One of the most appealing aspects of buying a campervan is having the freedom to set off on a trip whenever you like. For those who love beautiful coastal views, the best seaside destinations in the UK are sure to be near the top of their touring list.
With thousands of miles of glorious coastline, offering everything from remote clifftop hiking to the buzz of the traditional resorts, there are plenty of locations to choose from.
Whether you’re planning ahead for next year or are thinking of embarking on an off-season tour, here are 24 of our favourite coastal touring destinations – and we’re also sharing our pick for the best campervan site for each spot too.
And for those of you who would like some more touring inspiration for where to go, don’t miss our guide to the beautiful lakes, rivers and canals that are well worth exploring for lovers of the natural world.
1 Worthing, West Sussex
Once thought the quintessential retirement spot, Worthing has attracted a younger crowd in recent years. It is one of the biggest seaside towns on the south coast, so there’s plenty to enjoy, including several theatres and a burgeoning arts scene – check out the arts and crafts at East Beach Studios. Pride of the town is the magnificent pier, and the Art Deco Pavilion Theatre.
Thinking of heading here? Then take a look at our guide to spending a weekend in Worthing.
- Stay: Ecclesden Farm
- See: The wide promenade has plenty of room for a gentle stroll along the seafront, before stopping at the pier for ice cream and deckchairs
Or you could go to: Nearby Lancing for a sandy beach, or buzzy Brighton for the nightlife and the shopping
2 Rye, East Sussex
Delightful Rye, with its ancient streets, historic inn and countless art and antique shops, is a super spot for soaking up the best of coastal Sussex, with Camber Sands on its doorstep. The Cinque Port town exudes history, so be sure to walk around St Mary’s Church and Rye Castle, and wander along the cobbles of Mermaid Street.
- Stay: Rother Valley Caravan & Camping Park
- See: Camber Sands is arguably the best sandy beach in the south-east – it’s big but gets busy in the summer, so arrive early to beat the traffic
Or you could go to: Seaford Head Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park, for vista-filled walks along the white cliffs
3 Southwold, Suffolk
It’s curious that George Orwell, journalist and author of the dystopian novel 1984, spent more than 20 years living in this delightful town. With its lighthouse, sandy beaches and colourful beach huts, you’d think it would have inspired an altogether more positive outlook! Families will love the pier with its fascinating water clock, shops and arcade; parents may take even greater pleasure in a tour of Adnams Brewery.
- Stay: Southwold Camping
- See: The lighthouse – if you can climb the 113 steps, you’ll enjoy panoramic views
Or you could go to: Southend, with its hugely popular fairground rides and water slides, and the seemingly endless pier
4 Whitstable, Kent
It’s become something of a relocation spot for City dwellers who grow tired of life in the Smoke. But Whitstable has always had an air of shabby chic about it, and remains a favourite with daytrippers keen to sample the native oysters. If you tire of people-watching on the beach, take a walk into town for superb boutique shops and galleries. Spot the murals dotted around, including one dedicated to a famous former resident, the late Peter Cushing.
- Stay: Homing Park
- See: Cycle the Crab and Winkle Way, a scenic 7.6-mile route between Whitstable and Canterbury
Or you could go to: Marvellous Margate for its amusement park and Turner Contemporary
5 Skye, Inner Hebrides
Glorious Skye, with its rugged peaks and breathtaking landscapes, is the ultimate hiking spot. Head north for classic walking routes at the Old Man of Storr and the loop at Quiraing. Combine a trip to Dunvegan Castle with a stroll on the exquisite white Coral Beach and take a dip in the turquoise waters. Or south to Glenbrittle for rock-climbing at Sgùrr Alasdair.
- Stay: Glenbrittle Campsite
- See: The Cuillin mountains and the Fairy Pools – beautiful rockpools fed by waterfalls
Or you could go to: Sublime North Uist, with its gorgeous white-sand beaches – you can take the ferry from Uig
6 Whitby, North Yorkshire
There’s more to atmospheric Whitby than its association with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but that’s surely part of the attraction for the many goths who visit the town during the Whitby Spring Goth Festival. The harbour and the Abbey ruins are a photographer’s dream. Explore the seafront, where the Esk flows into the North Sea, and Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, standing guard over the sandy beaches below.
- Stay: Sandfield House Farm
- See: Captain Cook Memorial Museum’s special exhibition exploring the local hero’s legendary Quest for the Northwest Passage
Or you could go to: North York Moors National Park to enjoy a scenic steam train journey on the heritage railway line
7 Skegness, Lincolnshire
Generations of families have holidayed at Skeggy, a traditional British seaside resort best known for its famous fairground and donkey rides, pier and golden sands. Get the adrenalin pumping with a rollercoaster ride at Fantasy Island, or take your toddlers to the Fairy Dell Paddling Pool near the aquarium. Motor racing enthusasts could head to Skegness Raceway, to watch the thrilling banger and stock car racing.
- Stay: Tagg’s Caravan Park
- See: Nature-lovers will enjoy the Natureland Seal Sanctuary, which rehabilitates injured or orphaned seal pups found stranded on local beaches
Or you could go to: Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, to observe the incredibly diverse birdlife
8 St Andrews, Fife
There’s so much to enjoy in this ancient university town, founded in 1413 and known as the home of golf (with 10 courses to choose from).
Explore wonderful medieval streets, 450-year-old St Andrews Castle and the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, a site of worship since the 700s. Don’t miss West Sands beach, as seen in Chariots of Fire.
- Stay: St Andrews Holiday Park
- See: The Old Course and the Swilcan Bridge, which links the first and the 18th holes
Or you could go to: Arbroath, for superb clifftop walks and the chance to try the celebrated smoked haddock ‘smokies’
9 Bamburgh, Northumberland
For many years, the Northumberland coast was the preserve of lucky locals, but the secret’s out, with visitors from across the UK marvelling at the fortress of Bamburgh, capital of the historic Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. The castle dominates the landscape, overlooking the wide expanse of unspoiled sandy beach, with views across to Lindisfarne and the fabulous Farne Islands (and for those of you who particularly love scenery, be sure to take a look at our pick of the campervan sites for stunning views).
- Stay: Bamburgh Touring Caravans
- See: RNLI Grace Darling Museum to learn about the life of Victorian Britain’s greatest heroine
Or you could go to: The Farne Islands – walk three miles along the coast to Seahouses, where you can book a boat trip to observe the seals
10 Ballycastle, County Antrim
Pretty Ballycastle is a great launching point for enjoying the best of the Causeway Coast. Relax with a walk on the sand and shingle beach, with its views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead, before dropping in at the smart Seafront Marina. Marvel at majestic vistas as you journey out of town for historic highlights such as Kinbane Castle, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.
- Stay: Ballyness Caravan Park, a campsite that is regularly voted one of the best motorhome sites in Northern Ireland in our Top 100 Sites Guide.
- See: Rathlin Island for superb birdlife and fun cycle rides around this haven for nature
Or you could go to: Beautiful Castlerock and Portstewart Strand for superb beaches and walks
11 Largs, North Ayrshire
A favourite seaside spot for Glaswegians, Largs has been the scene of many a west coast day trip, with visitors seeking out the Victorian promenade and the most famous ice cream parlour in the country, the wonderful Art Deco Nardini’s. You’ll find a shingle beach at Largs Bay and from there, you can walk south to explore the Pencil Monument and marvel at Largs Yacht Haven, Scotland’s largest marina.
- Stay: Strathclyde Country Park CAMC Site
- See: Vikingar! Viking and Scottish heritage centre, to discover your inner Viking
Or you could go to: Millport Island by ferry, for gentle cycle rides and sandy beaches
12 Morecambe Bay, Lancashire
Sky meets water meets peaks at wonderful Morecambe, which is rightly famed for its beautiful vistas. It’s also extremely proud of its smart promenade, where a statue of one of its most famous sons, Eric Morecambe, invites a selfie and a chorus of ‘Bring me Sunshine’. Bear in mind that there are very fast-flowing tides around here, so take on board local knowledge, while watching for the staggering amount of birdlife over the mudflats, and grey seals basking at Walney Island.
- Stay: Sunnyside Camping & Caravan Site
- See: Wildlife sculptures along Morecambe’s seafront, part of the Tern Art Project
Or you could go to: The lively amusements and bright lights of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, less than an hour’s drive away
13 Bangor, County Down
A Northern Ireland favourite, this is an excellent combo of city and seaside. It’s just 13 miles east of Belfast city centre on the southern shores of Belfast Lough. Children will love Pickie Funpark, with its steam train and swan pedalos, and there’s an excellent sandy beach at Ballyholme. History buffs should head for Bangor Abbey or the North Down Museum.
- Stay: Dundonald Touring Caravan Park
- See: Tranquil Bangor Castle Walled Garden, where you can immerse yourself in exploring four distinct garden rooms
Or you could go to: Newcastle, near the Mourne Mountains, for glorious Blue Flag Murlough Beach and National Nature Reserve
14 Trearddur, Anglesey
A fine resort on Holy Island, just off Anglesey’s north-west coast. The Blue Flag beach and sheltered waters make this a great spot for swimming. From here, you are in prime position to visit the best of Anglesey, including Beaumaris Castle, with its four rings of defence, and Plas Newydd House, which has 40 acres of gardens. Facing west, Trearddur sees gorgeous sunsets.
- Stay: Bagnol & Tyn Towyn Holiday Parks
- See: Glorious scenery on a section of the 130-mile Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
Or you could go to: The mainland and the Menai Strait to see abundant wildlife and view Thomas Telford’s iconic Menai Bridge
15 Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Follow the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to this charming resort and head south across the golden sands of North Beach to the harbour and the pleasing pastel-coloured houses beyond. At the top of the town, you’ll find Castle Hill, home to Tenby Castle and Tenby Museum & Art Gallery.
Walk south beyond the hill and you will see sheltered Castle Beach, with its views of St Catherine’s Island.
- Stay: Meadow Farm
- See: The 15th-century Tudor Merchant’s House, for an insight into daily life during the late Middle Ages
Or you could go to: Beautiful Barafundle Bay, to enjoy excellent walks along this absolutely pristine beach
16 Rhossili Bay, The Gower
Although it might be a steep walk down the clifftop footpath, if you can manage the hike, it really is worth the effort to reach this fabulous three-mile swathe of dog-friendly sandy beach. The surf is good, but it’s that vista of Gower gold that makes for such a remarkable sight. At its western extremity, you’ll find the Worm’s Head, a spectacular limestone promontory that you can get to on foot via the causeway at low tide.
- Stay: Pitton Cross Caravan & Camping
- See: The lowland heath area of Rhossili Down, the highest point on Gower, for excellent walking and great views
Or you could go to: A completely different, but no less breathtaking, beach experience at gorgeous Three Cliffs Bay
17 St Agnes, Cornwall
It’s easy to see why this part of the world has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
This famous north Cornwall surfing spot, which also lies on the South West Coast Path, provides a heady mix of jaw-dropping scenery, great surf and sheltered coves, all combined with an irresistibly laid-back vibe. If you eventually tire of the surf, you could try kayaking or coasteering – paddleboarding is popular, too, with plenty of local providers.
- Stay: Blue Hills Touring Park
- See: The 11-mile Coast to Coast cycle trail from Portreath to Devoran
Or you could go to: Sensational St Ives, with its charming harbour and world-famous local and international art scene
18 Woolacombe, Devon
Another three-mile stretch of golden sand, easy-going Woolacombe is popular with families and surfers. Indeed, bodyboarding and surfing are the primary activities on this very attractive beach and while you are there, you’re likely to see plenty of surf lessons in action, with classes for all levels of ability.
- Stay: Woolacombe Sands
- See: Gorgeous scenery on a hike along the coastal path – a 15-mile section takes you from Woolacombe to Braunton
Or you could go to: Ilfracombe, with its distinctive and historic Tunnels Beaches, fascinating aquarium and pretty harbour
19 Bude, Cornwall
Hey Bude! If you’re feeling in the mood for a swim but don’t fancy competing with Cornwall’s abundant surf and surfers, Bude comes up trumps with its superb 1930s-era tidal-fed sea pool, which is also frequented by paddleboarders. This area has three Blue Flag beaches – Widemouth Bay, Crooklets and Summerleaze – and there’s a bustling seaside town to be enjoyed, too.
- Stay: Wooda Farm Holiday Park
- See: The Heritage Centre at the Grade II listed Castle, to discover the area and enjoy special exhibitions
Or you could go to: The Camel Trail, for a cycle ride from Wadebridge to Padstow, before enjoying a fish-and-chip supper by the harbour
20 Isle of Wight, Hampshire
This gem of a rock continues to entertain visitors, with the Isle of Wight having fabulous beaches, world-class sailing and varied attractions, such as Ventnor Botanic Garden, Carisbrooke Castle, Shanklin Chine and The Needles chalk stacks. Notable beaches include Alum Bay, with its 21 shades of coloured sand, traditional seaside bucket-and-spade Shanklin and Sandown, and Ventnor on the south coast.
- Stay: Whitefield Forest Touring Park
- See: Queen Victoria’s Osborne House and Blackgang Chine Family Theme Park, to be equally amused
Or you could go to: Beautiful Bournemouth, packed with attractions, near Brownsea Island and Sandbanks Beach
21 Sennen Cove, Cornwall
Located in the crescent-shaped Whitsand Bay, the sandy beach at Sennen is fringed by pretty rockpools and makes a superb spot for all the family, with lifeguards on the beach and parking nearby. There’s good surf at Gwynver Beach and you might also get lucky and see dolphins, seals and, on rare occasions, basking sharks. Towards the lifeboat station, there’s a small harbour with fishing boats and lobster pots – it all feels a bit like stepping into a scene from The Famous Five!
- Stay: Sennen Cove C&CC Site
- See: Magnificent views across the clifftops on a one-mile walk along the South West Coast Path to Land’s End
Or you could go to: Porthcurno for the splendid Minack Theatre and the Museum of Global Communications
22 The Lizard, Cornwall
There’s simply so much to enjoy when you’re exploring in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is also home to mainland Britain’s southernmost point. The region’s superb windswept landscapes are accessed by footpaths leading to pretty heathland walks. Choose between the west coast, beautifully exemplified by gorgeous Kynance Cove, familiar from so many photographs of its white sands and sea stacks, or you could head east to the twin coves of Cadgwith.
- Stay: Silver Sands Holiday Park – another site that regularly features in our Top 100 Sites Guide 2025, we think this is one of the best campervan sites in Cornwall.
- See: The resident seals, dolphins and hundreds of seabirds at Lizard Point
Or you could go to: The delightful fishing village at Mevagissey, for picture-postcard pubs, welcoming cafés and local art galleries
23 Salcombe, Devon
It’s no surprise to see how very popular this little harbour town at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary has become over the years – it really is effortlessly pretty.
Fortunately, there are a number of great beaches to choose from, notably at North and South Sands. Watersports dominate, with dinghies, kayaking and boating all available to enjoy.
If you tire of swimming in the sea, take the kids to splash about in the heated outdoor Salcombe Swimming Pool, which is open between late May and early September.
- Stay: Alston Farm
- See: A different view of the coastline by taking a ferry trip from Salcombe to the beautiful beach at South Sands
Or you could go to: The English Riviera at Torquay and Brixham, for a Devonian cream tea – cream first and jam on top!
24 Weymouth, Dorset
Head to Dorset and explore this elegant seaside resort on the Jurassic Coast. It’s packed with attractions (not least the wide, sheltered Blue Flag beach at Weymouth Bay) and makes an excellent launching point for exploring nearby landmarks, such as Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland.
Expect donkey rides and Punch & Judy shows on the sands, and take a turn around the harbour. Don’t miss the imposing 19th-century coastal defences at Nothe Fort.
- Stay: Bagwell Farm Touring Park, another regular in our Top 100 Sites Guides
- See: Bearded tits and Cetti’s warblers at the saltmarsh nature reserve at RSPB Lodmoor
Or you could go to: Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, two iconic local sights, are just a 30-minute drive away
One thing you may want to know before you embark on a tour is about where you can park up your ‘van – Peter Baber talks you through the crucial points to think about, as he considers “where can you park a campervan in the UK?”.
After some more inspiration for where to go for a longer campervan getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Longer Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Getty Images
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