express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Friday, October 23, 2026

Coastal Towns Offer Autumn Escapes with Quieter Beaches and Cosy Pubs

Britain's seaside destinations provide a peaceful retreat as the weather cools, featuring local culinary delights and scenic walks.

US Politics • 2 hours ago
Coastal Towns Offer Autumn Escapes with Quieter Beaches and Cosy Pubs

Even as the weather turns colder, Britain's seaside towns offer a compelling escape, boasting quieter beaches, welcoming pubs, and opportunities to enjoy classic fish and chips. Autumn provides a more tranquil experience at the coast, with many towns still offering mild temperatures suitable for exploring.

Whitby in North Yorkshire is noted for its scenic harbour and traditional pubs, with one local fish and chip shop even being called the 'spiritual home of fish and chips'. St Ives, Cornwall, usually bustling in summer, becomes a peaceful haven in autumn. October temperatures can reach highs of 13C (55F), making it suitable for walking along its now-quiet beaches. This season is also grey seal breeding and pupping time, offering a chance to spot seals.

Llandudno in North Wales, home to what is often described as one of the country's most beautiful beaches, experiences highs of 14C (57F) in October. Its award-winning pier and museums provide activities regardless of the weather. Margate, Kent, sees October highs of 15C (59F), and its Cliftonville Farmers' Market, held on the last Sunday of each month, offers sea views and local produce.

Falmouth, Cornwall, a colourful coastal town with October temperatures around 13C (55F), is ideal for appreciating its harbour and beaches without summer crowds. For cooler days, independent bookshops offer a cosy retreat. Salcombe, Devon, a picturesque harbour town, invites visitors to stroll along its estuary or beaches, with numerous pasty shops offering warm treats.

In Norfolk, Cromer is celebrated for its traditional seaside resort atmosphere, featuring a notable pier and coastal path walks. Its fish and chip shop, No1 Cromer, has received acclaim. Porthleven, a Cornish harbour town, offers dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, with October temperatures averaging 14C (57F).

Bamburgh in Northumberland provides scenic walking routes with castle views and October highs of 14C (57F), complemented by historic pubs. Porthmadog, a busy harbour town in North Wales, reaches 14C (57F) in October, making it suitable for exploring coastal paths. It is also a hub for railway enthusiasts, with three lines and a museum.

IMAGE1

IMAGE2 With highs of 15C in October, Margate is a mild coastal spot to visit in October IMAGE3 Llandudno is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country IMAGE4 Usually bustling in the summer months, St Ives is worth visiting in the autumn too IMAGE5 Porthleven offers dog-friendly beaches and mild temperatures in October IMAGE6 Home to notable fish and chip shops and plenty of pubs, Cromer makes a great spot for an autumn break IMAGE7 Mooch around one of Falmouth's independent book shops if you find yourself there on a cool autumn day IMAGE8 Relax in a historic pub in Bamburgh after a long walk along the coast this autumn IMAGE9 Find coastal walks and pasty shops for a hot bite to eat along the way in Salcombe, Devon IMAGE10 Coastal paths and a busy harbour - Porthmadog in North Wales won't disappoint


Sources