The UK coastline is a breathtaking tapestry of dramatic cliffs, golden sands and charming harbours, offering a diverse range of lifestyles to suit every taste. If you’re dreaming of a life by the sea, exchanging bustling cityscapes for the fresh sea air and the rhythmic sound of waves, you’re in the right place. Moving to one of the country’s coastal cities or towns isn’t just a change of address; it’s a lifestyle shift that promises a unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy. But with so many stunning options, how do you choose the right one for you?

This guide delves into some of the best coastal locations across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, highlighting what makes each place special and helping you envision your own seaside escape. Whether you’re seeking an affordable haven, a pretty setting, accessible amenities, a practical base for work and family, a lively social scene, a quiet retreat or an exclusive enclave, the UK coastline has something to offer. Let’s explore some of the most captivating coastal destinations awaiting your arrival.

England

England’s coastline is richly varied, from the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the sandy stretches of Norfolk and the vibrant resorts of the south. For those seeking a coastal move, England presents a wealth of opportunities, blending historical charm with modern living.

Brighton & Hove

For a lively and accessible coastal city, Brighton & Hove on the south coast is hard to beat. This vibrant city offers a unique lifestyle that effortlessly blends seaside charm with cosmopolitan energy. Known for its iconic pier, bohemian spirit and thriving arts scene, Brighton provides a dynamic environment for those seeking excitement and culture by the sea.

• Key features:
  • Excellent transport links to London and Gatwick Airport, making it highly accessible.
  • A diverse and vibrant lifestyle with a renowned cultural scene, nightlife and shopping.
  • A mix of architectural styles, from Regency grandeur to modern developments.
  • A bustling and lively atmosphere with festivals and events throughout the year.
  • A good range of job opportunities, particularly in creative industries and tourism.

St Ives

If you desire a pretty and more exclusive coastal experience, St Ives in Cornwall is a jewel in the crown. This picturesque town, famed for its artistic heritage and stunning beaches, offers a more quiet and refined coastal lifestyle. With its Tate Gallery, charming harbour and breathtaking coastal walks, St Ives is perfect for those seeking beauty and tranquility.

• Key features:
  • Incredibly pretty with cobbled streets, art galleries and stunning coastal scenery.
  • A more exclusive feel with a focus on arts, culture and high-quality dining.
  • Relatively quiet and peaceful, particularly outside of peak tourist seasons.
  • Known for its artistic community and the presence of the Tate St Ives.
  • Offers access to beautiful beaches and coastal walks, perfect for an outdoorsy lifestyle.

Whitby

For a more affordable and practical option in England, consider the historic town of Whitby in North Yorkshire. This charming fishing port, steeped in maritime history and gothic lore, offers a pretty setting with a strong sense of community and a distinctly quiet charm, especially outside of the bustle of summer visitors. Whitby provides a practical base with essential amenities and a sense of history around every corner.

• Key features:
  • Significantly more affordable than many southern coastal towns.
  • Very practical with a good range of local services and amenities.
  • Pretty and historic with its abbey ruins, cobbled streets and fishing heritage.
  • A strong sense of community and a more quiet pace of life.
  • Access to the North York Moors National Park for further outdoor adventures.

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Wales

Wales boasts a dramatic and unspoilt coastline, offering a unique blend of rugged beauty and warm Welsh hospitality. From vibrant seaside towns to secluded coves, Wales provides diverse coastal living options that are often more affordable and accessible than their English counterparts.

Tenby

Tenby, in Pembrokeshire, is arguably one of the prettiest coastal towns in Wales and offers an appealing blend of pretty scenery and lively atmosphere. With its colourful harbour, sandy beaches and medieval walls, Tenby is a popular choice for families and those seeking a vibrant seaside lifestyle that’s also surprisingly affordable.

• Key features:
  • Extremely pretty with its colourful harbour, sandy beaches and historic walls.
  • Relatively affordable compared to many UK coastal towns.
  • Lively during peak season with a good range of shops, restaurants and activities.
  • Accessible location within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
  • Ideal for families with its safe beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.

Aberystwyth

For a practical and accessible coastal town with a strong sense of community, Aberystwyth in Mid Wales is an excellent option. Home to a prestigious university, Aberystwyth has a youthful energy and a vibrant arts & cultural scene alongside its pretty Victorian promenade and dramatic coastal backdrop. It offers a balance of lively student life and a more quiet town environment, depending on your preference.

• Key features:
  • Practical with a university town atmosphere, offering services and amenities.
  • Despite being relatively remote geographically, it’s very accessible with good transport links and a walkable town centre.
  • Affordable living costs compared to other coastal university towns in the UK.
  • A noticeable student lifestyle presence alongside a strong local community.
  • Offers a blend of lively student areas and quieter residential zones.

Scotland

Scotland’s coastline is renowned for its dramatic scenery, from rugged sea lochs to pristine beaches and charming fishing villages. For those drawn to breathtaking landscapes and a sense of wilderness, Scotland offers a unique and often more affordable coastal living experience.

St Andrews

St Andrews, in Fife, is a historic and exclusive coastal town famed worldwide as the home of golf and Scotland’s oldest university. This pretty town offers a sophisticated lifestyle with a blend of history, culture and outdoor pursuits. While it can be quiet at times, the university and golfing scene ensure a certain level of activity and prestige.

• Key features:
  • Perceived as more exclusive due to its golfing heritage and university reputation.
  • Undeniably pretty with historic architecture and stunning coastal views.
  • Offers a sophisticated and cultured lifestyle with a strong focus on golf and academia.
  • Can be relatively quiet outside of university term time and major golfing events.
  • Benefiting from a strong sense of history and tradition.

Oban

For a more affordable and practical coastal town in Scotland, consider Oban, the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’, on the west coast. Oban serves as a gateway to the islands and offers a bustling harbour town atmosphere with stunning views and a strong sense of community. It is both lively with tourist activity and surprisingly quiet in its residential areas, offering a balanced coastal lifestyle.

• Key features:
  • Relatively affordable compared to other Scottish coastal towns, particularly in the east.
  • Very practical as a ferry port and a regional hub with good local services.
  • Offers a lively harbour atmosphere, particularly during tourist season.
  • Can also offer quiet residential areas away from the main tourist areas.
  • Ideal for exploring the Scottish islands and the surrounding natural beauty.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s coastline is a hidden gem; offering dramatic landscapes, stunning beaches and a warm, welcoming culture. Often overlooked, coastal towns in Northern Ireland provide affordable living, pretty settings and increasingly accessible amenities, in locations that can be both surprisingly lively and wonderfully quiet.

Portrush

Portrush, on the Causeway Coast, is a lively and accessible seaside town, famous for its surfing beaches and vibrant atmosphere. A popular holiday destination, Portrush offers a fun and energetic coastal lifestyle that is relatively affordable and increasingly attracting new residents drawn to its natural beauty and growing amenities.

• Key features:
  • Generally affordable property prices compared to other UK coastal regions.
  • Very accessible with good road links and nearby airports.
  • Known for its lively atmosphere, especially during the summer months and surfing events.
  • Offers a fun and active coastal lifestyle with beaches and outdoor activities.
  • Increasingly developing its infrastructure and amenities making it more practical for residents.

Newcastle

Newcastle, County Down, nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, is a pretty and more quiet coastal town offering stunning scenery and a relaxed pace of life. With its Victorian promenade, Royal County Down Golf Club and proximity to mountains and beaches, Newcastle provides a balanced and practical coastal lifestyle with a touch of understated elegance.

• Key features:
  • Pretty setting with mountain views and a Victorian promenade.
  • Offers a more quiet and relaxed pace of life than more bustling resorts.
  • Practical with a good range of local amenities and services.
  • Provides access to both beaches and the Mourne Mountains for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Presents a balanced and comfortable coastal lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

In conclusion

Moving to a coastal city or town in the UK is a dream for many and, as you can see, the reality is wonderfully diverse. From the lively south coast of England to the quiet beauty of the Scottish Highlands, from the affordable charm of Welsh towns to the increasingly accessible and vibrant destinations in Northern Ireland, there’s a perfect coastal location waiting to be discovered.

Whether you prioritise a pretty setting, a practical location, an exclusive ambiance or an affordable lifestyle, exploring these coastal gems will undoubtedly inspire your next move towards the refreshing embrace of the UK coastline.

Take your time to research, visit these locations if possible and envision the coastal lifestyle that best suits you – your dream seaside home awaits!

Have you made the move to a seaside location? Where did you go and why?