Looking to squeeze the last bit of joy from your summer holiday? Then we might have some last-minute inspiration for you, courtesy of Time Out’s list of the best coastal towns in the country. The weather may have taken a turn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t brave it and enjoy sandy beaches and fish & chips by the sea.
Coming in second on the list is the classic Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, described as a fishing town that “exudes more gothic splendour than David Bowie in The Hunger.” The write-up highlights Whitby’s dramatic coastline, sweeping stretch of beach, top-notch fish and chips, and quaint harbour — not forgetting, of course, the hauntingly beautiful Whitby Abbey. The 1,360-year-old ruin famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. And if you’re trying fish & chips while you’re there, Time Out says to make it Magpie Café.
We’d also recommend another Whitby gem: Humble Pie n’ Mash. This cosy, old-fashioned spot will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight back into the 1940s.
Also featured on the list is Saltburn-by-the-Sea, described as a Victorian seaside town that “remains charmingly untouched.” Visitors can ride the original funicular, the Saltburn Cliff Lift, down to the expansive sandy beach, or stroll along its Victorian pier. The town is admired for its vibrant independent shops, buzzing surf scene, craft farmers’ markets, and jazz nights. And if you fancy a pint, the 16th-century Ship Inn is a must.
If you’re heading that way, we’d suggest No. Twenty Three for excellent pizza and craft ales. The dough is made fresh in-house each day, left to rest for 48 hours, then hand-stretched and topped with top-quality ingredients. It’s proof that the saying “good things come to those who wait” couldn’t be truer.
We’d also add Scarborough to the list, which has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Step back from the busy South Bay, and you’ll discover charming old fishermen’s cottages as you head towards Scarborough Castle. The food scene is thriving too, with fantastic new restaurants and eateries opening all the time — from Embers, one of our personal favourites, to Dough Boiz, serving New York–style pizza by the slice at the front.
Check out Time Out’s full list of seaside towns here.
Read More: 8 Charming Villages And Vibrant Towns To Visit On The Picturesque Yorkshire Coast
