Bournemouth has been crowned the UK's most 'rainproof' seaside town, according to a new study by Parkdean Resorts. The Dorset hotspot scored 95 out of 100 on the company's Rainy Day Index, which considers nearby indoor attractions, shelter opportunities and weather data.
With seven miles of coastline and 12 nearby indoor facilities, Bournemouth beat Exmouth Beach and Weymouth Beach, which came second and third with six and seven indoor attractions respectively. The study found that one in three Brits would cancel a holiday altogether if heavy rain was forecast.
For rainy days, Bournemouth offers a range of indoor entertainment including the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, an Oceanarium with sharks and turtles, and RockReef on the pier with climbing walls and the PierZip attraction. Other options include the BH2 cinema complex, Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, and shopping in Westbourne Village.
When the weather clears, visitors can enjoy Alum Chine Beach, Sandbanks Beach, or take a short trip to Durdle Door. The Lower Gardens stretch from the town centre to the seafront, and cyclists can ride to Hengistbury Head.
The top 10 'rainproof' beaches also included Woolacombe Beach, Paignton Sands, Sandbanks Beach, Llandudno North Shore Beach, Bridlington South Beach, Rhyl Beach and Portobello Beach.
