The British coast is a popular destination for many travellers even if the numbers visiting the traditional "seaside resort" have fallen significantly since their peak in the 1950s.
The British coastline has considerable variance, the potential destinations for travellers being as dynamic as the physical processes that have shaped the various natural coastal features that can be observed.
Although many locations on the British coast have some kind of beach this isn't a pre-requisite as Whitby is on a rocky inlet, Morecambe on the edge of wide tidal flat.
Although travel to the coast existed prior to the mid-19th century, it was the development of the railway network which opened the coast to a wider group of travellers, and led to the development of both the "seaside resort" and the coastal attraction.
Whilst developments in the late 20th century reduced the popularity of the many British coastal resort towns compared to sunny destinations abroad, many coastal destinations in the UK retain a charm and unique character, whilst also showing the flux of continual repositioning as the dynamic tastes of travellers remain as varied as the coast itself.
Generally, the coastline of the UK (especially England) is considered as the South Coast, East Coast and West Coast. More specific portions are also identified in reference to the bodies of water they face, such as the Bristol Channel, Thames Estuary, The Wash, Morecambe Bay, Firth of Forth.
See also United_Kingdom#Climate
The UK Meteorological Office has a guide to the Marine forecasts it provides. Many of the forecasts can be accessed from an index page.
The British coast has many attractive seaside villages and towns which have evolved from humble fishing settlements.
The British seaside, which developed in the 19th century, retains some of its kitsch charm in places, even if major resorts have continued to evolve to suit different niches.
Some resorts can be lively: Brighton has extensive night-life, whereas Newquay is widely seen by many as England's surf capital. By comparison quieter resorts such as Torquay, Bournemouth, or Eastbourne might suit an older generation. Traditional resorts such as Blackpool, Scarborough and Skegness retain a middle of the road appeal.
Scotland has many coastal towns, and the "seaside" resort developed differently from its English counterpart. In places like St Andrews, the wide expanse of landward dunes was the perfect location for the sport of golf to develop and thrive.
Scotland also has the island groups of the Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney.
Since 1824, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has had a strong connection with Britain's coast and its maritime history. Many maritime museums have exhibits relating to them. Larger lifeboats can be seen moored or alongside in many harbours, or the sheds for the smaller inshore lifeboats; these are not normally open to visitors, but do have occasional fundraising open days, and you may sometimes see the volunteers training on a weekend.
Main article: Lighthouses
Many museums around the coast have exhibitions on maritime history, but there are some that specialise in this:
The coastal waters are tidal, with two high tides most days. This is something to beware of when walking on a beach - a half-mile of sand can rapidly be covered in water. Tide times are available online, but the free information only covers the following week.
There are a few places where the tidal flows are worth watching:
See also: Water safety
The RNLI has an extensive set of safety guides and advice on its website.
If you observe someone in serious trouble on the coast, in or at sea off the British Coast, you should make the appropriate authorities aware. On a patrolled beach this will typically be a lifeguard, but elsewhere, where there is no lifeguard you should call the Coast Guard. Call 999 if it's an emergency or threat to life situation, giving the nature of the concern, and a location. If you are able to, give a precise location of an incident, as it assists responders immensely. Lifeboats in the UK are provided by the RNLI a voluntary funded (but professionally trained) organisation, and they will co-ordinate with the Coastguard as required.
Lifeguard-patrolled areas for swimming are marked with flags with a red top and yellow bottom. Swimming should definitely be avoided in areas where singularly coloured all-red flags are shown. Local opinions about people ignoring red flags or obvious prohibition signs vary, but a very firm rebuke is not unexpected. Not all areas unsuitable for swimming are marked.
UK sea temperatures average around 10–20°C (50–68°F) in the summer, with the Eastern and more northerly coasts being cooler. Winter averages are 5–10°C (40–50°F), and even an experienced swimmer will be wary of entering water that frigid. Cold water shock can occur in all UK coastal waters, even those as warm as 15°C. Dress appropriately if you plan activity in or on the water!
The coastal waters are tidal, with two high tides most days. This is something to beware of when walking on a beach – a half mile of sand can rapidly be covered in water. Tide times are available on-line, but the free information only covers the following week.
Portions are also tidal flats, and here (as on beaches) inlets and channels can open up between the nominal shore and the flats. Don't get caught out, as these can flood or rise rapidly. Also the 'land' on tidal-flats can be less solid than expected in places, and without expertise, natural traps can arise. On some flats (such as Morecambe Bay), seeking local expertise or a guide is essential.
If you are venturing out to sea in your own vessel, even in comparatively inshore waters, check that you understand the local topography both on and offshore, and that any charts you are using are current. "Drunken sailors" are best left ashore, as alcohol, inexperience and under-estimation of risk, make for an exceptionally poor combination.
Don't forget about sun protection even though the sun may seem to be less intense in the UK. Some Weather Forecasts include UV level predictions.