John H. Glover-Kind wrote the classic sing-a-long tune “Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside” in 1907. More than 100 years later, our enthusiasm has not wavered. How many of us have happy memories of 99 flakes and seaside arcades, fish and chips and wetsuits? Whether you’re sitting on the pebbles right now or longing for a dose of sandy nostalgia, we have a list of top listens to transport you to seaside locations around the UK. Here lives a witty comedy set in the Isle of Wight, a gripping detective mystery set in Blackpool alongside heart-warming stories galore. Don’t forget to pack a perfect listen for every trip to the beautiful “silvery sea”.
Brighton
It’s 1959 and we’re on Brighton pier. We’re watching Ronnie, a dazzling magician, and Evie, his sparkling assistant take Brighton by storm with a wonderful variety show. The Booker Prize winner, Graham Swift writes a mesmerising tale of love triangles, the blitz, lost music-hall culture, and growing older. Here We Are captures the magic and glamour of the Brighton that we all love.
Pembrokeshire
A charming romantic comedy to warm your heart after facing the chilly Welsh sea. From the best-selling author, Carole Matthews, it’s a wonderful holiday read with beautiful descriptions of the coast and the Pembrokeshire countryside. A Cottage by the Sea is a sun-filled breath-taking romance. It’s perfect feel-good fiction.
Isle of Wight
With stunning sea views and beautiful beaches, the Isle of Wight makes for the ideal British seaside holiday. But would it be so picturesque if it was turned into one enormous theme park? That’s Sir Jack Pitman’s aim in Julian Barnes’ wonderfully clever satire, England, England. It’s a book that will make you think as hard as you’ll laugh, as Barnes explores questions of national identity, tradition, myth, and history.
Cornwall
In this comforting and cosy mystery listen, a former London detective, loves the peace of her homely Cornish village. But when a bride goes missing at her wedding, Jodie realises that Cornwall might not always be so idyllic. It’s a fun and light-hearted mystery story sure to entertain you as you dodge those pesky seagulls.
Scotland
Set on the fictional Scottish Island of Mure, this delightful book is bound to brighten your day. Join Flora as she faces a new beginning; a life filled with family, love, and deliciously tasty cooking. From the bestselling author Jenny Colgan comes this heart-warming romantic comedy detailing the highs and lows of one woman’s reconnection with her remote hometown as she works out exactly where her future lies…
Yorkshire
The Offing is a poignant and poetic tale set in a Yorkshire seaside village following the Second World War. Benjamin Myers writes a warm and lyrical tale of the love and friendship between a young coal miner and an eccentric older woman. It’s a novel filled with charming descriptions of the countryside, poetry, and sea-swimming. The perfect accompaniment to any summer holiday in Yorkshire.
Kent
Take the plunge into an irresistibly feel-good story. The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club follows a group of unstoppable swimmers whose friendship is even stronger than their front-crawl. Set in Katie May’s hometown of Whitstable, the novel is a warm and funny read for every listener (whether you’re brave enough to face the freezing lido water or not!)
Blackpool
If you like Strictly Come Dancing and you love crime thrillers, this is the Blackpool based detective story for you. The number-one bestseller Mark Billingham, tells the story of an eccentric and offbeat part-detective, part-dancer who is investigating a double murder in a seaside hotel. It’s witty and unique, the ideal accompaniment to a trip to the bright lights of Blackpool.
Scotland
Meet Veronica McCreedy, a tea drinking, wildlife documentary watching, Scottish seafront residing 85-year-old who is stuck in her ways. But when Mrs McCreedy starts to think about her will, she embarks on a wonderfully charming adventure. It’s a journey filled with all sorts of interesting characters and even more interesting penguins…
Dorset
Remarkable Creatures is a fascinating tale based on the real-life dinosaur fossil discoveries of Mary Anning; an extraordinary daughter of a cabinet-maker in Dorset. The bestselling author, Tracy Chevailer masterfully imagines the Victorian scientific world in a story of friendship, science, romance, and perseverance. It’s a wonderful window into the historical Jurassic Coast Dorset and the perfect listen to inspire you too to go on a dinosaur hunt.
