Spring is a great time to go on holiday, but it does come with a certain level of risk
This spot is your best bet to escape the rain(Image: yujie chen via Getty Images)
Spring makes for a brilliant time to get away, though it does carry a certain element of unpredictability. The weather during the spring months can be rather capricious and while some holidaymakers don’t mind a spot of rain, others prefer to dodge it wherever possible.
According to the Met Office, Britain experiences rainfall on between 170 and 180 days annually on average – that’s nearly every other day. In a bid to escape the drizzle, Parkdean Resorts has examined Met Office data, geographical details and shelter options to identify the most rain-proof beaches across the nation. Each beach was then assigned a ‘rain-proof’ rating out of 100.
Topping the list is Bournemouth on the Dorset coastline, achieving a score of 95. The seafront spans seven miles, making it the ideal location for natural protection from showers, with plenty of indoor amenities to duck into when the heavens open, reports the Express.
This seaside spot is hugely popular with British holidaymakers, who rave about its stunning golden sands, the pier and famous cliffs. Boasting a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, it’s a magnet for visitors.
One reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor: “The beach at Bournemouth is a timeless slice of the British seaside. Stretching seven miles, its soft sands evoke memories of fresh sea air, melting ’99’ flakes, and arcades. From the iconic cliff lifts to the vibrant Lower Gardens, it remains a haven of nostalgia.
“Whether tracing the shoreline or watching the sunset, it’s a place where the simple joys of summer never truly fade. Always plenty to do and places to go nearby.” Another wrote: “Bournemouth Beach is stunning – soft golden sand, clean water, and a lovely promenade with great views. The beach was well-maintained, and there were plenty of facilities nearby. Perfect for a relaxing day out, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just strolling along the shore.”
The south coast commands the rankings, so for a seaside escape unlikely to be marred by downpours, consider seeking out a location somewhere along Devon or Dorset’s coastline.
The north coast of Wales also proves remarkably sheltered, with two destinations featuring in the top 10.
Practitioner psychologist Ravi Gill discussed the significance of heading outdoors with Parkdean Resorts – regardless of the conditions.
She said: “A holiday isn’t ruined by rain. It’s shaped by how we respond to it. Let go of perfection: shift your mindset from ‘Perfect weather’ to ‘Flexible fun’ – disappointment often comes from a mismatch between expectation and reality.
“If we mentally attach the holiday to blue skies, anything else feels like a loss. Instead, frame the trip around experiences rather than weather, using phrases like ‘we’re going to explore, we’re going to slow down and rest’.”
Simply because there’s rainfall doesn’t mean your getaway has to be ruined and actually, Ravi suggested it could even enhance it.
She explained: “We forget rest doesn’t need sunshine. In fact, rain can help slower, indoor moments often allow deeper conversations, board game evenings or afternoon naps – genuine nervous system down-regulation.”
The UK’s best rain-proof beaches
Bournemouth Beach — South West England — 95
Exmouth Beach — South West England — 94
Weymouth Beach — South West England — 93
Woolacombe Beach — South West England — 92
Paignton Sands — South West England — 90
Sandbanks Beach — South West England — 88
Llandudno North — Wales — 87
Bridlington South — Yorkshire and the Humber — 87
Rhyl Beach — Wales — 85
Portobello Beach — Scotland — 85