneath the Severn Estuary, directly linking South Wales with England. Sudbrook is also located close to another large crossing between the two countries – the Prince of Wales Bridge (or Second Severn Crossing), which carries the M4 motorway over the estuary. The grassy banks of an Iron Age hill fort are situated next to the shore, and are open to the public as a small park, which also provides great views across the Severn.

Sully is a rather large and suburban-style coastal village, located in the south-eastern part of Glamorgan. It includes a few shops and a traditional country pub named The Sully Inn. The village is in easy reach of the shore, a large pebble beach that is backed by outcrops of rock. A holiday park is located just to the east of Sully, next to a small hamlet named Swanbridge. Here, a traditional pub and restaurant named The Captain’s Wife overlooks the shore, along with a more modern-themed bar and restaurant called On The Rocks. Sully Island, which is only accessible during low tide, is located just off from the coast.

The hamlet of Sunderland (known locally as Sunderland Point) is located at the mouth of the River Lune estuary, just before it flows into the vast open waters of Morecambe Bay. Located at the end of a narrow country lane that crosses a large tidal marsh, it is unusual in that it is connected to the British mainland, but cannot be accessed during high tide. Much of the hamlet is made up of a few cottages that overlook the estuary.

The port city of Sunderland is placed at the mouth of the River Wear, where it flows into the North Sea. With a population of around 175,000 people, it is home to many entertainment and cultural venues, a university, and a lovely beach area. Its professional football club – Sunderland A.F.C. – is well-known throughout not just northeast England, but within the United Kingdom as a whole.

The city centre is located on the southern banks of the Wear, and is home to a wide range of shops, including many chain stores. Plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars are also situated in Sunderland. The ornate Edwardian-built Empire Theatre regularly stages musicals, comedy and dance performances, and a modern cinema is also located in the city. Mowbray Park, a beautiful patch of parkland complete with flower gardens, trees and a small lake, is located in central Sunderland – it is overlooked by the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, a grand Victorian building that showcases the city’s social and industrial history, along with artworks and archaeological artefacts.

Once home to warehouses and other industrial activity, the banks of the River Wear are today lined with a modern paved promenade, apartments and university buildings. Regeneration projects over the past three decades have created a pleasant waterfront area, which is popular with visitors. Sunderland is well-known for its university, with one of its campuses located on the northern side of the Wear. The state-of-the-art National Glass Centre overlooks the water – opened in 1998, it showcases a wide range of different glass-related artworks and objects. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is also located here. To the west of the waterfront, the Stadium of Light – home to Sunderland A.F.C. – overlooks the River Wear. East of the National Glass Centre, a large pleasure marina named Sunderland Harbour is popular with sailboats.

The suburb of Roker is located on the northern side of the River Wear, brushing up along the shore of the North Sea. Here, a beautiful beach of golden sand separates Roker from the sea, along with a promenade, an amusement arcade, a couple of beach cafes, and a fish and chip restaurant. Roker Pier, a long stone-built breakwater, extends into the North Sea – a picturesque lighthouse, built in 1903, is placed at the end. A scenic landscaped park, complete with trees, grass and a pond, can be found just behind the seafront.

Sutton on Sea is a pleasant and vibrant Lincolnshire village, with a high street flanked by independent shops, and a promenade running along the seafront. Like much of Lincolnshire’s coast, a wide sandy beach borders the town, overlooked by rows of nicely-coloured beach huts. It is a quieter coastal settlement than other nearby resort towns, especially Skegness and Cleethorpes. More here.

Situated on the eastern side of the Isle of Purbeck peninsula, Swanage is a traditional English seaside town, with quaint 18th and 19th Century buildings and a large sandy beach. The townhouses, cottages, shops and other amenities that make up the town tend to be built using stone, adding to the town’s charm. Traditional pubs and taverns are located in Swanage, including the White Swan and the Ship Inn, both of which have a rustic atmosphere. Traditional guesthouses and hotels are located in the town. The beach, which is located to the north of the town centre, is made up of a nice arch of golden sand that stretches around Swanage Bay, from Peveril Point to the south, to Ballard Down in the north. Due to its rural location, Swanage is ideal for walking through the surrounding natural landscape. Peveril Point provides great views across Swanage Bay and is easy to get to from the town. However, although Ballard Down is further from Swanage, the clifftop provides an impressive panorama of the sea and the town, and contains the Old Harry rock stacks at its easternmost tip.

With a population of over 300,000, the port city of Swansea is a large and bustling settlement, home to a wide range of shops, a selection of entertainment venues, a large marina and two well-known universities. Located at the head of Swansea Bay, the western half of the city is flanked by a large sandy beach, which offers sweeping views across the bay, with the distinctive Mumbles headland to the south-west of the city. Swansea is an up-and-coming place, with a great amount of development having taken place during the past three decades. This has included the creation of the Maritime Quarter, with a large pleasure marina that is home to many sailboats and yachts, and many sea-facing modern apartments.

Swansea is also a centre of shopping and entertainment. A large shopping centre named The Quadrant hosts many chain stores, including numerous fashion outlets and a large department store. Entertainment venues, including a large Vue cinema, and a wide range of pubs, bars and restaurants, are located in the town centre, particularly on Wind Street. Swansea is also well-known for its football club, based at Liberty Stadium to the north of the city centre, and its cricket ground, located in the suburb of Brynmill. The city also includes two universities, with both Swansea University and the University of Wales (Trinity Saint Davids Campus) located here.

The suburb of Uplands is located just to the west of the city centre, and is known as the birthplace of Dylan Thomas, who is considered to be one of Wales’s most regarded writers and poets. He was born in 1914 at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, a street just off from the main road that runs through the suburb. Singleton Park, a lovely suburban park, is situated next to Uplands, and includes a series of footpaths and a lovely botanic garden.

The largest village on the isle of Whalsay, Symbister serves as the island’s port, with a harbour filled with fishing craft and pleasure boats. It is also home to Walsay’s ferry terminal, with ferry services to the Shetland Mainland. Like many settlements on the Shetland Islands, Symbister is rather scattered, with a collection of cottages, other houses and farm buildings spread out over a reasonable distance. The Pier House Museum and Whalsay Heritage & Community Centre are both located in and around the village, showcasing information and exhibits about the island’s trade, fishing and knitting industries, and about life on Whalsay.