Holidaymakers who abandoned one of Britain's most famous coastal regions for a quieter alternative in the North East say they have never looked back. A retired couple from West Yorkshire told travel writer Tom Chesshyre they stopped visiting Cornwall altogether because it was "just too busy."
Bamburgh Tops UK Seaside Survey for Sixth Year
Bamburgh, a picturesque village in Northumberland, has been crowned the UK's best seaside destination in the annual Which? survey for the sixth consecutive year. The village achieved an overall destination score of 84%, based on feedback from more than 5,000 holidaymakers. It finished ahead of Tynemouth and St Andrews, while popular resorts like Newquay and Margate scored 55% and 53% respectively.
What Makes Bamburgh Special
Writing in the Daily Mail, Chesshyre described Bamburgh's vast sandy beach, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic castle backdrop as a combination that's hard to rival. "The sand is soft and tan-coloured. Dunes sprouting wispy grass arise, simultaneously acting as a windbreak and a sun trap - and somehow a bulwark against the hectic modern life beyond," he wrote. The beach stretches for about 1.5 miles and is backed by dunes, with rock pools near Bamburgh Lighthouse home to starfish and hermit crabs. There is little commercial development aside from a small beach hut serving sandwiches and bacon rolls.
Dominating the skyline is Bamburgh Castle, whose history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The fortress, later owned by Victorian industrialist William Armstrong, has appeared in the Netflix series The Last Kingdom. Claire Watson-Armstrong, whose family owns the castle, said she regularly enjoys the coastline herself. "I love it. I go paddle boarding and swimming," she said, noting that dolphins sometimes appear offshore.
Visitors Prefer Bamburgh Over Cornwall
Chesshyre met a retired couple from West Yorkshire dining at seafood restaurant The Potted Lobster, who revealed they had stopped holidaying in Cornwall altogether. "It's just too busy," they said, explaining why they now favour Bamburgh. Their view was echoed by Julie, owner of The Pantry, who previously lived in Cornwall before relocating to Northumberland. "The beaches here are superior [to Cornwall's]," she said.
Monty, who runs Bait at Bamburgh, told the Daily Mail: "We've been open seven years. Every year the business grows. It's always bouncing here."
Peaceful Character Maintained
Despite its growing reputation, Bamburgh has retained its peaceful character. Chesshyre noted: "It is quiet. There are neither amusement arcades nor pleasure rides in Bamburgh village (population 414). There is no graffiti, not a scrap of litter. This is no gaudy Blackpool or Brighton." The village offers independent shops, a handful of pubs, and sweeping views across one of Britain's most celebrated beaches, helping it claim the top spot for the sixth year running.
