Amy McPherson rounds up the very best things to do on the UK coast and what to see close to the coastline this month…
1. WALK THE ISLE – Isle of Wight
10-18 May
Spring is the best time for energising walks through crisp meadows splashed with wild blooms, and along coastal paths alive with seabirds. See nature awaken from its winter lull at the Spring Walking Festival on the Isle of Wight (isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk).
2. GET OUT THERE – Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
29-31 May
Out There is a fabulous, family-friendly festival which takes place in various locations around Great Yarmouth over three action-packed days. It offers breathtaking spectacles, quirky comedy and plenty of seaside silliness! The festival has built a reputation for world-class artistic quality, showing new and diverse work, with international collaboration and innovative community engagement. Plus, it’s free to enjoy – although donations are welcome (outtherearts.org.uk).
3. COMMEMORATE OPERATION DYNAMO – Ramsgate, Kent
16-26 May
This year marks the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, a rescue mission to evacuate British, French and Belgian troops from Dunkirk. Commemoration events will be held throughout Ramsgate and the Royal Harbour, including marching band parades, tours of paddle steamer
The Medway Queen, and a flotilla of Little Ships that played a crucial role during this rescue mission (visitthanet.co.uk/operationdynamo).
4. SPOT WILDLIFE – Chichester Harbour, Sussex
Throughout 2025
From seals, to wading birds, to an abundance of crustaceans, mussels and fish in the water, Chichester Harbour is teeming with wildlife. Get on board Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s eco-friendly boat, The Solar Heritage, or visit the Education Centre to learn about the marine creatures surrounding the harbour (boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk).
5. FORAGE FOR WILD ASPARAGUS – Sandwich Bay, Kent
18 May
Join a bike tour with a difference – Le Tour de Forage! While exploring the coast between Sandwich and Deal on two wheels, you’ll learn the art of foraging responsibly for wild asparagus on a sandy beach with The Wild Kitchen. A four-course gourmet wild food picnic is included (thewildkitchen.net).
6. RETREAT FOR WELLBEING – Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire
23-26 May
Take a long weekend to focus on your own wellbeing at The Big Retreat Festival in picturesque Lawrenny, a village within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. With more than 300 experiences to choose from, including activities on the water, yoga sessions, musical performances and foraging workshops, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy (thebigretreatfestival.com).
7. FEAST ON THE BEACH – St Ives, Cornwall
16-18 May
Spend a delicious weekend on Porthminster Beach to celebrate Cornish produce and culinary talent at the St Ives Food & Drink Festival. Among a great selection of food stalls, the festival will also feature a line-up of chef demonstrations as well as concerts after sunset (stivesfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk).
8. APPRECIATE THE WRITTEN WORD – Fowey, Cornwall
9-17 May
Always much anticipated, Cornwall’s du Maurier Fowey Literary Festival is an annual celebration of arts and literature. Expect a programme filled with literary and music events and exhibitions – plenty of them associated with author Daphne du Maurier, who was one of Fowey’s most famous residents (foweyfestival.com).
9. RUN, SAIL, RUN! – West coast of Scotland
Starts 16 May
A duathlon of sorts, the Scottish Islands Peaks Race is not just any sailing race. Cheer on the teams competing in this challenging event as they run – sail – run – sail from Oban to several nearby islands (scottishislandspeaksrace.com).
10. ENJOY NORTH ANTRIM – Rathlin, County Antrim
23 May – 1 June
Experience the culture of Rathlin Island and Ballycastle on the North Antrim Coast at the Rathlin Sound Festival. You’ll be able to enjoy arts and crafts, workshops, live performances, guided walks and local food tastings. Last year’s event included sand sculpting, sea shanties and sports taster sessions held on and by the water (Facebook.com/RathlinSoundFestival)
