When the sun comes out our thoughts often turn to holidays, to beaches and to summer breaks. For those staying the UK this year, finding the best, or indeed avoiding the worst, beaches becomes a priority, especially if your family includes children who are eager to see the sea.
Recent research pointed to the best and worst UK seaside towns to visit but you may argue with the results. Some favourite haunts of Nottinghamshire residents made the list - but not in a good way.
The data, compiled by consumer campion Which?, asked its members to rate the beach, attractions, scenery, value for money and much more for nearly 100 UK seaside towns. Those sharing their opinions were asked to give a percentage rating for each.
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Seaside locations throughout the UK were ranked and the top five best and worst beach-side hotspots were declared. And while some favourite haunts of Notts folk made the list, was it the right list?
Top of the list for best seaside towns was Bamburgh in Northumberland. Some 210 or so miles from Nottingham, the location, famed for its castle, took the top spot to be named best in the UK.
A little closer to home, Tynemouth, in North Tyneside, took the third place title. It is around 163 miles from Nottingham. Sandwiched in between, in terms of ranking, was Dartmouth, which took second place on the list.
In fourth place was St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, while a beach location in Wales scooped the fifth position. People loved Aberaeron in Ceredigion.
But what about the worst seaside towns according to the research? Well, the Lincolnshire town of Skegness took the top spot. The news will outrage many as the popular seaside town traditionally attracts numerous holiday-makers from the city and county. Just 80 or so miles away from the city, it also appeals to day trippers who hop on the train or in the car for a glimpse of the sea.
Further seaside towns popular with Notts folk also took a battering. Lowestoft in Suffolk was ranked in fifth place. Which? asked participants to rate locations based on attractions, scenery and peace and quiet.
Here are the top five and bottom five of the list plus how far they are away from Nottingham city centre.
Best seaside towns in the UK
- Bamburgh, Northumberland - 210 miles from Nottingham - 85 percent
- Dartmouth, Devon (251 miles) - 84 percent
- Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear 163 miles - 84 percent
- St Andrews, Fife (351 miles) - 83 percent
Aberaeron, Ceredigion (176 miles) - 82 percent
Worst seaside towns in the UK
Skegness, Lincolnshire (80 miles) - 48 percent
Weston super Mare, Somerset (156 miles) - 55 percent
Ilfracombe, Devon (242 miles) - 56 percent
Margate, Kent (204 miles) - 57 percent
Lowestoft, Suffolk (150 miles) - 57 percent
Think the list is fair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
