Coastal gems from every corner of the UK feature in the top five of Which?’s biggest ever annual survey of the nation’s favourite seaside destinations.
They surveyed over 3,000 visitors, asking them to rate their experiences of visiting seaside towns in the last year. Criteria included quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.
Topping the charts for the third consecutive year, Northumberland’s Bamburgh secured an impressive destination score of 88 per cent.
A location steeped in history, Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle. Unsurprisingly given its unique setting, visitors awarded it a full five stars for scenery, as well as for the quality of its beach and seafront.
It also secured five stars for peace and quiet, meaning day trippers never have to jostle for a spot. One beachgoer commented that there is ‘super-soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, and there is plenty of space, so the beach never feels crowded.’
Hot on Bamburgh’s heels with a score of 85 per cent is Dartmouth, Devon. It too secured a perfect five-star rating for scenery and accommodation, and was awarded four stars for shopping, its seafront, food and drink options and tourist attractions. It also earned a respectable three stars for value for money and peace and quiet. Proving that hustle and bustle can be more than welcome however, one respondent praised Dartmouth’s ‘atmosphere and vibrance’ which they noted is ‘not found in many coastal towns’.
Making an impressive survey debut with third place is Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry. Featuring broad sandy beaches and an attractive harbour and promenade, the town has a wealth of tourist attractions on offer, including a championship golf course, and achieved an overall score of 84 per cent. Visitors praised the ‘fantastic beach’ as well as the selection of cafes ‘selling home-style baking’.
Tying in fourth place with a score of 83 per cent are Portmeirion in Gwynedd, St Andrews in Fife, and Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear. With its colourful array of Italianate buildings, visitors noted Portmeirion’s ‘quirky’ appeal and described enjoying a ‘magical’ experience in the town, which was constructed over 50 years between 1925 and 1975. St Andrews meanwhile drew praise for its ‘expansive’ beach and ‘characterful’ buildings, as well as its renowned golf course, a highlight that contributed to its five-star score for tourist attractions. Visitors also enthused over the ‘beautiful’ beaches in Tynemouth and the wide range of sites to explore, from the priory, to the lighthouse.
At the other end of the table, Clacton-on-Sea and Skegness tied in last place with a score of 48 per cent, closely followed by Burnham-on-Sea and Bangor with scores of 49 per cent.
Despite lower scores than some of their competitors, travellers nonetheless found plenty to recommend in these classic seaside resorts. Multiple respondents commented on Clacton’s ‘lovely’ seafront gardens and praised its ‘fantastic’ annual airshow. Skegness also drew praise for its ‘old fashioned’ charm, with plenty of entertainment for children, from donkey rides on the beach to an aquarium and arcades.
Visitors to Burnham-on-Sea found a ‘gentle’ resort, with beautiful walks on offer as well as ample opportunity to enjoy a traditional chippy tea. In Bangor, holidaymakers praised ‘fabulous views’ on offer from the pier, as well as its ‘wonderful’ Cathedral.
