The ‘bustling’ beauty spot crowned Scotland's ‘best seaside town to visit in 2026’ by Time Out
Time Out’s guide to the UK’s best coastal towns features one location in Scotland
Time Out has named Britain's best seaside towns to visit in 2026 – and one Scottish location made the cut.
The travel magazine selected 16 beauty spots that should be on everyone's radar this year.
Introducing the feature, Time Out says: “In 2026, the UK’s coastline is more in the spotlight than it has been in a long, long time.
“Of course, being an island nation, the UK has no shortage of coastal spots. Prim, proper, picture-postcard-worthy idylls? Check. Remote, blustery retreats from stormy seas? Yep, plenty of that. Thrill-packed resort spots with something for everyone? Britain has all of the above and much more.”
Topping Time Out’s guide to the greatest coastal towns in Britain is Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire. It is described as “an energetic village with one of Wales’ best-looking beaches”.
The magazine went on to say Saundersfoot has “one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort” and highlighted its compact parade of surf shops, bistros and pubs.
Hastings and St Leonards in East Sussex, which “have all the makings of a dreamy day out” claimed second spot, while completing the top 3 is Southsea in Hampshire, which was selected for its “old-school seaside charm”.
In ninth spot - and the only Scottish location on the list - is Oban. Time Out says this “surprisingly bustling waterside town” is “livelier than you’d expect, stunning on sunny days and full of people who enjoy having a laugh”.
Explaining why everyone should visit Oban, Time Out says: “It’s right in the middle of the western Highlands for one thing. And who doesn’t want to visit the Highlands? Especially when the town in question has its own world-famous whisky distillery, a clutch of characterful hotels, more than its fair share of good pubs (pint fans shouldn’t miss the Tartan Tavern) and regular ferries that’ll whisk you off to nearby islands like Mull, Iona, and Barra”.
The guide adds that “the seafood is off the charts, as evinced by the huge number of top-quality restaurants near the bay”.
The 16 best seaside towns to visit in 2026, according to Time Out
1 - Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire
2 - Hastings and St Leonards, East Sussex
3 - Southsea, Hampshire
4 - Folkestone, Kent
5 - Cardigan, Ceredigion
6 - Alnmouth, Northumberland
7 - Portrush, County Antrim
8 - Cowes, Isle of Wight
9 - Oban, Highlands
10 - Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
11 - Brighton, East Sussex
12 - Blackpool, Lancashire
13 - Porthmadog, Gwynedd
14 - Whitstable, Kent
15 - Lymington, Hampshire
16 - Great Yarmouth, Norfolk