WITH more than 1,500 beaches around the UK, picking the right one for your summer holiday can be tricky.
However, staycations have soared in recent years as Brits opt to stay in the UK to save money – and are set to remain popular in 2024.
5
We’ve rounded up the best UK seaside towns to visit this year – with new attractions and fewer crowds.
Saltburn-by-the-sea
5
Most people head to Whitby, but it’s quieter sister Saltburn-by-the-sea is making waves.
And following the recent success of the film Saltburn (with the director admitting he was inspired by the name of the town).
It is also home to the 150-year-old funicular, which has been named the best beach attraction in the country.
Festivals include the summer folk festival and the winter beer festival, so you’re sorted whatever the season.
Watchet
If you want a seaside holiday without the crowds, there is a much quieter beach town in Somerset which is set to be big.
Watchet recently underwent a huge £7million renovation project, which resulted in the new East Quay arts centre with accommodation pods inside.
There is also an art gallery, exhibition space and restaurant inside, with them being very popular on Instagram already.
5
Seaside expert Madeleine Bunting previously told Sun Online Travel: “A new art centre called East Quay recently opened on the harbour.
“It’s an art centre with these fun and impressive accommodation pods that are putting the town on the map.”
Don’t go expecting a sandy beach – the tiny beach is primarily stones, but also has an amazing tidal paddling pool next to it.
Blackpool
Despite sometimes being overlooked in favour of newer ‘cool’ English towns, Blackpool has an exciting year ahead.
Research by Trivago revealed the top ten booking destinations for the second half of 2024 with Blackpool coming in fourth place (only beaten by London, Edinburgh and Dubai).
5
Tickets are already on sale for Blackpool’s newest museum, opening this year.
Showtown will celebrate the seaside, circus, magic, show, dance and Blackpool’s illuminations through six interactive exhibitions.
Other new additions to the seaside town will be a huge multiplex cinema and new four-star Holiday Inn hotel, although you can also just chill on the beach and pier as well.
Margate
5
The Kent seaside resort has surged in popularity in recent years, as trendy London folk have ditched the capital for the town.
And there are a number of new attractions and events to be excited for too.
The former Hornby Centre has been transformed into WonderWorks, an immersive indoor experience with toys from Hornby, Scalextric and Pocher.
Guests can explore miniature worlds including that of Margate and Gotham City, racing mini cars around the tracks, as well as build model railways and build mini tanks, cars and planes.
And Live Nation subsidiary LN Gaiety Holdings has recently bought out Dreamland, one of the UK’s oldest theme parks.
Acts performing at the park this year include Craig David, Becky Hill, Limp Bizkit and Madness.
If none of that takes your fancy, then there is still the huge sandy beach, surrounded by new hotels and bars popping up.
