‘Chips to die for’: readers’ favourite UK seaside towns
21.07.2023 - 11:31
/ theguardian.com
Rame peninsula. Tiny beach, endless sea. There’s a seafront pub right there in Kingsand, the Devonport, just up the steps, serving delicious food – or you can just sit outside and look at the sunset. We went to Kingsand for our very first holiday together, my then-lover and I. I booked at short notice – the guesthouse we stayed in has since been put up for sale. We played guitar on the beach and got roped into a sea shanty singalong with the locals. We went back about 10 years later – same beach, same gorgeous yellow house on the beach, same pub. Children were playing on the beach who wouldn’t have been born yet when we had last come. It was special.Ewa Szypula
Felixstowe hits that sweet spot of being prosperous without being pretentious. Five miles of sand and shingle stretch south to north, from the nature reserve, fortress and museum at Landguard with views over the Stour and Orwell estuaries to the hamlet of Felixstowe Ferry. The seafront gardens north of the pier are worth a traipse, and by Mannings amusements there’s not only a fine fish and chip shop but also the Beach Street food and crafts market. There are also historic beach huts, gentle cliffs and the blue-flag south beach to enjoy. Try the Spa Pavilion for shows, and drinks overlooking the sea.Ian
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Revel in jolly, traditional British seaside fare in Swanage: an ice-cream on the sandy blue flag beach, arcades as you stroll along the waterfront and a tea under the watchful eye of seagulls. At the end of the town climb up the Downs to join the coastal path; wonderful views of Durlston Bay await. Top off your stay in style with a meal at Shell Bay restaurant in Studland. Soaking up the beach vibe, we went all out with the crab, fries and bubbly while basking in a glorious sunset. Hard to believe that this haven is only a few hours from London.Paul
Facing west, Hunstanton could be the only town on the east coast with great sunset views. All those beautiful sunsets after days of doing what comes naturally at the seaside: beaches, safe bathing, funfair, amusements, fish and chips to die for. Then there are the cafes, independent shops, promenade kiosks, concerts and the entertainment on the Green overlooking the sea, where there is a statue of artist Henry Styleman Le Strange, who developed the town in the mid-19th century. The town’s theatre has a full range of family entertainment throughout the year. Hunstanton is a proper old-fashioned seaside resort with plenty for everyone to enjoy. John Richardson
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