The best seaside towns to relocate to permanently have been named by property experts who picked the ultimate locations for their wide range of amenities, transport links and year round holiday vibe
Thanks to changes in the way we live now, with more people having access to remote working and better communication links, it’s possible to have the coast right on your doorstep.
Living by the sea is a dream that is becoming reality for many, according to experts who have listed the best seaside towns in Britain to relocate to. Traditionally trips to the coast were only taken during holidays or weekends but it’s now possible to set up home permanently in some of these locations and enjoy an “idyllic lifestyle” all year round. This is thanks to improved transport links and better communication connections, say Property experts Garrington. They also point to the rise in remote working which has meant people no longer need to live in or near cities to access their offices every day.
“Seaside towns were once only fully inhabited in high season, during the summer months, they now offer an idyllic lifestyle through all the seasons,” they say, going on to claim: “More and more people have chosen to plant their roots by the sea and set up home in a seaside town.” Here is a pick from their list of the best seaside towns to live in. The full list is available here:
Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk
One of the most picture-perfect towns on the North Norfolk coast, Wells-next-the-sea is famed for its long stretch of award-winning sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts set against a backdrop of pine trees. From the town there is also easy access to the stunning Norfolk Coast Path and the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town has lots of independent shops, cafes and restaurants and the bustling medieval city of Norwich is under an hour away by car. Property options in Wells range from Georgian townhouses to converted barns and stylish flats at the harbour.
Woodbridge, Suffolk
The market town of Woodbridge lies eight miles up the River Deben from the sea and is “a beautiful and vibrant” East Suffolk town. Named as one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times, it has shingle beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, farmland, and forest. It is also on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for those who love walking and hiking. The lively town has a creative community with independent boutiques, galleries, art spaces, and two theatres. The larger town of Ipswich is seven miles away and there are good rail connections to Norwich and London.
Whitstable, Kent
The “stylish” town of Whitstable on the north coast of Kent is known for its pristine beaches and Michelin starred restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, in particular oysters which are locally harvested. The High Street is a delightful collection of independent shops, cosy cafés, and creative art galleries, each with its own character. Whitstable Castle has charming gardens which are great to visit on a quiet afternoon with loads of hiking and cycling routes nearby. London is just over an hour away by train.
Lymington, Hampshire
The Georgian market town of Lymington in the New Forest National Park has a beautiful waterfront and large marina with stunning views across the Solent. Its High Street has several independent shops and designer boutiques as well as a historic market held each Saturday which dates back to the 13th century. The Solent Way footpath is great for walking and taking in the incredible views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight . Homes here range from “charming period properties and modern apartments to luxurious waterfront houses and flats”. It also has highly rated schools and good transport links to Southampton and Bournemouth.
Padstow, Cornwall
This picturesque Cornish town is one of the most popular places to live in the south west. Celebrity chef Rick Stein’s fish and chip restaurant is located in the impressive harbour, along with many other top eateries serving locally caught seafood. The town’s beautiful beaches are a huge draw and there are plenty of scenic walks and bike rides to be had along the dramatic coastline. The town has an array of independent clothing stores, craft shops and galleries. Newquay and its airport are accessible by bus from the town.
Have you ever visited any of these towns? Tell us what you thought about them in the comments below.
