Our Favourite Seaside Towns in the Naturally Beautiful North of England

Northern England may not reach the balmy summer temperatures of the south (well, at least not every day).

But if you’re looking for an atmospheric beach break with astounding natural beauty and bucketloads of characterful charm – not to mention chips with gravy! – then set your compass north.

Defined by compelling historic tales, iconic architecture and breath-taking landscapes, the northern English coast is also peppered with pretty towns and villages to explore, complete with narrow cobbled streets and rugged cliff backdrops.

When you combine this incredible setting with an extraordinary place to stay, you’ve found holiday heaven. So here’s our rundown of the best northern seaside holiday hotspots, together with a few of our favourite unusual places to stay in each location.

You’ll find each of the retreats we’ve picked is less than an hour’s drive from the town, so you can soak up that distinctive, warmly-welcoming north coast atmosphere with ease.

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Galatea, Whitby

Scarborough

Searching for a northern English seaside resort that truly has it all? Look no further than Scarborough.

Boasting not one but four beautiful beaches, there’s something here for every seaside holiday taste. South Bay Beach is a sun-trap that’s close to the harbour, eateries and vibrant arcades, while North Bay has Blue Flag status that makes it perfect for families. Head for the deliciously hidden Cornelian Bay if you like a more secluded setting, or to Cayton Bay if you prefer a lush rural backdrop to go with your sandy sandwiches!

Dale Farm Holidays

Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, England

A peaceful and welcoming 18th century farmstead in the Yorkshire Wolds with a mix of glamping and self-catering accommodation for couples, friends, families… and their dogs!

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 6

From

£75 /nt -cabin

The Windmill Scarborough

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

A unique and mesmerising Grade II-listed retreat, less than five minutes' walk from the town centre in England's original seaside resort.

Bedrooms: 1 per apartment

Sleeps: 2 per apartment

From

£115 / night

The Follies Low Lodge

Hunmanby, near Filey, Yorkshire, England

A characterful and romantic stone building infused with authentic style, perfect for exploring the delights of the North Yorkshire coast.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£291 (1 week)

The Tack Room Ruston

Ruston, North Yorkshire, England

A boutique, design-led retreat with a vintage equestrian theme, set on a private estate in the North York Moors National Park that welcomes dog and horse owners alike.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£120 / night

Pinewood Park

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

Family-friendly wild west-themed holiday park with a range of quirky accommodation just 2 miles from the centre of Scarborough.

Bedrooms: varies

Sleeps:

From

£12.50 pppn

Whitby

A picture-postcard town in Yorkshire, Whitby is a bustling creative haven that also boasts intriguing Gothic ruins and magnificent sea views. Bordered by the North Sea and mesmerising views of both Whitby Abbey and the soaring East Cliff, the beach is a haven for Instagram enthusiasts!

Heading to Whitby beach also means you’ll get to swim in Blue Flag waters and stretch out on soft golden sand… or build epic sandcastles with your loved ones. Beach huts are available to hire if you’re making a day of it, while during the summer months the kids can enjoy a traditional donkey ride.

Galatea

Whitby, England

A charming family lighthouse cottage with glorious sea views, nestled on the dramatic East Coast just outside Whitby, with easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 5

From

£589 (4nts)

Evening Star @ Engine Shed

Whitby, North Yorkshire, England

A historic Grade II listed local landmark, charmingly converted to provide unique family accommodation in the coastal heart of Whitby.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£573 / week

Burnsyde Beach House

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, England

Embrace sun, sea and style at Burnsyde Beach House - a stunning beachside property and a piece of contemporary class in the Victorian resort of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£137 /night

Golden Hill Farm

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, England

Fairytale breaks in Golden Hill Farm's Hill House, Gypsy Caravans and Ground Keeper's Cottage near Whitby.  

Bedrooms: varies

Sleeps: 4-6 per unit

From

£195 (2 nights low season)

The Gatehouse

Whitby, North Yorkshire, England

A stylish and ultra-luxurious cottage with original architectural features, secluded within private manor grounds in one of the most exclusive areas of Whitby.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£113 /night

Blackpool

The UK’s answer to Las Vegas, Blackpool is officially the country’s busiest resort.

Boasting not one but three ornate piers – all built during the Victorian era when the railway was introduced and tourist numbers surged – there are six miles of promenade to stroll along, a pier-side shopping arcade and theatre, and of course, a Pleasure Beach that features thrilling white-knuckle rides and live entertainment. Not forgetting Blackpool Tower, of course… a must-visit for any Strictly Come Dancing fans!

Windmill On The Farm

Burscough, Lancashire, England

Discover an 18th century Lancashire retreat with original features and cosy accommodation spread across six circular floors, surrounded by picture-perfect rural views

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

From

£809 (7 nts)

Bowland Escapes Iron Age Roundhouse

Preston, Lancashire, England

Take a fun-filled trip back in time, with a quirky stay in an ancient retreat set in the heart of the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: 5

From

£60 / night

Lynx Helicopter at Ream Hills

Blackpool, Lancashire, England

Be prepared for a holiday with a difference, or, should that be a heli-day with a difference, close to the seaside action in Blackpool. 

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£100 / night

Little Oakhurst

Nr Clitheroe, Lancashire, England

A welcoming family-run farm with TV-featured accommodation, wood-fired hot tubs and friendly alpacas, peacefully secluded in the picturesque Ribble Valley.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit

From

£110 / night

Lantern & Larks Bleasdale

Garstang, Lancashire, England

Luxury glamping accommodation on Bleasdale Estate in Lancashire, set beside the Forest of Bowdale.

Bedrooms: 3 per tent

Sleeps: 6 per tent

From

£295

Morecambe

A quintessentially English coastal town, Morecambe is delightfully nestled around its award-winning seafront promenade that overlooks five blissful miles of sandy coast.

The Lancashire hotspot also showcases the Lakeland Fells in the distance, for awe-inspiring scenery that’s well worth capturing. As is the abundant bird life, which you’ll find beautifully illustrated by a series of public art installations known as The Tern Project. Oh, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the iconic statue of the much-loved comedian Eric Morecambe, looking joyfully out across the promenade.

The Thomas O'Rourke

Glasson, Cumbria, England

This delightful pet-friendly floating haven for couples and small families comes complete with soothing sea views and the Forest of Bowland AONB in easy reach.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£832 (7 nts)

Long Valley Yurts Windermere

Witherslack, Cumbria, England

Moroccan-inspired, family-sized yurts with Scandinavian wood-fired hot tubs, nestlgamed on a charming farm site just a pebble skim away from England's largest and most spectacular natural lake.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: Up to 6 per yurt

From

£325 (4 nts)

Kelker Well Roundhouse

Hutton Roof, Cumbria, England

A soothing off-grid haven with a wood-fired hot tub for sunset-watching, peacefully secluded on a friendly, family-run Lakeland farm that's a stone's throw from the Yorkshire Dales & Lake District.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£150 / night

Stable Stays

Cartmel, Cumbria, England

A fun and completely unique stay in luxury self-catering stable, complete with a beautiful horse for company, set on a friendly farm in the Lake District.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 1-3

From

£350 / night

Jackdaw Quarry Lodges

Capernwray, Lancashire, England

Two unique eco-friendly self-catering lodges built on the limestone cliff edges of Jackdaw Quarry

Bedrooms: 3 per lodge

Sleeps: Up to 6 per lodge

From

£750 (1 week, low season)

Whitley Bay

Not to be confused with Whitby (such confusion led Whitley to change its name to Whitley Bay in 1901), the golden sands of Whitley Bay are home to dreamy North Sea views, award-winning ice-cream, mini-golf, and a fun water park… amongst many other attractions!

The newly-refurbished Spanish City is a historic, jaw-dropping venue that hosts everything from Christmas markets to indulgent afternoon teas, and the romantic St. Mary’s Lighthouse features a nature reserve and wetland habitat that’s ideal for rock-pooling and seal-spotting.

The Iron Chapel

Ryton, Tyne and Wear, England

A unique and authentic retreat, lovingly restored and divinely set in a peaceful Northumberland border conservation area with a nature reserve next door.

Bedrooms: 3

Sleeps: 6

From

£149 / night

The Water Castle

Newton, Northumberland, England

Totally unique, utterly charming, and undoubtedly one of the prettiest former water towers in the country, The Water Castle in gorgeous Northumberland blends ‘rural' and ‘regal' for that very special escape to the country.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£358 (3 nights)

Beacon Hill Farm Luxury Treehouse

Morpeth, Northumberland, England

A sleek, stylish and contemporary retreat set on an award-winning farmland estate, with unspoilt Northumberland country views and an indulgent spa just an amble away.  

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£825 -3nts w/e

Beacon Hill Hideaways

Morpeth, Northumberland, England

Uniquely unspoilt, award-winning Northumberland country glamping that's full of creature comforts... and a sumptuous spa right on your doorstep.

Bedrooms: 1 per unit

Sleeps: 2 per unit

From

£230 / 2nts

Hillside Huts & Cabins

Morpeth, Northumberland, England

Bespoke-designed eco-havens, wood-fired hot tubs and wild fitness, beautifully secluded on a working Northumberland farm with idyllic views of the coast.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 2 or 4 per unit

From

£180 / night