There’s something about the English seaside and in addition to its many seaside resorts England has some lovely villages along its lengthy coastline.
Here are our choices of the 20 prettiest:
1. Clovelly, Devon
Clovelly is a truly unique village where cobbled streets wind steeply down a hillside to a 14th-century harbour. With no cars allowed, donkeys and sledges transport goods, adding to its old-world charm. Its whitewashed cottages, tumbling ivy, and sea views make it feel frozen in time.
2. Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire
Nestled between steep cliffs, Robin Hood’s Bay is a former smuggling village with narrow alleyways and red-roofed cottages. Its fossil-strewn beach and dramatic coastline draw walkers and photographers alike. The Cleveland Way coastal path offers stunning panoramic views.
3. Beer, Devon
This traditional fishing village lies within a steep-sided valley and is framed by white chalk cliffs. The beach is often dotted with working fishing boats, and fresh seafood is widely available. It’s a peaceful, picturesque spot on the Jurassic Coast.
4. Staithes, North Yorkshire
Once one of the largest fishing ports on the Yorkshire coast, Staithes is now a haven for artists and visitors. The village has a timeless feel with winding streets, charming cottages, and a small sandy bay. It’s also known as the childhood home of Captain Cook.
5. Mousehole, Cornwall
Pronounced “Mowzel”, Mousehole is a tiny fishing village near Penzance with flower-filled cottages, narrow lanes, and a lovely harbour. It’s especially magical during its famous Christmas light display. The peaceful beach and scenic walks complete its charm.
6. Boscastle, Cornwall
Boscastle features a natural harbour enclosed by steep cliffs and is famous for its atmospheric setting and magical legends. The village is home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, adding to its quirky appeal. Beautiful coastal walks and waterfalls add to its natural allure.
7. Polperro, Cornwall
Polperro’s tightly packed cottages, narrow lanes, and dramatic cliffs make it one of Cornwall’s most scenic villages. Historically a smuggler’s hotspot, the village still retains its mysterious and romantic atmosphere. The car-free harbour area is ideal for relaxed exploring.
8. Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Located on the edge of the Norfolk Coast AONB, this peaceful village is known for its historic windmill and bird-filled marshes. Cley’s pretty flint cottages and wildlife-rich surroundings attract nature lovers and photographers. It’s a prime spot for birdwatching and coastal serenity.
9. Alnmouth, Northumberland
A colourful village set at the mouth of the River Aln, Alnmouth boasts a wide sandy beach and sweeping views. Its bright houses, quaint shops, and surrounding dunes make it a hidden gem. Ideal for walkers, beachgoers, and history enthusiasts alike.
10. Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk
This quiet village offers saltmarshes, tidal creeks, and footpaths that lead to a vast, unspoiled beach. It’s popular with sailors, birdwatchers, and walkers seeking solitude and natural beauty. The views across to Holkham Bay are breathtaking.
11. Coverack, Cornwall
A small village on the Lizard Peninsula, Coverack is centred around a crescent-shaped beach and a charming working harbour. It’s a top spot for kayaking, snorkelling, and rock pooling. The thatched cottages and peaceful atmosphere give it a storybook feel.
12. Porthgain, Pembrokeshire (Honourable Welsh mention)
Though just across the border in Wales, Porthgain’s tiny harbour, dramatic cliffs, and artistic spirit make it worth including. Once an industrial slate port, its rugged charm remains intact. The local pub and galleries add character to this unique spot.
13. Branscombe, Devon
Branscombe stretches from lush hillsides down a long valley to a quiet, pebbled beach. It’s one of the oldest villages in the country, with cob and flint cottages, a working forge, and a historic church. The beach is peaceful and framed by the Jurassic Coast’s famous cliffs.
14. West Lulworth, Dorset
This small village is the gateway to Lulworth Cove and the iconic arch of Durdle Door. Its quaint cottages and thatched roofs sit amid rolling hills and dramatic coastal views. Perfect for walkers, families, and geology enthusiasts.
15. Helford, Cornwall
Tucked along the Helford River, this tranquil village is a favourite for sailors and nature lovers. Its winding lanes and ancient oak woodland give it a secluded, enchanted feel. A riverside pub and boat hire make it ideal for a lazy summer afternoon.
16. Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
A steep path leads down to this lovely, car-free village, where red-roofed houses hug the cliffs above a sweeping beach. The bay is safe for swimming and a favourite for paddleboarding and fossil hunting. It’s quiet, picturesque, and full of charm.
17. Kingsand & Cawsand, Cornwall
These twin villages lie side by side on the Rame Peninsula and were once in different counties—Devon and Cornwall. Colourful cottages, clear waters, and hidden beaches define the area. It’s a peaceful, often-overlooked gem close to Plymouth.
18. Alfriston (Seaside-adjacent), East Sussex
Though not directly coastal, Alfriston lies near the Cuckmere River and is a great base for exploring the South Downs and Seven Sisters cliffs. With its medieval church, timber-framed inns, and classic English charm, it feels like a step back in time. It’s ideal for walkers and heritage lovers.
19. Dunwich, Suffolk
Once a major medieval port, Dunwich was lost to the sea in a series of storms and now stands as a quiet, hauntingly beautiful coastal village. It’s rich in history, wildlife, and eerie legends of the drowned town beneath the waves. The beach and cliffs offer excellent views and solitude.
20. Flamborough, East Yorkshire
This cliff-top village is best known for its dramatic white chalk headland and two historic lighthouses. The surrounding coastline is a nature reserve filled with puffins, gulls, and rugged beauty. Great for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring sea caves at low tide.