Bamburgh in Northumberland has once again been recognized as the United Kingdom's top seaside town, retaining the number one spot in the annual Which? survey for the sixth consecutive year. The consumer champion's assessment, based on responses from 5,300 participants, evaluated beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping, and value for money.
Bamburgh achieved an overall destination score of 84 percent, with particular praise for its "spectacular coastal scenery" and "lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle." The Grade I-listed castle, with over 3,000 years of history, is a significant draw. The town secured five-star ratings for its beaches, seafront, and scenery, though it received only one star for shopping.
For the second year in a row, towns in the north of England have claimed two of the top spots in the rankings. Tynemouth, also in the North East, secured second place with an 82 percent overall score. It was highly commended for its "wonderful fish and chips" from local establishments like Longsands Fish Kitchen and Riley's Fish Shack, earning five stars for food and drink. The town's 900-meter pier, featuring a Grade II-listed lighthouse, and its "magnificent" golden sand beaches also received five-star ratings.
St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, came in third with 81 percent. The town's sandy beaches, suitable for swimming and water sports, along with its tourist attractions, beaches, scenery, and seafront/pier, all earned five stars.
Further down the top 10, Aldeburgh in Suffolk, known for its pebbled beach and independent shops, scored 80 percent, with four-star ratings for food and drink, scenery, shopping, and peace and quiet. Crail in Fife also scored 80 percent, noted for its five-star seafront and scenery, and its 16th-century harbor. Frinton-on-Sea in Essex achieved 80 percent, praised for its seafront, beach, and tranquil atmosphere.
Portmeirion in Gwynedd, Wales, ranked seventh with 80 percent, offering a colorful, Italian-inspired seaside town experience with lush gardens and woodland trails. St Davids in Pembrokeshire also scored 80 percent, with its scenery receiving a five-star rating.
Cornwall's Bude secured ninth place with 78 percent and five stars for scenery, despite its beaches not being its top attraction according to Tripadvisor, which lists the Bude Tunnel as the area's number one spot. Southwold in Suffolk rounded out the top 10 with 78 percent, boasting a five-star seafront/pier, Adnams Brewery, and the Southwold Lighthouse.
In contrast to the highly-rated towns, Bognor Regis in West Sussex was declared Britain's worst seaside town for the second consecutive year. The survey highlights a trend of northern towns outperforming those in Cornwall and Devon.