We Brits do like to be beside the seaside – however, the UK coast isn’t just about beach cricket, soggy sandwiches and sandcastle competitions. This summer, why not beat the beach crowds and visit some of our favourite cultural attractions on the coast?

From dazzling modern architecture and world-class contemporary art collections to captivating maritime history and a fantasy castle packed to the brim with spellbinding objects, using your National Art Pass has never been so inspired.

1. Tate St Ives, Cornwall: You'll gaze at the seascape as long as the works inside itImage 1 of 10

2. Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Brighton: King George IV's stable complex makes for a fine galleryImage 2 of 10

3.Turner Contemporary, Margate: The gallery's partnership with Tate ensures a generous supply of TurnersImage 3 of 10

4. Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne: From Pablo Picasso to Grayson Perry, there's art for all tastesImage 4 of 10

5. Mostyn Gallery, Wales: A striking gallery set in a striking landscape with plenty of ice cream for after!Image 5 of 10

6. Penryn Castle, Wales: A massive 19th-century fantasy castle, crammed with spellbinding objectsImage 6 of 10

7. Historic Dockyard, Chatham: Historic buildings, museums galleries and warshipsImage 7 of 10

8. Ferens Art Gallery, Hull: Currently showing ARTIST ROOMS exhibition of Francesca Woodman's workImage 8 of 10

9. Penlee House and Gardens, Cornwall: Escape the beach crowds and head to this charming houseImage 9 of 10

10. Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside: Nicknamed the 'National Gallery of the north' and for good reason...Image 10 of 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Tate St Ives, Cornwall – Reduced price entry with National Art Pass
With the stunning Cornish coast acting as a beautiful backdrop to the works housed here, this is the ultimate seaside gallery. With a rotation of works on display from the Tate's collection, there's always something new to see.

2.  Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Brighton – Free entry with National Art Pass
From Dalí’s Mae West-lips sofa and Philippe Starck’s Alessi lemon squeezer design to ancient Roman treasures and George IV’s outsized breeches, the eclectic gallery is a treasure trove of interesting objects.

3. Turner Contemporary, Margate – Free to all, 10% shop discount with National Art Pass
The rooms are suffused with the same light that mesmerised Turner when he visited Margate in the 1820s, staying at Mrs Booth’s guesthouse which stood on the site. Fish and Chips on the seafront recommended.

4. Towner Gallery, Eastbourne – 50% off exhibitions with National Art Pass
The award-winning new gallery has over 4, 000 works of art by historic, modern and contemporary artists to keep you occupied.

5. Mostyn Gallery, Wales – Free to all
Wales’ leading contemporary museum is set in the beautiful seaside town of Llandudno where old and new buildings have been merged into one harmonious design by architect Dominic Williams. There’s no permanent collection so you’ll just have to enjoy the lucky dip...

6. Penryn Castle, Wales – Free entry with National Art Pass
Aside from exploring the castle’s Victorian kitchens, walled garden and servants’ rooms, model railway and a superb collection of 19th- and 20th-century dolls – why not book a Tai Chi or Yoga lesson too?

7. Historic Dockyard, Chatham – Free entry with National Art Pass
A favourite with maritime lovers, from the Spanish Armada to the Falklands War the museum guides you through the dockyard's fascinating history. Plus there's an atmospheric restaurant and plenty of picnic spaces throughout the site.

8. Ferens Art Gallery, Hull – Free to all
Currently showing a superb Francesca Woodman exhibition as part of the ARTIST ROOMS tour in partnership with the Art Fund, the gallery also has important works by Canaletto, Helen Chadwick, Frans Hals, Henry Moore and Stanley Spencer.

9. Penlee House and Gardens, Cornwall – Free entry with National Art Pass 
Soak up some Cornish artistic heritage and experience works by painters of the Newlyn School – the colony of artists who worked in the area from the 1880s to the 1930s,  which included Stanhope and Elizabeth Forbes, Walter Langley, Harold Harvey and Laura Knight.

10. Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside – Free to all
Drool at landscapes by Turner as well as works by Millais, Rossetti and Leighton in this impressive purpose-built Neoclassical building. The Walker is the perfect start to a tour of Merseyside and Liverpool's vast array of museums and galleries.