September is considered to be the shoulder season, as prices decrease and tourist numbers go down - meaning you can enjoy many holiday hotspots at a fraction of the price. Imagine going to St Ives and being able to find a place to park, being in and finding a restaurant with vacancies, or booking a B&B in and maybe grabbing a discount at the same time. With that in mind, the has compiled a list of the three best seaside towns to visit in September - and would you believe it, two of them are right here in Cornwall.
The first choice was , known for its sweeping coastline, beautiful beaches, and vibrant community. Gyllyngvase , for example, was awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2024. Visitors praised the "lovely beach" for its mixture of sand, fine shingles and tiny pebbles.
Jenbluebell wrote: "This is one of our favourite Cornish beaches. On a good day the water is absolutely beautiful; it's like being abroad. Lovely to swim in.
" Nearby there are "a number of places to eat", said Nigel from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. "Seek out the pizza guy serving freshly baked pizza from a converted horse box. Simply the best pizza I have ever tasted; eating sat on the beach helped!" Aside from the gorgeous seafront view, there's Pendennis Castle - one of Henry VIII's finest seaside fortresses to explore.
History enthusiasts will love being transported back to Tudor, Napoleonic, and Victorian times. Wildlife admirers can join an Orca Sea Safari in Falmouth, where you might spot dolphins, seals, whales, seabirds and basking sharks. The Express also highlighted , saying it was a must-visit during the music and arts festival from September 14 to 28.
The two weeks of festivities are mostly free, such as lunchtime music and poetry in Norway Square. There will be musical performers all over town, exhibitions, art and craft workshops, and specialist talks. The buzzy atmosphere around St Ives is sure to feel lively, entertaining and full of life.
The finally, they suggested a visit to Kent, saying one seaside town to consider a staycation at is Folkestone, which has musical performances every weekend until September 29. Between 2.30pm to 4.
30pm, there's The Gulls, a three-piece rock 'n' roll band, a Pink Floyd tribute, the sea shanty players called the Old Time Sailors and more. There's the Creative Quarter, full of independent shops and galleries lining the cobbled streets, coastal walks, and a host of places to eat and drink..
