Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishOh, I do like to be beside the seaside, as the old song goes. But better yet, with a cold beer in hand at a British pub.I’ve long been a fan of the UK’s unique pub culture and, wherever I go in the country, I always make sure I check out the local locals.I’m particularly fond of pubs by the sea – on beaches or clifftops, next to harbours or marinas, on estuaries or wharves, where you can combine those two very British recreations of hoping the weather holds and supping a pint.My fondness for these places started when our children were young and finding somewhere we could enjoy a drink while they made sandcastles or played in rockpools was as close as parenting could realistically get to being relaxing and fun. John Sturgis visits a seaside pub with his dogs, who love to warm themselves by the fireAnd despite the fact that those children are now older, the habit has stuck, and I still can’t help scoping any new area for pubs, particularly seaside ones.In all, I’ve been to 3,000 pubs across Britain. Here’s a list of my all-time favourites on the coast. Some aren’t strictly by the sea but are around the corner from it – on an estuary or just behind a promenade. I’ve also admitted a fair few from which you can’t strictly see salt water – but that’s more a quirk of topography or street design because you can practically smell it from the bar.The main qualification here is simply that they’re good pubs in fine locations. And these really are. Cheers!SOUTH EASTYe Olde White Harte, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex This red brick and wood inn is set in an attractive yachty town with its own marina on the Dengie peninsula where the River Crouch widens into the sea. The pub, which sits on the river, dates from the 1650s – and you can feel the history. It’s very atmospheric on a sunny day or during a storm.The Rose and Crown, Wivenhoe, Essex On maps, this small town looks like it’s inland but when you visit you realise it has long been a port, sheltered by Mersea Island from the wild North Sea weather. It’s one of the prettiest corners of the county and this is my favourite of several pubs despite being owned by my least favourite brewery, Greene King. But its sublime location outweighs this drawback – you can watch yachts go by from the outside tables.The Crooked Billet, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex The by-the-sea portion of Leigh is a pretty and compact former fishing village bordered by a train line and dwarfed by its own suburbs and even bigger neighbour, Southend. It has that slightly olden days atmosphere of day-tripping Cockneys eating cockles with vinegar and sinking pints of bitter – and nothing wrong with that. There are several pubs but this 16th century wood panelled charmer is possibly the pick of them, with the Thames Estuary meeting the North Sea right behind it.The Queen’s Head, Maldon, Essex Another Essex pub on a river estuary – this one is on the Chelmer just before it enters the sea. The buzzy popular pub overlooks tidal mudflats in Maldon, where they hold the whacky annual mud race.The Tudor Rose, Upnor, Kent The charming, slightly ramshackle village of Upnor on the Medway estuary looks out over bigger neighbours, Chatham and Rochester. It has a castle and, pleasingly, a disproportionate number of pubs – and for me the nicest of them is The Tudor Rose which has good beers and nautical decor. Quite a lovely place to stop after a scenic dog walk.The Old Neptune, Whitstable, Kent The best-known pub in a quite pubby town which is a favourite for daytripping Londoners is The Old Neptune. It’s a classic on-the-shingle beachside boozer which is well run and popular for a reason.Zetland Arms, Kingsdown, Kent This extraordinary pub’s beer garden merges with the shingle of the beach. The white cliffs of Dover are visible too. It’s one of those pubs I’ve been recommended dozens of times – once you’ve been you want to tell others to go. It’s a brewery pub but one of the best: the local Shepherd Neame.The Albion, Hastings, East Sussex There’s any number of good pubs in Hastings and its twin town, St Leonards, but perhaps the closest to the seafront is The Albion. When I was here last December, there was a gale blowing that was so strong it almost knocked me over. I have rarely been so pleased to get inside a pub as I was then – a cosy afternoon ensued.Britannia Inn, Dungeness, Kent This pub may not be everyone’s taste visually – architecturally it’s one of those forbidding pubs on the edge of a rundown housing estate rather than a traditional Georgian inn – but this remains a belter and enduringly popular because of its location right on the edge of one of the country’s most atmospheric beaches, at haunting Dungeness.The Tiger Inn, East Dean, East Sussex Set on the Sussex Downs between Eastbourne and Seaford, this pub is perched just above the finest beach for miles, Birling Gap. You can’t see the sea – it’s behind you, as they say in panto – but you can certainly sense it. The village is flint cottage perfection and the pub, said to date from the 12th century, is wonderfully cosy with local Harvey’s on tap.Crown and Anchor, Chichester, West Sussex This very fine and often bustling 16th century inn is set on a spectacular natural harbour in Chichester that has been a boating mecca since the Romans invaded. There are mudflats at the bottom of the beer garden and the sunsets can be spectacular.The Anchor Bleu, Bosham, West Sussex This nicely run pub in the boaty corner of Bosham, one of the prettiest and most historic villages in the south-east, can be crowded in summer. But it’s certainly worth the trip. Watch where you park as some spots will be underwater at high tide.The Lord Raglan at Emsworth, Hampshire A third and final pub on the fingers of waters that make up Chichester Harbour, this time on the north end, The Lord Raglan is a fine-looking, flint-fronted traditional inn whose beer garden to the rear looks out over a cluster of yachts with the promise of the sea beyond.The Ship Inn, Lymington, Hampshire With the boat-busy Solent before it, the New Forest behind, and a ferry port nearby, The Ship Inn is a lovely place to stop for a pint on the way to or from the Isle of Wight.The Old Fort, Seaview, Isle of Wight Because of its geography, the Isle of Wight is particularly blessed with seaside pubs and there are a number of contenders for the best – particularly the Waterfront Bar in Totland Bay on the west side. But I’ve gone for this beauty on the east. It offers panoramic views of the Solent and serves half decent food as well as beer.SOUTH WESTCove House Inn, Portland, Dorset Another pub right on a shingle beach – but what a beach. Chesil is a natural phenomenon, and the Cove House sits at the end of it, nudging the stones. Simple and unfussy inside and out, the setting beneath the looming Portland Bill is just magnificent.Smuggler’s Inn, Osmington Mills, Dorset This sound old inn sits just above a small cove on the edge of the Jurassic Coast, away from the bustle of nearby Weymouth. You can’t quite see the sea as the original architects were evidently keener to avoid the bad weather than enjoy the views. But it’s still a delightful location and the path to the beach leads out of the beer garden.The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers, Dorset A legendary pub that’s not just among the finest in Dorset but, for me, in the whole country. Just above the Channel at Dancing Ledge, it manages to be authentically historic without being twee. The boutique fossil museum is a nice touch too. The first time I ever went, 25 years ago, the fog was so thick we were scared to leave once we’d found it which made for a very cosy afternoon.The Masons Arms, Branscombe, Devon A fine-looking 14th century boozer, well run with good beers, in a lovely valley setting just above a good beach. It’s a delight.The Blue Anchor, Brixham, Devon This 400-year-old pub right on the waterfront of a picturesque working fishing port harbour is at the centre of rising tiers of white and pastel-coloured houses that twinkle at night. Perfect place for a pint.The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island, Devon I’ve only been here once – almost 20 years ago – but I still think of it often. We paid a small fortune to spend a weekend on the island which has a very chic Art Deco hotel famously associated with Agatha Christie. But it was this wonderful pub I more naturally gravitated towards. The Easter weather was so topsy turvy that I swam in the sea in the morning and it snowed in the afternoon. The Pilchard was the ideal place to warm up. Must go back…Cadgwith Cove Inn, Cadgwith, CornwallThis pub is at the heart of one of the prettiest villages in a county famous for pretty villages – where fishing boats are moored on the tiny sandy cove beach. It’s picture postcard stuff and the pub is the perfect place to enjoy it.The Devonport Inn, Kingsand, Cornwall This pub is just inside Cornwall rather than Devon, as it’s across the River Tamar, which separates the two counties as much as their views on how to serve scones. Gorgeous and well-run, the pub is set in a stunning position on Rame Head.Ferry Boat Inn, Helford, CornwallPerfectly situated on the sheltered waters of the river Helford with a backdrop of whitewashed cottages tumbling down wooded hillsides towards the waterfront, this 300-year-old inn has been smartly modernised without losing its soul. Sip on a pint while watching bobbing boats moored on the beach in front.The Star and Garter, Falmouth, Cornwall This has become increasingly foodie but they’ll still welcome drinkers only so it remains a pub – if with a gastro accent. And that’s good news, because the drinks are well-chosen and the views across to pretty St Mawes with all the boats on Falmouth harbour in between are enticing.The Ship Inn, Mousehole, CornwallAn unspoiled gem situated right on the compact harbour of this famously attractive small fishing port, The Ship is a wonderful place from which to watch the world go by.Pandora Inn, Restronguet Creek, Cornwall Another ridiculously attractive Cornish gem: a thatched, creekside inn in the inlet above Falmouth dating back to the 13th century. Inside it’s a maze of small rooms and, in winter, open fires.The Watering Hole, Perranporth, Cornwall This isn’t what you might call a proper pub at all. In fact, it looks more like something you might find on Bondi Beach rather than in Poldark Land. Built quite literally in the middle of a sandy beach, it’s wildly popular, particularly, of course, at the height of summer, and it’s great fun if you’re in the right mood… so why not.Port Gaverne Inn, Port Isaac, CornwallThis textbook smugglers’ cove pub is set in yet another idyllic Cornish setting – a secluded historic village on the north coast of the county. Lovely boozer, good beers – well worth a detour.The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall Rock is about as moneyed as moneyed Cornwall gets – and its nickname ‘Chelsea-on-sea’ is well-earned. So, it’s no surprise to find that this is more a high-end restaurant than a traditional boozer and regularly features on lists of the best gastropubs in the country. But if you can afford to eat here, it’s a treat. And if you can’t, they’ll still serve you drinks. It has amazing views over the Camel estuary.The Wreckers Retreat at Hartland Quay Hotel, Hartland, DevonIs it a pub? Is it a hotel? When it has this amazing location, frankly, who cares? This complex is on a windswept rocky headland looking out over stormy seas. Even for an area that fetishes smuggling generally, there is a rich irony in the fact that this building was once occupied by local customs officers.Red Lion, Clovelly, DevonThis rather grand pub hotel looks a little like the original 18th century builders were trying to summon the spirit of a French chateau. It’s set right on the very picturesque harbour with a sandy beach directly behind it. And, sensibly, the visitor car park is above the quay so none of the sublime views are compromised by massive SUVs. Bliss.The Bottom Ship Inn, Porlock Weir, SomersetThis historic thatched inn is set in a town blessed with a number of decent pubs – there’s also a Top Ship Inn, and others. But The Bottom Ship Inn is a lovely spot overlooking the Bristol Channel and just above a small beach.WALESThe Old Point House, Angle, PembrokeshireThis classic and historic Welsh white-painted long house pub is set just along from a lifeboat station in Milford Haven, a huge natural harbour. The pub was an old family favourite of ours and we were bereft when it shut five years ago. But, thankfully, it’s back in business and its charms are undiminished.The Sloop, Porthgain, PembrokeshireThe coastal path goes by the front door of this gorgeous harbour front inn. There are dramatic cliffs and top-notch beaches nearby and, if that’s not enough, the unique ‘Blue Lagoon’ flooded quarry where brave/reckless tombstoners (including once, and never again, me) dive from terrifying heights. The Shed, just opposite, serves fish fresh off the boats.Teifi Waterside Hotel, St Dogmaels, Ceredigion Another ‘Is it pub or a hotel? Who cares’ type situation. In fact, the pleasingly ramshackle Ferry Inn just up the river road is probably a better bet for pub purists, but the Teifi Waterside is just so well-located for the lovely corner that is Poppit Sands, where the Teifi river meets the Irish Sea, and the ever changing weather is reflected off the beach. So, the pub garden is a delight on a sunny day.The Ship, Aberporth, CeredigionCharming views are on tap at this fine and substantial pub perched just above a rocky cove with a sandy beach – as are a decent selection of beers. The likeable pub is at the heart of this attractive town.The Ship at Tresaith, Ceredigion This is just a mile or so long the coast from its namesake at Aberporth. And it is, if anything, even more deserving of a visit, as it offers expansive views of Cardigan Bay. Unlike the smaller, cosier cove at Aberporth this has much bigger views of the vast expanse of Cardigan Bay. It’s a cracking pub.The Pentre Arms, Llangrannog, Ceredigion The third of three great seaside pubs in a line along the coast here – and although the previous two are great, this one is my favourite. And that’s because of the atmosphere coming from the huge window that sits right above the beach from which you can watch the weather. It’s stunning when it’s sunny and cosy in a storm. Terrific pub.The Black Lion, New Quay, Ceredigion Another pub with ‘Dylan Thomas got hammered here’ credentials, The Black Lion sits proudly at the heart of this wonderful small harbour town, just next door to the lifeboat station. On my last visit we saw porpoises swimming just off the beach. It’s never a bad idea to swing by.Inn at the Sticks, Llansteffan, CarmarthenshireAs with so many Welsh pubs, Inn at the Sticks is within a short distance of both a castle and a fine beach. It’s terrifically well-run of late with good beer, good food and an accent on local produce. And that beach is glorious.Brown’s Hotel, Laugharne, CarmarthenshireIs this a seaside pub? Maybe not in the sense that many on this list are. Its claim to fame comes from its close association with poet Dylan Thomas who was, of course, a bit of a fan of pubs himself – to excess. But it’s an absolutely classic boozer and it’s only about 70 yards from ‘the heron priested shore’ as Thomas described the Taf Estuary, which he would look out on from his writing hut just behind Brown’s. A quite lovely town/shore/pub combination – and, as it’s Wales, there’s a castle too.Ty Coch Inn, Pwllheli Gwynedd, WalesThis pub right on a beach on the LLŷn Peninsula is infamous – and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why. It’s unforgettable. It’s also quite idiosyncratic, there’s none of your conventional pub car park stuff; you need to walk down a fair way (literally – you are passing a golf course). Last time I was here, during the Euros in 2021, the day after England beat Germany, it was so sunny it felt like being in Ibiza. We swam between drinks to cool off.Oyster Catcher, Rhosneigr, Anglesey Like the Isle of Wight, the geography here means there are a number of solid contenders for the island’s best seaside pub. But this is mine. Rather than a traditional inn, it’s a purpose-built modern building; a kind of giant chalet which comes with 360-degree views over the extensive windswept sand dunes of Tywyn Llyn. A bit different then but very likeable.The Worms Head, Hotel, Rhossili, The GowerSpectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop above the curving sands of the famous beach which is named after, The Worms Head is a delightful place to recover after a surfing session – or where to avoid one.The Rhos Fynach, Rhos-on-Sea, ConwySet in a quieter spot on the peninsula between busier Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, this pub began life in the 12th century as a monastery. Nowadays, though, it’s more associated with monkfish than monks. It’s right on the fine sandy beach so a recurring summer favourite.NORTH WESTThe Sir Henry Segrave, Southport I don’t want to be accused of snootiness so there has to be a Wetherspoons on this list somewhere – and what better branch than this. Only a Victorian pleasure gardens separates this from the golden sands of the beach at pleasant Southport. It’s a fine pub, cheap as chips, of course, and they’ve just spent money on improving it.The Pier Inn, Lytham St Annes, LancashireA newish micropub just behind the Promenade along the beach at Lytham St Annes, you can’t quite see the sea but it’s a lovely enterprise just yards from a fine town beach. And its heart is definitely in the right place so it makes the cut.The Bourne Arms, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire This decent and unpretentious pub is set in a very fine location alongside the River Wyre where it flows out into spectacular Morecambe Bay. It has views of the Lakeland Fells too. What a fine corner.The Midland, Morecambe, Lancashire Ok, strictly speaking this is a bar in a hotel rather than a pub – but what a hotel and what a beach. It’s one of the finest art deco buildings we have, simply gorgeous inside and out. And the sands at Morecambe which it overlooks are justly renowned. Plus, its owners stress it has ‘the convivial atmosphere of a great British pub’, so I’m letting it in.The Lifeboat Inn, Maryport, Cumbria The vast majority the memorable inns in Cumbria are found inland in the Lake District. But there are still coastal vistas – and pubs – to enjoy. Like this honest boozer above a working harbour on the Solway Firth facing out to the Isle of Man.NORTH EASTThe Crown and Anchor, Lindisfarne, Northumberland There are two pubs on Lindisfarne – Holy Island, the historic monk sanctuary accessed by a tidal causeway – and they’re both good. But I’m choosing The Crown over The Ship simply because its location is so magical, with the ancient priory just behind it. And the Crown is marginally nearer the sea. But seriously, go to either – or go to both. Just go. It’s really extraordinary and the pubs are a key part of the charm.The Old Ship Inn, Seahouses, NorthumberlandAn old harbour pub in an attractive fishing village just south of spectacular Bamburgh, The Old Ship is a cracker. It’s got the patina of age that comes from 200 years of facing some pretty full-on weather and it makes the perfect shelter from a storm – or to get out of the occasional sunshine.The Ship Inn, Low Newton, Northumberland A recent discovery and a new all-time favourite of mine, this whitewashed old inn looks across the sands towards a castle under enormous skies. The crab sandwiches are perfect, the excellent beer made in the microbrewery outback and the whole thing unspoiled and unhurried. Pub perfection.The Jolly Fisherman, Craster, Northumberland Another one with crab sandwiches – famous crab sandwiches. They’re so famous, in fact, that it’s mostly rammed. The seafood mood is enhanced by the smokehouse next door which wafts the aroma of kippers across this charming small port town. It deserves its reputation but do try to book if you want to eat.The Tynemouth Castle Inn, Tynemouth, North TynesideNot unlike The Midland in Morecambe, this too is a beautiful art deco building which overlooks a glorious town beach at this loveable seaside town that’s at the outer edge of the urban sprawl of greater Newcastle. But, unlike The Midland, it feels much pubbier inside. Recently spruced up and all the better for it, a perfect beach bar on a really good beach.The Sand Dancer, South Shields, South TynesideAnother likeable pub right on a town beach with, as the name suggests, sands. The beach is popular so the pub is popular too – an enduring local favourite and well worth swinging by.The Cod and Lobster, Staithes, North Yorkshire Another northern harbour town – another cracking pub right on that harbour. Staithes is particularly pretty; rows of white and pastel houses with red tiled roofs rise up from the harbour with the Crab and Lobster in the centre of the frame. Very ‘Instagramable’, as they say. In a great storm in the 1950s the whole front of the pub was washed into the sea. You wouldn’t know it’s a rebuilt facade now – it feels harmonious, as you will if you stop by.The Ship Inn, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North YorkshireThis pub is set right above the sands of this small town just south of Middlesbrough. The only downer is that it’s a Greene King pub – see earlier. But you can’t have everything – and The Ship has everything else you could wish for. They make a good job of it too.The White House Inn, Whitby, North YorkshireThere are lots of pubs in this hugely popular, definitive northern seaside town, some very good indeed. But none can rival this one, just on the edge of the town, for geography. It’s well run and welcoming. And the beach beneath it is terrific, particularly for dog walkers like me.The Laurel Inn, Robin Hood’s Bay, North YorkshireOut-of-towners visiting this 300-year-old inn now have to park on the cliff above and walk down – which has improved the place as it’s wildly popular. But it’s not just motorists who visit – it’s also an obligatory stop off for coastal path walkers. There are several pubs in this bijou fishing village but this is probably the pick of them as it’s atmospheric and cosy after any walk, whether ten miles along the cliffs or 200 yards from the carpark.Old Scalby Mills, Scarborough, Yorkshire I love Scarborough. It has amazing beaches and it’s teeming with pubs. This one, just on the edge of the town, is as fine as any. Set in an old watermill, it has terrific sea views and is lively and very user-friendly.The Three B’s, Bridlington, YorkshireSimilarly to its counterpart in the Northwest, The Pier Inn in Lytham St Annes, The Three B’s isn’t your traditional chunky inn bang on the coast with a view – like so many pubs on this long list are. But rather, it’s a new opening among shops a block or two from the beach. The pub has already picked up awards for its beers and vibe – and the lovely town beach is only 100 yards from the front door.EASTOld BoatShed, Withernsea, Yorkshire This unique micro pub is set inside what was originally a Victorian lifeboat station (hence the name) which opened just nine years ago. It’s a charming idea and works well. This stretch of coast more generally is less well-known than Whitby or Scarborough to the north. But it’s truly gorgeous.Crown and Anchor, Kilnsea, HullHull is a fabulous city for pubs – but this place just up the road is the one to head to for coastal drinking enthusiasts. Dramatically situated in the remote spit of land that is Spurn Point overlooking the Humber estuary, it’s a natural place to head for refreshment after scenic birdwatching, dog walking or fishing.The Admiral Benbow, Chapel St Leonards, LincolnshireNamed after an old naval hero, this charming boozer with its wooden interiors and beachside location feels like actually being in a moored up boat. And the vibe extends to the beer garden on the beach which is fashioned from a wooden sailing ship – making it the perfect playground for younger children.The White Horse, Brancaster, Norfolk This rather lovely and quite upmarket pub/restaurant overlooks salt marshes on the famously atmospheric north Norfolk coast. Paddleboarders meet bird watchers and up-from-London Sloane types in what is a gorgeous spot with wonderful views.The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk This tiny village was the original setting of the classic children’s book When Marnie Was There – think The Railway Children with ghosts and boats. It was later made into a Studio Ghibli animated movie. The result of this is that they still have Japanese tourists turning up here. This is the place they repair to. A lovely pub in a magical place.The Victoria, Holkham, NorfolkThis isn’t on the sea as such but it’s just up the hill from one of the best beaches in Britain – the famous Holkham Sands. And it’s where everyone who has been to the beach pops in for refreshment afterwards. It’s a beautiful pub and unusually upmarket: The Prince of Wales – who has his fair share of pubs named after him – is rumoured to sometimes swing by with Kate Middleton when in Norfolk.The Two Lifeboats, Sheringham, NorfolkUnlike The Victoria, I don’t think William and Kate have ever had a pint here. Sheringham, with its concrete front, is a bit more down-to-earth than Holkham. But I love the town, and this is my favourite pub there – it’s right above the water with tables out front, good beers on tap and a pleasing atmosphere.The Harbour Inn, Southwold, SuffolkAs the home of the brewing company Adnams, Southwold is blessed with as many good pubs per capita as any town I can think of. But my favourite is this gem where the river meets the sea just outside town. With a nautical theme inside and kids outside catching crabs, among the fishing boats, it’s just a joy to spend an hour or two here.The Butt and Oyster, Pin Mill, Suffolk With the grand bridge over the river Orwell on one side, the National Trust-run historic Pin Mill on the other, and mud flats teeming with houseboats and yachts on the shore in front of it, the Butt and Oyster is beautifully and atmospherically situated. It’s gorgeous inside too. It’s also so dog friendly that on my most recent visit they seemed to outnumber humans.The Ramsholt Arms, Ramsholt, Suffolk This beautifully placed pub is surrounded by yachts and busy with boat people. Charming pub. Last May I heard two nightingales singing in the woods here which enhanced the magic.
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