The Seven Wonders of the English Seaside: A History Lover's Perfect Summer Road Trip

Exploring England's Seven Wonders of the English Seaside

If you're planning a trip to England, don't miss its iconic coastal cities. The country is an island, and its coastal regions each have their own unique charm, from the quirky beach town of Suffolk to the dramatic cliffs of Dover. These seaside towns are steeped in history, having once served as both guardians and connectors of an empire. While Stonehenge may be one of England’s most famous historic monuments, it often falls short of expectations. However, there’s plenty to get excited about among what The Telegraph called the "Seven Wonders of the English Seaside."

These wonders are spread across the coastline, ranging from the world’s longest pleasure pier to grand palaces. You could easily dedicate a full week to exploring each of these sites, spending a day in the city where each is located. However, trying to visit all seven in a single day would be nearly impossible, as it would take 14.5 hours to drive between them, leaving no time for actual exploration. A better approach would be to split the journey into a couple of days.

One option is to start at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton. This stunning royal palace can be reached from London Gatwick Airport in about 45 minutes by train or car, and it's just over an hour by train from central London (and 2.5 hours by car). You can combine the Royal Pavilion with three other wonders located in the southern half of England: the Saltdean Lido, Margate’s Scenic Railway, and Southend Pier. The remaining three wonders — the Hippodrome Circus, Grand Hotel Scarborough, and Blackpool Tower — are located north of London and can form the second leg of your journey.

Southern Stops on the Seven Wonders Trip

You might already be familiar with Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, not only for its historical significance but also because it inspired the set design of the musical “Wicked.” Construction of the palace began in 1786 as a dreamy pleasure palace for King George IV. Its distinctive foreign design elements include Taj Mahal-like domes and Chinese art and decor. Today, visitors can explore the palace and its gardens by purchasing admission tickets.

A 15-minute drive east of the pavilion takes you to the Saltdean Lido, which transports you back to the Art Deco era of the 1930s. This beautifully preserved example of Art Deco design was heavily restored in 2024 and is open for swimming during the summer months.

The next stop on the seven wonders route is the Scenic Railway in Margate. Despite its name, this attraction is not a passenger rail but rather the country’s oldest roller coaster, which opened in 1920. Unfortunately, it has been closed due to track issues, but you can still enjoy other vintage rides at Dreamland, the amusement park that houses it. Another 2.5 hours from there brings you to Southend Pier, which stretches over 1.3 miles long and holds the title of the world’s longest pleasure pier. You can spend the evening walking along it while taking in views of the harbor or ride the little train that covers the entire length.

Big Tops and Towering Views of England’s Northern Wonders

The remaining three wonders are located north of London, starting with the Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth. It’s just over a 2-hour drive from London Stansted Airport. The Hippodrome is the UK’s only remaining purpose-built circus building, offering a glimpse into Edwardian-era entertainment. Built in 1903, it continues to host a variety of circus acts and concerts.

Driving nearly 5 hours north from there leads you to the Grand Hotel Scarborough, which towers over the seaside town of Scarborough. First opened in 1867, this stunning example of Victorian grandeur is a delight to visit whether you stay overnight or simply enjoy afternoon tea with panoramic views of the bay.

The final wonder lies on the west coast in Blackpool, about a 3.5-hour drive from Scarborough. The Blackpool Tower, designed as England’s own Eiffel Tower, was constructed in 1894 and stands over 500 feet tall. You can take an elevator to the top, where a glass-floored viewing platform and observation deck offer breathtaking views across northwest England. The tower is also surrounded by an entertainment complex that includes a ballroom, theatrical dungeon, and circus.