The national newspaper and website picked 20 of the best places to live by the coast.
In its intro the travel journalist Tim Palmer chooses Falmouth as the best coastal town to live in the UK.
“You may have seen this Cornish jewel cited as Britain’s “most depressing town” last year, but Falmouth has everything you need for a happy life by the sea: four great beaches, sparkling views at every turn and a town centre that’s like the coolest bit of a cool city, along with a young, fun and creative population,” he says.
He talks to Kathryn Tyler and Angus Thatcher owners of the Kiln beach saunas on Gylly Beach and Flushing.
Locals Kathryn Tyler and Angus Thatcher were featured in the article (Image: JFoxton)
Kathryn, who arrived in Falmouth in 1997 as a student, told him: “It’s all about the community. Our friendship group includes people of all ages and backgrounds and it’s really easy to get to know people. Falmouth attracts people who are more driven by the lifestyle than by money, and everyone is very supportive of each other,”
The article singles out the superior coffee scene highlighting Beacon, Dark Pony, Espressini and more, as well as pubs and restaurants including the Chintz, Beerwolf, the Seaview Inn and Hevva! a busy live music scene, saying — there’s almost as much happening as in its arty neighbour, Penryn!
Read here:
‘Penryn’s really up and coming. I love it here’: Residents’ delight at accolade
The article also says Falmouth is a great place to bring up children, Kathryn, has a two-year-old son, Kaspar, tells the Times.
“It’s like a massive playground, with all the beaches and all the open space. There’s a very young community, there are really good networks and support groups, and the great thing is that you can walk everywhere.”
However, it highlights the now average house price of £417,689, advising buyers to allow at least £1.5m “for something overlooking Swanpool or Maenporth beach”.
“Although the pretty period riverside townhouses on Wodehouse Terrace, Stratton Terrace and Tehidy Terrace (about £1 million) are just as good. Small terraces, bungalows and some seafront apartments are available for about £350,000.
It quotes Lucian Cook, head of residential research at the estate agency Savills, as saying: “While at the end of March prices for prime coastal properties were 12.8 per cent below where they were in the autumn of 2022, this sits against the context of 25 per cent growth during the preceding mini housing market boom. Nonetheless, for those looking to buy, this provides a good opportunity to get more for their money.”
The full article with the other top 20 towns can be found at www.thetimes.com/life-style/property-home/article/best-coastal-towns-to-live-uk-2025
