With the cost of commercial flights soaring and UK holiday destinations becoming more and more popular, we’ve handpicked a selection of places that keep transfer time to an absolute minimum. From cultured city breaks to classic beach destinations, Britain is full of inspiring getaways to suit all tastes. Wherever you are in the UK, you can be at any one of these coastal airports in under 90 minutes.
So, let’s get into the first of five British coastal destinations with their own airports.
George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast
Adjacent to Belfast Harbour, George Best Belfast City Airport provides one of the easiest routes into a U.K. capital city. Within just 10 minutes of arriving by private plane, you could be in the heart of this splendid city, where you can visit Ulster Hall, the Strand Cinema, and the Titanic Quarter.
Offering a gateway to Belfast, the airport is not necessarily known for its proximity to the British coastline, but if you have time, there is a world beyond the capital that you can explore at leisure. Less than thirty minutes from the airport, you can visit Carrickfergus, County Antrim’s oldest town and home to an iconic 12th-century castle. Bangor Marina is also just a twenty-minute drive, offering restaurants, bars, and several options for boat trips around this quaint coastline.
If you’re feeling restless and looking for something a little more adventurous, you can climb Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. This is a serious coastal expedition, with visitors to the mountain rewarded by stunning views of the Northern Irish coastline at the summit.
Cardiff Airport, Cardiff
Cardiff Airport is the only airport offering commercial passenger services in Wales. This makes it a great option for trips across Wales. Just an hour’s flight from London, you can be at Cardiff Bay Beach in about thirty minutes after deplaning. A hot spot for both locals and visitors, you can visit the Welsh Parliament building, the Senedd, or catch a show at the Wales Millennium Centre. The Cardiff Bay Barrage provides a flat, tarmac path so that you can breathe in the fresh sea air while soaking up the coastal views of this iconic British capital. Taxi boats also run hourly from Mermaid’s Quay, a stunning waterfront location with bars and restaurants.
Just twelve minutes from the airport, Whitmore Bay, commonly known as Barry Island Beach, offers long stretches of sand and soft waves and multicoloured beach huts. Famous as a filming location on the iconic TV show Gavin and Stacey, Barry Island is a popular pilgrimage for fans and is now home to a climbing wall, adventure golf course, and a recently renovated pleasure park.
Cornwall Airport Newquay, Newquay
Cornwall’s main commercial airport is fast becoming a key part of the region’s booming tourism sector. Bringing over £72 million into the Cornish economy every year, the airport is just a 12-minute drive from one of the U.K.’s most popular beaches, Newquay Beach. This makes Newquay one of the best destinations to visit in the U.K., especially via private charter. With less than half a million passengers annually, you can expect quick check-in times, speedy bag checks, and minimal delays between you and a variety of seaside experiences.
The airport’s three busiest routes include London Gatwick, Manchester, and Dublin, so you’re never far from a direct flight to Cornwall Airport Newquay, making it an effortless trip, even if it’s just for a weekend.
Bournemouth Airport, Bournemouth
Long-standing British holiday favourite, Bournemouth, is making a strong comeback as a popular tourist destination, appealing to both British and international travellers. Located on the British south coast, the drive to Bournemouth has traditionally been a tricky one from hubs like London or Manchester. The trip takes three hours from the capital or almost five hours from Manchester, but a charter flight will get you on the beach in under an hour.
If you’ve always wanted to visit a traditional British pier, Bournemouth’s Victorian Pier is one of the nation’s best, lined with fun arcades and family-friendly attractions. Home to a range of live events year-round, a climbing gym, and a zip line, you’ll find something for everyone at this 144-year-old landmark.
Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh
Another airport associated with the capital city in which it resides, Edinburgh Airport is also just 23 minutes from the British coast, and just a stone’s throw from plenty of lesser-visited beaches just waiting to be discovered. Cramond Beach, for example, is home to white-washed houses and a one-kilometre causeway that leads to Cramond Island at certain times of the day.
A little further afield, but still less than an hour’s drive from the airport, is Portobello. The most well-known coastal destination near Edinburgh is just three miles from the city centre and has become a bohemian hub in recent times. The beaches are wide, the coastline is rugged, and the locals are as friendly as anyone you’ll find in Scotland.
A Country Of Coastal Gems
With more coastline than Brazil, Mexico, and India, it’s no surprise that Britain is home to so many coastal gems, from huge cities to quiet beach towns. The region’s compact size also makes it incredibly efficient to fly from destination to destination, maximising time spent either on the beach or exploring historic centres. No matter how little time you have, there’s always a British coastal destination within reach.
Like it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
