If you’re looking for a cheap UK seaside getaway, one beautiful town has been named among the best and most affordable to visit, with five-star food and a historic castle
The pretty spot is loved by tourists and locals alike(Image: Liz Leyden via Getty Images)
Here in the UK, there are countless stunning seaside towns worth exploring, and they’re even more spectacular when the sun is out. But it’s well known that taking a holiday in the UK can sometimes cost more than travelling overseas.
Luckily, the consumer experts at Which? have carried out research into the best and most affordable seaside towns to explore in the UK. And securing one of the top spots is Stonehaven, a charming fishing town with excellent beaches and even better food and drink. According to the experts, costs average at approximately £90 for an overnight stay here on the northeast coast of Scotland.
This scenic harbour town, situated just a brief drive south of Aberdeen, has a rich history, coastal views and authentic Scottish character. One of the town’s main attractions is Dunnottar Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky headland.
Following the cliffside route from the town to the castle ruins provides you with sweeping views of the North Sea, while the town’s lively harbour is an ideal spot to relax and observe the boats arriving.
Stonehaven’s beach is also hugely popular, earning a 4.2 out of five star rating on TripAdvisor. One delighted reviewer said: “This is such a lovely beach! It has a great promenade from the top of the beach where cafes are right to the harbour.
“We had fabulous weather dry and sunny so made the views spectacular. Well worth a visit.”
According to the most recent seaside town survey conducted by the experts at Which?, Stonehaven is also highly rated for its food and drink offerings.
It achieved a five out of five star rating for its culinary scene, making it a particularly brilliant destination for seafood lovers,
The Tolbooth Restaurant is an absolute must for the freshest catch of the day, while the Marine Hotel serves up classic pub grub such as fish and chips, steak or beef stew.
For those with a sweet tooth, Aunt Betty’s is the place to be, where you can treat yourself to an ice cream and savour it while strolling along the shoreline. And for the ultimate Scottish treat , a trip to The Carron Fish Bar — the birthplace of the world-famous deep-fried Mars bar — is unmissable.
Stonehaven’s beach is predominantly made up of pebbles and shingle, with numerous rock pools and fascinating geological features. However, if you fancy somewhere a bit more comfortable, Stonehaven’s seawater lido is well worth a visit.
The Olympic-sized pool is heated and accessible from late May through to September, so you know you can always go for a refreshing swim no matter what the weather is looking like.
Other budget-friendly seaside destinations worth considering include Whitby (£94 per night), Llandudno (£85 per night) and Lytham St Annes (£95 per night).