Bamburgh crowned UK’s best seaside town for fourth year running

Bamburgh has triumphed for the fourth consecutive year in the annual Which? ranking of seaside towns.

The consumer champion surveyed over 4,700 people about their experiences of UK seaside towns in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.

The survey results spotlight coastal gems from all four nations, with the Northumberland beauty spot taking the top spot, Portmeirion, Gwynedd in second place, St Andrews, Fife in third place and Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry, the favourite Northern Irish resort, also featuring in the top 20.

This year’s survey once again saw many lesser known destinations beat their more popular counterparts to the top of the table.

Beloved by visitors for its ‘wild’ and ‘beautiful’ beach backed by its imposing castle – featured in the latest Indiana Jones movie – Bamburgh took first place in the consumer champion’s survey for the fourth consecutive year, achieving an impressive destination score of 86 per cent.

Visitors were awed by the “magnificent” and “totally unspoiled” beach, as well as by the “dramatic” views of the castle, which one visitor enthused “is probably the most impressive in the British Isles”, and awarded Bamburgh a full five stars for its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attractions and peace and quiet.

Visitors also enjoyed exploring the village, which though small, boasts a handful of well-regarded pubs, restaurants and cafes.

At the other end of the table, Bangor, Gwynedd took last place with a destination score of 42 per cent, followed by Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire with a score of 46 per cent.

Though they received lower scores than their competitors, travellers nonetheless found plenty to recommend in these seaside resorts.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.

“While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems in every corner of the UK.”

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