10 of Britain’s prettiest seaside villages

Sands, seas and glorious scenery … plus ideas for the perfect bolthole near the coast

A jumble of red-roofed cottages open on to a wide stretch of beach at Runswick, an under-the-radar gem. Rock pools, fossil hunting and acres of sand make it a great choice for families, and walkers can follow the Cleveland Way National Trail to Saltburn. Summer visitors should seek out the pop-up Runswick Bay Tea Garden (2 Ellerby Lane), while Runswick Bay Cottages (runswickbaycottages.co.uk) has the pick of self-catering properties.