Small fishing village with some of UK's best seafood but hardly any tourists
The British "staycation" has truly come into its own since the Covid pandemic, with travel restrictions sparking a newfound appreciation for the charms of the British Isles.
St Abbs, a Scottish fishing village, is a prime example of this trend, boasting pristine landscapes, rugged cliffs, and charming fishing cottages that make it an idyllic retreat just under two hours from the English city of Newcastle. According to recent data from Visit Scotland, the staycation boom shows no signs of waning, with nearly 13 million overnight trips recorded in Scotland alone during 2023.
St Abbs offers something for everyone, whether you're after a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a simple day out. It comes after this picturesque UK town is named 'the prettiest in the world' outranking Barcelona and Venice.
The village takes its name from Æbbe, a 7th-century Northumbrian princess who was shipwrecked here and went on to establish a nunnery. Modern-day visitors can channel her spirit through sea angling, sub-aqua diving, and boat tours departing from the local harbour, reports the Express.
For those keen on adventure sports, Coldingham Bay, situated south of St Abbs, beckons with its golden sands, attracting surfers and beachgoers alike. Upon arriving in St Abbs, a sense of familiarity may wash over you, particularly if you're a Marvel movie enthusiast.
The village gained cinematic fame as the backdrop for the Avengers film series, where it stood in for the mythical 'New Asgard', adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to its coastal allure.
For gastronomes, the freshly netted seafood is served in charming eateries brimming with personality, such as Ebb Carr's or The Old School Café.
However, like most Scottish holiday spots, the main allure lies in the wealth of pristine, breathtaking landscapes. St Abb's is no exception, boasting the Head National Nature Reserve which spans 200 acres of untamed coastline featuring sheer cliffs, home to nesting seabirds, towering 300ft above the sea.
Reach the summit and you'll be treated to a stunning vista of the rugged Berwickshire coast - particularly impressive at high tide on a tempestuous day.
St Abb's prime position in the south of Scotland makes it an ideal UK retreat or a perfect stopover for lengthier trips across the border.
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