From fishing villages with rich history to scenic coastal towns, the United Kingdom offers an array of harbour destinations. Whether you’re interested in seafood, water activities, or cultural experiences, there is a harbour town to explore.
Pittenweem, Fife
Pittenweem is a working fishing port located in East Neuk, Fife, known for its fleet of approximately 30 trawlers and creel boats. The daily catch is traded at the quayside market and features in local dishes at the harbourside Dory Bistro and Larachmhor pub’s Chip Ahoy. Revived by local initiative West Braes Project, the Victorian-era tide-filled swimming pool and nearby crazy golf course reopened in 2021. Every August, nearly 200 artists display exhibits during the village’s annual arts festival. Pittenweem is conveniently connected to other charming villages like St Monans, Anstruther, and Crail via the Fife Coastal Path. Accommodation with harbour views is available at The Bank in Anstruther, starting at £120 for a double room with breakfast.
Carnlough, County Antrim
Carnlough’s harbour dates back to 1853 and was built to facilitate the transportation of limestone from local quarries, a narrative detailed at the town hall’s Heritage Hub. The village, situated at the base of Glencoy, sees activity from local fishermen and daily boat excursions (£10 adults, £6 children) lasting 45 minutes. The Twilight coffeeshop offers brunch and upstairs hostel-style lodging for up to 14 people. Nearby, the Harbourview hotel, renowned for its whiskey selection and annual festival, features rooms starting from £120 with breakfast.
Solva, Pembrokeshire
Located on St Brides Bay, Solva boasts an ancient harbour ideal for paddleboarding at high tide and converts into sands full of rock pools and caves at low tide. The village, divided into Upper and Lower Solva, offers panoramic views from the Gribin headland. Local eateries include Cafe on the Quay, the Harbour Inn, and the Cambrian Inn, which also provides room accommodation starting at £140 with breakfast.
Craster, Northumberland
Craster is famed for its kippers, produced by L Robson & Sons since 1856, with the Piper’s Pitch serving them in buns and the Jolly Fisherman incorporating them into pub favourites. The harbour, erected in 1906, serves as a starting point for scenic walks to Dunstanburgh Castle ruins. For accommodation, The Cottage Inn and Dunstanburgh Castle Inn offer rooms starting at £105 room only and £120 with breakfast, respectively.
Clovelly, Devon
Clovelly, once owned by William the Conqueror, is a privately owned village nestled on Devon’s north coast. Its picturesque harbour at the base of a steep cliff is accessed via a cobbled street, and transport relies on sledges and donkeys, as vehicles are restricted. The Red Lion hotel provides sea-view accommodations starting at £225 with breakfast. Clovelly hosts festivals celebrating maritime themes and is home to the quaint Fisherman’s Cottage & Kingsley Museum.
Staithes, North Yorkshire
A lesser-known gem compared to other Yorkshire harbours, Staithes was once a significant fishing port. The village’s cobbled alleys and traditional fishing boats set the scene for wildlife-watching trips with potential sightings of minke whales. The Cod & Lobster pub offers meals by the waterfront, and the Endeavour B&B has updated rooms priced from £120 with breakfast. The village also hosts an arts festival and provides walking paths like the Cleveland Way.
Porthleven, Cornwall
Porthleven, on the Lizard peninsula, draws fewer tourists compared to other Cornish harbours. Its double harbour, credited to French prisoners post-Waterloo, is home to eateries like the 17th-century Ship Inn and the seafood-focused Mussel Shoal. A lively craft market runs until October, alongside an April food festival. For accommodation, the Harbour Inn offers refurbished rooms beginning at £110 with breakfast.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Regis’ Cobb, a historically referenced harbour structure since 1328, remains a popular spot for evening walks and offers boat trips in warmer months. The locale is a fossil-hunter’s paradise, famous for discoveries such as an ichthyosaurus by Mary Anning in the early 19th century. Lodging options include the Cobb Arms, proximate to the harbour, with rates starting at £155 with breakfast.
Lymington, Hampshire
Lymington, documented as early as the Domesday Book, evolved from a salt manufacturing hub to a yachting centre. Key spots include marinas and the distinct old town quay, and cultural sites like the seawater baths originally opened in 1833. Local gastronomy is represented at the Ship Inn and The Haven. The nearby Wightlink ferry provides access to the Isle of Wight. The Mayflower offers newly renovated rooms from £100 with breakfast.
Plockton, the Highlands
Known as the Jewel of the Highlands, Plockton flourished in the 1800s as a herring village, situated in a bay on Loch Carron. Fresh seafood is sold at the pier following daily boat arrivals, and seal-watching excursions run until October. The area hosts a regatta each summer. The Plockton Inn features local culinary delights, while the Plockton Hotel provides scenic lodging options starting at £180 with breakfast.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.