There’s something extra refreshing about sipping a pint by the sea. Michael Clarke and Rebecca Pitcairn recommend some of the best UK pubs and bars on our shores…
1. Ship Inn, Porlock, Somerset
This rambling, thatched 15th century coaching inn at the foot of treacherous Porlock Hill is known locally as the ‘Top Ship’. Its three main interconnecting rooms, arranged around a cosy bar with a huge fireplace and wall-mounted ship’s wheel, exude charm and individuality – one staircase showcases impressive Lego models! It also offers accommodation in characterful rooms and a large beer garden. shipinnporlock.co.uk
2. Harbour Inn, Portrush, Antrim
Right by the quayside, this pub is crammed with historical and sporting mementoes. The back room’s wooden bench seating and tightly packed tables create an intimate air that fosters spontaneous conversation between strangers. On a busy evening, drinkers spill into the corridor connecting the two bars as slowly settling pints of Guinness stack up in the front bar. ramorerestaurant.com/restaurant/harbour-bar/
3. The Crown and Anchor, Chichester, West Sussex
If quayside views are what you’re after, then they don’t get much better than The Crown and Anchor at Dell Quay Marina, Chichester. Inside, this cosy 16th century pub is beautifully lit by the bay picture windows that frame the pretty harbour view, but it is the expansive waterside terrace, which comes into its own in the spring and summer months, that really set this hidden gem apart.
Slide into one of the chunky wooden ‘booths’ and dine on the finest seafood – think platters of Maldon and Carlingford Lough oysters, St Austell Mussels and whole Cornish Sole – or, if you really want to push the boat out, book their ‘Catch & Cook’ experience, which includes a fishing trip from Chichester Harbour with local company Something Fishy. crownandanchorchichester.com
4. Lulworth Cove Inn, Lulworth Cove, Dorset
The pastel-painted Lulworth Cove Inn sits just steps away from what is, arguably, the most stunning seaside spot on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The large terrace is perfect for lazy lunches in the sunshine, while looking over the pretty blue waters that the crescent shaped pebble cove is famous for.
Should you want to walk off said lunch – head up the steep path to the iconic Durdle Door natural limestone arch and marvel at yet more sea views. Come evening, venture inside where original features sit side-by-side with tasteful nautical interior design and comfy bedrooms, with views across the cove, await. hall-woodhouse.co.uk/pub/lulworth-cove-inn
5. The Crossing, Hest Bank, Lancashire
The Crossing is a former cafe but now a welcoming ‘micropub’ named both after the adjacent level crossing (one of the last on the West Coast mainline) and the ancient route across the Morecambe Bay sandbanks. Enjoy sweeping views or warm yourself by the stove in the centre of the lounge with its railway memorabilia while sampling the pub’s excellently kept real ale. tinyurl.com/3f7kcpwm
6. Ship and Castle, Aberystwyth
Hidden in the back streets near Aberystwyth Castle, this welcoming pub reflects the laid-back charm of mid-Wales’s largest coastal town. The Ship and Castle expresses its maritime heritage with carved boats adorning the walls and a ship’s wheel mounted above the traditional stove. Beer enthusiasts can order a “five-pump platter” to sample each of the pub’s five real ales. tinyurl.com/4kwwjda2
7. The Bay, Port Erin, Isle of Man
Perched above one of the Isle of Man’s most picturesque beaches, this traditional pub, with its striking blue façade, oozes local charm. In the summer months The Bay hosts beach concerts featuring local bands, while its interior brims with unique memorabilia, including a one-of-a-kind photo of Beatles legend John Lennon on Port Erin beach.
But nothing beats soaking up the views of the sun setting on the horizon from the promenade patio with a pint of ale from the local Bushy Brewery in hand. bayporterin.com
8. Still and West, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Enjoy close-up views of Royal Navy ships, ferries and smaller boats passing into Portsmouth Harbour from the enclosed terrace of the Still and West. The pub, in Old Portsmouth, sits on the side of the harbour wall at its narrowest point. There’s an outdoor drinking area while the inside features fireplaces, nautically themed ceiling murals and armchairs in which to sip the Fullers beers. stillandwest.co.uk
9. The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk
Overlooking the tidal marshland of north Norfolk – an area of outstanding natural beauty – The White Horse offers a more rugged outlook of the UK’s coastline. Enjoy the views to Scolt Head Island and the sea beyond from the huge all-weather terrace or head indoors to the upstairs restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows.
A haven for birdwatchers – redshanks and oystercatchers are a common sighting, as well as pink-footed and Brent geese in winter – the pub has rooms too and won The Good Hotel Guide 2025 César Award for Best Hotel in East Anglia. whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk
10. Teuchters Landing, Leith, Lothian
Located in the rejuvenated harbour area, the pub is a conversion of the waiting room for the old Leith-Aberdeen ferry service. The well-preserved bar, decorated with saltires, Scottish place names and rugby memorabilia, offers a vast range of whiskies. On the adjoining dockside there are additional bars and extensive outdoor seating, including what’s believed to be Scotland’s only licensed bridge. teuchtersbar.co.uk
11. Tigh Neachtain, Galway, Co Galway
This ancient-feeling warren of a pub in the Latin Quarter is one of Galway’s leading traditional music and cultural venues. Two atmospheric bars are joined by corridors linking intimate corner snugs and partitioned booths. The wooden-floored rooms overflow with eccentric decoration: the walls feature nautical prints, maps, books and an old bath! Fresh flowers and fairy lights add to the pub’s charm. tighneachtain.com
12. The New Inn, Tresco, Isles of Scilly
The only pub on Tresco Island, The New Inn is adorned with marine relics and offers views of the spectacular sunsets over New Grimsby. Visitors can prop up the Driftwood Bar, gather around a table in the wreck wood-lined snug, soak up the sun and crystal clear sea views on the sheltered terrace, or grab a table by the window in the Pavilion, where head chef Liam Caves and his team serve up a creative menu of great British classics with a Tresco twist. tresco.co.uk/eating/new-inn
13. The Swan Inn, Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
Grade II listed and a pub since 1785, The Swan Inn has been a favourite haunt of sailors, fisherman, locals and even royal photographer Norman Parkinson, who used to enter the pub through its picture windows.
Sitting right on Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the pub has a rustic yet cool vibe with log fires, a central bar made from a 19th century elders pew from a Rhondda Valley chapel, and window seats that overlook the harbour. It’s famed locally for small plates focusing on Welsh cheeses and charcuterie and real ales served from the barrel. facebook.com/TheSwanLittleHaven
14. T ŷ Coch Inn, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd
With no cars allowed, visitors to the T ŷ Coch Inn must travel the last mile on foot, either along the beach at low tide or via a footpath through a golf club. The walk is rewarded by stunning views from the breathtaking location on a beach sheltered by Carreg Ddu headland. The pub attracts lively summer crowds but is a tranquil haven out of season. tycoch.co.uk
15. Badachro Inn, Badachro, Invernessshire
Badachro is a remote, picturesque fishing village just off the North Coast 500 route. The Badachro Inn faces the waters of Loch Gairloch. The pub’s wooden outside deck offers magnificent mountain views across the sheltered bay. The comfortable, low-ceilinged bar entertains local fishermen and visitors with Scottish ales and a menu specialising in locally caught seafood. A converted horsebox also serves pizzas. badachroinn.com
16. The Old Forge, Knoydart Peninsula, Scottish Highlands
Sandwiched between Lochs Nevis and Hourn, Knoydart is one of the most unspoilt places in Scotland – probably because there are no roads in or out; it’s only accessible by boat or an 18-mile hike over the mountains but the views are worth the trek.
Formerly a blacksmith’s, The Old Forge pub sits in the small village of Invernie, on the south shore of the Knoydart peninsula, and is owned and run by the 130-strong local community. Order a pint of house ale, brewed just up the road at Knoydart Brewery, pull up a pew and soak up the craic. theoldforge.co.uk
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17. Driftwood Spars, Trevaunance Cove, Cornwall
A rugged stone building constructed from ship’s spars (hence the name) close to the beach near St Agnes. The split-level interior is homely and welcoming with ships’ clocks and other maritime decoration, serving beers from the pub’s own brewery. In the summer, the pub takes on a surfer vibe with the lively beer garden featuring a “Crab Shack” and hosting live music performances. driftwoodspars.co.uk
18. Ship Inn, Dunwich, Suffolk
This charming Tudor pub is virtually all that survives from the once thriving medieval village of Dunwich. The low-beamed, flagstoned saloon bar would be a cosy place to sit out a North Sea gale. A flight of steps out of the back door leads to a delightful terraced garden. overlooked by a vast fig tree that’s reputedly two hundred years old. shipatdunwich.co.uk
19. The Smugglers Inn, Weymouth, Dorset
One of the main landing places for smuggled goods in the 17th century, and rumoured to be the headquarters of the infamous French smuggler Pierre Latour, this picture postcard 13th century thatched pub has breathtaking views over the Isle of Portland.
Located on the clifftops above the rugged, unspoilt beach at Osmington Mills, The Smugglers Inn has a pretty, tiered terrace with a stream running through it and unbeatable views of boats coming into Weymouth Harbour. You can walk here from Weymouth along the cliff-top coastal path in about an hour. hall-woodhouse.co.uk/pub/the-smugglers-inn
20. Belle Vue Tavern, Pegwell Bay, Kent
This Shepherd Neame pub, in Ramsgate, has such great views across Pegwell Bay and out to The Channel that it’s earnt the nickname the ‘Balcony of Kent’. The watering hole’s history dates to the early 18th century, when smuggling tunnels linked the pub to cottages across the road, and contraband was cached in the tavern’s cellars.
Later, in the early 19th century, the inn’s patron John Cramp received the royal appointment Purveyor of Essence of Shrimps after the Duchess of Kent and her daughter Princess Victoria visited. South facing, the rear terrace is the perfect spot to soak up some Kentish sun, breathe in the sea air and enjoy spectacular sunsets across the bay. thebellevuetavern.co.uk
21. Fountain Head Inn, Branscombe, Devon
At the western ‘street’ end of this famously long east Devon coastal village, the Fountain Head Inn distils the essence of a traditional English pub with its half-timbered ceilings, dark wood panelling and stone floors. A huge inglenook fireplace fills the front bar with the scent of burning logs, while customers enjoy locally brewed Branscombe beers and local ciders on sturdy wooden benches. fountainheadinn.com
22. Dreel Tavern, Anstruther, Fife
The Dreel Tavern is tucked a short distance away from Anstruther harbour in the East Neuk of Fife. The formidable stone building has housed a coaching inn for at least 300 years. A large dining area serves locally sourced menus, including East Neuk seafood. The homely bar has an open fire and a sunny beer garden overlooks the Dreel Burn. dreeltavern.co.uk
23. St Bride’s Inn, Little Haven, Pembrokeshire
A short stroll up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from the sheltered beach at Little Haven, the St Bride’s Inn provides a warm welcome for both the seasonal tourist trade and local villagers. On fine summer evenings, the beer garden over the road is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed pint. The pub has a close association with the local RNLI lifeboat station. saintbridesinn.co.uk
24. The Ship Inn Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
The oldest pub in Saltburn, The Ship Inn dates to the 1800s when it was owned by John Andrew, who was known locally as the ‘King of Smugglers’. The original pub remains standing today, albeit extensions and improvements have been made over the years.
The most recent was a six-figure refurb in 2023 including a 250-seater beer garden making the most of views across the Victorian seaside resort and pier – the last remaining in Yorkshire. Traditional fish and chips are served from the outside food hut and, on Fridays throughout summer, a local DJ takes to the decks to play chilled-out classics while guests enjoy sundowners on the terrace. greeneking.co.uk/pubs/north-yorkshire/ship-inn
25. The Seagate, Appledore, north Devon
Situated in the heart of the pretty fishing village of Appledore, The Seagate is the perfect base to explore the dramatic coastline of north Devon’s South West Coastal Path and breathe in gallons of glorious fresh Atlantic sea air.
In a nod to the 17th century inn’s waterfront location, it is decorated in nautical blue tones and the menu is dominated by fresh seafood caught nearby. Outside, the sea view terrace has four fully-covered and heated pods so you can drink and dine ‘al fresco’ well into the cooler months. There are also 17 rooms spread across the pub and The Quay’, a converted sail loft just moments away, with family and dog friendly rooms available. theseagate.co.uk
26. Old Inn, Carbost, Isle of Skye
The Old Inn sits on the shores of Loch Harport in Skye, offering spectacular views of the Cuillin mountains from its waterside seating area. The pub has an accompanying bunk house. Several rooms with plenty of space for diners lead off the main bar. This offers a good selection of rare Talisker single malt whiskies, the famous distillery being just over the road. theoldinnskye.co.uk
27. Leo’s Tavern, Meenaleck, County Donegal
Close to the west Donegal coast and overlooked by the Derryveagh Mountains, Leo’s bar is a haven of conviviality. It has an impeccable traditional music pedigree as founder Leo’s family includes three members of Irish folk band Clannad and their solo artist sister, Enya. The youngest brother, Bartley Brennan, runs the pub and musical memorabilia covers the walls. The pub also offers glamping pods. leostavern.com
28. RT Cafe Grill, Ryde, Isle of Wight
More of a bar than a pub as such, but we couldn’t not include this new concept from chef Robert Thompson MBE for its stunning views across The Solent. Situated in the Royal Maritime House in Ryde, this chic drinking spot has 180-degree sea views and a vantage point for some of the best sunsets in the country from the private garden and terrace. The adjoining restaurant won Best New Restaurant at the 2024 Restaurant Awards, so you know the bar snacks are going to be good too. robertthompson.co.uk
29. The Working Boat, Falmouth, Cornwall
With private pontoons free for punters, you can moor up and arrive at The Working Boat straight from the water. Established in 1876 and rebuilt in 2015, the pub was originally used as the inn above’s tap room but when it became a hotel, the pub remained, becoming the base for oystermen to ‘refresh’ themselves after a long day out on the boat.
These days, as well as being home to the Falmouth Working Boat Association, the pub is all about inclusive family fun; kids can enjoy throwing crab lines over the harbour wall, while the adults dine on a comforting, nostalgic menu of dishes such as fish finger sandwiches, liver and bacon and jam roly-poly. theworkingboat.co.uk
30. Tinner’s Arms, Zennor, Cornwall
The rustic, wood-panelled bar of the Tinner’s Arms, with its two rugged stone fireplaces, makes it easy to imagine that little has changed since novelist D.H. Lawrence was a customer – or even from the pub’s establishment in 1271. It enjoys a spectacularly windswept location by St. Senara’s church in Zennor at the tip of Cornwall. Fortunately, the secluded garden is a glorious suntrap. tinnersarms.com
