Brighton has been named the UK's most expensive seaside destination, where a classic beach day out costs £38.20, meaning a £100 budget lasts just over two days, according to a new study by NoDepositRewards.org.
Cost Breakdown for a Beach Day in Brighton
The research, which created a UK Seaside Affordability Index, analyzed the costs of all-day parking, a '99' ice cream, a large fish and chips meal, and deckchair rental at popular coastal resorts. In Brighton, all-day parking costs £18, fish and chips £11.50, a deckchair £6, and a '99' ice cream £2.70, totaling £38.20 per day.
Mason Jones, data expert at NoDepositRewards.org, said: "Families are budgeting harder than ever for summer 2025. Our Seaside Index shows you can triple the number of beach days simply by choosing a different stretch of coast. With parking now topping local cost charts, the North and Wales clearly win on value."
Other Expensive and Affordable Seaside Spots
St Ives in Cornwall ranked second, with a daily cost of £25.30, including £10 parking, £12.50 fish and chips, and over £2.50 for an ice cream. In contrast, Swansea was the most affordable, with the same combination costing just £16.71 per day, thanks to £3 parking and £1.65 ice cream.
While Brighton's fish and chips cost £11.50, it is not the most expensive for that item: in Bamburgh, Northumberland, a large fish and chips meal costs £14.88.
Implications for Holidaymakers
The index highlights significant regional variations, with parking charges being a major factor. For example, all-day parking in Brighton is six times more expensive than in Swansea. The study suggests that choosing a different destination can extend a budget from two days to nearly a week.
