Best seaside resorts to visit in winter with beachfront pubs & stargazing nights

JUST because the weather has turned, doesn’t mean you can’t visit the UK coastline.

The Sun Travel team have revealed their favourite seaside destinations across the country that are still great to visit in the winter.

Seahouses, Northumberland

The historic fishing village of Seahouses on the Northumberland coast is the ultimate cosy bolthole in the depths of winter.

While the summer crowds may have moved on, a blustery walk across the beaches to the north and south are the perfect way to blow away the cob webs and offer a tantilising view of Bamburgh Castle.

And of course, those dark nights are even more welcome when the clearest skies of the year create the perfect conditions for a spot of stargazing.

When the weather turns, hunker down in the sea-facing bar at the Bamburgh Castle Inn overlooking the harbour.

And to sample some of the fare delivered daily by the local boats, head to Swallow Fish, who have been selling their wares in the town since 1843.

– Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

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Rye, East Sussex

While not strictly seaside, the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is
extremely near the coast – it has a harbour and you can see the sea.

But I figured it deserved a mention because it’s by far my favourite
coastal town to visit in winter.

The cobbled streets, quaint antique shops and cosy pubs make it the
perfect way to spend a chilly weekend.

Make sure to pay a visit to The Mermaid Inn, a 600 year old pub with
cellars that date back to 1156.

In the Giant’s Fireplace Bar, with its dried hops and huge inglenook,
you can just imagine what it was like back in the days when smuggling gangs used it as a meeting place.

Equally great is the Globe Inn, a white clapboard pub that serves up
freshly caught fish and seafood, alongside local ales.

Or if you have more of a sweet tooth, head to Knoops – founded by a
‘chocolate sommelier’, the store sells loads of different hot
chocolates at various percentages of cocoa.

From Rye, it’s just a few miles on foot to the glorious Camber Sands,
with it’s long sandy beach and dunes.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

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Whitstable, Kent

It can be tricky trying to find places open in seaside towns when the summer ends, with some closing for the season.

But the beauty of Whitstable is it has all you might need to shelter from the winds.

My favourite is the The Old Neptune pub – it’s right on the seafront so you can see the beach and crashing waves while staying warm in front of the fire.

The high street is also full of shops where you can escape the winds, with charity shops offering bargain clothes to cosy coffee shops – my favourite is Blueprint Coffee & Books.

Sure, you might not be wanting to grab some oysters and take a seat on the shingles – but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the usually busy town, crowd-free.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

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Trebarwith, Cornwall

Cornwall is flooded with tourists in summer. Visiting in August? Well, forget about finding decent digs or bagging a table at one of the favourite restaurants if you haven’t booked months in advance.
But this all changes after September.

The crowds disperse and much-loved beaches like Watergate Bay are pretty much deserted, meaning you can enjoy its seven miles of sand and craggy caves all to yourself.

Stay close to Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel, which is breathtakingly beautiful with beachside sunsets that could rival those in the Caribbean.

After a blustery walk along the beach, cosy up in the Port William, a cliffside pub with snug sofas next to roaring fireplaces and huge windows overlooking the waves – it’s dog friendly and has bedrooms too.

This area is a wildlife lovers haven, with hundreds of species of birds to spot in the winter months.

– Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

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Barry Island, Wales

Years ago, I was lucky enough to live in Cardiff, which meant I spent weekends exploring everything the Welsh capital had to offer, including the neighbouring coastal towns.

One place that I always recommend visiting is Barry Island – a seaside resort made famous by the TV sitcom Gavin and Stacey. 

And with a new Christmas special set to air later this year, the next few months are an ideal time to visit to explore some of the instantly recognisable filming locations from the show. 

Even in the winter, day-trippers should make a beeline for Whitmore Bay — a huge crescent of golden sand that’s backed by a promenade of busy cafés, and fish and chip shops. On a colder day, I like to grab myself a hot chocolate from one of the many coffee shops that line the beach. 

Get your pulse racing at the Barry Island Pleasure Park, it has a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. It even comes into its own in the winter thanks to Winter Wonderland, with this year’s attractions set to be announced soon. 

And a trip to Barry Island isn’t complete with a trip to Nessa’s slots where you’ll be sure to have a tidy afternoon spending your pennies.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

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