Move to... a seaside resort

We British have long had a love affair with the seaside. In the 18th century, the health benefits of fresh air and bathing drew visitors coast-wards and many once sleepy fishing villages mushroomed. Later, in the Victorian age, rail links connected city to surf and offered urban workers the chance to escape to the water's edge. It was then that many of our finest resorts took shape, acquiring the grand architecture and elegant piers, many of which still stand proud today.

Although some resorts tumbled into neglect during the Sixties and Seventies as holidaymakers were lured away on package tours, today, the British seaside is back in vogue. Renovation of majestic seafront hotels, initiatives to clean beaches and restore piers, individual homeowners improving their property - all have put the shine back into our resorts, making them vibrant, attractive places to visit, but also to live.

If seaside living appeals to you, first identify the kind of resort you enjoy. While many are bustling year-round, some are sparsely populated and quiet. While some are connected by rail, others are accessed by a single road. There are those that survive primarily through tourist income, while others have a distinct identity and economy. In Britain's more popular resorts, consider visitor numbers, property prices and employment opportunities. Think about the weather, too. The difference between a sunny fishing town in Cornwall, warmed by the Gulf Stream, and a cliff-top village, buffeted by Atlantic winds, is vast. There is plenty of choic, though. With hundreds of resorts peppering our coastline, each with their individual merits, you could soon be joining the three million people who love to live beside the seaside, all year round.

Is a seaside resort for you?

Outdoor life

Stroll the promenade, breathing in the salty air, or stride out along coastal trails. Fish, birdwatch or try your hand at watersports, from surfing in Cornwall to yachting in Dumfries & Galloway. A good beach, too, is a year-round pull for families, walkers and swimmers.

Foodie heaven

In the mould of Padstow and Whitstable, many resorts have become gastronomic hotspots, boasting everything from laid-back beach cafés to quality restaurants serving excellent seafood.

Pretty and popular

Many seaside resorts are fantastically pretty and bursting with character. This attracts tourists, so be prepared to share, especially during summer and weekends, but it also means you'll never be short of friends and family eager to visit.

Interesting property

From a compact fisherman's cottage down a winding lane to a smart Victorian villa with sea views, Britain's resorts are packed with interesting property. Difficulty parking and small gardens are an issue for homes in the centre of some resorts and, in general, expect to pay a premium for a seaside home. You may be able to rent it out occasionally or offer B&B, though, to help it pay its way.

Rich architectural heritage

Britain's resorts are studded with fascinating constructions, including Victorian piers to interesting harbour architecture, such as lighthouses and warehouses. You can find stunning Art Deco properties, too - try Frinton-on-Sea in Essex or the grand, recently renovated Midland Hotel in Morecambe.

Good access

The Victorians' dual passion for railways and the seaside means that the two are often united and many far-flung resorts, such as St Ives, are connected by rail.

So is moving to the seaside for you? Click here to find six of the best resorts

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