ST ANDREWS has been ranked the third top seaside resort in the UK in a new Which? Survey of over 87 destinations.
More than 4300 people were asked to rank destinations on their beaches, seafront, peace and quiet, scenery, and value for money.
Respondents particularly noted the town's world-famous golf course and network of medieval streets to explore.
UK seaside locations have enjoyed a surge in popularity during the pandemic, with many people opting for domestic holidays rather than overseas trips.
Bamburgh, which has a population of around 400, came first, with respondents describing the hilltop castle as “spectacular”.
Wales has three of the top six seaside resorts in the ranking.
Budget-friendly Llandudno, north Wales, claimed second place overall.
The town’s biggest draw is the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises to nearly 700ft.
Hotels in Llandudno cost an average of just £95 per night which proves that “for popular locations there’s no need to break the bank”, according to Which?.
Some 51 destinations across Britain scored at least 70% in the survey.
The bottom five resorts consisted of Skegness, Lincolnshire; Bognor Regis, West Sussex; Southend, Essex; Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; and Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.
Skegness earned no more than two stars for any category other than its beaches.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: “The British seaside hasn’t boomed like this since the 1960s.
“Holidaymakers had such a fantastic time in their caravans, tents and beach lodges over the past two years that a coastal break on home shores is on the cards for many, even with restrictions on overseas travel lifted.
“Prices for a UK stay have increased but there’s no need to pay over the odds. For a holiday on a budget it’s best to aim for an off-season trip.
“Head to one of the many well-priced resorts with your bucket and spade, an empty stomach for the candyfloss and a pile of 2p coins and go make your fortune on the slots.”
Seaside resorts in Northern Ireland did not have enough respondents to be included in the research.
Here are the top five seaside resorts and their overall score, according to Which?:
1. Bamburgh, Northumberland 87%
2. Llandudno, Conwy 86%
3. St Andrews, Fife 84%
4. Dartmouth, Devon 83%
5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire 83%
