Top 10 UK Seaside Towns for 2026: From Art Hubs to Coastal Heritage

Time Out has released its ranking of the 10 best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026, highlighting destinations that combine coastal beauty with cultural and historical significance. The list includes Saundersfoot, Hastings and St Leonards, Southsea, Folkestone, Cardigan, Alnmouth, Portrush, Cowes, Oban, and Wells-next-the-Sea. These towns were selected for their unique attractions, from Saundersfoot's Blue Flag beach and the 850th anniversary of the National Eisteddfod in Pembrokeshire, to Hastings Contemporary's exhibition on Lucian Freud and Henry Moore. Folkestone's regeneration through the Creative Foundation, founded by Roger De Haan, has transformed the former ferry port into a creative hub. Cardigan celebrates the 850th anniversary of the first Eisteddfod at Cardigan Castle, while also offering wildlife encounters with bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay. Alnmouth's coastline was reshaped by a storm in 1806, and Portrush is renowned for its golf and Blue Flag beaches. Cowes will mark the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week in 2026, and Oban serves as a gateway to the Hebridean islands. Wells-next-the-Sea preserves its 14th-century fishing heritage. The opening of the King Charles III Coastal Path has increased interest in the UK coastline, making these towns more accessible than ever.