Days out at the seaside, bucket and spade in hand, are a great British tradition. From multi-coloured beach huts, sticks of rock, fish and chips, and the quintessential pier, Britain’s seaside towns have a special place in our hearts.
If you’re planning an escape to the coast, we offer everything from swimwear and sandals, to picnic sets and beach tents. Visit our website to grab all of your essentials or if you’re unsure where to start take some inspiration from below!
What to wear
Planning what to wear in British weather is unpredictable, to say the least. For those beautifully sun-filled summer days you won’t want to forget your tankini or swim shorts for a dip in the sea - we have a huge range of swimwear to cater for all the family! For more casual strolls along the beach we offer a wide range of summer clothing including shorts, capris, shirts, blouses and lightweight layers to keep you warm on cooler evenings. For those situations when the weather turns for the worst, stay prepared with one of our stylish waterproof and breathable jackets, ideal for protecting you against any summer downpour.
Now that your wardrobe is sorted – take a look at our favourite British coastal hotspots below!
British Seaside Resorts
1. Brighton, Sussex
There’s plenty to keep you busy here; take a walk along the iconic Brighton Pier and try your luck in the amusement arcade, check out the extravagant Brighton Pavilion, get lost in the bustling network of shopping streets known as The Lanes, then refuel at one of the stylish cafés before making the most of the amazing nightlife.
2. St Ives, Cornwall
Long associated with a vibrant local art scene, St Ives in Cornwall has more galleries, exhibitions and culture than you can shake a stick at. The Penwith landscape, with its stunning azure seascapes and white sandy beaches, is the backdrop to a charming town of narrow cobbled streets and fishermen’s houses.
3. Torquay, Devon
It’s an upbeat mix of palm trees, gleaming yachts and excellent eateries at this fun Devonshire resort. Located on the English Riviera, it’s also in easy reach of 20+ beaches, and the annual international Agatha Christie Festival in September promises a literary feast for crime fiction fans.
4. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
Not so much a functioning town as a semi-fictional village, Portmeirion is unlike anywhere else in Britain. A Mediterranean village with a piazza, grand porticoes and terracotta-roofed houses, all in bright pastel colours. In September, Portmeirion hosts Festival No.6, pulling in international acts like Noel Gallagher and the Pet Shop Boys.
5. Salcombe, Devon
With its pretty pastel-hued cottages and winding streets packed with boutique shops and cafés, Salcombe is one of the most stylish seaside towns in the country. Situated in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town can boast impressive coastal views, as well as stunning rolling countryside surroundings.
6. Llandudno, Conwy County Borough
A popular North Wales destination for over 150 years, Llandudno is a true great British seaside resort. The Victorian promenade stretches for over two miles, with fantastic views across the long sandy beach, out to sea – it even has a band stand, where the local brass band play for visitors.
7. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
If you’re looking for good old-fashioned fun that's easy on the wallet you might consider the Blue Flag beach of Scarborough (with award-winning donkeys!). Get back to basics this year and fetch your buckets and spades, fishing nets, picnic baskets, swimming costumes and deckchairs and enjoy a free day by the seaside.
8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
This Welsh seaside town is the kind of place you want to return to year after year. Encircled by an imposing medieval stone wall, Tenby is a town steeped in history and surrounded by breath-taking scenery. Situated within the UK’s only coastal national park, here you’ll find three beautiful Blue flag beaches right on your doorstep.
9. Weymouth, Dorset
When the sun shines there are few happier places to be than the former royal resort of Weymouth. It’s worth a visit for the fine sandy beach alone but Weymouth’s biggest joy is its Old Harbour, where you can while away hours watching the boats from one of the quayside pubs.
10. Blackpool, Lancashire
How could we leave Blackpool off our list? Marvel at its iconic Pleasure Beach and roller coasters, the North and Central piers and visit Blackpool Tower, opened in 1894 and inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower. It’s a truly magical day out and British seaside town at its magnificent best.
We love to see what you get up to in you Regatta gear so don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! @RegattaOutdoors
