Coastal Britain

Discover Britain’s gorgeous coastlines

North Norfolk Coast, England

Mile upon mile of sandy beaches extend along the North Norfolk coast. Once a hotbed of smuggling, you’ll discover plenty of romantic tales and secluded coves here.

The coast is dotted with Victorian towns, cosy seaside villages, nature reserves and there’s even a steam railway. This is the place to come to experience the 19th-century elegance of Britain’s original beach resort towns.

Treat yourself to freshly caught crab on Cromer’s Victorian pier, see the famous striped cliffs of Hunstanton, then visit Wells-next-the-Sea, part of the largest nature reserve in England and Wales.

South West Coast Path, Dorset-Cornwall-Devon, England

Stretching for 630 miles, the South West Coast Path takes in some of Britain’s most magnificent coastlines. It extends all the way from Dorset down and around the tip of Cornwall, and back up to the golden beaches of the North Devon Coast, and the lush green expanse of Exmoor just south of the sea.

Explore the whitewashed villages of the Lizard Peninsula, marvel at the natural rock formation of Durdle Door in Dorset, or treat yourself to some seaside fun in buzzing coastal cities like Plymouth and Bournemouth.

Camber Sands, East Sussex, England

Grab that bucket and spade: Camber Sands, on the Sussex coast, is just the place to build a sand castle and play in the sea. Its glorious vista of golden sand stretches on for miles – in fact there’s so much of it that Camber Sands has actually been used for desert scenes in a number of films.

Kids will love playing on the sand dunes here, you can fly kites, enjoy a relaxing stroll, or go windsurfing if you fancy getting wet. Then you can stop by the nearby village of Camber for dinner, or have a barbecue on the dunes – (just be sure to get permission from Rother Council first).

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, England

One of the most atmospheric places in Britain, it’s hard to imagine a more romantic spot than Tintagel. High above the crashing waves on a North Cornwall cliff top, this ruined medieval castle is said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur himself.

Visit Merlin’s Cave nearby, take in the spectacular views over the sea and enjoy walks along this dramatic stretch of coast.

The Gower, Wales

The Gower Peninsula was the first location to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. It doesn’t take long to see why: unspoiled beaches that stretch for miles, dramatic limestone cliffs and lush green meadows make this a breathtakingly beautiful region. Be sure to explore the town of Mumbles, famous for its small independent shops and cafes.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Wales

Running for 186 miles, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path takes you through a rich assortment of different landscapes along Wales’ west coast, from limestone cliffs to red sandstone bays and lush, glacial valleys.

It’s a walker’s paradise, but you don’t have to walk the full length of it. There’s a Coastal Bus Service that will shuttle you between picturesque little towns and villages where you can stop and explore, or settle down for some lunch.

The Isles of Scotland

Some of Britain’s most magnificent coastlines are to be found on the Isles of Scotland. The landscapes vary enormously: Jura, famous for its whisky, is wild and mountainous, while on Gigha you’ll find the lush Achamore Gardens and white sandy beaches. Try a spot of island hopping, and see what you discover.

Britain’s best drives

The UK’s most beautiful stretches of road

Towards Glencoe on the A82, Scottish Highlands

See mountains soar up around you as you drive through Glencoe, a region of Scotland famed the world over for its spectacular landscapes. Fertile valleys, dizzying peaks and clear mountain rivers together give this landscape an almost mythological feel, and on the A82 from central Scotland, you can take it all in as you drive by.

Belfast to Derry, Northern Ireland

Drive along the dramatic north east coast of Northern Ireland and take in some of the region’s best known sights. Here the Glens of Antrim surround you – nine green valleys with a patchwork of fields and woodland flanked by the sea to the north. Visit the famous Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, then stop for lunch and take a dip in the sea at the bustling coastal town of Ballycastle.

Conwy to Portmeirion, Wales

With Conwy Castle in your rear view mirror, prepare yourself for the rocky outcrops and mountain waterfalls of the Snowdonia National Park. You’ll pass close to the towering peak of Snowdon itself and if you take a detour out to Llanberis, you can catch a train to the summit. You can walk too of course, but be ready for a good hike, check the weather first, and put aside five hours. Back on the road, you’ll soon reach Portmeirion. Built in the style of an Italian village, its bright colours and elegant architecture are a seaside must-see.

B4632 Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds, England

This lesser-used road winds through the green hills of the Cotswolds, so get ready for views of woodland, meadows full of wildflowers, sheep pasture and picture-perfect English villages. These are some of Britain’s finest and most recognisable landscapes.

On the way, be sure to explore the historic town of Chipping Campden, a quaint spot for lunch and some great sightseeing. When you reach Stratford-upon-Avon, you can explore Shakespeare’s birthplace, and even see a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre.

North Northumberland Heritage Coast, England

Travel along the wild North Northumberland Coast and take in the dramatic sight of Bamburgh Castle, an impressive medieval fortification looming up above the neighbouring village. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is just offshore here, cut off by the sea each day at high tide, and the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve sees a multitude of rare birds wading here in the mud flats.

Take a boat ride out to the Farne Islands and see puffins, seals and lots of other wildlife, or continue down to Alnwick Castle, a historic gem with plenty of family fun on offer.

Why study at a British university?

Find out why UK universities are a great choice

Anyone opting for an education overseas is making one of the most important decisions in their life. Not just for the impact it has on your career prospects and long-term future, but also for the opportunities it gives you to experience new cultures, new customs and new ideas firsthand.

So what does the UK have to offer international students?

1. Recognised and respected qualifications

UK undergraduate qualifications are respected and valued all over the world. They’ll give you an edge when you're competing for a job, proving to employers that you're capable of independent thought, research and self-discipline.

2. Value for Money

UK undergraduate study offers fantastic value for money and the sort of experience you can't put a price on: fantastic libraries, state-of-the art laboratories, ultramodern computer facilities and extensive research resources that will blow you and your future employers away.

3. Improve your English

Practise your English language skills every day, in shops and cafés and while you're out with English-speaking friends, as well as in seminars and discussion groups on your course. Many UK universities also offer in-session language support.

4. Flexibility

The wide range of undergraduate courses on offer gives you a huge amount of flexibility. Enrol on a bachelor's degree, or start by taking a 2-year HND or foundation degree. Study a single honours degree or more than one subjects in a joint or combined honours degree. It's entirely up to you!

5. Improve your job prospects

UK undergraduate qualifications let employers know at a glance that you've got the skills they're looking for, putting you on the right track for a great job and a great salary: a year after graduating, less than five per cent of UK undergraduates are unemployed.

6. It's a multicultural experience

At a UK university you'll be mixing with people from all over the world, whose different backgrounds and new perspectives will add to your experience. Of the 405,000 students who entered UK higher education in 2005, more than 10 per cent were international.

7. Learn outside the classroom

Cultural events and festivals run all year round, there are world-class museums, attractions, art galleries and exhibitions and hundreds of castles, palaces and historical properties to enrich your experience and support your studies.

8. Travel

Want to make the most of your time in Britain? Well then get out there and see some of it! With a Young Person’s Rail card or a BritXplorer pass, exploring the four diverse countries of Britain is cheaper and easier than you might imagine. See our Budget Travellers pages for more information.

9. The Outdoors

Britain boasts 14 National Parks, 49 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and enough beautiful forests, beaches and mountains to satisfy any nature enthusiast. Cycle or walk from one side of Britain to the other on the Coast to Coast path or try extreme sports like white-water rafting, rock-climbing and hang-gliding. See our Outdoor Britain pages for more information.

10. Make the most of your time

Here are just a few other ideas: Visit a film location; go to a summer music festival; experience a unique UK event like cheese rolling; have a pint in a quiet country pub in the Cotswolds; run the London Marathon; visit an historic palace; go to a national park; surf in Cornwall…Whatever you do, enjoy!