Coastal Cities, Towns, Villages A – Z

Sheltered beneath the steep coastal slopes of Snowdonia, the village of Fairbourne is located on a strip of flat land flanked by Barmouth Bay to its west, and by the estuary of Afon Mawddach to its north. Like much of north-west Wales, the scenery surrounding the village is absolutely beautiful, with impressive views of the mountain peaks that flank the Mawddach estuary, and the coastal hills that slope down to the sea. Fairbourne itself is a rather pleasant resort village, which is bordered by a sandy beach, and includes a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the village and along the coast for over a mile.

The large village of Fairlie is located on the coast of Ayrshire. It is a pretty village of stone-built cottages and tree-lined streets that is flanked by a fine beach of sand and pebbles. A row of tall townhouses is lined along the waterfront, which provides views across to Great Cumbrae Island. A variety of restaurants and independently-owned shops can be found in Fairlie, including a seafood restaurant and a craft shop. The Kelburn Castle, Country Park & Estate is placed just outside of the village; part of the building is decorated in graffiti-style artwork, and is surrounded by large grounds that provide great walking and hiking opportunities through a beautiful section of north-west Ayrshire’s countryside.

Perched on top of a series of sandstone cliffs, Fairlight Cove is a large village with a rather suburban feel to it. Views from Fairlight Cove stretch across the English Channel, which is visible from the appropriately-named Channel Way. However, the village is a little too close to the cliff edge, and is unfortunately a regular victim to coastal erosion.

Falmouth is a seaside and port town that is located on the coast of southern Cornwall. It is located on the eastern side of the mouth of the River Fal, where rising sea levels after the last Ice Age flooded the valley, creating a vast channel of water named the Carrick Roads. Falmouth contains various parts – a town centre, a quayside area, and another part bordered by sandy beaches. The town centre is traditionally Cornish, with streets that wind their way around old townhouses, and past numerous shops and pubs. An art gallery is also located in the town. Just to the south of the town centre is the quayside, filled with small fishing trawlers. The Cornish branch of the National Maritime Museum is based here. Also, Pendennis Castle is located on a headland on the south-eastern tip of the town – this impressive fortress was built by Henry VIII to help protect the port. Around 600 metres directly south of the quay, one reaches Gyllyngvase Beach – located on a part of town facing directly onto the English Channel, this Blue Flag-certified beach is filled with beautiful white-coloured sand.

The village of Fawley located close to Southampton Water, sandwiched between the New Forest National Park and Fawley Oil Refinery. It has a mostly suburban feel to it, but retains village pub and a series of cottages. A short country lane links the village with Ashlett, a tiny hamlet that faces onto Southampton Water – a large Georgian tidal mill faces onto a small marina, and a traditional pub named the Jolly Sailor is also located here.

Located around 4 km (2.5 miles) to the north-east of the port town of Felixstowe, the small village of Felixstowe Ferry is a much smaller settlement. It sits on the western edge of the mouth of the River Deben, and mainly consists of a series of cottages scattered in a line, facing the point where the estuary meets the North Sea. A ferry takes foot passengers across the Deben to Bawdsey Manor on the other side, a country house which was used as an RAF base during the Cold War. A pub named the Ferry Inn is located in the village, as well as a couple of cafes and a seafood restaurant. The coast around the village, and alongside the Deben Estuary, provides very pleasant walks along the rural coastal landscape.

Felixstowe is a small resort town located on Suffolk coast around 12 km to the south-east of Ipswich. Although it is often associated with the busy container port on its outskirts, the town itself could not be further away from it – Felixstowe is a rather quiet resort town, with guest houses, pubs, restaurants and a nice sandy beach. The town has many attractions that are commonly found in seaside towns – amusement arcades, a fun fair, and a pier. The beach stretches alongside the centre of Felixstowe, and up towards Old Felixstowe, a part of the town which has a more village-like feel to it. Here, numerous beach huts overlook the sandy beach, making the town feel even more like a traditional British seaside resort. Bawdsey Manor is located around 4 km to the north-east of central Felixstowe – it is a large stately home that was used by the Royal Air Force as a radar receiving and transmission base during the Cold War. It is now used as a summer holiday camp.

Feock is a pretty Cornish village placed at the head of the Carrick Roads inlet. An old church is situated at the centre of the village, reputed to be one of the last to conduct its services in the Cornish language. A few picturesque thatched cottages flank the main street that runs through the village. A short country lane links Feock to Loe Beach, a shingle shore that provides great views across the Carrick Roads. Trelissick House, a large stately home, is located around 2 km (1.2 miles) to the northeast of the village – the manor and its beautiful gardens are owned by the National Trust, and are open to the public.

The large village of Ferring lies on the coast of West Sussex, sandwiched between the towns of Littlehampton and Worthing. Much of the village was built during the 20^th century, and consists of many bungalows and family-sized homes that are within easy reach of the shore. A large beach of shingle flanks the southern side of Ferring, although a ribbon of sand is exposed during low tide. A row of wooden beach huts borders the beach along the western end of the village – a café is also located here.

Named after a ferry crossing which once ran across the Towy estuary, Ferryside is a rather quiet village located in rural Carmarthenshire. Traditional cottages make up much of the village, many of which face onto the Towy. A waterfront provides great views across the estuary, and access to a patch of sand. A traditional pub named the White Lion is located in Ferryside, along with a village store and a bed and breakfast. The village also contains a railway station, providing train services to Swansea.

Filey is a quiet and relaxed North Yorkshire seaside town. Like many traditional Victorian-era resort towns, it has a promenade, with a terrace of homes and guest houses overlooking Filey Bay. These include Downcliffe House – a stone-clad building that is used as both a traditional hotel and a restaurant. A long beach of golden sand curves along the bay, from the Filey Brigg headland to the north, down past the town, and along to the Bempton Cliffs. During low tide, an expanse of sand flats is exposed, and makes for a great opportunity to walk along the beach before the tide comes back in. The sand provides great views, when looking south-eastwards towards Flamborough Head, and along the rest of the coastline. The Filey Brigg headland also provides great views of the town and across Filey Bay. More here.

The village of Findhorn is located in the middle of some incredibly tranquil natural scenery. It sits on the eastern edge of Findhorn Bay, a large tidal estuary that is mostly fed by the River Findhorn, which provides amazing views of the rolling hills of Moray to the north. A large sand dune system, along with a pleasant sandy beach, also border the village. Culbin Forest – a vast swathe of pine trees – is situated to the west of Findhorn, on the other side of the bay. The village itself is made up of stone-built cottages, with a good smattering of guesthouses and holiday homes located in Findhorn. A local heritage centre is also situated here.

A large harbour filled with fishing craft and pleasure boats forms the centrepiece of Findochty, a seaside village with a traditional feel to it. A collection of old cottages run down a small hill and curve around the harbour, making up much of the village. Dolphins and porpoise are often seen in the sea just off of the Moray coast. Although the cliffs bordering the shoreline are generally quite low, they are rather rugged, with rock stacks and inlets found along the coast.

Located only a short distance from the coast, Findon is a quiet village filled with old cottages and 20th-Century built bungalows. Like much of south-east Aberdeen, the coast is incredibly rugged, with rocky cliffs that wind around inlets and promontories. To the east of the village, a patch of heathland named Findon Moor separates it from the North Sea, and is home to a network of footpaths.

Finstown sits at the head of the bay of Firth, close to the centre of Orkney’s Mainland. It is a collection of small terraced cottages and bungalows, all located within a rather serene natural environment. A series of guest houses and holiday homes are located in Finstown, which is popular due to its central location, and because it is close to many of Orkney’s Neolithic heartland, including Maeshowe, the 5,400-year-old Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar.

Fishbourne is a small village on the northern side of the Isle of Wight. It is known for its large ferry terminal, with frequent connections to Portsmouth. A lovely country pub named The Fishbourne, a café and a yacht club are located in the village. Quarr Abbey, a beautifully-designed monastery that is home to a group of Benedictine monks, is situated just to the east of the village – it is open to visitors, and includes a café and a farm shop.

Situated on the northern coast of Pembrokeshire, Fishguard is a small coastal town that overlooks the Irish Sea. It is set within an incredibly scenic landscape, with lush and wooded valleys running down from the town to the rocky shoreline. A large tidal inlet lies in a valley next to the town, filled with many small fishing trawlers and sailboats that bob up and down on the waves. A quaint cluster of cottages line the head of the inlet, some of which are used today as guest houses. The town itself, situated above the cliffs, has a traditional charm – it is filled with numerous townhouses, cafes and a few taverns. Fishguard Bay sits to the north-west of the town. Its seafront provides great views of the large headlands and grey hills along the Welsh coastline, which stretch away into the distance. An aquarium is also located here.

The village of Flamborough is located around x km (y miles) to the north-east of Bridlington. It is placed in the heart of the headland which shares the same name, and is a rather pleasant settlement that is filled with terraced cottages, and centred on a village green. Although the main section of the village is not situated directly on the coast, two of its satellite settlements are. A row of houses is located close to the tip of Flamborough Head, offering great views of the coastal landscape. A large white-painted lighthouse stands over the crashing waves below. Another satellite village is located above North Landing, a sandy bay flanked by rugged cliffs. An easily navigable footpath takes people down the hillslope to the shore. More here.

Located at the northern end of the Fylde coast, Fleetwood is a bustling Lancashire seaside town. Many of its buildings date back to the 1830s, when the town was redeveloped into a busy seaport, creating the traditional early-Victorian character that the town centre has today. It has a wide promenade that curves around the northern end of the Fylde Peninsula, facing Morecambe Bay on its northern side, and hooking round to border the mouth of the River Wyre on its eastern stretch. The beach on the northern side of the town is made up of shingle in its upper reaches, but sand is exposed during low tide. There is also a great deal of greenery on the sea front, including a small hill named The Mount, with a small pavilion sitting on the top. Fleetwood is also known for the Pharos Lighthouse – unusually for a fully-functioning lighthouse, it sits in the middle of a residential street. The south-east of the town borders the estuary of the River Wyre – once a large fishing hub, this area now contains retail units and a marina.

Located just to the north of Bude, Flexbury is a rather pleasant and laidback village, with townhouses that run towards the beach, a lovely patch of golden sand that is flanked by rocky outcrops. Being west-facing, Flexbury is a popular surfing destination, with many bed-and-breakfasts, hotels and holiday lettings available in the village. Two beach cafes and a pub named the Crooklets Inn are situated close to the shore.

Located between Maryport and Workington, the village of Flimby is made up of terraced housing, surrounded by suburban-style houses. A mostly shingle beach borders the village, with patches of sand emerging when the tide goes out. Flimby Great Wood, a large woodland containing a network of footpaths, is located just to the east of the village.

The town is Flint is located in northeast Wales, bordering the edge of the Dee estuary. A high street runs through the centre of the town, flanked by a range of shops, along with a few takeaway food outlets, a couple of cafes, and a pub named the Ship Hotel. The town is within easy reach of the estuary – warehouses, woodland and a patch of open green space separates the two. The ruins of Flint Castle, started by Edward I in the 13^th century, border the shore. Coastal woodland to the north of Flint is home to several footpaths, which link the town with the edge of the shore. This provides views across the Dee, with the Wirral visible on the other side.

Flushing is a pretty village situated on the northern side of the Penryn River, opposite the port town of Falmouth. It is a village of terraced cottages placed on the side of a few winding streets, with two traditional pubs and a seafood restaurant located in Flushing. It is connected to Falmouth via a passenger ferry. A small and hidden rocky beach is located just to the east of the village, close to Trefusis Point – a patch of sand appears during low tide.

Folkestone is a seaside town located on Kent’s south-eastern coast, around 11 km to the west of Dover. It encompasses an old town centre, a harbour, and a large area of Victorian-built holiday homes. The town centre is perched on the hill, overlooking Folkestone Harbour – it is filled with cobbled streets that wind their way around traditional townhouses, and the Parish Church of Saint Mary and Saint Eanswythe. Folkestone Harbour is situated just to the south of the town centre – apart from a few fishing trawlers, industrial activity is absent from the area. One of the harbour’s breakwaters – Folkestone Harbour Arm – has been refurbished, and now includes a collection of cafes and bars. From here, spectacular views of the White Cliffs of Dover can be seen to the north-east. Lower Leas Coastal Park extends along the steep hillslope that separates the town from the sandy beach below – this is a long strip of deciduous woodland. Above the coastal park, many impressive Victorian villas overlook the English Channel, including the spectacular Grand Hotel.

The town of Formby is located close to the sea, separated from the beach by a large row of sand dunes. The town itself is a rather residential place, often functioning as part of Liverpool’s expanding commuter belt. It also has one main shopping area, with a row of shops with a few cafes and a Wetherspoons pub and restaurant. However, Formby is well-known for its large 10 km-long sandy beach, a popular destination for many holidaymakers. The beach is great for long walks along the coastline, with the sand not only shaping an attractive landscape, but also one that is relatively easy to walk on. Both Formby Beach – and its bordering dune system – are managed by the National Trust, who aim to preserve the natural quality of the site, which is rich in wildlife. The coast is constantly undergoing erosion, exposing human and animal footprints that were preserved in layers of mud up to 7,500 years ago. More info here.

Sitting on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe, the town of Fort William is located within the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It is a popular tourist destination, who visit due to the incredible landscape in the area, made up of large mountains that sweep down to the shores of the loch. To the east of the town is Ben Nevis – at 1,345 metres/4,413 feet, this is the tallest peak in the United Kingdom, and often attracts mountain climbers and hill walkers. The town itself is the commercial centre of the region, and therefore contains a modest selection of chain stores and other shops – there are also pubs, restaurants and hotels here. In addition, the West Highland Museum and McCallum Art House are located in the town – the former showcases the region’s heritage, whereas the latter is a gallery that aims to promote contemporary artists and designers that have a link to the Highlands.

The small town of Fortrose is located around 3 km (2 miles) to the north-east of Avoch. It is surrounded by some rather pleasant scenery, which offers great views across the waters of the Moray Firth, the woodland that flanks the shore, and the hills on the other side of the firth. A small, quiet harbour lies on the banks of the town, home to a local sailing club. A high street flanked by shops and townhouses runs through the settlement. The 13^th-Century remains of Fortrose Cathedral are located in the town, a very quick walk away from the high street.

The charming village of Fortuneswell is placed on the northern edge of the Isle of Portland, an island that is connected to the mainland via Chesil Beach, as well as a short road bridge. It stretches down the side of a steep hill to the water’s edge, with the open sea of the English Channel to the west, and Portland Harbour to the north. Fortuneswell is home to Portland Castle, a 1540s fortress that looks out over the harbour, and the D-Day Centre, a museum commemorating a crucial part of World War II. The National Sailing Academy also borders Portland Harbour, which is one of the largest man-made harbours in the world, and hosted sailing events during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Fortuneswell is also home to several pubs, a few shops and a selection of cafes.

A small collection of bungalows and cottages makes up much of the hamlet of Foubister, which lies at the tip of the Bay of Suckquoy. The natural landscape surrounding the bay is very impressive, with green fields that glide down gracefully to the water’s edge. The beach of Sandi Sand is located around 3 km (2 miles) to the east of the hamlet – a great sandy arc that curves around another large bay.

The attractive port town of Fowey is located on the western side of the River Fowey, just before it reaches the open sea. The mouth of the River Fowey is a flooded valley rather than estuary, with steep wooded slopes that drop down to the water’s edge, making for a lovely coastal landscape. Fowey is famous for being home to renowned author Daphne de Maurier, who set many of her novels in Cornwall. The town itself dates back to Medieval times, and is a beautiful assortment of narrow streets and alleyways that wind their way around townhouses built of brick and stone. Many family-run shops are dotted around the town centre, along with quaint cafes, old pubs and hotels. A museum and aquarium, open during the summer months, is located in the town hall, placed on the quayside. The quay provides great views across the river, with Polruan situated on the other side, directly to the south. A passenger ferry connects Fowey with Polruan.

Frampton on Severn is a lovely village located within the Gloucestershire countryside, known for its extensive village green that is reputedly the longest in Britain. A number of cottages and other buildings, many of which are Tudor or Georgian in age, flank either side of the green, and include a couple of traditional country pubs. Cricket is often played at the northern tip of the village green, in front of the Bell Inn. As the village’s name suggests, it is only a stone’s throw away from the Severn estuary, accessible via the Severn Way, a long-distance foot path. However, the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is located closer to Frampton, and includes a towpath that is great for both casual and long-distance walking.

The port town of Fraserburgh sits at the north-east corner of Aberdeenshire. It stands out as a major fishing hub – whereas much of east Scotland’s fishing industry has declined over the past few decades, Fraserburgh retains its fishing industry, and includes the busiest shellfish port in Europe. The town itself has a traditional charm, with many stone-built buildings lining its streets, including Broad Street (the town’s main shopping area) and Saltoun Square. A large hotel, pub and restaurant named the Saltoun Inn overlooks the square – many other bars and places to stay are also located in the town. Kinnaird Head marks Fraserburgh’s most northerly edge; the first lighthouse in Scotland was built here, and is now part of a museum. Fraserburgh Bay lies to the east of the town; backed by a long sandy beach and a row of luscious grass-covered sand dunes, this adds to the scenic landscape of the area.

The twin villages of Freshwater and Totland are located close to the western tip of the Isle of Wight, stretching from Totland Bay on the island’s north-western coast, down to Freshwater Bay, which is on the southern coast. This area has a relaxed village-type feel to it, with independent shops, country pubs and a few restaurants sprinkled in and around the villages. A shingle beach makes up the shoreline around Freshwater Bay. A series of cave-like notches have been cut by wave action into the chalk cliffs on the eastern side of the bay, accessible only during low tide. Totland overlooks the bay of the same name – situated at the bottom of a small hillslope, the beach is rather calm and relaxed, flanked on both sides by wooded headlands. Around 3 km to the west is Alum Bay, with its cable car that brings people down the cliffs to the shoreline. The Needles rock stacks are located just to the west of Alum Bay.

Freshwater East is a village that is located on the side of a coastal hill, overlooking a beautiful sandy bay that is flanked by rocky cliffs on both sides. The beach, which is backed by a row of sand dunes, add to the great coastal landscape of the area. The village contains a pub named The Freshwater Inn and a café, along with several holiday cottages and a small holiday park filled with chalets. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along the coast in either direction, winding along the top of the cliffs that make up much of south Pembrokeshire. Trewent Point, a rocky headland to the south of the village, provides great views of the surrounding coastline. More info here.

Located just to the southwest of Walton-on-the-Naze, Frinton-on-Sea is a small seaside resort town that is ideal for a quiet holiday. A lovely beach of golden sand borders the town, sheltered from the streets and houses by a low coastal hillslope. Rows of beach huts run along the back of the shore, looking out into the sea, whereas a long patch of greenery separates the beach from the town. Frinton is a pleasant town of tree-lined avenues lined with suburban-style residential homes, and has a reputation for being a fairly exclusive holiday resort. A charming high street forms the centre of the town, lined with shops, a choice of cafes and restaurants, and a couple of pubs.

Frodsham is a market town and civil parish in the unitary authority of Cheshire West and Chester, in the traditional county of Cheshire, England. Frodhsam is about 5 km south of Runcorn, 26 km south of Liverpool and 45 km southwest of Manchester.

Despite being a small village, Furnace played a large part in shaping Scotland’s role in the Industrial Revolution. As indicated by its name, a large iron furnace once operated in the village, but has long since closed. A large granite quarry is located next to Furnace, and is still in operation today. However, it is also known for its beautiful surrounding scenery, with large forests and rugged hills surrounding the village. A couple of bed and breakfasts are located in Furnace, as well as a village store and a community-run bar.