With the weather turning colder, a trip to the seaside might not be top of everyone’s list – but Britain’s coastal towns have plenty to offer in autumn.
From warming up beside a roaring fire in a traditional Whitby pub to strolling along Cromer’s award-winning pier, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coast at this time of year.
Llandudno is home to one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, while Falmouth’s cosy independent bookshops offer a welcome retreat on chilly days.
And with October temperatures still reaching the mid-teens in some parts of the country, it’s not too late to enjoy a coastal escape – with quieter beaches and fewer crowds.
Here are some of the best British seaside towns to visit this autumn.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire's Whitby has a scenic harbour and great fish and chips
In North Yorkshire, Whitby offers quintessential seaside charm all year round.
From its scenic harbour to a range of beaches, the town has plenty of beautiful spots to walk on a clear day.
The Endeavour, a traditional pub in the heart of Whitby, has a crackling fire perfect for relaxing by with a pint after exploring the town.
Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, even called it the 'spiritual home of fish and chips', so be sure to check out a local chippy on your next visit.
St Ives, Cornwall
Usually bustling in the summer months, St Ives is worth visiting in the autumn too
St Ives draws in thousands of visitors a day in the summer, and autumn is a much more peaceful time to explore the much-loved town.
The seaside spot sees highs of 13C (55F) in October, so it's certainly still mild enough for an autumn weekend getaway.
Popular beaches will be much quieter and provide pleasant walking routes, while it's grey seal breeding and pupping season from September to December so you may see them firsthand at Seal Island.
Llandudno, North Wales
Llandudno is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country
Home to Llandudno beach, which is often dubbed the most beautiful in the UK, the Welsh seaside spot is well worth a visit in October when it sees highs of 14C (57F).
The town brings in millions of visitors a year, so autumn is the perfect time for those wanting a less-crowded experience.
Boasting an award-winning pier and several museums to take cover in from any poor weather, Llandudno has plenty to do all year round.
Margate, Kent
With highs of 15C in October, Margate is a mild coastal spot to visit in October
Hordes flock to Margate's sweeping sands in the summer, but it is just as enjoyable to visit in the autumn.
The town sees highs of 15C (59F) in October and for those looking for a cosy activity, Cliftonville Farmers' Market takes place on the last Sunday of every month.
The unique clifftop market in Margate is named after the trendy Cliftonville area where it’s held. It offers sea views and excellent fresh food stalls.
Falmouth, Cornwall
Mooch around one of Falmouth's independent book shops if you find yourself there on a cool autumn day
With plenty of colourful streets to meander around and highs of 13C (55F) in October, according to Holiday Weather, Falmouth is a lovely spot to visit in the autumn.
Typically busy during the summer months, this Cornish coastal town is much quieter as the weather cools down so visitors can properly appreciate its harbour and beaches without the crowds.
On a rainy or chilly day, there are several independent bookshops to escape into, including the Falmouth Bookseller, which also has a café directly above it.
Salcombe, Devon
Find coastal walks and pasty shops for a hot bite to eat along the way in Salcombe, Devon
Salcombe, in Devon, is a picturesque harbour town offering a relaxed coastal escape.
Holidaymakers can wander along the estuary or walk along North Sands or South Sands beaches.
There are plenty of pasty shops to stop by for a hot pastry to keep you warm too.
Cromer, Norfolk
Home to notable fish and chip shops and plenty of pubs, Cromer makes a great spot for an autumn break
Cromer is a traditional seaside resort with everything from a great pier to beautiful walks along the Norfolk coastal path.
It is home to No1 Cromer, a fish and chip shop which made the shortlist for the prestigious National Fish and Chip Awards 2027. Tuck into cod and chips for £23, or haddock and chips for £19.50.
Visitors can finish off the day with a pint in one of the several pubs in the area.
Porthleven, Cornwall
Porthleven offers dog-friendly beaches and mild temperatures in October
The harbour town of Porthleven, in Cornwall, is home to an abundance of restaurants and cafes to enjoy the local cuisine on a cool autumnal day.
Porthleven Sands is a beautiful spot and dogs are welcome on most of the beach throughout the year.
The area typically sees highs of around 14C (57F) in October, so it may even feel mild.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Relax in a historic pub in Bamburgh after a long walk along the coast this autumn
Bamburgh, in Northumberland, offers gorgeous scenery and walking routes with castle views.
The area sees highs of 14C (57F) in October and with multiple historic and characterful pubs, visitors won't be disappointed.
Porthmadog, North Wales
Coastal paths and a busy harbour - Porthmadog in North Wales won't disappoint
Porthmadog is a bustling harbour town in North Wales with plenty to offer for an autumn break.
Reaching highs of 14C (57F) in October, it's mild enough to enjoy the scenery and appreciate some of the coastal paths.
It's a great spot for railway enthusiasts and is home to three lines – the Ffestiniog, the Welsh Highland Railway and Highland Heritage Railway which has its own museum, a great option for a rainy day.