Britain’s coastal destinations – why they shine off-season

St Ives, Cornwall, England 

This artist’s haven is at its best in spring, autumn and winter, when the golden light that inspired luminaries like British painter J.M.W. Turner bathes the town in a dreamlike glow. The Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum are quieter, while fewer crowds flock to the various sections of the South West Coast Path. Clients can enjoy fresh produce and seafood feasts by the harbour or explore the cinematic appeal of the picturesque town and surrounding beaches which have featured in multiple productions, including British romcom About Time (2013). 

Getting there: The train is a scenic way to reach St Ives. Trains depart from London Paddington to St Ives with one transfer at St Erth. The trip takes about five hours. 

Whitby, North Yorkshire, England 

The gothic charm of Whitby is only heightened by Britain’s seasonal weather. The 199 steps leading up to the hauntingly atmospheric Whitby Abbey are much easier to navigate without summer’s tourist rush. Visit in April for the Whitby Goth Weekend (24 to 27 April 2025; also happening from 30 October to 2 November 2025) or just embrace the eerie silence of the town off-season – ideal for clients wanting to channel their inner Bram Stoker. Whitby’s dramatic setting directly inspired the Irish novelist’s masterpiece, Dracula, and the town remains a pilgrimage site for gothic literature fans. 

Getting There: The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, then take a train via York or drive (two to three hours). From London, take a train from King’s Cross Station via York. 

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, England 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is a geological wonder spanning 95 miles, with towering cliffs, ancient fossils, and golden beaches. Cooler months mean clients can explore the eye-catching limestone arch of Durdle Door and the crystal-clear waters of Lulworth Cove without jostling for space. The wild beauty of the coastline is even more striking in spring and winter, and fossil hunting is best after stormy weather reveals new finds. The cliffs have also had their silver screen moments in gripping crime series Broadchurch, and the period dramas Ammonite(2020) and Far from the Madding Crowd (2015). 

Getting There: The nearest major international airports are London Heathrow Airport (around three hours by car), London Gatwick Airport (around three hours by car) and Bristol Airport (around two hours by car). Hiring a car will give clients the greatest flexibility to explore the coast, although stations on the West of England Line can also provide rail and bus connections. 

Brighton, East Sussex, England 

Without summer day-trippers,  

Brighton’s vibrant seafront, historic Lanes, and Brighton Palace Pier are quieter in the spring and autumn, providing more flexibility to explore the city’s thriving arts scene, boho cafés, and independent shops. Wrap up warm and enjoy a breezy stroll along the beach, then grab some fresh seafood or traditional fish and chips on the way. One of Brighton’s top off-season highlights is the murmuration of starlings, a natural spectacle which happens from late autumn to early spring (November to March). Clients can watch as thousands of the birds flock together at dusk, creating mesmerising swirling patterns in the sky. The best place to see the spectacle is from Brighton Palace Pier, where they gather before roosting for the night. Film buffs can also relive moments from cult classics shot in the city, including Quadrophenia(1979)or Brighton Rock(1948). 

Getting There: The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, with direct train connections to Brighton taking 30 minutes. 

Bournemouth, Dorset, England 

Nestled on England’s south coast, Bournemouth is a popular seaside resort with lively culture and landscaped gardens. Visit Bournemouth in spring for a more authentic seaside experience, offering mild weather, reduced crowds and cheaper stays. Enjoy peaceful beach walks or be immersed in the spring colours of the Lower, Central, and Upper Gardens as they burst into life. There is still plenty to do on a rainy day. Visit Bournemouth’s seafront Oceanarium, home to sharks, penguins and otters, or get active at Rock Reef, an all-year indoor activity centre offering rock climbing, vertical slides, and a 250-metre PierZip (outdoors). 

Getting There: The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport, around a two-hour drive or train journey from Bournemouth.  

Southwold, Suffolk, England 

Perched on the Suffolk coast in East Anglia, Southwold is a quintessential English seaside town. Alongside its beach huts and pier, the town is also home to the Adnams Brewery, offering warming tours and experiences – from gin-making and cocktail masterclasses to tours of Southwold’s Lighthouse. Southwold’s quieter beaches make for bracing seaside walks in the spring, while the route to nearby Walberswick provides a peaceful, scenic path with opportunities for crabbing and other wildlife spotting. 

Getting There: The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, with routes to Southwold via rail or car taking around two hours. 

Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland 

Spring is one of the best times to visit Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye. The landscapes come alive with fresh greenery, waterfalls are at their fullest, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Wildlife spotting is at its peak, and the unpredictable weather adds to Skye’s wild beauty. Clients can take in the crystal-clear ‘Fairy Pools’ and waterfalls of Glen Brittle, as well as the towering rock formation known as Old Man of Storr. The site is steeped in local legend, with one tale claiming the ‘Old Man’ is the thumb of a giant who was buried beneath the earth. Its mysterious and picturesque quality makes it one of Skye’s most photographed and visited locations. In spring, the trails are quieter, and the changing light creates plenty of photo opportunities. Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the seat of the MacLeod clan, reopens in spring too, when its gardens burst into bloom. Local seafood restaurants offer the freshest seasonal catches, and stargazing opportunities are unrivalled. 

 
Getting There: The nearest airport is Inverness Airport, which is around a three-hour drive from Portree. For international connections, Glasgow Airport is around a five-hour drive. The Isle of Skye is accessible via the Skye Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh, or by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale.  

Llandudno and the North Wales coast 

Known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts’, Llandudno is a Victorian seaside gem with sweeping views of the Irish Sea and elegant architecture, overlooked by the towering Great Orme headland. Off-season, the town sheds its summer crowds, leaving its promenade and iconic pier quiet for leisurely strolls. Nature lovers can hike or take the tram up the Great Orme to enjoy coastal vistas and encounter the resident Kashmiri goats. Further along the north Wales coast, discover tranquil sandy beaches, UNESCO-listed fortifications like Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle, and the scenic Isle of Anglesey – all without the peak-season traffic. Rain or shine, clients can relax in cosy tea rooms, browse a variety of independent shops, and soak in plenty of traditional seaside charm. 

Getting there:The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport. Direct train services operate to Llandudno Junction, which is only a few minutes from the town centre. 

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales 

This pastel-coloured Pembrokeshire harbour town is a haven in spring before the summer crowds arrive. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is quieter, making wildlife-spotting more rewarding. Castle Beach – regularly named one of the UK’s best beaches – is just as cinematic on a crisp morning, and there are plenty of traditional pubs for fireside evenings. Clients can get adventurous with guided kayaking tours or coasteering, exploring the rugged coastline and hidden sea caves. Film buffs take note, the Pembrokeshire coastline also starred inHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010) and romcom Me Before You (2016). 

Getting There: The nearest airport is Cardiff Airport, with onward train services and road routes to Tenby taking around two hours.