Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A – Z

Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A - Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
There are currently 102 locations in this directory beginning with the letter C.
Cadgwith Cove, Cornwall
As the name suggests, the small village of Cadgwith Cove is placed at the head of a beautiful rocky cove, a sheltered and idyllic inlet on the eastern side of the Lizard peninsula. It is a traditional fishing village, with a collection of lovely thatched cottages, and a few fishing boats resting on the pebble beach. The South West Coast Path winds its way through the village, and on top of the cliffs on either side, providing amazing views of the wild coastal landscape.

Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Caernarvon is a small and charming seaside town in north-western Wales. It is famous for its 13th Century castle, an impressive fortress that overlooks the western end of the Menai Strait. It is open to the public, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors per year. Caernarvon’s town centre – which itself is comprised of many centuries-old buildings – is enclosed by a large Medieval castle wall. A wide selection of traditional pubs, cafes and shops can be found in the town, as well as numerous guest houses. A seafront extends from the walled town along the coast of the Menai Strait, providing impressive views of the surrounding landscape, with the island of Anglesey visible straight ahead. A marina filled with yachts and sailboats lies to the north-east of the town, overlooked by a café and a modern restaurant. Galeri Caernarfon – a music venue and performing arts centre – is located along the waterfront. More here.

Cairndow, Argyll and Bute
The coastal hamlet of Cairngow sits close to the head of Loch Fyne, on the western edge of the Cowal Peninsula. It is a quiet settlement, with a row of cottages that border the loch, providing scenic views of the mountains on the other side. The Cairndow Stagecoach Inn, a hotel and restaurant, is located here. The Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, an arboretum that contains a range of large conifers, and a network of quiet woodland paths, is placed to the south of Cairndow.

Cairnryan, Dumfries and Galloway
The village of Cairnryan sits on the eastern shore of Loch Ryan, around 8 km (5 miles) to the north of Stranraer. It is well-known for its two ferry terminals that link Scotland with Northern Ireland. However, the rest of the village is a pretty settlement of terraced cottages lined up along the coastline. A bed and breakfast and a couple of holiday lettings are located in Cairnryan.

Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth. One of the most easterly points of the United Kingdom, Caister overlooks the North Sea, and is a rather laidback seaside town that is popular with holiday-makers. The shoreline is made up of a long sandy beach that is bordered by a long row of grass-covered sand dunes. Holiday parks are rather commonplace in Caister – however, the town centre contains amenities such as pubs, restaurants and shops. This includes the grade II listed pub named the ‘Never Turn Back’ – built in the Art Deco style in 1957, it is named as a memorial to commemorate the nine lifeboatmen who lost their lives in the Caister lifeboat disaster in 1901. However, the town also contains some Roman history, with the partially excavated remains of a Roman fort dating back to 200AD.

California, Norfolk
California village is located North from Great Yarmouth off the A47 and has a population of around 900 inhabitants. It is home to a magnificent sandy beach below wonderful cliffs which makes it a very popular destination for holidays as it there are several holiday parks & resorts in the village. It was supposedly given the name California in 1848 after people found gold coins on the beach.

Callanish, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
The small village of Callanish is located on the western side of Lewis. It is well-known for its Neolithic monument – a group of ancient standing stones, which were erected around 5,000 years ago, making them older than Stonehenge. A visitor centre is located next to the monument, and the public are allowed to walk right up to the stones. Various other ancient stone circles, dating from the same era as the main standing stones, are scattered within a few miles of Callanish. The village itself is a collection of small cottages and farmhouses.

Calshot, Hampshire
Located in the south-eastern corner of the New Forest National Park, Calshot is a small village that is by the Solent to the south, and the Southampton Water estuary to the east. Much of the village is a collection of small cottages, with a row of beach huts flanking the Solent side of Calshot. A spit of land extends eastwards from the village, which divides the Solent from the estuary – a fortress constructed by Henry VII is located at the end of the spit, along with an indoor activities centre that includes climbing and ski slope facilities. A shingle beach provides great views across the Solent, with the Isle of Wight visible on the horizon.

Camascross and Isleornsay, Isle of Skye
The two hamlets of Camascross and Isleornsay merge to form one larger settlement, a small village placed on the side of the Sleat Peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Sleat. It is a quiet settlement, surrounded by patches of woodland and rolling hills, along with a rocky shoreline that meanders around small headlands and inlets. A bay flanks Isleornsay – during low tide, patches of sand appear amongst the rocks, forming a small beach. The Hotel Eilean Iarmain borders the shoreline, with great views of an island also named Isle Ornsay, located just off from the coast. A selection of bed and breakfasts and holiday cottages can be found in and around the village.

Camastianavaig, Isle of Skye
The hamlet of Camastianavaig is placed in a wooded valley, at the head of a small bay with a rocky shore. It is overshadowed by Ben Tianavaig, a roughly 400 metre (1,200 foot) high rugged coastal peak. The scene from the shoreline is rather impressive, with the grassy slope to the left contrasting with coastal woodlands on the right, and the mountains of Raasay and the island of Scalpay right ahead of you.

Camber, East Sussex
The small village of Camber is renowned for its large sandy beach and tall sand dunes, both of which are popular with visitors and holidaymakers. Divided from the shore by a row of large sand dunes, the village has a rather pleasant seaside feel to it – an assortment of cottages and weatherboard houses make up most of its buildings. A handful of shops and pubs, such as the Camber Castle, are located in the village centre. Two holiday parks and an array of caravan sites are located in and around Camber.

Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute
At the head of a well-sheltered bay sits Campbeltown, the largest settlement on the Kintyre Peninsula. The quayside provides great sweeping views across the bay, which is appropriately named Campbeltown Loch – large hillslopes rise from the water’s edge on both sides, with the rugged cliffs of Davaar Island near the mouth of the bay. The town’s location, along with its vehicle ferry connection to Ardrossan in Ayrshire (which runs between March and October), means that Campbeltown is an ideal base from which to explore the wild and beautiful Kintyre Peninsula.

The town itself is rather charming and scenic, with traditional stone-built townhouses that flank its streets – a collection of shops, cafes and restaurants are located here, along with a range of hotels, including the Royal Hotel on the quayside. Campbeltown is famous for its whisky production – three distilleries remain in the town, and are open to the public and provide guided tours. A heritage centre is also located here, along with an Edwardian picture house, and the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden, which can be found on Shore Street.

Canvey Island, Essex
The town of Canvey Island is located in southern Essex, on an island of the same name, which is separated from the mainland by a small creek. Placed on the edge of the Thames Estuary, it is a mainly suburban-style town of family homes and bungalows, with a cluster of shops that make up much of the town centre. Most of the town was constructed in the 20th century, with many people moving here from London in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Several holiday parks are located in and around the town, with a family-friendly fun park and amusement arcade on its southern side, next to the Thames – a few restaurants and cafes are also located here. A large sea wall shelters the town, much of which is just above sea level, from the estuary. Thorney Bay Beach, an arc of golden sand, is situated near the fun park.

Carbis Bay, Cornwall
Located next door to St Ives, Carbis Bay is a lovely village that slopes down a coastal hill to a fine sandy beach. It is an affluent village, with large houses and bungalows that face onto the crystal-clear waters of St Ives Bay. The beach of north-east facing, meaning that it rarely sees any surf, and therefore is more suitable for casual swimmers. The Carbis Bay Hotel and Estate, a luxurious hotel, is placed next to the beach – it is used for functions, and famously hosted the 2021 G7 summit.

Carbost, Isle of Skye
Carbost is the largest settlement on Minginish Peninsula, located on the western side of Skye. The village flanks the shore of Loch Harport, and is known for its Talisker whiskey distillery, which is accompanied by a visitor centre. A pub and restaurant named The Old Inn is placed along the shore of the loch, and sits adjacent to the Waterfront Bunkhouse. A couple of shops, a post office and a doctor’s surgery are also located in the village. Carbost provides great views of the coastal hills on the other side of the loch, and is surrounded by rural landscapes that provide ideal places for walking and hiking.

Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan
The capital city of Wales, Cardiff is widely regarded as the country’s main commercial and political centre. It is the base for the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, and is also home to a wide range of shops and entertainment venues, as well as a large and developing business district. A large arts complex named the Wales Millennium Centre, along with an internationally-known sports arena known as the Principality Stadium, are also situated in the city.

Cardiff’s city centre is located around 2 km (1.2 miles) from the edge of Cardiff Bay. Despite the large number of shops, restaurants, bars and other modern buildings, the city centre is shaped by centuries of history, with archaeological findings dating back to the Iron Age. Cardiff Castle, a large Medieval fortress that was shaped into a mansion during the Victorian era, is located just to the north of the city centre. Furthermore, the Cardiff Docks, situated to the south of the centre, grew rapidly during the 18th Century, exporting coal mined beneath much of South Wales to other parts of the world. Much of the dockland area has been redeveloped over the past 30 years, with many new apartments built along the banks of Cardiff Bay and the River Taff.

Cardiff is also famous for its university, which attracts students from across the United Kingdom, as well as internationally. It is located next to Bute Park, a pleasant city park that flanks the River Taff, and includes a network of footpaths. Other parks are located in other parts of the city, including Hamadryad Park, which lines the River Taff as it flows into Cardiff Bay. A footpath runs along Cardiff Bay Barrage, a large dam that maintains a constant high-water level in Cardiff Bay, providing sweeping views of the city to the north, and across the Bristol Channel to the south. More here.

Cardigan, Ceredigion
Located near the end of the estuary of the Afon Teifi, Cardigan is a pretty market town that is crammed with charming townhouses and other buildings that flank a network of narrow, winding streets. A high street runs through the town, lined with quaint shops and a few cafes. An old bridge crosses the Teifi, which is overlooked by Cardigan Castle, a 12th Century-built fortress that is open to the public, and holds music events during the summer on its castle lawn. The town’s waterfront area is particularly pretty, with a selection of restaurants and a pub housed in a series of cosy townhouses, placed on the side of the estuary.

Cardross, Argyll
Cardross is located on the northern side of the Clyde estuary, where the River Clyde flows into the Firth of Clyde. Its fairly close proximity to Glasgow means that it has become a bit of a commuter village over the past few decades, but maintains its village-like charm, with a high street flanked by shops and townhouses. A street links the village centre to the side of the estuary, providing views across the Clyde to Port Glasgow on the other side. Nearby attractions include Geilston Garden, with its lovely walled garden that is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, and Cardross Golf Club.

Carinish, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
The hamlet of Carinish is located on the south-western side of North Uist. Although it is a rather quiet hamlet of cottages that flank the A865, it is well-known for the remains of a temple, which is located close Carinish. Named the Teampull na Trianaid (Church of the Holy Trinity), it was founded in the 13th Century; the ruins were restored in the 19th Century, and the site is open to visitors.

Carlyon Bay, Cornwall
The village of Carlyon Bay sits on top of a row of cliffs, close to the village of Charlestown and the town of St Austell, the latter of which is located around a mile inland. The village provides great views across St Austell Bay, which the grand Carlyon Bay Hotel perched on top of the cliffs. A scenic beach of lovely sand stretches to the east of the village, backed by a row of meandering cliffs. During the summer, two pop-up beach restaurants are situated on the shore.

Carnoustie, Angus
The small town of Carnousite sits on the coast of Angus, around 16 km/10 miles to the east of the centre of Dundee. The town is known internationally for its large championship golf course, which has held the Open Championship on eight occasions. The course lies directly to the south-west of the town, bordering the scenic waters of Carnoustie Bay. The rest of the sea front is lined by a rather sandy beach, which continues along the coastline all the way to Arbroath. The town itself is a rather relaxed place, and includes a high street flanked by shops and cafes, and quiet residential areas, some of which overlook the beach. Carnoustie is popular with holidaymakers – a selection of guesthouses is on offer, many of which are located in Victorian-built villas and townhouses.

Carradale, Argyll
Like much of the Kintyre Peninsula, the village of Carradale is surrounded by amazing landscapes and a great deal of tranquillity. Located many miles away from the nearest town, it is a village of cottages and houses that overlook Kilbrannan Sound, with a road that sweeps down to a small fishing harbour that is still working today. The waterfront provides views of the rocky peaks of Arran across the sound, and the beautiful wooded slopes of eastern Kintyre, which stretch out into the distance. A golf club is located next to the village.

Carrick Castle, Argyll
The small village of Carrick Castle takes its name from a fortress that stands on the side of Loch Goil. Located within Argyll Forest Park, it is a quiet village that is surrounded by a series of rugged mountains, but surprisingly is only flanked by woodland to its south. A series of cottages makes up much of the village, with an unusually-placed three-storey-high tenement that was built to provide accommodation for tourists. The fortress named Carrick Castle was constructed in the 15th Century by Clan Lamont, and was used as a hunting lodge by James IV – it is placed on a small rocky promontory that overlooks the fjord.

Carsethorn, Dumfries and Galloway
The small village of Carsethorn is located on the side of the Solway Firth, facing eastwards towards Carse Sands and Blackshaw Bank, vast sandflats that emerge during low tide. It is a small and pretty settlement of white-painted and stone-clad cottages, all of which face onto the firth – a couple of guest houses and a pub named The Steamboat Inn are also located here. However, Carsethorn was not always a sleepy village – during the 18th and early 19th Centuries, boats regularly sailed to Liverpool, the Isle of Man and Ireland, with many travellers leaving Scotland for the New World via Carsethorn.

Carsluith, Dumfries and Galloway
Carsluith is a rather elongated village located on the northern edge of Wigtown Bay, bordered by sandy and rocky shoreline on one side, and by the hills of southern Galloway on the other. Its attractions include Carsluith Castle, the ruins of a 16th-Century tower house, and Galloway Smokehouse, which produces finely-smoked salmon, along with other species of fish, and different varieties of smoked cheese.

Castlebay, Barra, Outer Hebrides
Barra’s largest village, Castlebay lies on the southern side of the island, placed at the head of a large rocky bay. It is surrounded by a rather impressive coastal landscape, with hills that slope down to the pebbly shore, and the peaks of the islands of Vatersay and Sandray located in the distance. As the village’s name suggests, a 16th-Century fortress named Kisimul Castle is placed on a rock in the bay. It is a charming village, with stone-clad cottages, small townhouses and various shops located here. A selection of bed and breakfast-style guesthouses and holiday lettings are situated in and around Castlebay. A recreational marina and a ferry terminal are located along the waterfront, providing services to other islands and the Scottish Mainland.

Castletown, Highland
Castletown is one of the larger-sized villages in the local area. It lies to the south-west of Castletown Beach, a beautiful curve of sand that merges into Dunnet Beach. The village contains a number of terraced cottages, bungalows, a handful of shops, and the stone-built Castletown Hotel. Harbour Road connects the village to the coast, where a heritage centre can be found, displaying information about the village’s once-thriving quarrying industry, and about the area’s social, economic and archaeological history. The landscape around the area is rather tranquil and serene.

Catterline, Aberdeenshire
Catterline sits on top of a row of low cliffs, overlooking a picturesque rocky bay that shares its name with the village. A small stone-built quay juts out into the bay, built in 1810 to protect boats that were moored there. A number of cottages make up the village, as well as a traditional pub named The Creel Inn. Catterline is situated amongst some beautiful rural scenery, with opportunities for walks along the coast and through the countryside.

Cayton Bay, North Yorkshire
Perched above the coastal hillslopes of North Yorkshire, Cayton Bay is a small hamlet, made up of a row of houses and several holiday parks. It takes its name from both the bay of the same name, and the larger village of Cayton, which lies just to its south. The Cleveland Way coastal footpath winds its way along the coastal landscape, whereas a cobbled lane provides access from the hamlet to a pleasant sandy beach. The shore provides great views of the rugged cliffs that tower over the coast More here.

Cellardyke, Fife
Although the village has, over time, merged with the port town of Anstruther, it remains a settlement in its own right. It has a separate harbour, bordered by a quayside and a row of charming cottages and townhouses. The harbour waterfront provides impressive views across the Firth of Forth, which at this point, is approaching its boundary with the North Sea. A traditional pub named The Haven Bar and Restaurant overlooks the harbour.

Cemaes, Anglesey
The village of Cemaes is surrounded by a nice slice of Anglesey’s natural scenery – a large sandy bay borders the village, along with a rockier beach, and a series of rugged cliffs. A charming high street makes up the centre of Cemaes, bordered by a series of cottages, townhouses and a few shops on either side. The Stag Inn, a cosy-looking pub, is located at the end of the high street. A harbour is placed next to the village, filled with many small boats.

Chale, Isle of Wight
The village of Chale is situated on the Isle of Wight, close to St Catherine’s Point, a large headland that forms the island’s southernmost tip. It is a collection of cottages and farmhouses, with a pub and hotel named the Wight Mouse Inn, and an old church, located in the village centre. It is surrounded by dramatic geology, with a row of towering cliffs that separates the village from the shore below, and the large St Catherine’s Hill, which looms to the east of Chale. The top of the hill provides amazing views across the English Channel, and along the south-west coast of the Isle of Wight. Blackgang Chine, the oldest amusement park in the United Kingdom, is situated close to the village – opened in the 1840s, it includes many funfair rides and life-size animatronic dinosaurs.

Chapel St. Leonards, Lincolnshire
Chapel St. Leonards is a large village situated on the Lincolnshire coast, separated from the North Sea by a wide sandy beach and a row of dunes. Compared to many English villages, much of it is relatively modern, with much of it built in the 20th Century. It is a popular holiday destination, with many caravan sites located in the vicinity. The North Sea Observatory, a state-of-the-art visitor centre, is placed around 1.6 km (1 mile) to the north of the village centre. More here.

Charlestown, Cornwall
Located on the outskirts of St Austell, Charlestown is a picturesque village that arches around a historic harbour. Built at the end of the 18th century, the harbour has remained in pristine condition ever since – its Georgian character means that it is often used as a location in film and TV programmes, including Poldark, Hornblower and Doctor Who. It is therefore popular with visitors, with old sailing ships often moored here, and a shipwreck treasure museum located close to the harbour. The village is filled with buildings from the same era, with old pubs, restaurants and cosy holiday cottages situated here. Charlestown Beach is located next to the village, its pebble shore sheltered by meandering cliffs. Duporth Beach and Porthpean Beach can also be found just to the south-west of Charlestown, along the South West Coast Path.

Charlestown, Fife
Built in the 1750s, Charlestown was famous for producing large amounts of lime – during the late 18th Century, this made the village one of Scotland’s most important industrial centres. Today, its trade has disappeared, but a series of limekilns from that era exist to this day, built into a grand stone wall at the base of a row of cliffs. It is a rather peaceful village, positioned with a great deal of greenery – being located on the northern side of the Forth, it is surrounded by coastal woodland. A series of terraced cottages surround a large village green in the centre of Charlestown.

Charmouth, Dorset
The village of Charmouth is located on the coast of Dorset, less than two miles away from Lyme Regis. A lovely beach of sand and shingle divides the village from the sea, which itself is flanked by two huge cliff faces at both of its ends – however, the shore is easily accessible via a country lane, which reaches the sea through a large valley. Charmouth is located in the heart of the world-famous Jurassic Coast, with fossils frequently being found on the beach. Fossil displays are featured at the local heritage centre, which is placed next to the shore. The centre of the village is marked by a high street, where a few cafes, restaurants, a pub and a general store are located.

Chickerell, Dorset
Chickerell is a small town located close to Dorset’s coast. The centre of the village has a village-like feel to it, with a cluster of traditional stone-built cottages and an old church, parts of which date back to the 13th century. A couple of pubs can be found in the town. A country lane and a network of footpaths link Chickerell with the nearby coast – this part of Dorset’s shore is included within the large Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Here, a long tidal lagoon named The Fleet passes to the south of Chickerell, which is separated from the open sea by Chesil Beach. Bennett’s Water Gardens, a pretty garden that is home to ponds, a wide range of water lilies and a lovely Japanese-style bridge, is situated just to the south of the town.

Christchurch. Dorset
The town of Christchurch is located in the county of Dorset, just upstream of Christchurch Harbour, a natural harbour formed by a sand bar separating it from the Solent. The town is situated on a tidal section of the River Stour, where the main river is also met by the River Avon. Christchurch is a suburban Dorset town, with close links to nearby Bournemouth. It contains a great deal of history, including Christchurch Priory and the Castle Ruins, both of which were built in the 11th Century, the Red House Museum and Gardens, containing a collection of local history. Due to its very close proximity to the harbour (and the open sea), Christchurch is a popular destination for recreational sailing, with a large sailing club located on the northern banks of the estuary. During the summer, passenger ferries also link Christchurch with the village of Mudeford, on the north-eastern side of Christchurch Harbour.

Church Bay, Anglesey
Church Bay is a small hamlet on the western coast of Anglesey. Although much of it is made up of a few cottages, the hamlet is quite popular with holidaymakers due to its campsite. A local heritage centre showcasing traditional life on the island, as well as a seafood restaurant and a separate café are also situated in Church Bay. A country lane connects the hamlet with the shore of the bay itself – an arch of sand and pebbles sheltered by a row of cliffs.

Clachan na Luib, North Uist, Outer Hebrides
The tiny hamlet of Clachan na Luib is placed at the head of a small tidal inlet. As well as a collection of cottages, the hamlet includes the renowned Hebridean Smokehouse, which is well-known for its delicious smoked salmon and shellfish.

Clachtoll
A few cottages and bungalows make up the small village of Clachtoll, a scattered and remote settlement on the coast of northwest Scotland. A campsite is located next to the village, with a selection of holiday rentals available in the vicinity. Located on the B869, it is rather accessible, and attracts a great deal of visitors during the summer months, who are drawn to the area’s spectacular landscape. Headlands, rolling hills and small inland lochs surround the village, providing great walking and hiking opportunities. However, Clachtoll’s greatest feature has to be its beautiful beach – a sliver of white sand flanked by two rocky headlands.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Situated on the north-east Essex coast, Clacton-on-Sea is a rather bustling seaside resort town. It boasts several attractions, as well as numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and other amenities. Clacton Pier – awarded Pier of the Year 2020 by the National Piers Society – is filled with funfair rides, ten pin bowling and a large amusement arcade among many other attractions. A large fun park named ‘The Pavilion’ is also situated on the promenade. The seafront also includes Armstrong’s Bar, a large modern-styled pub and restaurant, and other bars are also located in the vicinity. The town is also famous for its two-day annual air show that occurs towards the end of August. A sandy beach makes up most of Clacton’s coastline – it stretches for several km, from the village of Jaywick in the west to Holland Haven country park on the eastern outskirts of the town.

Cleadale, Island of Eigg
Placed on the north-western side of Eigg, the small village of Cleadale is surrounded by rather dramatic scenery. Most striking is a large cliff face which towers above the settlement, dwarfing the small cottages that make up Cleadale. However, the pleasant Bay of Laig, with its beach of smooth sand, is located next to the village. A SPAR shop, Eigg’s only general store, is located to the south of Cleadale, roughly in the centre of the island.

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
Situated on the southern side of the vast Humber estuary in eastern England, Cleethorpes is a traditional seaside resort town that became popular with tourists in the 19th Century. Its seafront is marked by a large promenade that spans the length of the town, bordered by a long stretch of golden sand. A small funfair rests on the sandy beach during holiday periods, and a short pleasure pier extends from the promenade out onto the tidal sand flats, upon which sits a seafood restaurant named ‘Papas’. Other attractions can be found on the southern outskirts of the town, including a large boating lake and a light tourist railway. However, the town is also known for being located on the Greenwich Meridien line, which is marked on the coastal footpath just to the south of the boating lake. More info here.

Clevedon, Somerset
Clevedon is a seaside resort town that is located on the outer reaches of the Severn Estuary, around 15 km to the west of the city of Bristol. Filled with many beautiful Victorian-built town houses and cottages that surround a rather scenic rocky bay, Clevedon is the sort of seaside resort that one would find on a postcard. The town consists of various small independent family-run shops and businesses, as well as traditional pubs, cafes and hotels. However, Clevedon is also famous for its 300-metre-long pier – with its quirky entrance built to resemble a Medieval castle’s turret, the 19th Century jetty provides spectacular views of the town, the rocky Somerset coastline, and across the Severn Estuary to South Wales. It is therefore no surprise that Clevedon Pier was awarded the 2021 Pier of the Year Award by the National Piers Society. It was first built as part of a paddle-steamer that ran from Clevedon to Wales and Devon, and although it has not run for many decades, the pier is popular with visitors.

Cleveleys, Lancashire
Located on the Fylde coast around 6km to the north of Blackpool, Cleveleys is a rather relaxed suburban seaside town. Victoria Road makes up the centre of the town – running from the sea on its western end, across to eastern Cleveleys, this is the main shopping street. Numerous shops – from well-known chain stores to independent businesses – line either side. Like at Blackpool, the beach is rather sandy and expansive, although patches of pebbles make up part of the shoreline. The beach is backed by an extensive recently-refurbished promenade, which is designed in the mid-20th Century Streamline Moderne style. Steps lead down from the seawall directly onto the beach. Patches of greenery also border the coastline, such as at Anchorsholme Park on the southern side of the town, and Jubilee Gardens in northern Cleveleys.

Cley next the Sea, Norfolk
Like Salthouse to the east, Cley is also separated from the shoreline by a large marshland named the Cley Marshes, a system of lagoons and reedbeds that form part of a nature reserve. In the village, narrow streets wind their way around twee cottages and small townhouses – often either flint-clad or painted in light colours. A few independent shops are found here, including tea rooms, a smokehouse, and a pottery shop named ‘Made in Cley’, with its products made on site. A large and famous 18th Century windmill stands on the edge of the village.

Cliff End, East Sussex
As suggested by its name, the village of Cliff End lies to the north of a line of tall sandstone cliffs that start at Hastings, and reach their north-eastern terminus here. Large houses built around a couple of leafy cul-de-sacs make up much of Cliff End, with a row of dwellings bordering the shoreline along a part of the village known as Pett Level. A large shingle beach stretches along the sea, providing great views of the cliffs to the south-west.

Cliffsend, Kent
Situated around 3 km (2 miles) to the west of Ramsgate, the village of Cliffsend lies on the southern edge of the Thanet peninsula, looking out over the fine waters of Pegwell Bay. A few tourist attractions are located in the village, most notably a replica Viking ship that overlooks the sea. Cliffsend is located in a rural area, meaning that it is surrounded by green woodland, including a small strip of coastal marshland that is used as a nature reserve, and Pegwell Bay Country Park, which lies to the south. The concrete remnants of a disused hovercraft port also border the sea.

Clovelly, Devon
The small harbour village of Clovelly is famous for its beautiful cottages, lovely harbour and great scenery. Placed on the coast of northwest Devon, Clovelly consists of a narrow, cobbled street that stretches down a hillslope to the water’s edge, where a centuries-old harbour wall keeps small fishing boats safe from the waves. The street is flanked by traditional fishing cottages, adding a special charm to Clovelly that is not seen in many other villages. The village has been in private ownership since the Elizabethan times, meaning that only few alterations have been made to Clovelly during the past hundreds of years. The village is home to a couple of cosy pubs and inns – a pottery shop is located on the hill above the village, whereas a traditional fisherman’s cottage, which is open as museum, can be found just off from the main street. More info here.

Clynder, Argyll
Located on the eastern side of the Rosneath Peninsula, the village of Clynder overlooks the waters of Gare Loch, with views across the inlet to a range of large hills. It consists mostly of Victorian-built houses and villas, and is surrounded by patches of woodland. A stony shore runs along the length of the village.

Cockenzie and Port Seton, East Lothian
The conjoined towns of Cockenzie and Port Seton are located on the southern side of the Firth of Forth, around 15 miles/9 km to the east of central Edinburgh. The settlement mainly consists of terraced cottages and small townhouses, with an older section close to the seafront; this is particularly the case along High Street, which runs perpendicular to the shore. Two harbours are situated along the coast – one at the Cockenzie end and another at Port Seton. The latter is larger and houses fishing boats, many of which are still used today. As is the case with many seaside towns in Scotland, pubs, cafes, shops and a handful of bed-and-breakfast hotels can be found in the town. Cockenzie House and Garden lies in the west of the town – built as a mansion house in the 17th Century, it houses a tearoom, craft workshops and art studios. It is surrounded by a beautiful and well-managed flower garden.

Cockwood, Devon
Cockwood is a quiet rural village on the western side of the River Exe estuary. Apart from the river, it is surrounded by countryside, with a few footpaths and county lanes in and around the village. Cockwood lies on the banks of a harbour, much of which is divided from the estuary by a coastal railway line. It is a village of stone-built cottages, with two cosy pubs also located here, named The Anchor Inn and The Ship Inn.

Colbost, Isle of Skye
The hamlet of Colbost is placed on the western side of Loch Dunvegan. It is a scattered settlement that includes Colbost Folk Museum, a traditional croft house showcasing what typical life was like on Skye before the Highland Clearances. A number of other farmhouses and cottages make up much of the village, some of which have been converted into holiday lettings. An award-winning restaurant named The Three Chimneys is located in Colbost; virtually all of its meals are made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Colintraive, Argyll
The small village of Colintraive is located on the north-eastern bank of the Kyles of Bute, facing the scenic wooded slopes of the Isle of Bute. It is a rather quiet village, surrounded by the steep coastal hills of the Cowal Peninsula, with a series of cottages and a traditional hotel situated in Colintraive. The village is known for its ferry crossing – one of two vehicle ferry routes that links the island with the mainland, and is by far the shortest.

Collieston, Aberdeenshire
The former fishing village of Collieston is placed around a small bay flanked by two rocky headlands. A sliver of golden sand makes up the village’s beach, which is bordered by a low quay. The village itself mainly consists of single-storey cottages and bungalows, and is built on the hillside overlooking the bay. A viewpoint on the northern headland provides great views of the wild coastline, with its rocky outcrops and rugged shore – just to the south of Collieston, the gentle dunes and sandy beaches to the south give way to sections of cliffs, which extend almost continuously to Peterhead.

Colwyn Bay, Conwy
The popular seaside resort town of Colwyn Bay is situated on the north coast of Wales, nestled beautifully amongst the hills of the region. Much of its town centre was built in the 19th Century, as holidaymaking in the area exploded in popularity, largely caused by the construction of the railway that separates the town from the Irish Sea. A large expanse of golden sand curves around the bay, with the modern Porth Eirias development along its eastern side – this is a recently-built community centre and bistro that features a large viewing platform on its roof. Part of the town is rather exquisite, with large Victorian red-brick houses and villas lining wide streets. The town centre itself is also rather quaint, and is filled with many shops, restaurants and cafes. Many traditional hotels are dotted around the town.

Combe Martin, Devon (North Side)
Situated at the north-western tip of the Exmoor National Park, the village of Combe Martin is noted for its length – it runs for around 3 km (2 miles) along the bottom of a valley, parts of it consisting of just a single street. The northern tip of the village ends at the head of a rocky cove, overlooked to its north by Lester Point, a rugged promontory. This part of the village is particularly pretty, with centuries-old cottages and townhouses that overlook the cove, along with a guest house named the Focsle Inn. A selection of stores is located here, along with a couple of traditional pubs and Devon-style tearooms. Newberry Beach, an idyllic hidden cove, is located to the west of the village, flanked by rocks and a pebble shore. The South West Coast Path meanders its way along the coastline on both sides of the village, providing some incredible viewpoints for walkers and hikers.

Connah’s Quay, Clwyd
Placed near the tip of the Dee estuary, Connah’s Quay is a mainly suburban town, with family homes lining most of its streets. A high street runs through the middle, lined by brick-built townhouses, and a small collection of shops, a couple of pubs, and an Indian restaurant. Dock road links the centre of the town with the edge of the Dee, where a large quayside provides views across the water – Connah’s Quay is surrounded by pockets of industry, with the Tata Steelworks visible on the other side. However, woodland and open parkland is located to the east of the town, flanking the side of the estuary, and a lovely country park stretches southwards from the town, complete with a network of footpaths. The ruins of Ewloe Castle, built in the Medieval times, are located in the country park.

Connel, Argyll and Bute
Positioned at the mouth of Loch Etive, this village is split into North Connel and Connel by the turbulent Falls of Lora, a water channel which becomes a series of rapids during the advancing and receding of the tide. A series of rocks just below the water surface forms impressive white-crested turbulent waves four times a day. The main part of the village – simply named Connel – is located on the southern side. It includes the Falls of Lora Hotel, a grand stone-clad building that overlooks the water, and the Oyster Inn, a more modern pub, restaurant and hotel. North Connel is placed on the opposite side of the water, and is the location of Oban Airport, a landing strip that offers local flight connections. A road bridge links Connel and North Connel.

Constantine Bay, Cornwall
The village of Constantine Bay is famous for its beautiful beach, an arc of lovely golden sand that curves around the head of a bay. Considered to be one of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches, it is flanked by patches of rocky outcrops, which contain plenty of rockpools. The village itself is fairly quiet, with a collection of houses and a general store. Treyarnon Bay is located to the south of the village – a small and more sheltered cove, it includes a beach store and a youth hostel.

Conwy, Clwyd
North Wales is renowned for its history, with numerous Medieval castles dotted around the region, along with towns filled with centuries-old buildings, and a range of other historical artefacts. Conwy is a great example of a traditional North Welsh town – placed on the western side of the Conwy estuary, it is a stunning collection of centuries-old townhouses and other buildings. The town centre is enclosed within a Medieval town wall, with stone archways at road entrances, and large turrets at regular intervals. Conwy Castle overlooks the town centre – perched on top of a small hill, it is a striking 13th-century fortress that greets visitors as they enter Conwy from the east.

Popular with tourists, the town has a great number of cafes, restaurants and pubs on offer, each with their own quaint charm. Conwy is also home to a number of independent shops – from boutiques through to gift shops. A range of hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are scattered in and around the town, including the grand Castle Hotel, which is located on the high street. Conwy is also flanked by a quay, which runs along the side of the estuary – it provides beautiful views of the rolling hills on the other side, with Conwy Castle to the southeast. The quay is also notable for another attraction – the smallest house in Great Britain, a miniscule two-room cottage that is built up against the town wall.

Corpach, Highland
Corpach is a rather large village, placed at the far northern end of Loch Linnhe, around 3 km (2 miles) to the north of Fort William. It is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, providing spectacular views of the mountains that flank the loch, including Ben Nevis – the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom, peaking at 1,344 metres (4,409 feet) above sea level. A coastal footpath runs along the shore from Corpach to Fort William via Caol. Although Corpach’s range of shops and restaurants is not as wide as in neighbouring Fort William, a number of places to stay are located here, including the Corpach Hotel and Restaurant, and the Smiddy Bunkhouse & Blacksmiths Hostel. The Treasures of the Earth, a family-run gemstone, crystal and fossil museum, is located along the main road that runs through the village.

Corran, Highland
The former fishing village of Corran sits on a promontory on the western side of Loch Linnhe. It is a scattered settlement, made up of a small main area and another part named Clovullin, each separated and surrounded by patches of woodland. Small cottages make up much of the village, although a hotel, a store and a café are also located here. The main part of Corran faces northwards up Loch Linnhe, providing one of Scotland’s most amazing views of the Highland mountains. A short vehicle ferry links both sides of the loch here, crossing the Corran Narrows, where the promontory has forced the loch to narrow significantly.

Corrie, Isle of Arran
The pretty village of Corrie is located along a scenic coastal road that runs along the eastern side of Arran. Made up of a long row of cottages, Corrie is placed within some rather nice scenery – it is flanked by coastal hillslopes and woodland on one side, and by a rugged shore on the other. From the road, one can look across the Firth of Clyde to the uplands of Ayrshire on the Scottish mainland. A range of bed and breakfasts and holiday lettings are available in the village

Corton, Suffolk
Situated in the most north-easterly part of Suffolk, the village of Corton is a popular destination for holidaymakers, with several holiday villages and caravan parks located in and around the settlement. A long sandy beach stretches past the village, backed by a row of cliffs that reach up to 20 metres (60 feet) above the shore.

Cove and Kilcreggan, Argyll
The two villages of Cove and Kilcreggan stretch around the south-western tip of the Rosneath Peninsula, merging to form one extensive settlement that clings to the shore. A row of mainly Victorian-era houses and villas flanks the coastal road as it curves around the peninsula, providing great views down the Firth of Clyde, with the Cowal Peninsula to the west, and the hills of Inverclyde to the south. The 19th-Century built Knockderry Castle (a stately home) and the Knockderry Country House Hotel, are located to the north of the settlement. Kilcreggan is the larger of the two, with a jetty that provides a passenger ferry service to Gourock, and a parade of shops that includes a general store, a bank and a pharmacy. Much of the settlement was built using stone, as is traditional across this region of Scotland.

Cove Bay, Aberdeenshire
Although Cove Bay has expanded over the past 40 years due to the construction of suburban-style housing, the village retains some of its old character. Located close to the rugged shoreline, it is filled with traditional single-storey cottages built on the hillside. A footpath connects Cove Bay to a lovely coastal inlet, where the North Sea laps up against the rocky shore. Large slanted folds in the cliff face are visible opposite the small quayside.

Cove, Scottish Borders
The small village of Cove is mostly made up of a row of houses, perched up high above the cliffs. A road runs along the top, providing superb views across a large bay and along the wild coastline. A small path runs down to Cove Harbour, where two stone breakwaters create a sheltered area away from the waves. It is a rather tranquil area, with a couple of cottages sheltered below a steep hillslope. An impressive outcrop of red sandstone is also visible along the back of the harbour.

Covehithe, Suffolk
A small hamlet made of a handful of cottages and a farm, one of Covehithe’s main features is the remains of a large Medieval church – St Andrew’s – with a smaller 17th Century church built within it. This is a very rural area, surrounded by a tranquil landscape. The sands of Covehithe Beach, situated 700 metres (800 yards) to the south of the settlement, is accessible via a footpath. This part of the British coastline sees the highest rates of erosion per year, and it is estimated that the hamlet will be completely eroded away in 100 years’ time. The main thoroughfare through the hamlet – Mill Lane – ends at the cliff edge around 250 metres (250 yards) to the east of the village, and is unsafe to travel on.

Coverack, Cornwall
Coverack is a beautiful fishing village of old cottages that arch around part of a large cove, centring on an old harbour that has kept the village alive for centuries. A café, a Post Office and an old church are located in Coverack. The village provides great views across Coverack Cove, including the scenic coastal hillslope that slides down to the water’s edge. The beach is rather rocky, but some patches of sand are also placed along the shore.

Cowes, Isle of Wight
Cowes is a small seaside town that is situated on the northern side of the Isle of Wight. It is situated on the western side of the tip of the Medina Estuary, the largest river on the Isle of Wight, directly opposite East Cowes. A town popular with sailors and recreational yachting, it is well-known for hosting the oldest and biggest regatta in the world every summer, and contains a great deal of history. The town is filled with various warehouses, as well as many townhouses, shops and restaurants, many of which date back to at least the 19th Century. Cowes is proud of its maritime heritage, containing both a Maritime Museum and the Sir Max Aitken Museum, each of which is packed with artefacts relating to the town’s nautical and industrial history. Northwood House, a large stately manor house, is located in the town – it was a venue for lavish parties during the 19th Century, with Queen Victoria’s children often visiting Northwood House during her reign.

Crackington Haven, Cornwall
The hamlet of Crackington Haven is nestled within a coastal valley, overlooking the head of a large rocky cove that is flanked by cliffs. Although pebbles are strewn across the upper part of the beach, a sliver of golden sand emerges at low tide. Crackington Haven is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is not surprising considering the wild coastal scenery that surrounds the hamlet. Crackington Haven may be a small hamlet, but includes a combined pub and inn, a couple of cafés and several holiday cottages.

Craighouse, Island of Jura
The only village on the island of Jura, Craighouse is placed on the corner of a sheltered rocky bay. Surrounded by patches of woodland, coastal hills, and within view of Corra Bheinn, a rocky mountain peak, the village is a rather idyllic place to visit. The Jura Hotel overlooks the bay, with a few small rocky islands out to sea, and the hills of northern Kintyre in the distance. Craighouse is also known for its distillery, a large building that produces Jura single malt scotch whiskey.

Craigmore, Isle of Bute
Although Craigmore could be described as a suburb of Rothesay, it is also a coastal village in its own right. Built up around Bogany Point, a small peninsula that makes up the eastern side of Rothesay Beach, Craigmore is a pleasant village of Victorian stone-built houses and villas that face onto the Firth of Clyde. A fine strip of grass makes up the small promenade that borders the village, dividing it from the pebbly shore and the waves of the firth.

Crail, Fife
The pretty historic fishing village of Crail is located near the eastern tip of the East Neuk of Fife, where the Forth estuary meets the open sea. Narrow streets bordered by beautiful cottages and terraced houses run down to the harbour, which itself is incredibly charming. A handful of places to buy food can be found in Crail, including those selling locally-caught fish. The Fife Coastal Path winds along the rugged shoreline, providing great views of the natural marine landscape. More info here.

Cramond, Lothian
The coastal village of Cromond lies 7.5 km (4.5 miles) to the north-west of central Edinburgh. Located within a rather impressive natural landscape, it is a rather quiet village, filled with stone-built cottages and suburban-style houses. It is flanked by the River Almond, which meanders along a wooded valley to the west of the village, and the Forth estuary, which lies to the north. Cramond contains a great deal of history, including the site of a Roman Fort, a 17th-Century church, and a waterfront bordered by late-18th Century townhouses. The waterfront provides superb views across the Forth, with the luscious coastal woodlands to the west, and the peaks of central Scotland across the estuary. A couple of art galleries can be found in the village: the Cramond Gallery and the Littlegatehouse Gallery.

Crantock, Cornwall
Located close to the estuary of the River Gannel, Crantock is a pretty Cornish village, with a small village green, a general store and a couple of cosy pubs situated here. A short country lane links the village to its main beach, a lovely stretch of golden sand that lines the southern side of the Gannel. The shore is backed by a large row of sand dunes, which add to the great coastal landscape. During low tide, the beach extends westwards to West Pentire, a small hamlet that also provides parking facilities, a bistro and another pub. Here, a row of rugged cliffs separates the land from the shore.

Craobh Haven, Argyll and Bute
Constructed in 1983, Craobh Haven is a purpose-built village, a collection of terraced cottages placed next to a pleasure marina. Despite being relatively modern buildings, the cottages were built in a style that replicates a traditional style, with colourfully-painted walls and either orange-tiled or grey-slated roofs. The marina opposite is popular with visitors, and is filled with yachts and sailboats. A village store is located here, along with a pub and restaurant named The Lord of the Isles.

Craster, Northumberland
The fishing port of Craster is perhaps best known for its kippers, a delicacy popular with many, including (reputedly) the British Royal Family. The village itself is incredibly scenic, with rows of lovely terraced cottages, and a stone-built pub named The Anchor that overlooks a small harbour. An art gallery – the Mick Oxley Gallery is located in the village, and is open every day. Rugged rocks make up the coastline both north and south of the harbour, and are spliced by pockets of golden sand. More info here.

Crawton, Aberdeenshire
The coastal hamlet of Crawton is placed within a rather beautiful and wild natural landscape. It overlooks a large inlet, where 25 metre (80 foot) high cliff faces drop vertically into the sea. The Crawton Waterfall tumbles into the sea on the northern side of the inlet, where the Crawton Burn reaches the cliff edge.


Creetown, Dumfries and Galloway
Despite its official status as a town, the settlement of Creetown has a population of 750, meaning that it feels much more like a village. Located close to the estuary of the River Cree, it is a rather picturesque settlement, with a high street that is flanked by traditional terraced cottages and townhouses. Local attractions include the Creetown Gem Rock Museum, a collection of many different gemstones and crystals, and the Barholm Arts and Crafts Shop. A petrol station, general store, a few guest houses and holiday lettings, and a small caravan park are all located in and around the settlement. Creetown is sandwiched between marshland and the River Cree to its west, and by the wooded slopes of Knockleans Hill to its east.

Cremyll, Cornwall
The small village of Cremyll can be found on the northern side of the Rame peninsula, where it looks out across the Plymouth Sound. The port city of Plymouth is located on the other side, around half a mile away, and is reachable directly from Cremyll via a passenger ferry. Cremyll itself is a pretty village, made up of several cottages and a pub and hotel named the Edgcumbe Arms. Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, which covers the grounds of a 16th century manor house, is situated to the south of Cremyll, and includes paths that wind their way past large trees, exotic plant species and flower gardens.

Cresswell, Northumberland
Like much of the Northumberland coast, the small village of Cresswell sits in a rather rural setting, with the coast directly to the north and east, and green fields to the south and west. A series of traditional stone-built cottages make up the village, and a well-preserved Pele Tower, built as a fortress during the late Medieval era, is located just to the south of Creswell. The shore is made of rocks, many of are exposed during low tide, forming rock pools teeming with wildlife. However, a long beach of sand – backed by a lengthy dune system – is placed to the north of the village, which curves around Druridge Bay.

Criccieth, Gwynedd
Although Criccieth is a small town, its rather compact size makes it feel more like a large village. It is a very picturesque settlement, with grand Victorian buildings that face onto the sea, including a row of large townhouses and a plush villa that forms the Caerwylan Hotel. Two pleasant sandy beaches line Criccieth, split in the middle by a rocky promontory, upon which lies the ruins of a 13th Century castle. The settlement itself includes a range of shops, along with a couple of pubs and a choice of takeaways and restaurants. Various guest houses, bed and breakfasts and holiday lettings are also located in Criccieth.

Crinan, Argyll and Bute
Located on the western coast of Knapdale, a region of western Scotland within Argyll, the village of Crinan is surrounded by some rather idyllic scenery. The towering mountains of the Highlands may be absent here, but miles of beautiful woodland surround the village, sweeping down from the coastal hills to the rocky shore. A collection of fishing and sailing boats lie out in Crinan Harbour, a natural mooring place that requires no breakwaters. The village is placed at the western end of Crinan Canal, a 14 km (9 mile) long water channel that was built to avoid the lengthy journey around the Kintyre Peninsula, which extends for almost 90 km (55 miles) to the south. As well as a collection of mostly traditional white-washed cottages, the large Crinan Hotel overlooks the sea.

Crofty, Gower Peninsula
Like Pen-clawdd just to its east, the village of Crofty overlooks the Loughor estuary, separated by a large saltmarsh that attracts a range of wildlife. Much of the village is made up of cottages and a number of bungalows, giving it a suburban feel. A small Post Office and traditional country pub named The Crofty can be found on Forge Road, which winds its way through the village. Cockles are commonly harvested on the mudflats next to the village.

Cromarty, Highland
Cromarty is situated near the northern tip of the Black Isle peninsula, overlooking the relatively narrow entrance of the Cromarty Firth. It is a charming town, with several picturesque streets lined with traditional townhouses, a handful of independent shops and a lovely harbour. The Cromarty Arts Trust, an arts centre, adds further character. The town is surrounded by water on its eastern, northern and western sides, with a small lighthouse placed alongside Cromarty’s shoreline. The eastern shore provides great views of the entrance to the firth, a narrow gap between two large hills – the Sutors of Cromarty and North Sutor – which connects the firth with the open waters of the North Sea.

Cromarty, Ross and Cromarty

Cromer, Norfolk
Located on the north coast of Norfolk, Cromer is a traditional Victorian-era seaside town, with a town centre filled with narrow streets that twist their way around shops and large townhouses, a large pier and flanked by cliffs on both sides. The pier is built in a typical Victorian style, and includes an end-of-pier theatre, the last in the UK to still hold variety shows, which run every summer and winter. In Cromer’s town centre, the large 50-metre-high Saint Peter and Saint Paul church tower is unmissable – the 14th-Century church is famous for its large stained-glass windows that depict Cromer’s lifeboat crew, commemorating them for their bravery and service. The town is also filled with a wide range of restaurants, many of which serve the famous Cromer crab. In fact, the town is rather proud of its maritime heritage, hosting a carnival every summer, as well as the annual Crab & Lobster Festival each May.

Cromore, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
Cromore is a small coastal village that sits on a rocky peninsula, placed at the mouth of Loch Eireasort. It is surrounded by rolling hills covered in rocky outcrops, which adds to an already impressive coastal landscape.

Crosby, Merseyside
Located around 9 km (6 miles) to the north of central Liverpool, Crosby is a seaside town with a fairly quiet and suburban feel to it. Tree-lined avenues and residential streets make up much of the town, which grew in popularity as a resort during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Crosby is known for its lovely beach of golden sand, which is backed by a row of sand dunes and expands outwards into the Irish Sea during low tide. The beach is famous for its art installation – Another Place – which was created by Antony Gormley, and features 100 life-sized cast-iron figures scattered along the shore, staring out to sea. Along with the dunes, a coastal park also separates part of the town from the beach, which includes a large marine lake and a visitor centre. The centre of Crosby is rather village-like, with a couple of high streets, one of which is placed next to a church and a patch of greenery named Alexandra Park. A selection of cafes, restaurants and a couple of pubs are also located in the town.

Crossapol, Isle of Tiree
Located on the southern side of the island, the small village of Crossapol overlooks Hynish Bay, an idyllic bay that is bordered by a long stretch of lovely white-coloured sand. As well as a post office, an art studio (BauenArt) that holds exhibitions and a café, the village is home to Tiree Airport, a small landing strip that connects the island with the mainland.

Crossbost, Lewis, Outer Hebrides
The village of Crossbost overlooks the Barkin Isles, a series of small and rocky islands placed at the head of Loch Liurboist. It is a rather elongated settlement made up of cottages, bungalows and a few farmhouses. Despite its rather remote location, it is located around 9km (5.5 miles) to the south of Storonoway, the largest settlement and only town on the island of Lewis.

Crovie, Aberdeenshire
Consisting of a row of cottages, the small village of Crovie is built on a ledge between Crovie Bay and a row of steep cliffs. A very narrow quay between the cottages and the sea makes using cars (or any other motor vehicle) in the village pretty much impossible. Crovie provides some amazing views across Gamrie Bay, with the towering grey cliffs meandering their way into the distance. Being a west-facing village, the setting sun provides some great sunsets, before it is blocked by the cliffs on the other side of the bay.

Croyde, Devon
Like Woolacombe to the north, Croyde is also a haven for surfers, many of whom are brought to the west-facing coastal village each year. Sandwiched between two rocky headlands, Croyde is placed at the head of a beach of golden sand that is backed by a row of sand dunes. The village itself includes a couple of surf shops, along with an ice cream parlour, a nice café, restaurant and bar named the Blue Groove, and two cosy pubs. A few holiday parks, with caravan and camping facilities, are located in and around the village.

Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
The large village of Cruden Bay is popular with visitors, mainly due to its surrounding natural landscape. It is home to the only lengthy extent of sand between the Sands of Forvie and Peterhead; it is a rather pleasant beach, marked by wide golden sands and a dune system. The village itself is rather pretty, with stone-built cottages and houses, as well as the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel and a pub named The Fairway. A part of the village named Port Errol stretches along the northern side of the bay, linking the main village with a harbour. The ruins of Slains Castle, located just to the east of Cruden Bay, stand on top of the cliffs, overlooking the rocks and crashing waves below. The building forms one of the inspirations for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Cullen, Moray
The large village of Cullen sits in the north-eastern corner of Moray, at the end of a rather pleasant bay. It is a rather charming village, with a large square forming its centrepiece, flanked by stone-built townhouses. A disused railway line runs through the village, with its well-preserved arches found both in the centre of Cullen, and as part of an impressive viaduct to the west of the village. A harbour and an area of the village named Seatown – with its single-storey cottages – are located along the quayside.

Cullipool, Luing, Argyll and Bute
The largest village on the island of Luing, Cullipool owes its existence to the once-roaring slate industry that flourished in this part of Scotland during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Placed beneath a series of low cliffs where the slate was previously quarried out, Cullipool is a rather quiet village of white-painted cottages. It faces onto the Firth of Lorn, with the coastal peaks of Mull visible on the other side. The towering cliffs at Malcolm’s Point are located on the horizon to the east.

Culross, Fife
Built in the 17th and 18th Centuries, Culross is a beautiful village of cottages and townhouses with painted walls and red-tiled roofs. Cobbled streets twist their way through the village, which is located on the northern side of the Forth Estuary. Owned by the National Trust of Scotland, Culross Palace forms the centrepiece of the village, a quirky ochre-coloured stately home that is surrounded by a lovely garden. A 13th-Century former Cistercian abbey is placed just outside of the village.

Cummingstown, Moray
Despite its name, Cummingstown is a small village, sandwiched between the town of Burghead and the larger village of Hopeman. Much of Cummingstown consists of two rows of cottages that flank a main road – the B9040 – which runs through the village. The beach adjacent to the village is rather interesting, with a large rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. A series of small caves flank the rocky shore.

Cwm-yr-Eglwys, Pembrokeshire
The hamlet of Cwm-yr-Eglwys is nestled along the rocky coast of northern Pembrokeshire, at the head of a small cove. The hamlet is surrounded by some lovely scenery, with large wooded hillslopes bordering Cwm-yr-Eglwys. This includes a headland named Dinas Island, which is permanently attached to the mainland, and provides great walking opportunities. The hamlet itself is rather pretty, with a small collection of cottages and the remains of an old church.

 

Author:  Julian Marks