There are many secret spots along the British coastline, and many of them are surprisingly affordable. While the British coastline is often advertised with expensive resorts and developments, there are also many affordable beach towns. There are many affordable stays at beach towns along the British coastline, where you can still enjoy local culture and family-friendly activities.
Scarborough: Yorkshire’s Pocket-Friendly Classic
Scarborough stands as a firm favourite for travellers seeking coastlines without the premium. Nestled on the North Sea, this historic resort combines old-school charm with budget-conscious appeal. It’s two expansive bays offer free sandy playgrounds for children, while the Victorian cliff lifts and open-top buses cost just a few pounds to ride. Low-cost B&Bs and guesthouses pepper the town, with off-season stays especially appealing. Meander through Peasholm Park or climb to the medieval castle ruins for panoramic views—no entrance fee required on many local walking trails.
Tenby: Wales’ Coastal Gem
Few Welsh towns rival Tenby for charm. Encircled by 13th-century walls and coloured with pastel-hued homes, this Pembrokeshire jewel delivers both natural beauty and bargain-value breaks. Blue Flag beaches stretch alongside historic streets filled with local cafés, many of which offer fish-and-chip lunches for under a tenner. Budget lodgings, often run by families, provide cosy bases from which to explore cliffside walks or board a modestly priced boat tour to Caldey Island. Children and adults alike can spend hours rock-pooling or building sandcastles without ever touching a wallet.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea: Northeast’s Hidden Haven
Far less commercialised than nearby Whitby, Saltburn-by-the-Sea offers rugged charm and honest simplicity. A surviving Victorian pier reaches into the sea, and a working cliff lift transports visitors from the beach to the town centre for a fraction of the cost of modern equivalents. Nature trails wind through wooded ravines, while the shoreline beckons surfers with reliable waves. Accommodation here is particularly reasonable, from self-catering apartments to low-cost guest inns with views across the sea.
St Ives: Cornish Colour on a Budget
St Ives might seem out of place on a list of budget beach towns, but hidden among its cobbled lanes are guesthouses that welcome travellers without inflated price tags—especially outside peak summer. Cornwall’s soft sand and turquoise waters are free to access, and a good pair of shoes can take you along the South West Coast Path for spectacular cliffside views. While galleries and trendy eateries might tempt, picnic provisions from the local bakery offer a more frugal—and just as flavourful—option.
Morecambe: Seaside Revival with Value
Lancashire’s Morecambe is reawakening. Once overlooked, it now balances its proud heritage with fresh appeal. The sweeping bay provides long, leisurely walks, and the Eric Morecambe statue makes for a quirky photo opportunity. Affordable hotels line the promenade, and the town’s classic arcades provide old-fashioned fun at minimal cost. Kids can paddle in the shallows or explore Happy Mount Park’s adventure playground—many attractions charge little to nothing.
Margate: Art, Beach, and Budget
Kent’s coastline has seen a renaissance, and Margate is at the heart of it. The town blends retro beachside charm with contemporary culture, thanks to the Turner Contemporary gallery—free to enter. A short stroll brings visitors to golden sands or vintage shops in the Old Town. Cheap eats abound, from street food stalls to local chip shops. Family-run B&Bs remain common, and midweek bookings often secure the best deals.
Affordable Escapes Are Closer Than You Think
The UK’s coastline is not reserved for those with deep pockets. Whether it’s exploring cliff paths in Wales, dipping toes in Cornish tides, or enjoying Yorkshire fish and chips by the sea, affordable stays can be found in every corner of the map. The trick lies in knowing where to look—and choosing towns that offer richness of experience rather than luxury of budget. These destinations prove that unforgettable coastal adventures don’t need to come with a high price tag.
