Life’s a beach: Bamburgh, Northumberland, named UK’s best seaside town for fourth year running in Which? survey
The consumer champion surveyed over 4,700 people about their experiences of UK seaside towns in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.
The survey results spotlight coastal gems from all four nations, with Bamburgh, Northumberland taking the top spot, Portmeirion, Gwynedd in second place, St Andrews, Fife in third place and Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry, the favourite Northern Irish resort, also featuring in the top 20. This year's survey once again saw many lesser known destinations beat their more popular counterparts to the top of the table.
Beloved by visitors for its ‘wild’ and ‘beautiful’ beach backed by its imposing castle, Bamburgh took first place in the consumer champion’s survey for the fourth consecutive year, achieving an impressive destination score of 86 per cent.
Visitors were awed by the “magnificent” and “totally unspoiled” beach, as well as by the “dramatic” views of the castle, which one visitor enthused “is probably the most impressive in the British Isles”, and awarded Bamburgh a full five stars for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attractions and peace and quiet. Visitors also enjoyed exploring the village, which though small, boasts a handful of well-regarded pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Taking second place with a score of 83 per cent was Italianate Welsh village Portmeirion. The village received a full five star rating for its “idyllic” scenery, seafront, tourist attractions, and parking and four stars for its beaches. Those looking to extend their trip to the “beautiful” town can choose from a range of accommodation options including self-catering cottages and even a castle-style hotel.
In third place was St Andrews, with a destination score of 82 per cent. The “wonderfully scenic” Scottish town received five star ratings in a range of categories including tourist attractions, seafront, beaches and scenery, as well as four stars for shopping and food and drink.
In fourth place was Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, with a destination score of 81 per cent. It achieved an impressive run of five star ratings for its beaches and scenery, as well as four stars for food and drink. Respondents loved their visits to the “characterful” and “lively” town, singling out the castle, priory and weekend market among their recommendations.
St Davids, Pembrokeshire, completes the top five with a score of 80 per cent. The town received a full five stars for its “beautiful ”scenery, and also scored five stars for its tourist attractions, which include its “magnificent” ancient cathedral and the gothic ruins of the Bishop's Palace. Summing up its attractions, one respondent enthused “it has spectacular scenery, great walks, some ancient buildings, and fantastic character. There are also some good beaches nearby which are often practically empty!”
Close behind, Dartmouth, Devon, Rye, East Sussex, and Southwold, Suffolk tied on a destination score of 79 per cent. “Quaint, historic and friendly” Dartmouth won over visitors with its stunning scenery, for which it received five stars. “Charming” and “atmospheric” Rye also impressed, with visitors enjoying the opportunity to explore its historic cobbled streets boasting a range of independent shops and restaurants, including the famous Mermaid Inn. Once a major port town, natural changes to the landscape mean that while its nautical heritage looms large, it is now two miles inland.
Respondents also enthused about Southwold’s “lovely, relaxed” atmosphere, with “a beautiful pier and sandy beach with beach huts” - as one visitor put it, a visit to the town feels like “stepping back into the 1950s”.
“Beautiful” Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry, was the highest rated Northern Irish town, with a destination score of 76 per cent (tied with Blakeney, Criccieth, and Sidmouth).
At the other end of the table, Bangor, Gwynedd took last place with a destination score of 42 per cent, followed by Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire with a score of 46 per cent.
Though they received lower scores than their competitors, travellers nonetheless found plenty to recommend in these seaside resorts. Multiple visitors remarked on Bangor’s “wonderful pier” and noted that while the town has suffered from shop closures in the town centre, it has some “really good restaurants” and “excellent amenities”. They also recommended it as a base for exploring the local area, including Snowdonia National Park. Though some respondents noted that Mablethorpe felt run down in places, it nonetheless drew praise for its “lovely, enormous, clean beach”, with multiple visitors enjoying the traditional atmosphere of the town. As one repeat visitor enthused, “it has great character and such a relaxed feeling to it … you just enter into the spirit of the place and it really takes your mind off everyday worries.”
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:
“From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.
“While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems in every corner of the UK.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Which? surveyed 4,744 members of its online panel in January 2024 about their experiences of UK seaside towns and villages in the last year.
In defence of Bangor, Gwynedd, by Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel and graduate of Prifysgol Bangor
“No one would dispute that Bangor has hit hard times of late, particularly with so many shops closing along its pedestrianised high street.
“But part of the problem too is that many of its best attractions, set back from the main town, are little known. The 1,500ft, grade II Garth Pier is a Victorian triumph and remains much the same as when Lord Penrhyn opened it in 1896. Stretching into the Menai Straits, the views across to Anglesey and back on to the peaks of Eryri saw it named pier of the year by the National Piers Society in 2022.
“It's not the only award winner. Tiny Whistlestop cafe, also on the pier, has previously been named best traditional Welsh restaurant in the country. Stop by for a warm welcome and homemade Bara Brith.
“There is no real beach and Bangor won't ever compete with more dedicated seaside resorts, but it does sit amidst some of the most spectacular landscapes in Wales. The university means there are plenty of cultural events for a city of 16,000, and accommodation is affordable.”
Full table of results can be downloaded here, and spreadsheet of results available on request.
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