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 49 locations in this directory beginning with the letter W.
Walberswick, Suffolk
Located 1.8 km (1 mile) to the south of its larger neighbour, the resort town of Southwold, Walberswick is a rather scenic seaside village. Old cottages line its streets, and a pleasant green forms the centre point of the village. Walberswick Beach, with its lovely white sand and pebbles, runs past the village – backed by a row of sand dunes, this is an idea beach to visit during a holiday. A foot passenger ferry takes people across the River Blyth, allowing people to walk along the coast to Southwold.
Wallasey, Merseyside
The large town of Wallasey is placed at the north-eastern tip of the Wirral Peninsula, bordered by the Irish Sea to the north, and the Mersey estuary to the east. Its close proximity to Liverpool means that it is a rather suburban town, with several areas that each have their own name and character. The centre of Wallasey is mainly a shopping street, with independent shops, a convenience store and a few cafes. Wallasey Beach – a strip of golden sand – is located close to the town centre, and is backed by a golf course.
The town’s most well-known area – New Brighton – is a popular seaside resort, with attractions that include a fun fair, an amusement park, and a large performing arts theatre. A promenade provides great views across the mouth of the River Mersey, with the sands of Crosby Beach visible in the distance, and the cranes of Bootle’s docklands to the northeast. Fort Perch Rock, a stunning fortress built in the 1820s to defend Liverpool’s docklands, is placed on the seafront – it is open as a museum and a concert venue. A walk along the edge of the Mersey, from New Brighton down to Egremont, passes a couple of scenic coastal parks and the Black Pearl – an art installation that was constructed in 2013 to resemble a pirate ship.
The town’s most well-known area – New Brighton – is a popular seaside resort, with attractions that include a fun fair, an amusement park, and a large performing arts theatre. A promenade provides great views across the mouth of the River Mersey, with the sands of Crosby Beach visible in the distance, and the cranes of Bootle’s docklands to the northeast. Fort Perch Rock, a stunning fortress built in the 1820s to defend Liverpool’s docklands, is placed on the seafront – it is open as a museum and a concert venue. A walk along the edge of the Mersey, from New Brighton down to Egremont, passes a couple of scenic coastal parks and the Black Pearl – an art installation that was constructed in 2013 to resemble a pirate ship.
Walls, Mainland Island, Shetland Islands
The small village of Walls is located at the head of a large rocky bay named Vaila Sound, which connects the village to the Atlantic Ocean. A collection of old cottages makes up much of the village, and a corner shop and Post Office are also placed here. A ferry terminal links the village (and the Shetland Mainland) with the remote island of Foula, located around 23 km (14 miles) off the coast.
Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
The small resort town of Walton-on-the-Naze is situated on the coast of Essex, just to the south of a headland named The Naze. The golden sandy beach is bordered by a Victorian promenade, backed by a row of buildings that look out to sea. These include apartments and townhouses, as well as a pub and restaurant named the Walton Tavern. Several rows of brightly-painted beach huts also overlook the beach, built up on a small slope that rises from the shore. Walton Pier extends from the seafront, containing a large amusement arcade and a long viewing platform. To the north of the town is The Naze headland – host to a large nature reserve and an early 18th-Century navigation tower. The tower is open as a museum, exhibiting information about The Naze’s ecology and geology. Unfortunately, due to the ground being made up of clay, coastal erosion is a large problem along the coastline, threatening both The Naze and Walton to the south.
Warden, Kent
The small village of Warden sits on the north-eastern side of the Isle of Sheppey. A handful of local shops makes up the village’s focal point, with a small strip of grass bordering the sea. Warden marks the western extent of a stretch of low clay cliffs that runs along the northern side of Sheppey.
Warsash, Hampshire
Warsash is a village located on the eastern side of the Hamble estuary, just before it flows into Southampton Water. Like with much of the Hamble estuary, Warsash is flanked by a yachting marina, and a charming pub named The Rising Sun. The village is a mainly suburban-style settlement – a cluster of houses and bungalows, and a high street flanked by shops, cafes and a couple more pubs. Both a sailing club and a leading maritime academy are located in Warsash, and a passenger ferry links the village with Hamble-le-Rice. A scenic footpath runs along the eastern side of the estuary, passing marshland and tidal mudflats.
Watchet, Somerset
Watchet is a very charming and picturesque seaside town, with a lovely harbour that is used today as a recreational marina, and many centuries-old cottages and townhouses that flank narrow streets. It is a vibrant town, with a range of independent stores, several bed-and-breakfast style hotels and a few cafes are located here. A couple of cosy pubs named The London Inn and The Bell Inn are placed near the harbour, next to the Watchet Museum – a local heritage centre that showcases the town’s history, Iron Age and Medieval activity in and around Watchet, and fossil findings along the nearby coast. Both a boat and a radio museum are also located in the town. Watchet is also served by the West Somerset Railway, a heritage railway that uses steam and diesel locomotives. The town is surrounded by the hills of western Somerset, with the Quantock Hills to the east, and Exmoor a few miles to the west. The coastal landscape on both sides of Watchet is dominated by cliffs, with the England Coast Path running along the top.
Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk
Wells-Next-The-Sea is a village in North Norfolk off the A148 and is a very popular balneary destination, with beautiful beach sights with colourful beach cabins, and a wonderful lively village & harbour in the middle of 40 miles of a designated Area Outstanding beauty. There are also beautiful Pine woods which were planted a century and a half ago to limit the erosion and protect the area from the harsh weather conditions.
Wembury, Devon
Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wembury is a pleasant coastal village that is surrounded by lovely coastal scenery. A short country lane links Wembury to the coast, with a fine beach of sand and pebbles that arches around a rocky cove. Outcrops of rock flank the base of the cliffs, many of which are revealed during low tide. Wembury Marine Centre, which runs family-friendly rockpooling, snorkelling and beach cleaning events, is placed next to the shore.
Wemyss Bay, Inverclyde
Wemyss Bay is a rather pretty seaside village located in the southwestern part of Inverclyde. Much of it developed as a resort during the Victorian era, as can be seen by the number of large 19th Century villas that flank the seafront. Many of its buildings were constructed using traditional stone, but a number were built in the Tudor Revival style that was popular in the 1800s. Wemyss Bay is well-known for its grand railway station – built from wrought iron and glass, it is regarded as one of the most spectacular railway buildings in Scotland. It forms the terminus for all train services from Glasgow, and provides connections to one of the ferry services that links the Scottish mainland with the Isle of Bute.
West Bay, Dorset
West Bay is a small coastal village located around 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to the south of Bridport. It is probably best described as a resort village – much of it is a cluster of hotels, cafes, and other similar amenities crowded around a harbour filled with sailboats. Part of the village is made up of old cottages and other buildings – however, modern apartments are also located at West Bay. Two pleasant shingle beaches flank either side of the harbour, which are popular with visitors, particularly during holiday season.
West Bexington, Dorset
West Bexington is a quiet coastal village located on the coast of Dorset. Its southern end brushes up against the western end of Chesil Beach, a 29 km (18 mile) long beach made up of layers of shingle. The South West Coast Path runs along the beach, and is ideal for a quiet seaside walk through the coastal Dorset landscape. A bar and restaurant named The Club House is located in the village, complete with a large beer garden that overlooks the beach. The Manor House, a cosy hotel and bar, is also placed in West Bexington.
West Itchenor, West Sussex
The small village of West Itchenor clings to the edge of the Chichester Channel, a tranquil tidal inlet that extends for a few miles into West Sussex’s interior. Mostly consisting of one street, it is a pretty village of brick- and flint-built cottages, some of which have lovely front gardens filled with shrubs and flowers. A country pub named The Ship Inn is located in the village, and a sailing club is situated along the shore. The main street brushes up against the inlet, providing great views across the channel.
West Kilbride and Seamill, Ayrshire
The villages of West Kilbride and Seamill merge to form a small town, located on the eastern coast of the Firth of Clyde. West Kilbride is the furthest from the coast, and sits amongst the green Ayrshire countryside. The centre of West Kilbride is rather pleasant, with rows of cottages and village shops flanking a small high street. On the other hand, Seamill borders the coast, and is a generally more modern suburban-type settlement. Several hotels, including bed and breakfasts and the large Seamill Hydro, overlook the firth. A nice sandy beach makes up the shore here, flanked by scenic rocky outcrops on either side. The shoreline provides amazing views across the Firth of Clyde, with the lofty peaks of the Isle of Arran on the other side
West Kirby, Merseyside
The seaside town of West Kirby sits near the north-western tip of the Wirral Peninsula, overlooking the Dee Estuary to the west. It is a charming and relaxed residential town, with many houses bordering the seafront. A small cluster of independent shops, cafes and bars are located around the town centre. The beach next to West Kirby is rather sandy, with a vast extent of sand flats that emerge during low tide. However, a large marine lake divides much of the town from the estuary, which is often used for sailboarding, canoeing and other water-related sporting activities. The seafront provides great views across the Dee Estuary, with the hills of North Wales visible in the distance – being west-facing, beautiful sunsets are common here. Around 2.5 km to the north-west of the town sit the Hilbre Islands – accessible from the mainland during low tide, this is a small rocky archipelago that forms part of a nature reserve.
West Lulworth, Dorset
West Lulworth is often associated with Lulworth Cove. Considered to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic coves in the United Kingdom, Lulworth Cove is well-known for its secluded beach, which is connected to the English Channel via a narrow gap. In fact, much of the coast around this part of Dorset is regarded for its great scenery, with other natural features including the Durdle Door arch. Like much of Dorset, this part of the county is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
West Lulworth includes a small village that leads directly to the cove – it is a pretty collection of cottages, with an inn, a café and an ice cream parlour placed here. However, the main part of West Lulworth lies half a mile from the cove, and is a picturesque village of stone cottages with thatched roofs, nestled within a large valley. The Castle Inn, a quaint country pub that also has a thatched roof, is located in the centre of the village. A range of holiday cottages are located in West Lulworth, along with a youth hostel.
West Lulworth includes a small village that leads directly to the cove – it is a pretty collection of cottages, with an inn, a café and an ice cream parlour placed here. However, the main part of West Lulworth lies half a mile from the cove, and is a picturesque village of stone cottages with thatched roofs, nestled within a large valley. The Castle Inn, a quaint country pub that also has a thatched roof, is located in the centre of the village. A range of holiday cottages are located in West Lulworth, along with a youth hostel.
West Mersea, Essex
West Mersea is a small town that sits along the south-eastern edge of Mersea Island, located just off from the Essex mainland. Situated within a rural setting, it is a rather quiet and relaxed town, with many boats moored up along the quayside on the town’s eastern end. Seafood restaurants are dotted along the seafront, such as the West Mersea Oyster Bar and the Coast Inn. West Mersey Beach borders the western side of the town – this is a sand and shingle beach backed by a row of quaint beach huts, an area of green open space, and numerous houses. Both the Seaview café and the Sandbank pub and restaurant can be found here. A small collection of fish-and-chip takeaways and other shops are located in the small town centre.
West Runton, Norfolk
Located just a stone’s throw away from East Runton to its east, and Sheringham to its west, the village of West Runton consist of everything you would expect from a Norfolk village – a green an old church and a collection of traditional cottages. A rustic flint-clad pub, named The Village Inn, lies in the centre of West Runton. A Blue Flag-certified sandy beach lies to the north of the village, below a row of low cliffs. It is well-known for the discovery of a whole Ice Age steppe mammoth, which was found in the cliff face in 1990. Along with East Runton, the beach is a great spot for fossil hunting
West Wemyss, Fife
Several rows of traditional 18th-Century terraced houses make up much of West Wemyss, a small village located around 5.5 km (3.5 miles) to the north-east of Kirkcaldy. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, West Wemyss has a small harbour, with a beautiful section of coastal woodland placed next to the village.
West Wittering, West Sussex
Located near the western tip of the Selsey peninsula, West Wittering is a pleasant village of cottages, a couple of shops and a country pub. A 13th century church can be found in the village centre. West Wittering is well-known for its Blue Flag award-winning beach, a lovely stretch of sand that is situated a stone’s throw away from the village. It is backed by a row of beach huts and a row of sand dunes. Looking out to sea, the eastern end of the Isle of Wight is visible on the horizon on clear days.
Westgate-on-Sea, Kent
Despite being located only 3km (2 miles) to the west of Margate, the smaller suburban village of Westgate has a completely separate feel to it, with very little of the hustle and bustle associated with its larger neighbour. An arc of rather smart Victorian-built holiday townhouses and villas faces onto the serene bay it curves around, as well as a pub and restaurant named The Swan. A rather pleasant esplanade makes up the seafront, flanked by a sliver of grass and a nice beach of sand.
Weston-Super-Mare
Weston-super-Mare is a large seaside town, located on the Somerset coast, overlooking the Bristol Channel. It is a popular resort town with holidaymakers, having grown rapidly during the Victorian era. A large sandy beach borders the town, curving around Weston Bay, with a large promontory named Anchor Head to the north. It therefore has a quaint charm to it, with grand 19th Century-built stone-clad townhouses situated close to, and along, the promenade. A wide range of amenities – shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes – are located within the town centre. Towards the northern side of the bay sits the Winter Gardens Pavilion – opened in 1927, it is a large neo-Georgian building that is used today as part of a local college. The Grand Pier extends into the bay, hosting a huge modern amusement arcade that sits at the end. A marine lake borders the bay’s northern side, which is overlooked by numerous grand Victorian villas, many of which are used as traditional hotels. The disused shell of Birnbeck Pier extends from the tip of Anchor Head – it is the only pier in the United Kingdom that links the mainland to an island.
Weston, Dorset
The small town of Weston is located on the Isle of Portland, around 6 km to the south of Weymouth. It is a primarily residential settlement, with various houses constructed in the middle of the 20th Century – only several shops are located here, along Weston Road. A large 70-metre-high limestone cliff lies to the west of the town, along which runs the South West Coast Path. As expected, the views from here are incredible – with Chesil Beach and the Dorset coast to the north-west, and the vast expanse of the English Channel to the west and south-west. It is difficult to access the rocky shoreline from Weston, and there is unfortunately no path directly down to the beach from here.
Westward Ho!, Devon
Westward Ho! is to the west of Northam as mentioned above (see Northam)– Westward Ho! is one of only two settlements in the world using an exclamation mark in its name, Westward Ho! is a quiet holiday town with an amusement arcade and a couple of pubs and cafes. With Northam Burrows to the north, and the wild and rugged North Devon coastal landscape to its south-west, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the local area.
Weybourne, Norfolk
Weybourne is the sort of village you would find in a picture postcard, with its flint-built cottages, winding streets and Medieval church. A short walk connects the village to a shingle beach, which lies in front of a series of low cliffs. The Muckleburgh Collection – the largest privately-owned military collection in the UK – is located just outside the village.
Weymouth. Dorset
The seaside town of Weymouth sits on the southern coast of England, overlooking Weymouth Bay to the east, and Weymouth Harbour to the west. A Blue Flag award-winning beach stretches along the wide bay – it is made up of a large swathe of clean, light-yellow sand. A parade of grand Georgian-era townhouses borders the promenade, which curves around the southern part of the bay; the seafront is quite lively, with guest houses, grand luxurious hotels, cafes and pubs dotted along the promenade. The Weymouth Pavilion – a large theatre and concert venue – is located on the southern side of the bay, whereas a small funfair is situated nearby, in Alexandra Gardens. Two harbours are located in the vicinity. Weymouth Harbour is a small inlet that stretches around the west of the town – it is filled with numerous yachts and sailing boats. However, to the south of the town, between Weymouth and the Isle of Portland, is Portland Harbour – this was used as a sailing venue during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Whaligoe, Highland
The hamlet of Whaligoe is made up of a few fairly scattered cottages and farmhouses. With moorland to the west, and the waters of Loch Watenan to its north, it is placed in a rather serene area. The village is famous for a manmade set of steps named the Whaligoe Steps, which descend a steep slope from the top of the cliff and down into a tight and sheltered cove. The views of the rock faces from the cove are incredible, with cliffs rising out dramatically from the water. It was once a popular spot for herring, although this trade has since ceased.
Whinnyfold, Aberdeenshire
The small hamlet of Whinnyfold sits on top of the cliffs, looking out onto the rugged shoreline, with the power of the strong North Sea waves crashing on the rocks. Several rows of small cottages make up much of the hamlet, with an absence of shops or other amenities nearby.
Whitburn, Tyne and Wear
Whitburn is a rather pleasant village, with a number of traditional stone-clad buildings, including the townhouses and cottages that flank Front Street. A coastal footpath runs along the coast, made up of a small row of cliffs, with an array of rocks being exposed during low tide. The northern end of Seaburn Beach, with its golden sand, reaches Whitburn – a beach of coarse sand and pebbles is also located just to the north of the village.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Built on the sides of the Esk Estuary, Whitby is a beautiful port and seaside town on the coast of North Yorkshire. It is a town of narrow streets and alleyways that wind their way around many 17th and 18th Century buildings, including townhouses, ‘olde worlde’-style pubs and taverns, and traditional hotels. A wide selection of quirky independent shops and tea rooms are located in the town, especially along Church Street and Skinner Street. Whitby is famous in Britain – and even internationally – for its large abbey that sits above the town, a major inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. A series of 199 stone steps leads up from the town to the abbey, as well as the Church of St Mary. Large cliffs tower above the sea next to both sides of the town, providing great views of the town, the coastline and across the North Sea. A large sandy beach stretches out along the coast to the west of the town, backed by a theatre pavilion, a row of beach huts and a steep grass-covered hillslope.
Photo: GBC
Whitehall, Stronsay, Orkney Islands
The only village on the island of Stronsay, Whitehall is a small settlement, mostly made up of a row of houses facing onto the Papa Sound. As well as being the location of the island’s only ferry terminal, Whitehall is also home to a shop, a café, the Stronsay Hotel and a small heritage museum.
Whitehaven, Cumbria
The coastal town of Whitehaven is located on the western edge of Cumbria, around 5 km (3 miles) to the northeast of St. Bees Head. Unusually for British settlements, much of the town centre exists on a grid pattern, a result of being designed by Sir John Lowther in the 18th century. The majority of its buildings are therefore Georgian in age, complete with large townhouses, independent stores and a cluster of cafes and restaurants. The town opens out onto a large harbour – once used for industrial activity, it is today home to a large pleasure marina.
Whitehaven grew on coal and iron ore mining, with the first undersea mine in England constructed here in 1729. However, like many parts of industrial Britain, the town’s industrial output has dropped massively in more recent years, with tourism forming a large part of Whitehaven’s economy. The Beacon Museum showcases the town’s mining and maritime heritage, with the remains of Wellington Pit (a large colliery) located nearby. Interestingly, Whitehaven is also famous for being the last place in Britain to be attacked by American naval forces, in April 1778. Its industrial importance was the main reason why it was attacked.
Whitehaven grew on coal and iron ore mining, with the first undersea mine in England constructed here in 1729. However, like many parts of industrial Britain, the town’s industrial output has dropped massively in more recent years, with tourism forming a large part of Whitehaven’s economy. The Beacon Museum showcases the town’s mining and maritime heritage, with the remains of Wellington Pit (a large colliery) located nearby. Interestingly, Whitehaven is also famous for being the last place in Britain to be attacked by American naval forces, in April 1778. Its industrial importance was the main reason why it was attacked.
Whitehills, Aberdeenshire
The village of Whitehills is located on the coast of northern Aberdeenshire, hugging a small bay. With its marina, it is a large hub for pleasure boats, although a few fishing boats also moor here. The village consists of cottages and a few townhouses, many of which are at least a hundred years old. At low tide, the sea reveals a large patch of rugged rocks, adding to its natural charm.
Whiting Bay, Isle of Arran
Whiting Bay is located on the south-eastern side of Arran, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, with Holy Isle to the north and the coast of Ayrshire in the far distance to the east. In general, the village has a rather pleasant and tranquil feel to it – it grew as a holiday resort during the late Victorian era, and is comprised of many late-19th and early-20th Century villas that overlook the shore. A couple of cafes, a few shops and the Arran Art Gallery are located here. Whiting Bay is flanked by the hills of southern Arran to the west, which is covered in a large forest that presents an ideal place for walking and hiking. Just to the west of the village, a large waterfall named the Glenashdale Falls tumbles down into a rocky gorge; a footpath connects the falls to the village.
Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
Whitley Bay is a large seaside town that sits on the bay of the same name. One of north-east England’s most popular seaside resorts, Whitley Bay is famous for its Edwardian-era Spanish City pavilion. Recently refurbished, the Spanish City (named due to its resemblance to a Spanish hacienda) is a grand dining and entertainment complex, with a lavish tearoom and restaurant, a bar and a quaint alehouse. A large promenade extends along the southern part of the bay, bordered by a parade of majestic Victorian townhouses that overlook the North Sea. A long and sandy beach arches around the bay, from the town along its southern side to a small headland that marks the north of the bay. A large area of open green space lies along a decent portion of the beach as well. St. Mary’s Lighthouse sits upon a small rock located just off the shore from the small headland along the bay’s northern side – linked to the mainland by a causeway that is submerged at high tide, the lighthouse contains a small museum, a visitor centre, and a café.
Whitstable, Kent
Situated on the northern Kent coast, Whitstable is a traditional coastal town filled with narrow streets and old cottages, which spill out onto the seafront. A harbour filled with fishing boats occupies part of the seafront, next to a quirky market containing a wide range of stalls, from seafood vendors to people selling craft-related items. Whitstable has a rather bohemian charm to it, with many independent shops and cafes in the town centre, each with their own theme. Various pubs are dotted around the town, including the traditional Ship Centurion tavern, and the Peter Cushing pub, which is located within a beautiful Art Deco-built cinema. A long shingle beach borders Whitstable on either side of the harbour. Whitstable Castle and Gardens, situated on a small hill to the east of the town, overlooks the surrounding area – built as a stately home in the late 18th Century, the castle grounds and tea rooms are both open to the public.
Wick, Highland
One of the most northerly towns in mainland Scotland, the small port town of Wick sits at the head of Wick Bay, overlooking the North Sea. It is known for its herring fishing – it was the largest herring port in Europe in the 19th Century, but this has declined over the past few decades. Many stone-built terraced cottages fill the town, as well as several patches of greenery. These include Argyle Square, a well-kept park garden located in one of the town’s small neighbourhoods. Just to the north of the River Wick, a selection of shops, cafes and pubs make up the town centre. A few guest houses and bed-and-breakfasts are scattered throughout the town. Both sides of Wick Bay are flanked by rocky promontories, providing great views across the North Sea and along the rugged coastline. The aptly named South Head refers to the headland on the southern side of the bay, where several sheltered coves, a tidal swimming pool named The Trinkie, and the 12th Century remains of the Castle of Old Wick are set amongst the dramatic landscape.
Widemouth Bay, Cornwall
The village of Widemouth Bay faces onto the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by a lovely beach of golden sand that is great for swimming and paddling. Like much of Cornwall’s northern side, Widemouth Bay is popular with surfers – its west-facing beach receives strong waves from the Atlantic, driven by the prevailing westerly winds that often blow onto the shore. Several surf schools are based in the village. A couple of beach cafés and a convenience store are located next to the beach, and a range of holiday cottages are available to rent in Widemouth Bay.
Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway
Although Wigtown is technically considered to be a town, its population of just under 1,000 means that it feels much more like a village. Several streets spiral out from a picturesque high street that is flanked by numerous cottages, townhouses and a number of independent shops. Wigtown is famous both nationally and internationally for its large concentration of bookshops, and is often referred to as ‘Scotland’s National Book Town’ by many – it held its first annual book festival in 1999, which continues to this day. The settlement is placed close to the head of Wigtown Bay, a large inlet on the southern side of Dumfries and Galloway. Although a strip of marshland separates Wigtown from the sea, a small country lane named Harbour Road links the settlement with its harbour, which is located on a small estuary that runs into the bay.
Wilsthorpe, East Riding of Yorkshire
Situated just 3 km (2 miles) to the south of Bridlington, Wilsthorpe is a small hamlet made up of a row of cottages which overlook a wide beach of golden sand. A small row of dunes borders the coastline; a lack of cliffs makes access to the beach easier than many areas to the south of here.
Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex
As evidenced by the number of caravan parks surrounding part of the village, Winchelsea Beach draws in many holidaymakers per year. Much of the village was built during the 20th Century, giving the area a fairly modern feel to it than compared with the traditional Victorian holiday resort towns. A pristine shingle beach, which is a great walking opportunity, separates the village from the English Channel. A coastal nature reserve lies to the north-east of the village.
Winterton-on-Sea, Norfolk
Located around 30 km (19 miles) to the east of Norwich, Winterton-on-Sea is a peaceful East Anglian coastal village, with a collection of brick-built houses straddling narrow streets. The tower of the centuries-old Holy Trinity and All Saints Church overlooks the village, surrounded by a churchyard. A wide bank of sand dunes separates the village from the North Sea, which is bordered by a lovely sandy beach. To the north, the dunes widen even further, providing a great place for walking.
Winthorpe, Lincolnshire
The small village of Winthorpe is located around 2.5 km (1.5 miles) to the north of Skegness. It consists mainly of suburban-style houses; like much of the south Lincolnshire coast, it is surrounded by many caravan parks, with large numbers of holidaymakers attracted to the sandy beach. The Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, some of which dates back to the 13th Century, is situated to the west of the village. More here.
Withernsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
Withernsea is a small seaside resort town that is placed on the east coast of the East Riding of Yorkshire. A quiet and relaxed town, Withernsea is made up of mainly Victorian buildings, with a smart parade of houses lined up along the promenade. The town is bordered by a long sandy beach, part of an uninterrupted stretch of sand that runs from the River Humber in the south, up towards Bridlington in the north. A small patch of greenery named the Valley Gardens borders the seafront in the town centre, which is overlooked by a handful of amusement arcades. Two low towers – built to resemble the turrets of a castle – sit along the promenade. These are what remains of an entrance to a now-dismantled pier, which was built and destroyed in the 19th Century. Another attraction is Withernsea Lighthouse, which stands around 400 metres from the seafront – it is not operational today, but has a museum which is open to visitors.
Woolacombe, Devon
Located against the sandy beach of Woolacombe Bay, the village of Woolacombe is a rather pretty seaside resort, with rows of townhouses that face onto the sea. The most notable building is probably the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, a rather luxurious hotel that overlooks the seafront. It is a bustling town that attracts plenty of visitors during the summer months; several cafes, pubs and gift shops are located here, along with an outdoor swimming pool. Being west-facing, Woolcambe is a magnet for surfers, who take advantage of the strong waves that wash in from the Bristol Channel, pushed by the strong westerly breeze.
Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight
The large village of Wootton Bridge is located on the northern side of the Isle of Wight. Placed at the head of a tidal creek, it is home to a cluster of short jetties, many of which are flanked by sailboats. The Sloop Inn, a large pub, is within easy reach of the creek – a high street runs through the village, flanked by a few shops, food takeaways and a tea room. Wootton Bridge is in close proximity to Woodside Bay – located just to the north of the village, this was where the famous 1969 Isle of Wight Festival was held, headlined by Bob Dylan.
Workington, Cumbria
Situated in north-western Cumbria, Workington is a coastal town that lies on the southern banks of the River Derwent, just before it flows into the open waters of the Irish Sea. The town grew in the 18th and 19th centuries due to coal and iron ore mining, with rows of terraced houses making up large parts of Workington. A high street and a modern shopping centre are located in the town centre, and are home to numerous stores, and a range of cafes, bars and restaurants. The Theatre Royal is located on Washington Street, and regularly features drama performances.
An older part of Workington is located to the east of the town centre, focused around Portland Square, where picturesque Georgian townhouses flank a web of cobbled streets. A quayside is situated to the west of the town, overlooking a channel that flows into the River Derwent. A short road links the town with the shore of the Irish Sea, a pebble beach that provides views across the open water – on a clear day, the peaks of south-western Scotland are visible on the horizon.
An older part of Workington is located to the east of the town centre, focused around Portland Square, where picturesque Georgian townhouses flank a web of cobbled streets. A quayside is situated to the west of the town, overlooking a channel that flows into the River Derwent. A short road links the town with the shore of the Irish Sea, a pebble beach that provides views across the open water – on a clear day, the peaks of south-western Scotland are visible on the horizon.
Wormit, Fife
The village of Wormit is built on a slope that borders the southern side of the Tay Estuary. The village provides great views of the Tay Bridge, which carries a railway line that connects Dundee with Fife, Edinburgh and beyond. It is a quiet village that is mostly filled with large houses and bungalows that overlook the estuary. A footpath extends from the west of the village along the banks of the Tay, passing lovely rural scenery.
Worthing, West Sussex
The large seaside town of Worthing sits on the south coast of England, around 15 km to the west of Brighton. It is a rather vibrant town that is popular with holidaymakers. A wide promenade makes up the seafront, with a long shingle beach making up the beach, and a row of Georgian and Victorian-era townhouses facing the English Channel. Built in the middle of the 19th Century, a large pier extends from the seafront, with a grand pavilion making up the entrance. The rest of Worthing Pier is designed in a distinctive Art Deco style, due to a fire destroying the original Victorian architecture. During the summer, a large observation wheel – similar in style to the world-famous London Eye – is operational on the sea front. A 20th Century-built lido is situated nearby. The town itself contains a mixture of older buildings, including from the Victorian era, and more modern constructions – a wide range of shops, restaurants, pubs and guest houses are located within Worthing.
Author: Julian Marks