Seaside Towns with Millions of Visitors

From Skegness to St Ives, the UK has an amazing choice of seaside towns.

This page covers those seaside holiday spots which get more than four million visitors per year.

Why four million?

Moving from five million to four added three new destinations to my list. These are Newquay, Southend and Skegness. Removing these iconic destinations for the sake of a round number just felt daft!

Each of these towns and cities has a unique appeal – and attracts a different type of visitor. As someone who lives in one of them, I can attest that they feel completely different in the winter and summer months.

A quick caveat before we start the list. These are estimates, with sources frequently listing widely different numbers.

Seaside Towns with the Most Visitors: Top Seven

#1 – Blackpool: 13 Million Visitors Annually

While not everyone’s cup of tea, there are a surprising number of attractions in Blackpool.

The iconic Blackpool tower is now an entertainment destination in its own right, with a ballroom, circus, and dungeon. Add the pleasure beach theme park and there is plenty of appeal for kids. Each year the illuminations attract millions of visitors.

Avoiding the stag and hen-do’s can be a challenge – though the beach, pier and other family-friendly activities do balance this.

Popular UK beaches Brighton

#2 – Brighton: 11 Million Visitors Annually

Tourist attractions in Brighton include the Royal Pavilion and pier. This city is famed for its diversity and inclusiveness – and the annual pride parade is one of the best in the country.

It is the arts and culture that make Brighton unique among UK seaside destinations. This includes festivals, nightclubs, theatres, and music venues. Dining is varied, with everything from street food to fine-dining available in the Lanes area.

Add shopping to your to-do list for a Brighton visit – with hundreds of unique independent shops to choose from.

#3 – Scarborough – 8 Million Visitors Annually

Hugely popular for people in the big northern cities and from further away, Scarborough is an iconic seaside town with a classic sandy beach.

You’ll enjoy amazing fish and chips here, though there are multiple activities to make your visit into a holiday rather than a day trip. Scarborough castle is a must-see. The panoramic views are breath-taking.

Visit the sea-life centre, Peasholm park – or enjoy the theatres or spa.

Durdle Door Near Bournemouth

#4 – Bournemouth – 7 Million Visitors Annually

It is the amazing sandy beaches which attract seven million visitors to Bournemouth each year.

This destination is popular with families, in contrast with the elderly population that live their permanently. There is a pier, restaurants and a lively selection of bars and nightclubs.

The nearby Dorset coast has amazing walks. Many visitors go to Durdle Door, on the Jurassic coast to the west of Bournemouth.

#4 – Great Yarmouth – 5 Million Visitors Annually

Being within driving distance of East London certainly boosts the number of visitors to Great Yarmouth each year.

This seaside town is famous for its ‘Golden Mile,’ a walkable promenade overlooking a sandy beach. There is an amusement park (like Blackpool, this is called the Pleasure Beach) and a pier. Other popular attractions include a model village, Thringbury Hall Wildlife gardens and the Time and Tide maritime museum.

#5 – Southend-on-Sea – 4 Million Visitors Annually

I remember visits to ‘Safffend’ in my childhood. This is a hugely popular day trip for people in the region (including London).

It has the longest pier in the world, which is more than a mile long. There are sandy beaches, and plenty to keep the kids entertained. Check out ‘Adventure Island’ amusement park and arcade, and the sea-life centre.

Newquay

 

#6 – Newquay – 4 Million Visitors Annually

This Cornish hotspot is famous for its surfing – though that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reasons for visiting.

It boasts a beautiful natural harbour, which still has a traditional working fishing fleet. Take advantage of the fresh fish at the many restaurants.

A little further down the coast are stunning walks – including the Southwest Coast path. A zoo and aquarium will keep the kids entertained.

Seal Skeggy

 

#7 – Skegness – 4 Million Visitors Annually

Back up north for my last popular seaside town. Known as ‘Skeggy,’ Skegness is the archetype of a beautiful seaside town. It combines all the usual attractions (pier, amusement park, sandy beach), with some amazing nature.

Top of my list is the Natureland Seal Sanctuary – with the Gibraltar Point nature reserve also must-see.

 

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