The summer holidays are just around the corner and it won't be long before the UK's coasts are filled with tourists from across the UK. With staycations growing increasingly popular, experts at Village Hotels have compiled a list of the top five coastal destinations in southern England to visit. With destinations suitable for for everyone from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, each coastal town has its own unique atmosphere, Looking through Tripadvisor data, the holiday experts have found the perfect locations you can visit depending on your interests and who you're travelling with.
Fo r the outdoor enthusiast - Bournemouth, Dorset Bournemouth makes for a perfect staycation destination for anyone looking for a getaway to the great outdoors. With over ten miles of award-winning sandy beaches, there are plenty of locations to visit. As part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bournemouth comes out top when it comes to fossil hunting - with long walks along the coast potentially uncovering heaps of archaeological artefacts.
Bournemouth Beach ranks as the coastal town's top attraction, with an average review of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor. There are also over 532 places to eat out in restaurants in Bournemouth and 6 hotels rated over 5 stars.
For the quintessentially British - Poole, Dorset Just a stone's throw from Bournemouth is the smaller town of Poole, which has risen in fame in recent years after repeatedly appearing at the top of the lists of the UK's most sought-after postcodes. The 'quintessentially British' port town boasts a picturesque old town and a revamped Quayside area, showing off the best of both old and modern British architecture. In regards of places to eat out, there are over 240 options and 9 hotels rated over 5 stars.
Brownsea Island ranks as the best attraction to see in Poole, a National Trust Island located just off the harbour, that's one of the few places in the UK that remains inhabited by red squirrels. For the history buffs - Southampton, Hertfordshire Known for its naval history, Southampton is a perfect location for anyone with an interest in history. The city is home to the SeaCity Museum, which includes an interactive model of the Titanic, which famously made its first and last journey from the city in 1912.
Other museums in the city, such as the Solent Sky and The Wool House, explore the city's industrial past. Outside of local attractions, there are over 563 places to eat in the city and 3 places to stay that are rated 5 stars. When it comes to attractions it's the Solent Museum that takes the top spot, with its dedication to the history of aviation For the vibrant queer scenes - Brighton, East Sussex While Brighton has always been a popular seaside destination, in recent years the city has become known for its bustling LGBTQ+ scene and reportedly has one of the largest queer populations in the UK.
With a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of independent cafes, shops and businesses, Brighton has become a particularly attractive location for young professionals. Across the city, there are over 904 options for eating and one hotel which has ranked 5 stars. The top attraction is the stunning Royal Pavillion, which was built as a seaside retreat for King George IV.
For a taste of the Mediterranean in the UK - Torquay, Devon Looking at photos of Torquay it's easy to see how to came to get its nickname of the 'English Riveria'. With its clear water and green cliff face the small town could easily be mistaken for the Mediterranean. The stunning location and its Imperial Spa and Babbacombe beach will have even the most seasoned travellers feeling like they've just stepped into an Italian village.
There are 239 places to eat around Torquay and 13 hotels which ranked as 5 stars. For those making the trip to the small coastal town, Kent’s Cavern, Britain’s oldest prehistoric home ranks as the best attraction to visit. Commenting on the best coastal towns in Southern England to visit, a spokesperson from Village Hotels commented said: "The southern coast holds a big place in the hearts of many people across the UK, from its shoreline to its vast countryside, what’s not to love? "However, before you book your time away its important to find which town or city will suit your needs best.
With this in mind, we’re pleased to have put together a comprehensive list on where to book, depending on your needs. We hope this list has inspired anyone who is thinking of going away this summer.".
