Bamburgh voted top UK seaside destination as Which? reveals the best coastal spots ahead of staycation summer

Britain’s best seaside destination has been named as Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast by the consumer magazine, Which?

The publication surveyed 4,000 people and ranked almost 100 towns and villages, ahead of the big summer getaway which is expected to be particularly popular for UK holidays due to the pandemic.

Bamburgh was selected as best seaside town or village – reclaiming the top spot which it lost last year – after receiving five stars for its beaches, scenery and attractions – and an overall score of 85 per cent.

It boasts a historic and imposing castle, with a pretty cricket pitch below, miles of beaches with clean sand and rock pools, and the wildlife of the nearby Farne Islands.

Bamburgh also received an additional five stars for value for money, with prices for accommodation being half those of some popular spots in Cornwall.

Which? said respondents liked the castle and the huge beaches which meant people could easily socially distance.

Which other destinations scored high?

The survey found that readers still managed to find space at the best seaside towns and villages, with 30 awarded four or five stars for peace and quiet.

Tynemouth, on Tyneside, took joint second place alongside Dartmouth in Devon, which both scored 84 per cent. Both received five stars for their seafronts and scored well for value for money.

In third place – and taking the title of Scotland’s best beach town – was St Andrews.

Although busier than some of the other top destinations, the Home of Golf may have earned its high ranking due to its five-star rated tourist attractions and shopping options.

The top seaside town in Wales was Aberaeron, ranked fourth in the UK. The quiet harbour town was given five stars for its scenery, with visitors commenting fondly on the painted houses in pastel colours.

Northern Ireland did not have enough respondents to include in the Which? survey.

‘Look beyond the big name destinations’

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “Many of us discovered the joy of a British summer holiday last year and the trend looks set to continue well into this summer.

“Given the crowds and prices at some of Britain’s most popular seaside destinations, the best news from the survey is just how many highly-rated destinations we have to choose from.

"Whether you want a village with a beach or a big town with all the fish and chips you can eat, there is a fantastic spot by the sea for you.

“Do your research and look beyond the big name destinations – and most importantly, book with a reputable provider with a generous flexible booking policy.”

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