WHILE most Brits only head to the seaside in the summer, there are some that are actually better to visit in the winter.
Madeleine Bunting is an award-winning author and travel writer who has spent the last two years visiting 40 seaside towns in England.
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She documented her coastal adventures in her new book, The Seaside: England’s Love Affair.
While glorious summer days at the seaside are a staple for Brit holidaymakers, beaches also make for an ideal getaway in the colder months too.
Madeleine told Sun Online Travel: “I think there are plenty of seaside towns that work better in the shoulder seasons.
“For me, it’s because I like being at the seaside without the crowds.”
Read More on Seaside Towns
Because Madeleine did most of the research for her book during the Covid-19 pandemic, she explored seaside towns when they were much quieter.
In a bid to avoid the crowds, Madeleine recommended visiting three coastal locations in the winter – when they’re actually better.
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Robin Hood’s Bay
She said: “Robin Hood’s Bay gets very crowded in the summer, but in the winter there’s more space in the village.”
Robin Hood’s Bay is an old fishing village set on the North York Moors.
While there its sandy beach, rock pools, and ancient fossils provide the ultimate summer entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in the winter too.
The village is home to narrow cobbled streets and small alleyways that are easier to navigate when there are fewer tourists.
One of those places is the Coastguard Station, which gives an overview of the village’s history.
The fishing village is also home to several independent shops like Muir Lea Stores and The Toy Shop, as well as a wide range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
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Whitby
Madeleine added: “I would hazard a guess that Whitby is [better in the winter] too because there are fewer crowds.
“There are lots of great restaurants and lovely warm cafes in Whitby, and there’s also lots to see when you’re not battling with the crowds around the harbour.”
Set in Yorkshire, Whitby is known for its beaches and historical sites – although they can be quite busy during the warmer months.
There are plenty of winter-friendly activities in Whitby too, including Whitby Abbey, Whitby Museum, St Mary’s Church, and the 199 Steps.
The English seaside town is also famous for having the “best fish and chips in the world”.
Trenchers was voted the best place to get fish and chips in the country by the National Fish & Chip Awards.
Whitby is also home to several other pubs and cafes like The Magpie Cafe and the Abbey Wharf.
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Whitstable
Because Whitstable is just an hour and 20 minutes away from London, the seaside town can get very busy in the height of summer.
The seaside town has also become a hit with celebrities in recent years.
Hollywood actor Aaron Paul has been spotted spending some time there, while Daniel Craig and his wife Rachel Weisz have also dined on oysters in the town.
Because of the celebrity draw, and the hordes of holidaymakers, Madeleine believes Whistable is more enjoyable in the winter.
She added: “Whitstable is better in the winter.”
Without the crowds, visitors can enjoy some of Whistable’s more well-known attractions like the Old Neptune – a famous pub that overlooks the sea.
The Neppy, as it’s known to locals, sits right on Whitstable beach, meaning people can order themselves a drink while looking out to sea.
Whitstable is also a treasure trove of independent shops, including two record stores called Gatefield Sounds and Rock Bottom Records.
For those visitors who want to delve into the seaside town’s history, there’s also Whitstable Castle – a vast home where visitors can wander the grounds or stop for afternoon tea.
Earlier this year, Madeleine also revealed the one beach town Brits shouldn’t visit in the day.
One northern seaside town has been nicknamed the Las Vegas of the UK thanks to its arcades, cabaret, and sandy beaches.
The traditional seaside town of Skegness has been likened to the American city for several years.
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