UK seaside town with few tourists as everyone’s down the road in Brighton

London offers something for everyone. However, even the most ardent urbanite needs a break from the hustle and bustle now and then.

Luckily, we’re surrounded by coastal gems where we can take in some fresh sea air. One such place is the tranquil town of Newhaven in East Sussex.

Despite being just a stone’s throw away from its bustling neighbour, Brighton, Newhaven offers a much quieter retreat.

As per the 2021 census, the town boasts a population of 12,854, a stark contrast to Brighton’s bustling 276,334.

It’s also significantly more affordable than its neighbour, with an average house price of £323,166, compared to Brighton’s hefty £528,060.

The seaside town is a perfect holiday pick for anyone with a nautical flair thanks to its busy port and marine.

History lovers will get lost exploring the award-winning Newhaven fort and the string of coastal defences built along the area over the centuries amid the persistent threat of invasion.

Newhaven was also the launching port of the 1942 Dieppe Raid when Allied forces attempted to liberate the Nazi-occupied French town.

There are also numerous water sports activities available in the bay.

This includes wakeboarding, a thrilling sport that involves standing on a wakeboard behind a boat and being towed along. 

After all that excitement, you’ll undoubtedly work up an appetite. In that case, The Flying Fish – rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor – is the perfect spot for you.

The family-owned pub and restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from succulent pork belly to hearty burgers and traditional fish and chips.

One delighted patron commended the establishment, stating “I have been working in Newhaven for 3 weeks and I must say that this pub serves the finest food.

“The staff are incredibly friendly and go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. A big thank you to Vicky and her team.”

The journey from Clapham Junction is straightforward. Simply hop on a train to Lewes, then switch to a connecting service to Newhaven.

The journey should take just over an hour and a half, and tickets can be purchased here.