Gone are the days when a trip to a British seaside town meant soggy fish and chips wrapped in newspaper.
Over the past few years, the culinary landscape along the UK’s coasts has undergone a major transformation, with gourmet eateries, trendy cafés, and artisanal seafood spots drawing food lovers from across the country.
According to the latest annual survey from consumer watchdog Which?, Cornwall and Kent are leading the charge as the hottest foodie destinations on Britain’s coastline.
Cornwall Shines with Coastal Cuisine
Cornwall takes the crown with four towns scoring full marks for food and drink: Falmouth, Looe, Padstow, and St Ives.
Padstow, in particular, is celebrated for its Michelin-starred seafood, with Paul Ainsworth at No6 and Ci Ci’s Bar topping the list of must-visit restaurants.
Whether you’re after fresh seafood, gourmet twists on traditional fish and chips, or cozy cafés with a view of the ocean, Cornwall’s coastal towns are delivering top-tier culinary experiences.
Kent’s Seaside Gems
Kent matches Cornwall’s foodie fame, with Broadstairs, Deal, Folkestone, and Whitstable all earning five-star ratings.
From artisanal seafood to charming beachside cafés, these towns are proving that the southeast of England is a hotspot for travellers who want both sun and flavor.
Northern Coastlines Aren’t Left Behind
The UK’s northern seaside towns are stepping up too.
Tynemouth, Whitby, Whitley Bay, and Amble all scored five stars for food and drink. Tynemouth, with its golden sandy beaches, also impressed visitors for scenery.
Which? recommends trying Riley’s Fish Shack on King Edward’s Bay for some of the freshest seafood bowls around.
Across the border, Wales performed admirably as well. Tenby, a family favourite, earned five stars for both its culinary offerings and its beaches.
Sandbar, a craft beer and street food hotspot, is highlighted as a top lunch stop amidst the town’s colourful houses and boutique shops.
Other Welsh towns, including Beaumaris, Llandudno, and Aberaeron, also received top marks for food and drink.
Seaside Spots That Missed the Mark
Not all of the UK’s coastal towns are culinary success stories.
Six destinations scored only one star, including Bognor Regis in West Sussex, which has previously been named the UK’s worst seaside town.
It earned low ratings across the board, including food and drink, value for money, and scenery.
Despite its long history as a resort, featuring a promenade, beach huts, and traditional arcades, Bognor Regis received a disappointing destination score of just 36 percent.
Other familiar seaside names also struggled: Skegness and Blackpool received 54 percent and 48 percent ratings, respectively, with both towns earning only one star for their scenery.
Bamburgh Reigns Supreme
For the fifth year in a row, Bamburgh in Northumberland has retained its title as the nation’s favourite coastal destination.
Its combination of stunning beaches, historic charm, and excellent food options continues to attract travellers seeking the ultimate British seaside experience.
The Takeaway for Food-Loving Travellers
Whether you’re chasing Michelin-starred seafood in Padstow, craft beer and street food in Tenby, or simply a traditional seaside fish and chips with a modern twist, Britain’s coastal towns now offer an impressive variety of culinary delights.
The key takeaway? The best food isn’t just in the big cities—it’s on the shores, from Cornwall to Kent and beyond.
