21-07-2025
Last-minute UK coastal breaks for this summer from £26pp a night
IT'S not too late for a coastal staycation this summer.
a seaside booking and inspiration site, says there is plenty of availability for a last-minute break.
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From watersports, walking and wildlife watching, to food festivals, regattas and live music, there are plenty of things to see and do.
Lisa Minot has some suggestions for exploring our stunning shorelines.
ENJOY A FEAST IN DORSET
ENJOY a food and wine inspired tour of the Dorset coast this summer.
The Catch at The Old Fish Market restaurant in Weymouth on the quayside sees diners buy fresh fish downstairs before heading upstairs for a sea-to-plate experience.
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Must-try dishes include Portland Brown Crab and black sea bream.
There is also affordable dining at Rockfish in Brixham, Dartmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Plymouth where on Takeaway Tuesdays you can grab a portion of sustainably caught fish and fresh cut chips for just £5 to enjoy by the sea.
Add fire to the mix at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival at the Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton on August 2 and 3.
Expect artisan chilli products, spicy food, chilli eating competitions, live music, local beers and a chance to try the Dorset Naga super-hot chilli.
The coast is also home to several world-class vineyards including the Langham Wine Estate that offers guided tours, as does Bride Valley Vineyards, just a short drive from the Jurassic Coast.
At sunset, the Dorset skies will be ablaze with free firework displays during the summer holidays on Thursdays at Poole Quay, on Fridays from Bournemouth Pier and Mondays at Weymouth Beach.
GO: Between Weymouth and Durdle Door, Parkdean's Warmwell Holiday Park has an indoor pool and ten-pin bowling.
A three-night stay in a two-bed lodge sleeping up to six is from £468 in total.
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FUN IN WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY
TAKE to the stunning waters around the Kent coast with a thrilling RIB ride with Dover Sea Safari.
Setting sail from Dover Marina, the one-and-a-half hour tour takes in the fishing villages of St Margaret's Bay, Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal.
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Take to the waters to learn wakeboarding or tackle a giant floating obstacle course at Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park near Sandwich.
Spot wildlife including a secret seal colony, hop on a River Runner tour from Sandwich Quay or Ramsgate Harbour to the Pegwell Nature Reserve.
White Cliffs Country's summer of live events kicks off this weekend with the We Will Meet Again festival at Betteshanger Country Park with tank and jeep rides, Spitfire and Hurricane tours and street food stalls.
From July 26 to August 2, Deal Carnival and Regatta will feature a week of events including a teddy bear's picnic, raft race and firework displays.
Enjoy good vibes and clifftop views at The Coastguard in St Margaret's Bay (UK's closest pub to France) with live music on Sunday nights during July and August.
Or take your seat in the Tudor gardens theatre at Walmer Castle, with plays including Sense And Sensibility and HMS Pinafore.
GO: Fallow Fields Camping in Eastry near Sandwich has general pitches and furnished bell tents.
There are pizza nights and a Gin and Fizz Bar onsite.
A three-night stay in a furnished bell tent sleeping up to four is from £462.
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THE resort of Redcar is gateway to eight miles of sweeping, unbroken sands spanning South Gare to Saltburn-by-the-Sea with plenty of classic seaside fun and great value for money.
Redcar's expansive, flat, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, paddling, and enjoying a donkey ride.
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Climb the vertical pier of the Redcar Beacon for 360-degree views of the coastline.
Further along, enjoy the Victorian elegance of Saltburn-by-the-Sea with its historic pier, the oldest functioning water-balanced cliff lift in the world, and a miniature railway.
For those with a taste for adventure, the waves at Saltburn are also a popular spot for learning to surf.
Venture inland, and you will discover a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts within the dramatic hills and lush forests of the North York Moors National Park.
The Guisborough Forest & Walkway offers a fantastic day out with its numerous walking and cycling trails, adventure play areas and sculpture trails.
For a family challenge, hike up the iconic Roseberry Topping, known as the 'Yorkshire Matterhorn,' to be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire region.
GO: Anchor Bay Holidays in Filey has 75 coastal holiday rentals with pool and beach access, use of the indoor heated pool, a shop, cafe and restaurant.
