It was a glorious weekend weather-wise in Leeds over the weekend, and if the temperatures remain how they were (fingers crossed) over the summer, during the great school holidays of 2026, then perhaps a trip for a swim a little further afield than local swimming pools might be in order?
Either lying in the sunshine with your beach towel underneath you with not a care in the world - except maybe a touch more sunscreen each hour - or perhaps going for a walk along the rolling cliffs of the coast, there has always been something quintessential about getting out to the seaside over the summer months.
But for those of us who don’t have the money to visit the French Riviera or Benidorm, despite many suggestions of the like, we decided to try and keep it local, and more importantly, we asked readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post on our Facebook page what their recommendations are.
The list was thorough, but we’ve looked at those locations that are not too far removed from the city centre (one is around a 2hr drive) for ease of access, with a number of your recommendations easily accessible by train.
Here are your 11 best beaches and seaside towns you recommend people visit this summer.
7. Morecambe
While the East Coast dominated the conversation, several readers urged Leeds residents to look west. Morecambe was highlighted for its accessibility without a car and its sweeping vistas. Andy Suthers championed the Lancashire town, pointing out that you can get to "Morecambe on the direct train," and highlighting the "fantastic scenery." 🏖️ 1 hour 45 mins ETA | Local Library
8. Lytham St Anne’s
Another strong contender on the west coast, Lytham St Anne’s was repeatedly name-dropped by readers, including Jayne Peel, Emma Naylor, and Yvonne Doig. It serves as the perfect destination for those who want the fresh air of the Irish Sea but prefer a much gentler, more refined atmosphere than its noisy neighbour down the road. 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | Jan Kruger/Getty Images
9. Blackpool
For some YEP readers, a trip to the seaside simply isn't complete without the bright lights, the tower, and the ultimate traditional British seaside chaos. Hylton Cox was unapologetic in his choice, declaring: "It’s got to be Blackpool !!! East coast is boring." Robert Baldwin agreed, advising locals to "head west for the best." 🏖️ 1 hour 30 mins ETA | Third party
10. Cleethorpes
Often overlooked in favour of the Yorkshire coast, this Lincolnshire seaside town got a shout-out for being an incredibly easy journey from West Yorkshire. Peter Leister succinctly pointed out its biggest selling point for a quick getaway: "Cleethorpes.. only an hour away.." 🏖️ 1 hour 20 mins ETA | Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
!['Skeggy' and the quieter coastal village of Chapel St Leonards remain enduring favourites for a proper day out. Despite being the longest drive on the list, the sprawling sandy beaches make it worth the trek for many families. As Donna Frost put it: "We like to do Skegness for [the] day." 🏖️ 2 hours 15 mins ETA](https://www.connachttribune.ie/jpim-static/image/2026/04/27/9/13/GettyImages-2157146686.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
11. Skegness/Chapel St Leonards
'Skeggy' and the quieter coastal village of Chapel St Leonards remain enduring favourites for a proper day out. Despite being the longest drive on the list, the sprawling sandy beaches make it worth the trek for many families. As Donna Frost put it: "We like to do Skegness for [the] day." 🏖️ 2 hours 15 mins ETA | AFP via Getty Images