Метро представило топ-5 британских курортов для идеального осеннего отдыха

The final days of August can be bittersweet. While many have end-of-summer plans to look forward to, there’s no hiding from the inevitable: darker nights and a sharp turn of weather. So, what better way to keep the winter blues at bay than one final trip to the seaside? Thankfully, the UK is blessed with some epic coastal spots — and no two are the same. From tropical bliss in the Isles of Scilly to Gothic folklore in Yorkshire, there really is a place for everyone. Here, Metro has rounded up 5 favourites for a last-minute getaway: Whitby, North Yorkshire Whitby has all the ingredients for a seaside escape: history, natural beauty and very nice fish and chips. But it’s perhaps most famous for being the unofficial Gothic capital of the UK. The 7th-century Whitby Abbey, a monastery and medieval ruin overlooking the town, is thought to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. Fancy checking out the ruins for yourself? The famous 199 stone steps lead from the old town up to St Mary’s Church and the Abbey. At the top is the Whitby Brewery. Here, you can enjoy local beers in the taproom or courtyard. Meanwhile, the biannual Whitby Goth Weekend has grown into one of the world’s best Goth events. The next weekend takes place from October 30 to November 1, where live steampunk bands and alternative markets take over the town. And of course, no trip to Whitby is complete without indulging in The Magpie’s famous fish and chips. The cafe has won plenty of awards, from the 2025 Fry Awards to being named one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire by The Telegraph. Three beaches in one If you want to tick off three iconic Yorkshire spots in one trip, why not spend the weekend beach hopping? We recommend: • Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire: A 15-minute drive from Whitby, you’ll find Robin Hood’s Bay, a postcard fishing village with steep, winding lanes and a slower pace of life. • Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire: Just 5 miles north of Whitby is Runswick Bay. It was named The Times’ 2020 Beach of the Year for its sandy beach, red-roofed hillside cottages, and fossil-hunting spots. Warkworth, Northumberland Last month, Warkworth was named the ‘best hidden beach’ in the UK. Described as a ‘perfect two-mile stretch of the purest sand,’ Warkworth is located in Northumberland, between the historic village of Warkworth and the coastal village of Alnmouth. Sunset enthusiasts, the latter is also worth a trip. Come evening, the sky transforms into a dramatic oil painting of molten orange and yellow. Warkworth beach is uncommercialised and backed by grassy dunes: There are no shops, ice cream vans, arcades or pier. Instead, embrace the wild, natural landscape by swimming or strolling, rain or shine. The nearby town of Amble is also a four-minute drive from Warkworth, and deserving of a visit. Here, you’ll find a harbour filled with fish shacks, seafood restaurants, and pastel-painted beach huts. Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight has more incredible beaches than we’ve had hot dinners. Ventnor is known as the ‘English Med’ for its Italianate vibes and pastel-coloured villas. Shanklin has Jurassic history and is consistently ranked the sunniest place in the UK. But there’s another hidden island gem ideal for the summer-to-autumn transition: Freshwater Bay. Located in rural West Wight, this pebbly cove is nestled between striking white chalk cliffs and features magical sea caves and smuggler hiding spots. There’s also the scenic three-to six-mile circular Tennyson Down Walk, named after the famous Victorian poet. Starting at Freshwater Bay, ascend the chalk downs and pass the iconic Tennyson Monument. Hikers can continue toward the Needles Headland and Alum Bay, where panoramic coastal views await. Or, simply stop for a coffee at the newly refurbished Albion Hotel, right on the beach. Tenby, Pembrokshire To West Wales now. Specifically the historic seaside resort town of Tenby, defined by pastel houses, medieval stone walls, and sandy beaches. These are North Beach, Castle Beach, South Beach, Penally Beach and Harbour Beach, where miles of golden sand meet clear waters along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. On the harbour, watch local fishermen return with their catch, or take a day trip to nearby Caldey Island (the season runs from Easter to October). Explore Caldey Abbey, home of the Cistercian monks who live a peaceful existence on the island. History lovers, there’s also the 15th-century Tudor Merchant’s House managed by the National Trust, where you can step back in time to Tudor trading life. Adult entry costs £7. Or, walk around the 13th-century medieval town walls, thought to be some of the best-preserved in the UK. Reddit users confirm Tenby’s postcard reputation, too. One visitor even claimed that, on a ‘glorious sunny day,’ Tenby looks like a Mediterranean fishing village. Equally, they said it’s just as beautiful out of season, with the bonus of fewer crowds. Weymouth, Dorset Finally, Weymouth in Dorset is worthy of a weekend staycation. It blends the best of British seaside with charming boutiques and cosy coffee shops — St Alban Street, a cute and characterful corridor of quirky gift shops and traditional fudge stores, has a laidback bohemian feel. Its beach, adorned with pastel huts and a relaxing shoreline, was crowned the best in the UK by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2025. Visually, there’s also Georgian and Regency architecture along the Esplanade, thanks to King George III making the town a summer holiday staple in the late 1700s. In more modern times, Weymouth was a major departure point for the Normandy Landings during World War II. If you’re keen to swap the history books for hiking boots, the white-brushed clifftops of Portland in the heart of the Jurassic Coast are just a 15-minute drive from Weymouth. MORE: Dolly Parton’s unlikely love for Rotherham – and why she even wanted to live there MORE: A new European sleeper train will connect 4 iconic cities by 2028 MORE: The ‘useless’ stop on the Victoria line driving Londoners nuts