Seaside Charm: The Seven Wonders of the English Seaside

With more countries adding tourist taxes to discourage English visitors, where better to enjoy a break than in the UK? From the world’s longest pier to Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster, the English Coast is awash with architectural treasures to delight adventurers.

Catering to millions of holidaymakers year after year, landmark heavyweights in cities from Southend through to Blackpool all make the cut, with these top seven wonders of the English coast making for an exceptional tour this summer season.

1. The Royal Pavilion, Brighton

Start on the south coast, take in the view of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the Far East. From its origins as a humble farmhouse, this Grade I listed Royal Palace was transformed for King George IV by James Wyatt and John Nash in 1811-23.

Marrying the grand aesthetics of both India and China, inside, you can explore spaces including the Banqueting Room and the Chinese Gallery, with rooms representing the eccentric character of the man for whom it was built.

After an afternoon of exploring, take a walk along the promenade and stop for a crisp glass of pinot grigio at The Seahorse, looking out over the remains of Brighton’s iconic West Pier. Stay at one of the many B&Bs in the area, or for seafront elegance, choose The Grand Hotel. Get lost in The Laines, a warren of boutiques and eateries and marvel at the alternative edge that sees Brighton compared to the San Francisco of the UK.

2. Saltdean Lido, Brighton & Hove

A quick hop east on one of the many coastal bus routes from Brighton, you’ll find Saltdean Lido. This Art Deco gem has been a shrine to swimming and sun-worshipping since the 1930s, and today is one of just a few lidos on the English Coast that is still in use. Its latest renovation, led by locals, with the support of charity funding, is seeing the interior restored for a community space to be enjoyed by all. You can enjoy the outdoor pool throughout the summer, or head through the tunnel to explore the beach with its many rock pools, which is just across the road.

3. The Scenic Railway at Dreamland, Margate

Britain’s oldest surviving rollercoaster – a Grade II listed ride – is Dreamland’s American-style railway. Built in 1920 by J H Iles, it was reopened to the public after the completion of the theme park’s £28m restoration project, spearheaded by Wayne Hemingway in 2015. To this day it still attracts both local Kent residents keen to relive their youth, and the many visitors who are charmed by Margate’s retro seaside appeal. If you find rickety, rattling old fairground rides more hair-raising than anything the likes of Alton Towers can throw at you, then this one shouldn’t be missed.

4. Southend Pier

The world’s longest pleasure pier, extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, Southend Pier hails back to 1889 when it was built by James Brunlees to attract visitors arriving by boat from London. The pier has undergone many renovations over the years – including during 2000/1 when substantial amounts of money were pumped into it to celebrate the new millennium – and today it is home to an impressive array of shops, cafés, a museum, an RNLI station and so much more. You can even take the train from one end to the other, which is our favourite way to explore. Stay at the Park Inn Hotel for seaside views, or one of the many excellent nearby B&Bs.