Bamburgh in Northumberland has been named the UK's best seaside town for the sixth consecutive year, scoring 84% in the annual Which? survey of over 5,300 visitors. At the other end of the spectrum, Bognor Regis in West Sussex ranked as the worst, with a score of just 41%.
North East Dominates Top Rankings
Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear secured second place with 82%, praised for its seafront and food and drink, including "wonderful fish and chips" according to one reviewer. Another visitor noted: "Tynemouth has a fantastic high street with a range of cafés, restaurants and shops complemented by historic buildings and a fabulous beach." St Andrews in Scotland came third at 81%, followed by Aldeburgh in Suffolk and Crail in Fife, both at 80%.
The survey evaluated beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, and value for money. Bamburgh earned five stars for its beach and seascape. One visitor commented: "It’s just gorgeous and is as good now as it was years ago; it’s not been spoiled by commercialisation."
Surprising Low Scores for Popular Resorts
Several well-known seaside towns underperformed. Margate in Kent scored 53%, dragged down by a one-star rating for peace and quiet. Newquay in Cornwall received 55%, with only two stars for value for money. A visitor described Newquay as "seen better days," adding that "apart from the beaches and pubs, it has relatively little to offer a tourist." Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft both scored 46%.
Bognor Regis was the lowest-rated, with one star in most categories. Visitors cited a lack of investment and a "run down and neglected" feel. One review stated: "Lacking investment, slow to supply tourists what they need."
Expert Commentary
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: "The North East has emerged as this year’s favourite seaside spot, a reflection of its outstanding beaches and the fact that holidays here can be fantastic value for money. It also shows that there are special seaside towns in every corner of the UK. From Swanage to Plockton, Southwold to Conwy, you’ll have a great time in many of the country’s lesser-known destinations, and should save some money too."
Full Top 30 Seaside Towns
Bamburgh (84%), Tynemouth (82%), St Andrews (81%), Aldeburgh (80%), Crail (80%), Frinton-on-Sea (80%), Portmeirion (80%), St Davids (79%), Bude (78%), Southwold (78%), North Berwick (77%), Plockton (77%), St Ives (77%), Swanage (77%), Lyme Regis (76%), Lytham St Annes (76%), Portstewart (76%), Conwy (75%), Dornoch (75%), Filey (75%), Lynmouth (75%), Sidmouth (75%), St Mawes (75%), Tenby (75%), Tobermory (75%), Wells-next-the-Sea (75%), Whitley Bay (75%), Broadstairs (74%), Falmouth (74%), Llandudno (74%).
Bottom 30 Seaside Towns
Ilfracombe (57%), Minehead (57%), Bridlington (56%), Cleethorpes (56%), Fishguard (56%), Seaton (56%), Torquay (56%), Abersoch (55%), Colwyn Bay (55%), Morecambe (55%), Newquay (55%), Barry Island (54%), Skegness (54%), Mablethorpe (53%), Margate (53%), Paignton (53%), Southport (53%), Herne Bay (52%), Littlehampton (51%), New Brighton (51%), Weston-super-Mare (50%), Burnham-on-Sea (48%), Clacton-on-Sea (48%), Southend-on-Sea (47%), Bangor (46%), Blackpool (46%), Fleetwood (46%), Great Yarmouth (46%), Lowestoft (46%), Bognor Regis (41%).
