Seaside towns in England or Scotland ?

[Requinblanc]

First message ever posted so hope I am doing this right...

I want to move out of London for a quieter life after recovering from some serious health issues. I was born in a seaside town and I miss the sea. Can anyone recommend a friendly and safe seaside town ever commutable to London or to Glasgow?

I work from home but I would want to have access to a city to keep up with cultural stuff (I am quite an arty, vegan type). I want a small-ish house, 2 bed maximum and schools are not an issue as kids are grown. One thing I am mindful of is that although I am a British citizen, I was born in a different country (France) so I don't want somewhere where I might feel out of place (although I must say that in my 25 years here I have very issues but Brexit has made me nervous).

I have considered Folkstone, Leigh on Sea, Deal. Margate/Ramsgate are a bit too far for me and as I am not in the best of health I need something that is not to 'rough'. My budget is not more than £260,000/£280,000 so Whistable and Brighton are out. Not sure about Hastings/St Leonard although some people have told me not to dismiss them.

I am also very keen to hear about commutable seaside towns in Scotland up to 45 minutes from Glasgow or Edinburgh as I am starting to think this might be a good alternative. I am not a big sun-worshipper and I think life in Scotland might be a better and more affordable option of my situation. I love sailing and the outdoors and I am also quite attracted to Glasgow's general vibe and friendliness.

Any suggestions most welcome!!

North Berwick is pretty but Dunbar is artier - and has good shops/community gardens for vegans.

The coast in Fife would be a lot cheaper than North Berwick, various villages there

Ooh Dunbar is nice too, Musselburgh is quite mixed I think it is has quite a rough rep? Though very pretty with a river running through it.

Helensburgh

Portobello, on the way out of Edinburgh. It's been gentrifying fast for a while now. There are some lovely late Georgian, early Victorian houses there. And 19th century tenements. Heck, even a little farmers market.

Not Musselburgh. Or Dunbar for that matter. They're just a bit dreary. Eskbank maybe. Or Joppa, just along from Porty.

Aberdour in Fife. Arty, friendly and within commuting distance of Edinburgh. Has lovely beach and harbour.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-90084218.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-81215080.html

This is it!

north berwick is amazing. But yeah that budget won't go far. Check out ESPC, you will find more east lothian
/edinburgh homes on there than rightmove.

I would also Dunbar is a good option and more affordable than North Berwick.

Also, and some people would say this is controversial, don't discount Prestonpans/cockenzie/port seaton. Your money will go a long way there. They are costal, easy of edinburgh by bus or Train. But also close to the more expensive sea side towns of Longniddry, Gullane , Aberlady and North Berwick.

There are few 2 bedroom flats and a 2 bedroom terraced house for sale in the Kip Marina part of Inverkip just now... If sailing is your thing..

Tynemouth

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to post your suggestions!! I am really grateful.

That gives me so much to look into :)

I will keep keep Folkstone on my list and will explore all the other towns you have suggested.

I had my eye on Troon, Dundee and Dunbar already as well so it is nice that some of you have mentioned it.

I had not thought of Eastbourne or Lewes so will look into it.

Prestwick on the Ayrshire coast, there’s a train service to Glasgow every half hour, it has a cute village feel it has great local shopping with cute cafes great restaurants and bars, there’s a beach and lots of other larger towns within cycling or a short bus or drive away. It’s beautiful.

AIBU to try and sell you my flat

Small 2 bed, private garden, next to the beach, sailing club next door, 45 mins to Edinburgh, nice artsy vibe, east coast of Fife. About 100k under budget.

There's lots of nice coastal places north of Edinburgh up to Dundee though, and your budget will go a long way in most of them

Golden shoe - we need pictures. Sounds lovely, and DS wants to move to Edinburgh.

I know this isn't what your specification but if I had that budget I'd go to Findhorn Bay.

Don't go to Prestwick. You're in the back end of nowhere with a pretty shonky train service up to Glasgow. From time to time, you hear they're closing the airport too. Then it really will be the end of the road.

@Standrewsschool if only I could do that without giving away my location!