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Thanks to its rich maritime history, the UK has more than 430 ports dotted around its coastline.
While not all ports are places of picturesque beauty, there are enough postcard-perfect spots to satisfy even the most discerning Instagrammer.
And here’s our pick of places pretty enough to be the focal point of a well-deserved summer holiday, from timeless Cornish gems to a fairytale village surrounded by rugged cliffs in Yorkshire and a colourful coastal village in Scotland that you might recognise from the TV.
Wales also appears on the list, with a harbour adorned with jewel-like houses.
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Tobermory
The colourful seaside town of Tobermory, pictured, on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, has one of the prettiest harbours in the country.
To reach Tobermory, tourists can take the ferry from Oban on the Scottish mainland.
The picturesque seaside town of Tobermory on Scotland’s Isle of Mull has one of the prettiest harbours in the country and will be instantly recognised by many millennials (and their weary parents) as the setting for the popular BBC children’s show Balamory.
Long before the era of television fame, in 1588, a Spanish Armada ship carrying a cargo of gold bullion is said to have sunk in the bay, according to Visit Scotland.
Tourists won’t be able to see any gold, but treasure hunters will find locally produced crafts on Main Street and traditional whiskey at the town’s distillery. To get to Tobermory, tourists can take the ferry from Oban on the Scottish mainland.
Lymington
Lymington, across the water from the Isle of Wight, has a very pretty harbour and is easily reached by car from Southampton or Bournemouth.
Lymington, across the water from the Isle of Wight and located within the New Forest National Park, has a stunningly pretty harbour and the Georgian town is full of picturesque buildings.
Visit Hampshire It says: ‘Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas filled with fishing boats and yachts, as well as two yacht clubs. The town’s narrow streets are lined with pretty period houses and cottages, as well as numerous local pubs and restaurants.’
Situated on the River Solent, the city is a short drive from Southampton or Bournemouth and has rail links to Reading and London Waterloo.
Crail
“The charming cobbled streets lead down to the miniature harbour of Crail,” says Visit Scotland.
It’s not hard to see why picturesque Crail is Scotland’s most photographed harbour. According to Visit Scotland: “Charming cobbled streets lead down to the miniature harbour, which is sheltered by cliffs and surrounded by historic fishermen’s cottages.”
Grab an ice cream by the harbour or explore the city’s pretty lanes (or wynds, as they are known in Scotland).
The market town is so perfect that it has even been recreated in Lego and displayed in miniature at Legoland, Denmark.
Located on the east coast of Fife, Crail is an hour and a half drive from Edinburgh.
Mouse hole
Often described as one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul) has a picture-perfect harbour.
Visit Cornwall says: ‘The picturesque harbour (of Mousehole) is lined with narrow streets and lichen-covered houses’
Often described as one of Cornwall’s prettiest villages, Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul) is a timeless village with a picture-perfect harbour, views of St Michael’s Mount and a couple of family-friendly beaches.
Visit Cornwall It says: ‘Its picturesque harbour is surrounded by narrow streets and lichen-covered houses, which huddle together creating a stunning location.’
The nearest train station to Mousehole is Penzance, where tourists can take a bus to the village.
Blakeney
Blakeney is a popular spot for crabbing and children can try their hand at catching crustaceans in the village harbour.
Visit North Norfolk says of Blakeney (pictured): ‘The village has pretty stone cottages, once home to local fishermen’
The pretty harbour of beautiful Blakeney was a fishing centre in medieval times and was used to transport spices and oriental fabrics.
Today, visitors can see children fishing for crabs and tourists embarking on seal-watching excursions.
Visit North Norfolk says: ‘The village has pretty stone cottages, once home to local fishermen, and there are plenty of places to eat and stay, as well as pubs, gift shops and art galleries to visit.’
The coastal area is less than an hour’s drive from Norwich.
Stays
Staithes is a popular weekend port destination for tourists looking to explore Yorkshire’s wild coastline.
The Staithes Harbour Commission website says: ‘The unique charm of this village, with its huddled cottages, towering cliffs and rough seas’
Staithes, a North Yorkshire village surrounded by rugged cliffs, was once an important fishing base.
Today it is a popular weekend port destination for tourists looking to explore Yorkshire’s wild coastline.
Staithes Harbour Commission website says: ‘The unique charm of this village, with its huddled cottages, towering cliffs and rough sea, has long been a powerful draw for those interested in fine art, geology and contact with nature.’
The team adds that the village’s “messy little houses and winding streets” give it an air of being “lost in time.”
The nearest train station is in Whitby, where tourists can take a bus to Staithes.
Aberaeron
The colourful houses around the port of Aberaeron in Wales “adorn the town like jewels”
The colourful houses around Aberaeron harbour “adorn the town like jewels”, says Visit Wales.
And it’s not just pleasing to the eye: it’s ideal for strolling around with its independent shops and craft centres.
Visit Wales recommends visiting a harbourside restaurant for fresh seafood, including local Carmarthenshire mussels.
The seaside town is just 25 minutes’ drive from Aberystwyth and is on the Wales Coast Path.
Lyme Region
Lyme Regis, a popular seaside resort on the Jurassic Coast, has one of the prettiest harbours in the UK, framed by The Cobb (pictured above).
Lyme Regis is a popular seaside resort on the Jurassic Coast. Above, the town’s colourful beach huts
Lyme Regis, a popular seaside resort on the Jurassic Coast, has one of the prettiest harbours in the UK.
Lyme Regis Harbour, situated to the west of the town, is framed by The Cobb, a stone-built breakwater and jetty.
Visit Dorset It says: ‘The steps connecting the lower part of the Cobb to the upper part are made of protruding stones known locally as ‘Grandma’s Teeth’.’ The steps appear in Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion and are prominently featured in the film adaptation of The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
Axminister railway station is the nearest hub to Lyme Regis, with connections to London Waterloo.
Port Loe
Portloe (above) is considered “the jewel in the crown of the Roseland Peninsula” according to Cornwall Guide.
The 20th-century poet Sir John Betejman once described Portloe as “one of the least decayed and most impressive of the fishing villages in Cornwall”.
Competing with Mousehole for the title of Cornwall’s prettiest village, Portloe is considered “the jewel in the crown of the Roseland Peninsula,” according to Cornwall Guide.
As was the case with much of Cornwall, Portloe was frequently used by smugglers transporting French brandy, the most common contraband in the 18th century.
In the modern era, Portloe is far more likely to attract the attention of film-hunters, appearing in Disney’s Treasure Island and Channel 4’s The Chamomile Garden. It’s not hard to see why.
The 20th century poet Sir John Betejman once described Portloe as “one of the least decayed and most impressive of Cornish fishing villages” and its isolated location means it has remained that way.
Portloe is less than an hour’s drive from Falmouth or Newquay.