4 northern English seaside resorts to visit before summer’s over

Northern English seaside resorts have a particular appeal that is impossible to replicate. Sure, if you head to Spain you’re less likely to have to spend at least one day of your holiday sheltering from the rain, but you’re missing out on the joys of stunning views that somehow don’t clash with the shops full of tat and weird memorabilia. It all just adds to the charm.

Here are four seaside resorts in the north of England that are truly worth a visit. They are incredibly varied and have a lot to offer, plus you’ll be supporting a local economy that can really struggle, even in season.

Morecambe, Lancashire

Morecambe, in the north-west of England, has a gorgeous promenade and is also the place to go for paragliding, kitesurfing and more, if you’re an adrenaline junkie.

The view from Morecambe Bay is spectacular, and this town is an especially good place to visit if you’re a fan of long walks or cycles – you can even cycle across the country to Bridlington from here!

You don’t want to miss

1. The Stone Jetty, which offers a walk with views as far as Cumbria, with sculptures to see along the way
2. Morecambe Heritage Centre, where you can find out about the history of the resort for just £2
3. The Eric Morecambe statue, commemorating the beloved comedian who chose his stage name to honour the town he came from

Flamborough, East Riding of Yorkshire

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Flamborough is a charming seaside village most renowned for its stunning cliffs and seabirds. It’s very close to the town of Bridlington if you need a change of scene to go somewhere with more to do, but the village itself is the perfect spot to get some peace and quiet and look for some seabirds.

You don’t want to miss

1. Flamborough Head, the breathtaking cliffs the village is probably most known for
2. Flamborough Beach, with its caves, chalk arches and lighthouse
3. Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve, with the chance to glimpse puffins, gannets, kittiwakes and guillemots

Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

Whitley Bay is a seaside town in the north-east of England, 20 minutes away from the bustling city of Newcastle. It has a mile-long beach and is working hard to shake off a reputation of being slightly old-fashioned.

It’s a great spot for surfers and paddleboarders alike, and the town’s Sandcastle Competition takes place this Sunday.

You don’t want to miss

1. St Mary’s Island, with its landmark lighthouse, which can only be reached during low tide
2. Spanish City, which used to be known as The Dome, has been restored and is a sought-after venue for good food
3. Jam Jar, England’s first ‘Pay As You Please’ cinema that didn’t want access to films to be limited for people who couldn’t afford a cinema trip

Scarborough, North Yorkshire

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Of all the northern seaside towns, Scarborough is probably my favourite. The Victorian vibes are ever-present, the walks are stunning, and the funicular cliff railway is a particularly fun experience (and saves you huffing and puffing up a ridiculously steep hill).

You don’t want to miss

1. Scarborough Castle, which was built in the 1100s and offers stunning views for miles
2. SEA LIFE Sanctuary, where you can see all kinds of fish, seals, penguins and other aquatic creatures and help to support its rescue work
3. Burton Riggs Nature Reserve, for large lakes full of wildfowl and waders

Images: Philippa Willitts, Brian Deegan, JThomas,