Beautiful UK seaside village with 17th century charm and upmarket vibe

While Britain boasts many charming , some have unfortunately become tacky tourist magnets. However, this gorgeous coastal still looks like it was taken straight out of a .

If you’re looking to explore more of the UK this year, then you’ll want to put Whitburn on your list. Set in England’s rugged north, the village lies just three miles from the city of Sunderland. With its quaint, stony streets and surrounding fields, the village is steeped in a long, winding history. In fact, it dates all the way back to the eleventh century, where it was originally inhabited as a fishing village.

This makes it a preferable option to other overdeveloped British tourist spots, like nearby Blackpool. According to the property site Peter Heron: “Whitburn feels like a quintessential seaside village without any of the tackiness.”

READ MORE:

They continued: “It’s been redeveloped extensively in recent years, and the new properties and schools in the area work hand in hand beautifully with the period properties that date as far back as the 17th century.”

When taking a visit, it’s a requirement to wander through its authentic town centre. The winding cobbled streets, quaint cottages and narrow lanes are instantly reminiscent of a bygone time.

History buffs will be delighted to learn that the southern part of the village has even been designated as an Area of Potential Archaeological Importance. In the UK, this means there are likely artefacts buried there that have not yet been discovered.

Even more fascinating, while it only features in British records back to the eleventh century, it may have been inhabited for much longer. Evidence shows that humans have been living in Whitburn since the end of the last Ice Age (over 11,000 years ago).

It has been known to draw notable figures into its vicinity, too. Famous writer Lewis Carroll holidayed there, where it is believed he wrote The Walrus and the Carpenter.

If you want to check out the local sights then don’t miss Whitburn Windmill. Built back in the eighteenth century, it is the oldest surviving local stone mill.

Even more impressive, Souter Lighthouse lies nearby - the world's very first lighthouse. With its bright red and white paint it's one of the town's most distinctive features.

Of course, it’s impossible to miss the town’s greatest draw: its stunning coastline. The sandy beach is almost a mile long and is surrounded by tufts of grass and crumbling cliffside.

While the water is cold most times of the year, it makes a brilliant walking spot. Visitors can amble along the beach head, taking in the tranquil scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot the Tall Ships race, which occurs in Sunderland every year.

A local on TripAdvisor wrote: "I live in Sunderland and never tire of visiting our wonderful beaches. Clean, sandy, (none of your southern pebbles) and pet friendly. Well worth a visit."