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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Travel
Chris Moss

Where tourists seldom tread, part 18: three seaside towns that defy the tides of fashion

Ayr beach, taking in views of the Firth of Clyde and the seaside town of Ayr on the west of Scotland.
The golden sweep of Ayr beach, taking in views of the Firth of Clyde and the seaside town on the west of Scotland. Photograph: Colin Fisher/Alamy

Tis the season to be beside the seaside – and to hype and critique coastal towns in surveys and rankings. I suppose lists of this year’s “in” and “out” resorts help tourists decide where to go; no point going to Skegness for Michelin-starred food, or to Salcombe for a laugh and cheap beer. Less obvious coastal towns provide more nuanced fare. Perhaps the most alluring spots are those where we don’t forget the sea. These three towns are routinely ranked last resorts or else ignored altogether, but they offer more than stuff to eat, drink, buy and post on socials – and are close to swimmable beaches.

Ayr, Ayrshire

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