Seaside town with ancient castle & sandy beach crowned best in the UK by Which?

WHICH? has crowned the UK’s favourite seaside town, based on the views of more than 3,000 people.

The consumer champion asked the holidaymakers to rate their experiences of visiting seaside towns in the last year, based on several different criteria.

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They offered their opinions on the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money. 

Topping the charts for the third consecutive year was Northumberland’s Bamburgh, which secured an impressive destination score of 88 per cent.

A location steeped in history, Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.

Unsurprisingly given its unique setting, visitors awarded it a full five stars for its scenery, as well as for the quality of its beach and seafront.

It also secured five stars for peace and quiet, meaning day trippers never have to jostle for a spot.

One visitor praised how quiet it was, saying it has “super-soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, and there is plenty of space, so the beach never feels crowded”.

Hot on Bamburgh’s heels with a score of 85 per cent is Dartmouth, Devon.

It too secured a perfect five-star rating for scenery and accommodation, and was awarded four stars for shopping, its seafront, food and drink options and tourist attractions.

It also earned a respectable three stars for value for money and peace and quiet.

Making an impressive survey debut with third place is Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry.

Featuring broad sandy beaches and an attractive harbour and promenade, the town has a wealth of tourist attractions on offer, including a championship golf course, and achieved an overall score of 84 per cent.

Visitors praised the “fantastic beach” as well as the selection of cafes “selling home-style baking”.

Tying in fourth place with a score of 83 per cent are Portmeirion in Gwynedd, St Andrews in Fife, and Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear.

With its colourful array of Italian-style buildings, visitors noted Portmeirion’s “quirky” appeal and described enjoying a “magical” experience in the town, which was constructed over 50 years between 1925 and 1975.

St Andrews meanwhile drew praise for its ‘expansive’ beach and ‘characterful’ buildings, as well as its renowned golf course, a highlight that contributed to its five-star score for tourist attractions.

Visitors also enthused over the ‘beautiful’ beaches in Tynemouth and the wide range of sites to explore, from the priory, to the lighthouse. 

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Few countries can be home to such a diversity of brilliant seaside breaks as Britain.

“Whether you want world class beaches and utter wilderness or the bright lights and bucket and spade atmosphere of a resort, the UK has a seaside break made for you.

“What our survey shows is that it’s rarely the most famous destinations that visitors enjoy most. Try somewhere new this year and our survey shows you should find fewer crowds and better value.”

Meanwhile, this seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.

And these are some of the most tranquil staycation spots in the country.

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