Cornwall is one of the most popular UK seaside destinations, with its sprawling golden-sand beaches, surfing waves, culinary scene, and charming towns like St Ives and Falmouth.
Every year, it’s thought to welcome around four million overnight visitors and a whopping 14 million day trippers. For Cornwall-style coastal scenery, hidden coves, and rugged beaches without the overcrowding, try visiting other coastal spots across the UK. These destinations offer similar stunning seascapes, surfing, and quaint villages with far fewer tourists.
1. Pembrokeshire Coast
This region offers 186 miles of coastal paths, dramatic cliffs, stretches of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and charming seaside towns, such as Cardigan and Aberaeron.
Some of the most well-known beaches in the area include Barafundle Bay, Pendine Sands, and Whitesands Bay, which have miles of golden sand shores against the blue waters.
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2. Northumberland Coast
Northumberland is home to spectacular scenery, with unspoilt sand beaches (such as Budle Bay, Beadnell Bay, and Embleton Bay) lined by dunes, rolling hills, heather moorlands, and charming towns like Alnwick and Hexham.
Known as the ‘castle county’, there’s Dunstanburgh Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and the famed Alnwick Castle, which has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
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3. Llyn Peninsula
With 30 miles of wild and windswept coastline extending into the Irish Sea, the peninsula has a number of beautiful beaches to visit, including Llanbedrog, Porth y Swnt, and Porthdinllaen.
The area has lots of little seaside towns and villages to explore, like Traeth Abersoch, where the beach is lined by pastel beach huts. There is also the Llyn Maritime Museum, Plas yn Rhiw, and the ecomuseum.
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4. Suffolk Coast
The scenic, tranquil coastal area is known for its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status, featuring shingle beaches, marshes, and heathlands where nature lovers can explore RSPB Minsmere.
Popular towns like Southwold and Aldeburgh offer traditional seaside charm and are easily accessible from London, offering a mix of history, local food, and walking trails along the Heritage Coast.
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
