Which seaside towns are up and coming?

Several UK seaside towns are experiencing a revival in 2025-2026, driven by regeneration projects, improved connectivity, and a rise in remote working. Top up-and-coming spots include Margate (Kent), Whitby (Yorkshire), and Barmouth (Wales), which are attracting residents with a blend of old-school charm and modern culture. Other notable rising destinations for investment and relocation include Fishguard, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, and Portrush.

What are the best seaside towns to move to in the UK?

Some of the most popular places include Southsea, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Eastbourne. These coastal towns offer a mix of sandy beaches, independent shops, scenic walks, and vibrant communities, making them ideal for buyers seeking lifestyle and convenience.

What is the best seaside town in the UK 2025?

The list packed with classic English seaside spots, with likes of Whitstable and Margate in Kent, Rye in East Sussex, Salcombe in Devon, Falmouth in Cornwall and Scarborough in Yorkshire all featuring. Folkestone – Time Out's top place to visit in the UK in 2025 – also makes an appearance.

What are the proposed new towns in the UK?

21st Century. The Labour government elected in 2024 established a New Towns Taskforce to identify a new generation of new towns in England. In 2025 the Taskforce recommended 12 locations including Crews Hill in Greater London, Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Marlcombe in Devon and Leeds South Bank.

Where is the best coastal town to retire in the UK?

10 best places to retire by the sea

1. Salcombe, Devon.
2. Weymouth, Dorset. ...
3. Whitby, North Yorkshire. ...
4. St Ives, Cornwall. ...
5. Bamburgh, Northumberland. ...
6. Worthing, West Sussex. ...
7. Cromer, Norfolk. ...
8. Shanklin, Isle of Wight. ...

10 Best Seaside Towns in the UK

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the UK?

The nicest but cheapest places to live in the UK often combine affordability with access to nature or culture, with top contenders including Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Hull, Burnley, and County Durham for low housing/rental costs, offering seaside access (Sunderland), rich history (Hull), or proximity to natural beauty like the North York Moors (Middlesbrough). Carlisle also stands out for its proximity to the Lake District and affordability.

What is the happiest place to live in the UK 2025?

Skipton named the happiest Town in Great Britain for 2025

Having previously come in second in 2020 and sixth in last year's Happy at Home Index, Skipton has topped the list ahead of more than 200 locations that were involved in this year's study.

What is the fastest growing town in the UK?

Cities with the Highest Population Growth in the UK

• Milton Keynes – 2.0% ...
• Leicester – 1.8% ...
• Preston – 1.7% ...
• Oxford – 1.7% ...
• Exeter – 1.7% ...
• Luton – 1.6% ...
• Wigan – 1.5% ...
• Telford – 1.5% Rounding out the list, Telford has shown consistent growth, supported by an affordable housing market and a strong local jobs market.

Where to move to start over in the UK?

Fastest-growing economic hubs (for career-driven movers)

Manchester and Leeds – Both are experiencing strong growth in tech, health, and creative industries, with lower costs of living compared to London. Birmingham – One of the largest internal migration gainers, offering a diverse economy and excellent connectivity.

What is the happiest seaside town in the UK?

Topping the list, the coastal town of St Ives also boasts a seaside walk along the South West Coast Path.

Why are seaside towns so run down?

This decline has been attributed to “a combination of economic, social and environmental challenges.” Among the reasons are the fact that most coastal towns are located in “outlying areas with poor transport links,” which hinder access to employment and education.

What is the most beautiful beach in 2025?

Topping the 2025 list is Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, Italy, a stunning stretch of coastline framed by soaring limestone cliffs. “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach—its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it,” wrote the editors of the report.

What is the most affordable coastal town to live in?

5 Affordable Beach Retirement Towns

• Gulfport, Mississippi.
• Pensacola, Florida.
• Corpus Christi, Texas.
• Astoria, Oregon.
• Bluffton, South Carolina.

What is the underrated seaside town in the UK?

According to the research, carried out by Airbnb, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is the country's most underrated seaside town. Located in North Yorkshire, the seaside town offers the 'perfect blend of serenity and intrigue', says Airbnb.

Where are the 12 new towns in the UK going to be?

The UK's 12 proposed new towns are a mix of standalone settlements and major urban expansions in locations like Adlington (Cheshire), Leeds South Bank, Manchester Victoria North, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Thamesmead (London), Enfield, South Gloucestershire, Heyford Park (Oxfordshire), Worcestershire Parkway, Marlcombe (East Devon), and Tempsford (Bedfordshire), aiming to deliver hundreds of thousands of homes, boost economic growth, and create sustainable communities across England, with government backing for the Taskforce's recommendations.
 

What is a rapidly growing town?

Rapidly growing cities are urban areas experiencing significant population growth due to factors like migration, economic opportunities, and improved living standards.

Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in the UK?

The nicest but cheapest places to live in the UK often combine affordability with access to nature or culture, with top contenders including Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Hull, Burnley, and County Durham for low housing/rental costs, offering seaside access (Sunderland), rich history (Hull), or proximity to natural beauty like the North York Moors (Middlesbrough). Carlisle also stands out for its proximity to the Lake District and affordability.

Where is the gloomiest place to live in the UK?

Barking and Dagenham was officially crowned the “unhappiest” place to live in Britain. Many locals saying the ranking doesn't just feel harsh it feels like a wake-up call. The index measures how residents feel about their community, safety, local services, green spaces and overall quality of life.

Where should you move in 2025?

• LONDON | WINNER. Walthamstow named best place to live in London 2025. ...
• NORTHWEST | WINNER. Woolton, Liverpool, named best place to live in northwest England 2025. ...
• SOUTHEAST OF ENGLAND | WINNER. Petersfield, Hampshire, named best place to live in southeast England 2025. ...
• NORTHERN IRELAND | WINNER.

Where is the prettiest place to live in the UK?

Britain's 10 most beautiful places to live

• Ambleside, Lake District. ...
• Broadstairs, Kent. ...
• Lymington, Hampshire. ...
• Alnwick, Northumberland. ...
• York, North Yorkshire. ...
• Wells, Somerset. ...
• Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. ...
• Keswick, Cumbria. This Lake District village is situated between the Skiddaw Mountains and Derwentwater Lake.

Where is the cheapest seaside place to live in the UK?

The cheapest places to live by the sea in the UK are often in Scotland (Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute) and the North East of England (County Durham, Northumberland), with towns like Saltcoats, Hartlepool, Blyth, and Peterlee frequently topping lists due to very low average house prices, significantly below the national average, offering sandy beaches and coastal access. Other affordable spots include Morecambe (Lancashire) and parts of Cumbria (Maryport, Workington). 

Where is the cheapest place to buy a house in the UK 2025?

Sunderland is the cheapest city to buy a property in the UK in 2025. It sits along the coastline of the North East, with property in the SR1 postcode on the market for around £56,100.