Topping our ranking for the UK's prettiest seaside towns is St Ives, featuring a colour of water that rivals that of the Caribbean. Sugar-soft sand beaches, old-world pubs and an artistic flair complete this charming town, which lies north of Penzance.

Little wonder it was once voted the best family holiday destination by Coast magazine and one of Tripadvisor’s top 10 European beaches. Surf at the Blue Flag-rated Porthmeor Beach, explore the maze of cobbled streets and visit Tate St Ives for a taste of contemporary art.

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The UK's most gorgeous seaside towns and villages, ranked