Move over, Margate! The British beach resorts we'll all be going to in five years' time - including a Lincolnshire classic that's set to get a 'Center Parcs by the sea' and 'beautiful' Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

Forget the pebbled shores of Brighton or the sweeping sands of Margate – several of Britain's overlooked seaside towns are steadily climbing the ranks as the nation's favourite spots for a beach break.

A good British seaside resort should offer a careful balance of nostalgic charm – think colourful beach huts, a pier with vintage games, tasty fish and chips – with all of the modern luxuries that make a trip away enjoyable, from comfortable hotels to great places to eat.

As such, many resort towns across the UK are transforming themselves – so much so that they could be the hottest spot for a break by the sea in five years' time.

Here we look at some of Britain's up-and-coming seaside towns for savvy travellers to keep an eye on.

Once home to Pleasure Island, a hugely popular family theme park that closed in 2016 due to dwindling numbers, Lincolnshire town Cleethorpes has seen difficulty over the past few decades.

Despite being a favourite spot for many local families thanks to its arcade, pier and eateries, the destination was named one of the worst seaside towns in Britain by The Telegraph in 2023.

However, this once-beloved town is slowly making a comeback – and has big plans in the works.

Now, plans have been pushed forward for approval to transform the site into a 'Center Parcs by the sea' resort, Grimsby Live reports.

Planning permission for the £70 million project was first submitted in 2023, with approval anticipated from councillors in the area.

Developers hope to clear the remnants of the theme park and transform the space into hotels, 272 lodges and retail outlets.

There may also be on-site restaurants, cafes and even a Lidl superstore for families wanting to stock up on snacks and drinks.

A report to councillors reads: 'It is considered in principle that a large proportion of the scheme, if not all of it, would support tourism and the visitor economy, in line with the policy aims, widening the choice and availability of such uses as a comprehensive scheme.

'The main site and overflow car park have been vacant for many years since the unfortunate closure of Pleasure Island in 2016.

'The main site has a derelict appearance which is now beginning to degrade the character and appearance on this key route through the resort.'

Located in Kent, Folkestone is a coastal town currently undergoing a major £20 million regeneration.

The project was launched in April 2025, and involves replacing the bus station in Bouverie Square with a brand new park set to become the 'green heart' of the town, Time Out reports.

It will involve landscaping, newly laid flowerbeds and a layout for the bus station that should help improve the safety of pedestrians.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council said it should create 'a much more inviting space, including a play area, to be enjoyed by residents and visitors'.

The overall project, called Folkestone - A Brighter Future, is set to be complete by the end of 2026.

Elsewhere, the area already has plenty to offer as a seaside town. In fact, even before its ongoing glow up, it was named the top place to visit in the UK in 2025 by Time Out.

The historic Folkestone Harbour Arm is bustling with independent businesses and hosts a range of events, while nearby Sunny Sands beach is a popular spot with families.

Last year, Saltburn-by-the-Sea was named the country's most underrated seaside town by Airbnb.

Located in North Yorkshire, it offers the 'perfect blend of serenity and intrigue', says the booking platform.

Saltburn is known for its pretty Victorian architecture, including Saltburn Pier and the Saltburn Cliff Lift – which is still open today and offers sweeping views of the breathtaking coastline.

It was also named the UK's 'most beautiful seaside town' by holidaycottages.co.uk last year, in research that considered 400 different beaches.

Saltburn attracts millions of visitors each year, and locals have noticed the town is finally gaining the reputation and attention it deserves.

Heather Garcia told YorkshireLive how beaches in the area were often empty when she was younger, but with an influx of tourists, the 'bubble' has now officially burst. Saltburn is back on the map!

Eastbourne seems to be rapidly shedding its reputation as a sleepy seaside retirement town, and is instead becoming a popular spot for a beachy break.

Boasting a range of independent hotels, eateries and shops, the East Sussex town has undergone a significant facelift.

It was announced earlier this year that the area would be given £20 million in government funding to regenerate the town over the next decade.

Plans for the funding include improving safety and cleanliness on the streets as well as helping local businesses thrive and creating more opportunities for young people.

Eastbourne has also launched a 10-year strategy specifically for tourism, aiming to make the town 'East Sussex's premier location for leisure, culture and entertainment'.

It hopes to pitch the town as 'a welcoming coastal destination where people experience great events, culture and active lifestyles in an iconic natural environment'.

Back in 2021, Tripadvisor named Eastbourne as one of the 'fastest-growing destinations' in the country, placing it tenth on the list, Sussex Live reports.

Given its charming Victorian seafront and expansive chalky cliffs, it was only a matter of time before Eastbourne got its flowers.

Skegness is another seaside spot undergoing a major revamp in the coming years that could massively improve its potential.

Lovingly known as 'Skeggy' by locals and its Northern neighbours, this once-bustling seaside resort town has arguably seen better days.

But, the Skegness Town Centre Transformation Project has big plans to 'revitalise and regenerate 60+ buildings within Skegness' Town Centre,' according to Heritage Lincolnshire.

Under the plans, historic shopfronts are set to be restored, and 100 local businesses are to be supported with building improvements too.

There's already plenty to do in Skegness, from walks along the award-winning Central Beach to fun in the arcades, and this refurb should see it getting the love it deserves.