Best seaside towns in the UK

Millions of British holidaymakers will be seeking seaside getaways closer to home this summer – but which part of the UK’s miles of idyllic coastline should you choose for a staycation or day out?

More than 4,061 visitors told us about their recent UK trips to seaside towns, villages and resorts. Destinations were rated on their beaches, attractions, value for money, peace and quiet, and scenery.

Thirty of the nearly 100 British destinations were awarded four or five stars for peace and quiet. This will be especially valuable this year given that uncertainty over foreign trips has seen a booking boom in domestic breaks. Perhaps this is one reason lesser-known spots such as Beer in Devon and Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands have risen up our rankings, replacing old but overrun favourites in Cornwall. 

Top of the pile, however, was Bamburgh in Northumberland. It won visitors over with its stunning scenery, beach and peaceful surroundings.

If you're planning a UK break and fancy exploring the countryside, you may also be interested in the area of outstanding natural beauty scores and results from the best national parks survey.

Bamburgh: The UK's best seaside town

The former 2019 winner is back on top thanks to its five-star beach. This glorious stretch of golden sand runs for three miles, backed by a vast, tussock dune system and dominated by the epic Bamburgh castle. The beach is big enough that it’s rarely crowded, which may suit those looking to socially distance this summer. The bracing wind off the North Sea also helps to keep mass tourism at bay and the beach pristine and free of litter. 

This is the British seaside at its low-key best: nothing to do here except walk, run, let the dog off the lead, or sit behind a windbreak with a Thermos and watch the waves roll in. 

UK's best and worst seaside towns: the full list

Find out how your favourite coastal town fared in our table below. 

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