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Mon, 06 Apr 2026

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 'I jump in the sea to refresh my brain': How remote workers are boosting coastal towns

The rise in remote working means many professionals are choosing to settle in coastal and rural towns.
Remote working is revolutionizing rural and coastal towns in the UK, as professionals ditch city offices for quieter lives by the sea. Enabled by flexible working arrangements, people are choosing to settle long-term in places like Cornwall, Somerset, and Devon. This influx of remote workers is boosting local economies, with steady trade for businesses and increased spending on food, accommodations, and community services. Co-working spaces like Distil Coworking in Shepton Mallet are providing a hub for freelancers and entrepreneurs, offering fast internet, office space, and networking opportunities. These shared workspaces are helping to attract new skills and professionals to areas that previously struggled to retain talent. Government initiatives to improve digital infrastructure, including the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund (£360m programme), aim to support fishing and seafood businesses and revitalize coastal communities. Professionals like Alex Hill, a producer who works remotely from Cornwall, are embracing this shift. "Having these kinds of workspaces in places like this gives you a whole new perspective on work," he said. "I can just jump in the sea to refresh my brain." The rise of remote working is also opening doors for women in business and enabling people to live more nomadic lifestyles. Faye Dicker, founder of Freelance Mums, said: "Flexibility is no longer seen as a compromise; it's becoming a strength."