Unpredictable weather aside, the British coastline is one of the most celebrated in the world. From the fossil-laden shores of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset to the glorious, historical coves of Cornwall, and the working towns fringing the North Sea in Yorkshire to the sandy enclaves scattered across Scotland, this is a landscape that is rich, rural and rugged – and one that everyone wants to see. For that reason, the UK’s coastal towns become swamped with visitors during the sunny season – Cornwall reported a record-breaking five million visitors during the summer months of 2022 – to the point where you can’t park, walk, access or enjoy half the sights you wanted to. Not quite the happy holiday you had in mind, I’m sure. 

Yet, from the beginning of September, the roads quieten, the crowds decrease, and parking is actually possible – all while temperatures remain mild, the shores open to dogs and that hotel you were eyeing up has slightly dropped its prices now school has started again. 

It’s easy for Londoners to forget but outside the M25 is a haven of wildlife to explore, and heading to the likes of Norfolk, Pembrokeshire and Cornwall means you’ll have a good chance of spying Britain’s flora and fauna – namely seal pups and migrating birds – without the rest of Chelsea and Clapham scaring them off. 

What’s not to love? Think of all of the best bits about a coastal break but just at a slower, less frantic pace. Here are the British coastal destinations to visit this autumn. 

Holkham, Norfolk

The eagle-eyed will spot Holkham’s sandy stretches as the backdrop of the closing shots of the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love (1998) with Gwyneth Paltrow – and if it’s good enough for Hollywood, it’s good enough for us. Autumn is a key time for wildlife here, with birds arriving from Europe and grey seals on the shore, as Holkham is within touching distance of the famous Blakeney Point seal colony. The area is also home to long stretches of sandy dunes and pinewood forests, all offering varied scenic walks without the crowds. The stately home of Holkham Hall is well worth a visit for culture vultures, as it dates back to the 18^th century and is one of England’s finest examples of Palladian architecture. Be quick: it closes in late October. 

Where to stay: Shepherd Huts at Holkham Estate

Image: Lloyd Birch

Stay at Holkham Estate in its new beautifully handcrafted Shepherd Huts, offering guests a unique opportunity to relax and recharge in their very own private retreat in Norfolk. Nestled in an enviable location between sweeping coast and idyllic countryside, these charming huts are just a short stroll from Holkham Beach and the Holkham National Nature Reserve, making them the ideal escape for couples with dogs in tow to explore the autumnal season on the north coast. 

Designed by Norfolk local Johanna Tennant, unwind in the inviting lounge, complete with a comfortable sofa and smart television, and fully equipped private kitchen, featuring everything needed to make the most of North Norfolk’s wide range of local foodie delicacies. Located adjacent to the estate’s four-star hotel, enjoy all the hotel’s amenities and be sure to make a booking at The Victoria, where you can savour the restaurant’s locally sourced dishes served by a log fire. Chin-chin. 

From £540 for a two-night weekend stay. 

Swanage, Dorset

Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Swanage rose to prominence in the 19^th century as a charming Victorian seaside resort on the Isle of Purbeck. It remains a hotspot in the summer, attracting more than 800,000 visitors per year, but the autumn offers a less-crowded experience. Explore the historic Swanage Pier, take a ride on the Swanage Steam Railway and visit the ancient Corfe Castle, while September also hosts Swanage Folk Festival and Swanage Blues Festival, which is now in its 25^th year. 

Where to stay: The Pig on the Beach

Image: Jake Eastham

Scattered around the south of England is the portfolio of Pig hotels, offering a plethora of coastal retreats (you’ll also find outposts on the Cornish and Suffolk shorelines), but the Dorset location is quite literally in touching distance of the sand. Housed in a yellow-hued villa that dates back to 1825, discover 23 characterful suites ranging from the Comfy rooms, with plump double beds, walk-in showers and stocked larders, to stand-out stays at The Bothy: a kitchen-garden room which offers glorious views onto the sheep-dotted fields beyond. 

Guests are more than welcome to delve into the mushroom house and polytunnels overlooking the Jurassic Coast, before dining on locally-sourced plates at the on-site greenhouse restaurant which looks out to Old Harry Rocks. The team are also on-hand to offer their curated little black book of coastal walks that interconnect Studland Bay with the Isle of Purbeck and Corfe Castle’s ruins and feature plenty of pitstops at steam train railways and country pubs. Afterwards, relax at the Potting Shed treatment rooms for a naturally nourishing massage or facial – you won’t regret it. 

From £310 per night.

Fowey, Cornwall

Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fowey has everything you’d want from a Cornish town: renowned restaurants, plenty of culture and, of course, coastal walks. Make an entrance via the ferry from Polruan (which will set you back a mere £2.30), and while away the sunny hours at pint-sized tapas and sherry bar, Pintxo, for a taste of Spanish style and substance, before enjoying a pint of Tribute or Rattler at the town’s oldest pub, The Ship Inn. Nearby beaches, such as Polkerris Beach and Lantic Bay, become a lot quieter come September, while waters remain tepid for those brave enough to take a dip. 

Where to stay: Fowey Hall

After a multi-million pound refurbishment in 2020, Fowey Hall has earned a name for itself as one of Cornwall’s chicest stays. Inside this reimagined Victorian mansion overlooking the Fowey estuary, discover 60 rooms that allow the view to be the main talking point, while a palette of natural, earthy materials are perfectly complemented by warm accents of brass and burnt orange upholstery. The gorgeous outdoor pool here and the horsebox-style sauna with sea views is a rarity along the Cornish coast and, in our opinion, a good enough reason to book alone. 

As part of the Luxury Family Hotels portfolio, families of all ages and sizes can trust they will feel right at home. From a milk butler service delivering sterilised and heated bottles of milk, to two hours of complimentary childcare per night’s stay at the on-site Ofsted-registered Four Bears Den, and a cinema with daily screenings complete with popcorn, all the little things are taken care of at Fowey Hall. 

From £285 per night. 

Pembrokeshire, Wales

This Welsh county is synonymous with coastal living, being home to 186 miles of coast and 50 beaches that range from wild rugged clifftops to wide-open sandy stretches – and everything in between. Visiting in autumn means you won’t only enjoy this gorgeous area in an orange hue, but you’ll also catch a glimpse of its renowned wildlife, such as seal pups bobbing in the waves and various migrating birds on its clifftops. The vast majority of Pembrokeshire’s west-facing beaches open to dogs from the end of September and pup parents can hike sections of the coastal path embedded in the national park to blow away the cobwebs for both dog and dog lover. 

Where to stay: The Grove of Narberth

Located in the enchanting woodlands of Pembrokeshire, and a stone’s throw from Wales’ whimsical coastline, the Grove of Narberth is the perfect autumn retreat for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection with nature. Now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this award-winning property was bought in 2007 by adventurous owners Neil and Zoe Kedward, who have since painstakingly restored its elegant glory.  

Enjoy all the best that this beautiful corner of Wales has to offer, from a Welsh fine dining experience at the four AA-rosette restaurant, Fernery, to excursions in the countryside and nearby coastline. The Pembrokeshire coastline needn’t be tackled all at once: head to reception to pick up handy guides that have split the path into sections so you can take them at your own pace. Return to unwind by the fireplace with cosy drinks or dine on a decadent afternoon tea. 

From £260 per night. 

Whitby, Yorkshire

Images: Shutterstock

Situated on the North Yorkshire coast at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby is perhaps most famous for its ruined Gothic abbey and being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s steeped in history; nearby is the Church of St Mary, reached by 199 steps known as Jacob’s Ladder, which will reward you with beautiful views, while the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, in the house where Cook once lived, displays paintings and maps. Take a stroll to West Cliff Beach, which is lined with colourful beach huts, to dine like locals at Magpie Café – the town’s most famous fish and chip restaurant. 

Where to stay: Saltmoore

Perfectly positioned between the sweeping sea and the vast heather-clad North York Moors, Saltmoore provides a peaceful coastal retreat amidst nature. There’s plenty to entertain on the fringes of the 72-key hotel: cycle the coastal paths, horseride across the moors, or catch the waves while surfing on Whitby beach. For a more relaxed afternoon, pack a picnic filled with homemade treats and unwind by the shore or take a leisurely two-mile stroll into Whitby. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to dine at The Brasserie, led by head chef Adam Maddock and executive chef Tommy Banks, who have curated a menu inspired by the bounty of Saltmoore’s kitchen garden and spotlights ingredients from across the region, with fresh fish and seafood from local fishermen and heather honey from the moors. Alternatively, indulge in afternoon tea at the Orangerie, with a relaxed atmosphere and garden views, while the spa brings Saltmoore’s nature-based wellbeing vision to life, with an indoor pool, sauna, cryo chamber and ice pool, as well as a treatment menu making the most of Wildsmith Skin products. One rebalancing massage for me, please. 

From £350 per night. 

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Dubbed one of the best beaches in the UK, Camber Sands is ideal for an autumn break. Nearby birdwatching havens – the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and RSPB Dungeness – are excellent for spotting thousands of migrating birds, while those who have furry-friends in tow will be relieved that Camber Sands reopens to dogs from 30 September every year. There’s plenty to do in the area too, with the quaint Sussex town of Rye just moments away and vineyard tours at Chapel Down in abundance thanks to balmy late harvests. The George Inn in Rye offers a gorgeous pub with rooms but The Owl literally fringes Camber Sands – and is the ultimate destination for Sussex sundowners. 

Where to stay: The Gallivant

One of the UK’s most lauded adults-only escapes, The Gallivant is tucked behind steep sand dunes and surrounded by English vineyards, creating the perfect setting for a coastal getaway. After checking into one of 20 beach-chic, Soho House-style rooms, embark on a leisurely stroll through the undulating sand dunes that fringe the shoreline, or find the perfect spot to settle amid their folds for sunset cocktails, choosing between a hot toddy, margarita or non-alcoholic drink to watch the sunset. 

On returning back to the property, guests can dine at the newly launched Harry’s, with executive chef Matthew Harris, formerly of Bibendum, at the helm. Harry's is a celebration of British cooking, infused with timeless elegance and coastal charm, where guests can indulge in signature dishes like magret de canard with braised endive, orange, and peppercorn sauce, tarte fine aux pommes flambéed with calvados, and roast cod with coco beans, tomato, and aioli. 

From £225 per night. 

Salcombe, Devon

It’s no exaggeration to say the whole of London descends on Salcombe in the summer months, so if you’re crowd-averse, an autumn break will be kinder to your nerves and your bank account. After the Salcombe Regatta closes in August, the summer rush fades and a calmer escape is on offer for those who want to make the most of Devon’s longer daylight hours, sunny coastal walks, ferry trips to East Portlemouth, South Sands Beach, and Kingsbridge, as well as al fresco dining. Seafood is Salcombe’s forte, and it would be remiss not to try the Crab Shed, Rockfish and The Winking Prawn for the freshest fish around. 

Where to stay: Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa

Alongside sister hotels in Sidmouth, Padstow, St Ives, Christchurch and Fowey, Harbour Hotels has made a name for itself with its thoughtful design and destination-led spa and dining concepts – and the Salcombe outpost is no exception. Fifty rooms overlook South Sands Beach, and feature soothing natural hues and sustainable fabrics inspired by life outside its four walls, while carafes of gin or sherry come as standard as part of the group’s Little Luxuries programme.

Elsewhere, this contemporary hideaway offers floor-to-ceiling estuary views, a Mediterranean-style terrace for sundowners, and adventures from wild swimming to paddleboarding. At its heart, the Beach Club Spa features a 12-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and an outdoor relaxation terrace.

From £175 per night. 

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