UK’s coolest seaside town named most desirable place for a move to the coast | Travel News | Travel
Those wanting to relocate to a seaside town may not find one better than Margate, Kent, in the whole of the UK. According to a comprehensive analysis examining house prices, salaries, climate conditions, connectivity and amenities, Margate, which has repeatedly been called the UK’s ‘coolest’ seaside town, has taken the top spot.
Paul Stewart, the CEO of My Baggage – whose team conducted the research – said: “Margate leads convincingly as the UK’s premier coastal relocation destination for 2025. Its first-place ranking in our Coastal Relocation Index demonstrates the perfect balance of affordability, quality of life and seaside charm.” Margate has been described as offering the “ideal coastal lifestyle without the premium costs”.
What to see and do in Margate
A popular seaside town, especially in the height of summer, there is much to do and see around Margate on the Kentish coast.
There’s the sandy beach, seaside fish and chips, an arcade for fun and games – and Dreamland.
Dreamland is a free-to-enter amusement park that hosts live music events in the summer, and the doors officially open once again on Saturday, April 5.
For a more sophisticated attraction, there’s the Turner Contemporary, which is a modern art gallery that hosts a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions.
The Shell Grotto is a mysterious underground tunnel intricately decorated with millions of shells in mosaic-like patterns.
Discovered back in 1835, the reason for its existence, or who even built it, remains unsolved.
Elsewhere, along the buzzy high street, there are plenty of shops to peruse, pubs to enjoy, and eateries to satisfy you.
Top 10 UK coastal towns for relocation in 2025
- Margate, Kent
- Whitby, Yorkshire
- Whitstable, Kent
- Llandudno, Conwy
- Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway
- Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Aldeburgh, Suffolk
- Penzance, Cornwall
- Portrush, Co Antrim
CEO Paul Stewart added: “The study highlights the diverse appeal of the UK’s coastline, with top destinations spanning from Kent to Yorkshire, Wales to Northern Ireland.
“Particularly noteworthy is the strong showing from Kent, with two towns in the top three, suggesting the county’s growing reputation as the UK’s premier coastal living destination.”
Homes in Margate
Unlike other coastal towns, the houses in Margate are relatively affordable.
To compare, the price of an average house in St Ives, Cornwall, is £504,863, while the average price for a house in Margate is £333,025.
