Boat trips, swimming and seafood: 10 of the UK’s best harbour towns and villages

Pittenweem, Fife
Nestled in the heart of Fife’s celebrated East Neuk, Pittenweem (meaning "place of the cave" in Pictish, hinting at its ancient spiritual roots) stands as a proud, working fishing port whose historic harbour remains its pulsating core. Home to a dedicated fleet of around 30 small trawlers and creel boats, the village’s daily rhythm is dictated by the ebb and flow of the tides and the return of its vessels. Each weekday morning, the covered market on the quay buzzes with activity as the freshest catches – from succulent langoustines to prime white fish – are sold directly from boat to buyer, a tradition that underpins the local economy and culinary scene. This unparalleled freshness is savoured at harbourside eateries like The Dory Bistro, renowned for its inventive seafood dishes, and Chip Ahoy, a beloved fixture at the Larachmhor pub, offering classic fish and chips with a view. Beyond its active fishing industry, Pittenweem offers surprising cultural and recreational amenities. A stunning Victorian-era tidal swimming pool, beautifully restored and reopened in 2021 by the passionate West Braes Project after years of disrepair, sits proudly next to the beach, naturally refilling with seawater twice daily. This community-driven initiative also revived a quirky crazy golf course, adding to the family-friendly appeal. Early each August, the village transforms into a vibrant canvas for the annual Pittenweem Arts Festival, attracting nearly 200 artists who exhibit their work in an eclectic array of venues, from traditional harbourside spaces and historic buildings to private homes and intimate studios, creating an immersive cultural experience that draws art lovers from across the country. Pittenweem is gracefully flanked by other charming East Neuk villages such as St Monans and Anstruther, with the historic Crail just a little further north. All are interconnected by sections of the scenic Fife Coastal Path, offering invigorating walks with breathtaking sea vistas. For those wishing to linger, The Bank in nearby Anstruther provides comfortable harbour-view rooms, with doubles starting from £120 B&B, perfect for soaking in the tranquil coastal atmosphere.

Carnlough, County Antrim
Perched gracefully at the foothills of Glencoy, one of Antrim’s nine spectacular glacial valleys, Carnlough is a village where dramatic landscapes meet a rich industrial past. While a harbour has graced Carnlough Bay since the late 1700s, the impressive structure visible today, instantly recognisable to Game of Thrones fans as the Braavos canal, was commissioned in 1853. Its construction was spearheaded by the powerful Marchioness of Londonderry, primarily to facilitate the transportation of limestone from her extensive quarries, a story vividly recounted at the Heritage Hub within the historic town hall. The remnants of this industrial era have been repurposed into a delightful asset: the old railway line that once linked the quarry to the harbour is now a scenic footpath, offering panoramic views across the bay and leading adventurers to the enchanting Cranny Falls, a hidden cascade nestled within the verdant landscape. The harbour itself remains the undisputed focal point of village life, a bustling hub for local fishers and a launchpad for daily boat trips that set sail to explore the stunning Antrim coastline. These 45-minute excursions, priced at an affordable £10 for adults and £6 for children, offer a chance to spot local marine wildlife and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Glens from a unique vantage point. Directly opposite the harbour, the Twilight coffeeshop provides a warm welcome with hearty brunches and convenient bunkhouse accommodation upstairs, sleeping up to 14, ideal for budget-conscious travellers or groups. For a more luxurious stay, the recently refurbished Harbourview Hotel boasts an astonishing collection of over 200 Irish whiskeys and hosts a popular annual whiskey festival, cementing Carnlough’s status as a destination for both natural beauty and convivial spirit. Doubles at the Harbourview start from £120 B&B.

Solva, Pembrokeshire
Tucked away at the bottom of a steep-sided, verdant valley on the dramatic St Brides Bay, a mere few miles from the ancient cathedral city of St David’s, lies Solva, a village defined by its ancient, natural harbour. This tidal inlet offers a fascinating duality: at high tide, its calm waters become a playground for paddleboarders and kayakers, reflecting the sky above. As the tide recedes, however, Solva undergoes a breathtaking transformation, revealing a vast expanse of golden sand, with the gentle River Solva meandering gracefully through its middle. This low-tide landscape is a haven for exploration, inviting visitors to discover teeming rock pools, hidden caves, and prime spots for fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. The shallow waters also provide safe, idyllic conditions for swimming. The village itself is charmingly divided into two distinct areas: Lower Solva, clustered intimately around the harbour, and Upper Solva, perched higher on the valley slopes. For unparalleled vistas that capture both ends of the village and the expansive bay beyond, a walk to the Gribin headland is highly recommended, offering panoramic views that are particularly stunning at sunset. The culinary scene embraces its coastal location, with establishments like Cafe on the Quay and the Harbour Inn boasting inviting outdoor tables that offer captivating views of the water, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Hats & Barrels prides itself on serving the freshest fish, alongside seasonal delicacies such as local lobster and crab, showcasing the bounty of the Pembrokeshire coast. For overnight stays, The Cambrian Inn offers a sophisticated dining experience alongside five comfortable rooms, with doubles from £140 B&B, providing a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Craster, Northumberland
On the rugged, windswept coast of Northumberland, the picturesque village of Craster holds a special place in maritime history and culinary fame. While its natural haven has been a lifeline for fishers for centuries, the current, distinctive harbour was formally constructed in 1906, not merely for commerce but as a poignant memorial to a beloved member of the esteemed Craster family. This stone-built haven is dramatically framed by the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, a majestic 14th-century fortress that stands sentinel a mile-and-a-half walk up the coastline, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to the village. Craster’s name is inextricably linked with its most famous export: kippers. L Robson & Sons, a venerable smokehouse overlooking the harbour, has been meticulously producing these iconic smoked herring since 1856, using traditional methods passed down through generations. The secret lies in the oak sawdust, which imparts a distinctive, rich flavour and golden hue that has earned Craster kippers a global reputation. Visitors can purchase these freshly smoked delicacies directly from the shop next door. For an immediate taste, Piper’s Pitch hut serves them deliciously in a bun, while the popular Jolly Fisherman pub innovatively incorporates them into dishes such as a creamy kipper pâté and a gourmet kipper Scotch egg, demonstrating the versatility of this local delicacy. Beyond the kippers, the village offers a quintessential Northumberland coastal experience, with bracing walks along the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Accommodation options include the charming Cottage Inn, located just outside the village, offering 10 rooms from £105 room only. Alternatively, the Dunstanburgh Castle Inn in the neighbouring village of Embleton provides 16 comfortable rooms, with doubles from £120 B&B, and easy access to the region’s stunning beaches and historic sites. The bustling market town of Alnwick, with its famous castle and gardens, is also just a short seven-mile drive away, making Craster an ideal base for exploring this rich historical landscape.

Clovelly, Devon
While Brixham often steals the limelight as Devon’s most celebrated harbour town, the unique and utterly enchanting village of Clovelly, clinging dramatically to the North Devon coast, offers an experience unlike any other. This ancient settlement, once part of William the Conqueror’s vast holdings, remains privately owned to this day, a status that has meticulously preserved its timeless charm and car-free existence (entry is £10.90 for adults, £6.25 for children, which contributes to its upkeep). The tiny, picturesque harbour lies at the foot of a formidable 122-metre cliff, accessed solely via its iconic, steeply cobbled main street, affectionately known as "Up-along" or "Down-along." Here, the absence of cars means goods are still transported by traditional sledges and the village’s resident donkeys, adding to its unique, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The Red Lion hotel, commanding an enviable position right on the quay, offers 17 rooms, each boasting breathtaking sea views (doubles from £225 B&B). Its restaurant celebrates local produce with dishes such as wild hake and freshly caught lobster, while the snug bar provides a more casual setting for classic haddock and chips. History enthusiasts will delight in the Fisherman’s Cottage & Kingsley Museum, a captivating 1930s time capsule that offers a glimpse into the life of a Clovelly fishing family and pays homage to the village’s connections to Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley. Throughout the year, Clovelly hosts a series of vibrant annual festivals celebrating its deep maritime roots, focusing on seaweed, seafaring traditions, and the rich bounty of local seafood, providing a lively cultural calendar. The surrounding North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offers dramatic coastal paths and stunning landscapes for those seeking further exploration.

Staithes, North Yorkshire
Amidst North Yorkshire’s more famous coastal towns like Scarborough and Whitby, the less-travelled village of Staithes stands out as a true hidden gem, a captivating tangle of history and natural beauty. Its name, meaning "landing place" in Old English, speaks to a heritage stretching back to Viking times, and for centuries, it was one of the busiest fishing ports in the north-east of England. Today, while the grand scale of its past is a memory, a handful of traditional cobles – distinctive local fishing vessels – still grace its harbour, alongside boats offering exhilarating wildlife-watching trips. From August to September, these excursions provide fantastic opportunities to spot minke whales, while year-round, seals, porpoises, and a diverse array of seabirds are common sights. The village itself is a visual delight: a steep, enchanting jumble of cottages, predominantly whitewashed with distinctive red roofs, punctuated by the occasional vibrant electric blue dwelling, all threaded together by a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled "snickets" (a local term for alleys). This architectural charm and dramatic setting once captivated the young James Cook, who served his apprenticeship here, hinting at the village’s profound maritime influence. The Cod & Lobster pub, perched directly on the harbour wall, offers hearty meals and a warm welcome with unparalleled views. For an immersive stay, the Endeavour B&B, tastefully refurbished in 2022, provides four comfortable rooms, one of which offers captivating harbour views (doubles from £120 B&B). Staithes also hosts a much-anticipated annual arts festival (this year running 11-13 September), where artists transform the village into an open-air gallery, showcasing local talent amidst its unique backdrop. For walkers, a picturesque mile-long stretch of the Cleveland Way National Trail leads north to the poignant ruins of the harbour at Port Mulgrave, an abandoned hamlet that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past. Staithes is also a renowned location for fossil hunting, particularly along its beaches and rocky foreshores, revealing ancient treasures from the Jurassic period.

Porthleven, Cornwall
Cornwall, with its myriad of iconic harbours from the grand scale of Falmouth to the intimate charm of Mousehole, offers an abundance of choice for coastal explorers. Yet, pretty Porthleven, gracefully situated on the rugged Lizard Peninsula, often provides a quieter, more authentic Cornish experience, attracting those seeking genuine charm away from the bustling crowds. Its distinctive double harbour, a remarkable feat of engineering completed in 1825, is steeped in a fascinating, if dark, history; local lore suggests it was partly constructed by French prisoners of war following the Battle of Waterloo, a testament to the sheer scale and difficulty of the project. The harbour is a vibrant hub, its granite walls lined with an enticing array of independent pubs, award-winning restaurants, and artistic galleries. From Easter through to the end of October, a lively craft market operates most days, showcasing the talents of local artisans, while April sees the village burst into life for its renowned food festival, a celebration of Cornish culinary excellence. The 17th-century Ship Inn, a historic landmark, uniquely straddles the harbour and the vast expanse of Mount’s Bay, offering spectacular views. For a truly authentic taste of the sea, The Mussel Shoal, a charming seafood shack, serves up fresh, locally sourced shellfish right on the harbour head. Kota Kai, meanwhile, offers an innovative fusion dining experience, delighting palates with creative dishes such as Cornish fish and chips elevated with katsu curry sauce, wasabi tartare, Asian slaw, and pea puree. For a comfortable stay, the recently refurbished Harbour Inn provides 15 inviting rooms, with doubles from £110 B&B, making it an ideal base to explore the Lizard Peninsula’s wild beauty, dramatic coastline, and rich geological heritage.

Lyme Regis, Dorset
Known affectionately as the "Pearl of Dorset," Lyme Regis is a captivating coastal town celebrated for its historical significance, stunning Jurassic Coast geology, and the iconic Cobb. This ancient harbour structure, a formidable breakwater and jetty, has protected the town for centuries, with its first recorded mention dating back to 1328 when it was damaged by fierce storms. The present-day Cobb, a testament to enduring craftsmanship, was meticulously rebuilt from robust blocks of Portland stone during the late 18th and 19th centuries, standing strong against the powerful Lyme Bay waves. Situated on the west side of the town, the Cobb offers a truly magical setting for a sunset stroll, where the golden light bathes the historic stone and the tranquil harbour waters. Wildlife abounds here, with seals frequently observed frolicking in the harbour, and the occasional sighting of dolphins just offshore, especially during boat trips that depart daily in late spring and summer. Lyme Regis is perhaps most famous as a mecca for fossil hunters, forming a central part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast. The beaches, particularly Monmouth to the west of the Cobb and East Cliff to the east of town, are fertile grounds for discovering ancient treasures. It was here, in 1812, that the pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning made her groundbreaking discovery of an ichthyosaurus, forever cementing Lyme Regis’s place in scientific history. The town’s deep connection to geology and the sea also inspired literary giants, notably Jane Austen, whose novel Persuasion features the Cobb prominently. For refreshment, the Cobb Arms is the closest pub to the harbour, offering three comfortable rooms (doubles £155 B&B) and a vibrant atmosphere. A short walk along the beach leads to the Harbour Inn, which prides itself on serving the freshest Lyme Bay seafood, promising a true taste of Dorset’s coastal bounty.

Lymington, Hampshire
Perched gracefully on the west bank of the River Lymington, on the very edge of the Solent and bordering the ancient beauty of the New Forest National Park, Lymington is a market town with a deeply rooted maritime soul. First documented in the Domesday Book, its history is a fascinating tapestry woven with diverse industries. In the medieval era, it became a significant centre for salt manufacture, its salt pans dotting the landscape, while the 19th century saw it thrive as a prolific shipbuilding hub, contributing to Britain’s naval prowess. Today, Lymington has evolved into a premier yachting destination, boasting two modern marinas alongside its historic town quay, drawing sailors and enthusiasts from across the globe. The town’s nautical heritage is celebrated through the prestigious Royal Lymington Yacht Club, a cornerstone of the local sailing community. Adjacent to the club are the historic Lymington seawater baths, established in 1833. Remarkably, these baths are still open for swimmers, offering not just traditional bathing but also contemporary activities like paddleboarding and inflatable obstacle courses, blending heritage with modern recreation. The high street comes alive every Saturday with a lively market, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century, offering a delightful array of local produce, crafts, and curiosities. Waterfront pubs and restaurants, such as the historic Ship Inn and the elegant Haven, offer superb dining with views of the bustling river. The recently reopened Mayflower, set back slightly near the seawater baths, provides seven charming rooms (doubles from £100 B&B) and a welcoming atmosphere. Lymington also serves as a crucial gateway to the Isle of Wight, with the Wightlink ferry terminal at Lymington Pier offering frequent crossings to Yarmouth, another historic harbour town, in approximately 40 minutes, making it an ideal base for exploring both the New Forest and the island’s charms.

Plockton, the Highlands
Often lauded as the "Jewel of the Highlands," Plockton is a truly captivating planned harbour village, born in the early 1800s to support the burgeoning herring industry. Nestled in a remarkably sheltered bay on the banks of the serene Loch Carron, its unique microclimate allows for the surprising flourish of incongruous palm trees, adding an exotic touch to the rugged Highland landscape, with wooded hills rising majestically beyond. Plockton’s daily rhythm is enchanting; visitors can witness the boats returning around 3 pm and buy incredibly fresh fish and prawns directly off the pier, a testament to its enduring fishing heritage. The tranquil loch offers a playground for water-based activities, from invigorating sea-kayak tours that explore hidden coves to delightful seal-watching trips that run from spring through to late October, providing opportunities to spot common and grey seals, along with various seabirds. In July, the village buzzes with excitement during its annual summer regatta, a lively community event showcasing traditional sailing. The culinary scene reflects the village’s coastal bounty, with The Plockton Inn renowned for serving exquisite local langoustines and other fresh seafood. For accommodation, the Plockton Hotel offers six rooms with breathtaking loch views and five overlooking its charming gardens (doubles £180 B&B), while the bunkhouse by the railway station provides a more budget-friendly option at £20pp, with discounts available for groups. Plockton’s idyllic beauty has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers, notably serving as the picturesque backdrop for the beloved BBC series Hamish Macbeth, further cementing its iconic status. Just an hour’s scenic drive over the bridge leads to the mystical Isle of Skye and its pastel-painted harbour capital, Portree, making Plockton an excellent base for exploring the wider wonders of the Scottish Highlands.