Amy McPherson rounds up the very best things to do on the UK coast and what to see close to the coastline in June…
1. Connect with wild nature
Outer Hebrides, Western Isles | 21-28 June
Learn about the incredible creatures and habitats of these beautiful islands, located off the northwest coast of Scotland, at the annual, community-run Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival. From exhibitions of photographs and art to environmental workshops and guided walks, there are many ways for visitors to get involved, have fun and take action for nature(outerhebrideswildlifefestival.co.uk).
2. Watch the Sails!
Falmouth, Cornwall | 13-15 June
The annual Falmouth Classics regatta is back for another year of sailing spectacle. Along with watching the races and parades of classic boats, visitors can also enjoy entertaining performances at the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, which is being held at the same time (falmouthclassics.org.uk).
3. Walk England’s Riviera
Multiple locations, Devon | 14-22 June
Grab your poles and enjoy a week a the English Riviera Walking Festival. This year’s highlight is Agatha Christie’s ‘The Queen of Crime Waves’ trail, as well as music history walks to the tunes of musical icons (rivierawalking.co.uk).
4. Holiday with Dickens
Broadstairs, Kent | 13-15 June
Commemorate Charles Dickens at the Broadstairs Dickens Festival. The author was a regular visitor to the seaside town between 1837 and 1859, calling it ‘Our English Watering Place’. A weekend of period costume workshops, parades, live entertainment and beach picnics awaits lovers of literature (broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk).
5. Follow a Heritage Trail
Multiple locations, Vale of Glamorgan | 7 & 21 June
With 6,000 years of history, culture and beauty to explore, the Millennium Heritage Trail in the Vale of Glamorgan marks its silver anniversary in 2025. To celebrate, walking charity Valeways is organising a series of walks, with long and short options available (valeways.org.uk/millennium-heritage-trail).
6. Admire the Estuary
Multiple locations, Thames estuary | 21-29 June
The estuaries form a large part of our coast, and one way to admire these crossover landscapes is through the unique art and performances at Estuary Festival, which shines a spotlight on the stories, places and people of the Thames Estuary (estuaryfestival.com).
7. Sail the Isle
Cowes, Isle of Wight | 7 June
The Isle of Wight’s annual Round the Island Race is one of the largest yacht races in the world, attracting thousands of international sailors. Spectators can enjoy it from vantage points around the island (roundtheisland.org.uk).
8. Challenge Yourself
Tenby, Pembrokeshire | 27-29 June
Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, cyclist or ambitious triathlete, Long Course Weekend Wales welcomes athletes of all abilities to come along and challenge themselves. Plus, it’s taking place in and around Tenby, one of the most vibrant towns on the Pembrokeshire coast (lcwwales.com).
9. Celebrate Tradition
Portsoy, Aberdeenshire | 27 – 29 June
Showboats ahoy! The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival honours maritime culture and history with a flotilla of Scotland’s premier heritage boats in the pretty harbour of Portsoy. With activities for everyone and lively entertainment, this is a weekend of seafaring fun (stbfportsoy.org).
10. Thrill to Sea Skills
Kings Lynn, Norfolk | 21 – 22 June
The adrenaline-packed Hanseatic Festival of Watersports is returning to the historic waterfront. Witness the incredible speed and skill of waterski, powerboat and jetski races, watch demonstrations and stunt displays from the quayside, and enjoy the festival vibe (lovenorfolk.co.uk/events/hanseatic-festival-watersports).
