Do you dream of living by the sea?
As an island, Great Britain has a wealth of options for those looking to reside on the coastline. The best beach towns to relocate to are dotted all around England, from Cornwall in the south-west to the north-eastern Yorkshire Coast and beyond.
The destinations range from tranquil traditional fishing villages with a rich heritage to more modern family-friendly resorts. So, whether you are seeking a peaceful retirement spot, a place to build a family, or your next solo adventure, England boasts the beach town for you.
The Best Beach Towns to Relocate to in England
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Top 4 English coastal towns to live in
St Ives, Cornwall
Renowned all over the world for its spectacular surfing, Cornwall is likely the first county that springs to mind when you think about British beaches.
St Ives is positioned on the northern edge of England’s western tip, centred between the tourist favourite Newquay and Land’s End. This fishing town has been an artists’ haven for decades with a continuing artistic heritage and has recently become a popular location for surfers.
While it is busier in the summer months with visitors keen to catch a wave, it is not devoted entirely to tourism. This makes it a pleasant place to reside year-round.
Bournemouth, Dorset
Another holiday hotspot that offers plenty of off-season activities for residents is Bournemouth on the south coast. This bustling beach resort town in Dorset is just two hours by train from London, providing fantastic flexibility for those who want to maintain proximity to the capital.
Seven miles of continuous coastline provides a fantastic beach experience for all, with the long, sheltered bay the preferred option for families. In addition, there is a vast array of things to do in Bournemouth including a child-friendly activity centre on the pier and many museums.
Hornsea, East Yorkshire
For a slower pace of living, retreat to the tranquil town of Hornsea which sits at the southern end of the Yorkshire Coast.
With many new build homes available in Hornsea, this area is rapidly rising as a top spot for coastal living in the north of England. This is because it has a quiet, village-feel setting yet is just 30 minutes from the lively beach resort of Bridlington, giving residents the best of both worlds.
The Yorkshire Coast is over 100 miles in length, and there are many highlights to be discovered. Venture up to Whitby to tour the historic Gothic Abbey, follow in the footsteps of smugglers at Robin Hood’s Bay, and spot birds at the picturesque Flamborough Head.
Hunstanton, Norfolk
Another area that prioritises peace and privacy is Hunstanton in Norfolk, a coveted location for recent retirees.
The Norfolk coastline is classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with wide, pristine sands backed by dramatic layered cliffs. Away from the beach, locals can stroll the Norfolk Coast, potter in the markets, and wander heritage gardens.
Hunstanton is the only place on the east coast where you can watch the sunrise and sunset. Given its easterly position, the dawn is especially exceptional.
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