Coast Boast: Ten 'Shore Bets' for a Royal Summer in Britain

Still have Royal fever? Try cooling off in one of these top coastal communities in the UK

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Jul 12, 2011, 03:30 ET

NEW YORK, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With William and Catherine's whirlwind visit to California now complete, Americans hungry for more royal action can get a taste of noble life on a very different coast this summer by visiting one of Britain's many picturesque coastal retreats. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge currently reside on one such destination – the captivating Isle of Anglesey in Wales – and VisitBritain, the national tourism board, has compiled a list of nine others that are considered shore bets.

"When most Americans think of visiting Britain, big cities, like London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff, often spring to mind first," says VisitBritain representative, Meredith Pearson. "While these cities offer a world-class experience year-round, the summer is the perfect time to explore Britain's many coastal communities. These hidden gems offer savory seafood, stunning views, authentic culture, and of course, incredible royal history."

1.	St Mawes, England
	With an almost Mediterranean climate, sailing and fishing are the principal activities in St Mawes, situated on the beautiful Carrick Roads — a natural harbor loved by sailors, in the county of Cornwall. On the southern tip of the picturesque Roseland Peninsula, this seaside community also boasts a beautiful castle built by Henry VIII.

2.	Brighton, England
	Just 30 minutes from London Gatwick Airport, Brighton is a compact city overflowing with places to visit. This bubbly beachside destination packs a punch with exciting attractions including the Preston Manor, the Victorian Pier and the Sea Life Centre. The Royal Pavilion, the former royal residence of King George IV, is one of the most exotic and extravagant royal palaces in Europe.

3.	Bamburgh, Northumberland, England
	Known as the "Secret Kingdom," the beaches are breathtaking in England's most northerly county. Take a boat trip to see the bird sanctuaries and seal colonies on the Farne Islands, cross the causeway to visit Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, or walk the Northumberland Coast Path south to Seahouses or Beadnell Bay. Bamburgh also is home to the beautiful Bamburgh Castle, where director Ridley Scott shot parts of Robin Hood in 2010.

4.	Moray Firth Coast, Scotland
	A popular vacation spot for more than a century, this coast offers outstanding cliff scenery and has all the trappings for those wanting an active vacation—cycling, surfing, walking and much more. The coastline is largely rural, offering visitors the chance to take in the natural beauty of the Scottish coast while enjoying many adventuresome attractions like Brodie Castle and Elgin Cathedral, which date back to the 13th century.

5.	Gerrans Bay, Cornwall, England
	Gerrans Bay is one of the few corners of seaside Cornwall that can still be described as undiscovered. The harbor at Portscatho is attractive with its quaint shops, seafood restaurants and coastal path that takes you to the beachfront hotels and inns. This hilltop village was once home of Gerannius, the King of Cornwall.

6.	Three Cliffs Bay, Wales
	Wild horses sometimes gallop across Three Cliffs Bay, named after a trio of rocky peaks that rise from the shoreline. One of Britain's finest beaches, it is littered with cockles and scallop shells. There are caves, dunes and surfy waves. Head to dry land and visit Pennard Castle. Built in the 12th century, this ruined estate is filled with legends of fairies and magic.

7.	Whitstable, England
	Only 60 miles from London, Whitstable has a bustling port, a pebbly beach, seafood restaurants and attractive shops. Known as the Pearl of Kent, its oysters are world famous and have been collected in the area and enjoyed by many including King Henry VIII. Visitors can stroll through the fish market, see the pretty weatherboarded homes and venture out to the shops that have everything from antiques to locally produced art.

8.	Anglesey, Wales
	Not only is the Isle of Anglesey home to William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it has also been voted the number one place to visit in 2011 by BBC Television and The Independent. This must-see destination in North Wales is charming, and travelers will appreciate the quaint farmhouses, B&Bs and the nearby storybook castles. After all, a holiday to Wales wouldn't be complete without visiting a castle or two and there is no better place to look than the town that the royal newlyweds call home.

9.	Morecambe, Lancashire, England
	Morecambe Bay has some of the most varied fishing in all of Britain...and is perhaps most famous for its Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimps which are a favorite of The Queen. The fishing village's swanky Midland Hotel, an art deco marvel, was restored to its original beauty in 2008.

10.	Llantwit Major, Wales
	An attractive seaside town on the 14-mile-long Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Llanwit Major is just 20 miles from the capital city, Cardiff. Chock full of culture and heritage, visitors can stroll through the 15th century town hall, the medieval gatehouse and the 16th century houses and pubs. The rugged coastline is good for walking, mountain biking and surfing.