We're approaching the mid-way point of August and if you've been watching your friends jet off to a luxury beachside villa in the Mediterranean, or your family has just returned from a history-filled city break, and you're wondering when it's your turn to go away, there is still plenty of time to book a last-minute UK staycation.
While the UK has so many gorgeous getaways to enjoy, we know they can often get filled with crowds, from Brighton beach, to practically all of Cornwall full of tourists. So if you want somewhere more budget friendly and without the hordes of crowds, Hazel Rickett, Travel Expert at small-group tour operator Rabbie’s, has shared her best must-visit locations in the UK, where you can still get a quality and relaxing escape.
6 secret UK coastal towns
Bamburgh
According to Rickett, Bamburgh is "an excellent staycation spot for travellers looking to escape the crowds while still enjoying plenty to see and do. This Northumberland village is best known for its historic castle, which overlooks a long stretch of sandy beach.
"Visitors can explore the castle, walk along the coastline, enjoy sea views and browse local cafes and independent shops. With its rich history, coastal setting and relaxed atmosphere, Bamburgh offers a refreshing alternative to the usual staycation hotspots."
Harlech
While destinations like Tenby and Abersoch are well known Welsh staycations, there's plenty of other more hidden desitations to explore, such as Harlech, which Rickett says is: "Set between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the coast, the town is best known for its impressive UNESCO-listed castle, which overlooks the surrounding countryside and coastline.
"It offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful scenery and plenty of local character, making it ideal for Brits seeking a memorable escape. Harlech allows visitors to enjoy the best of North Wales without the summer crowds.”
St Andrews
St Andrews is an unexpected but must-visit location this summer, with its famous beach (it was literally in Chariots of Fire), independent shops and wellness focus, and Rickett agrees.
"Universally renowned as the ‘Home of Golf’, St. Andrews offers so much more than its famous fairways. The town is steeped in history, home to Scotland’s oldest university buildings and a cathedral dating back to 1158, which now lies in ruins," she explains. "Visitors can spend time exploring the castle and cathedral ruins, wandering through the town’s historic streets or enjoying a walk along West Sands Beach, which offers beautiful views across the North Sea."
And if you want to find out more about St Andrews, read our full area guide here.
Laugharne
Calling all literature fans, this summer you need to include a visit to Laugharne, famous for its connections to the writer Dylan Thomas who described it as "the strangest town in Wales."
While Rickett wouldn't call it "strange" she would definitely recommend a visit. “Located on the estuary of the River Tâf, Laugharne is a wonderful coastal town. With its peaceful waterfront setting, historic castle and literary connections, it offers a slower pace of travel and plenty of local character," she explains.
"Visitors can follow the route to Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse, where the renowned Welsh poet spent the final years of his life, or simply enjoy a stroll around the castle grounds and waterfront. Its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make Laugharne an ideal destination for travellers looking to discover a quieter corner of Wales.”
St David's
Located in Wales, St David's is just a few miles away from some incredible beaches and the city itself will definitely keep you busy for a long weekend away.
According to Rickett, "St Davids is one of the UK’s most distinctive small cities, yet it can still be overlooked in favour of Wales’ better-known coastal destinations. Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it offers a unique blend of rugged coastline, rich history and a peaceful atmosphere.
"With its historic cathedral, charming streets and easy access to walking trails and hidden coves, it’s a great option for travellers seeking natural beauty, local character and a slower pace, without feeling like they are following the usual staycation crowd.”
Iona
Sorry, but how incredible are these crystal clear blue waters? And they're in the UK? Incredible. Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides, is according to Rickett, "a wonderful choice for travellers looking for a staycation with real character. This small island is known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful beaches and deep historical significance, offering a sense of tranquillity that feels far removed from everyday life.
“Regarded as one of Scotland’s most sacred places, Iona is home to the ancient Iona Abbey, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of St Columba and discover centuries of history. With its stunning coastal scenery, ancient Celtic crosses and unspoilt landscape, it’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking a slower pace and a genuine sense of escape.”
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
