Bamburgh Retains Top Spot for Sixth Year
Bamburgh in Northumberland has once again been crowned the UK's best seaside town by consumer group Which?, marking its sixth consecutive year at the top. The survey, which polled over 5,300 people on their experiences of UK seaside destinations, awarded Bamburgh an overall destination score of 84 per cent. The village received five stars for its beach, seafront, and scenery, with visitors praising the "lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle" and the "spectacular coastal scenery."
North East Dominates Top Rankings
The North East of England performed strongly in the survey, with Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear securing second place with an 82 per cent score. Tynemouth earned five stars for its seafront, pier, and food and drink offerings. One visitor highlighted the "wonderful fish and chips," while another praised the "magnificent" golden sand beaches. Scotland also featured prominently, with St Andrews coming third at 81 per cent, scoring five stars for its beach, tourist attractions, scenery, and seafront. Crail in Fife took fifth place with 80 per cent, noted for its whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, and charming fishing harbour.
Southern England's Best Performer
The highest-scoring destination in southern England was Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, which achieved 80 per cent and tied for sixth place. Visitors appreciated its lovely seafront and peaceful atmosphere, with one describing it as the "perfect place for those who just want a day at the seaside with no frills and no noise."
Bognor Regis Named Worst for Second Year
At the other end of the spectrum, Bognor Regis in West Sussex was named the UK's worst seaside town for the second consecutive year, receiving a low score of 41 per cent. The town, known for its Butlin's resort and sunny climate, faced criticism for its lacklustre promenade and declining town centre. Levi Winchester, The Mirror's money editor who grew up in Bognor Regis, recalled: "I remember many happy summers playing down the beach... The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s—and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp." She added: "Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left."
Clacton-on-Sea and Other Low Scorers
Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, thrust into the spotlight due to its MP Nigel Farage, ranked as the eighth worst with 48 per cent. Despite low scores for peace and quiet and scenery, the resort boasts the largest pier in Europe, and visitors praised its "excellent amusement facilities." Other popular destinations received middling scores: Margate (53 per cent) and Newquay (55 per cent) each earned only one star for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money. One Margate visitor noted: "Margate is quirky and not overly commercialised... It's still a bit rough around the edges but it knows it." Newquay was described as "great for youngsters and surfers but not so good for older visitors," while another said it is "a brash and overly busy seaside town." Barry Island, made famous by the sitcom Gavin & Stacey, scored 54 per cent, with one visitor advising: "Unless you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan I'd give it a miss."
Survey Methodology
The results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 among 5,320 Which? Connect panel members, who shared 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure in the previous 12 months. The survey assessed criteria including beach quality, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping, and value for money.
Top 30 Seaside Towns & Villages
- 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 & Villages
- 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%
