With summer approaching, those looking for an escape to the seaside may well be looking for ideas beyond those most well-known and heavily travelled. A recent survey by Which? rated the best seaside destinations for a holiday this year, with plenty of inspiration to choose from and Bamburgh in Northumberland topping the lot for the third year running.
The small Northumberland village, known for its beautiful sandy shoreline and imposing castle ruins, was rated highest amongst more than 3,000 surveyed for its beach, drink, accommodation, scenery and value. Dartmouth in Devon came second, while Portstewart in County Derry, Northern Ireland was third.
Wales’ highest ranked seaside destination was the impressive Portmeirion west of Snowdonia, while St Andrews in Fife was the most approved of Scottish seaside town.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: ‘Few countries can be home to such a diversity of brilliant seaside breaks. Whether you want world-class beaches and utter wilderness, or the bright lights and bucket and spade atmosphere of a resort, the UK has a seaside break made for you. What our survey shows is that it’s rarely the most famous destinations that visitors enjoy most.’
He added, ‘Try somewhere new this year and our survey shows you should find fewer crowds and better value.’