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A market town in Worcestershire has been crowned as one of the top three happiest places to live thanks to its scenic beauty, accessibility and community charm

The happiest places to live in Britain have been ranked and a little-known gem has cracked the top three. The medieval market town beat out beloved cities like Lewes, Perth and Aberystwyth with its charming atmosphere and architectural feats.

Evesham is the second happiest place to live in Britain, according to the Guardian. The town in Worcestershire comes in just behind Berwick-upon-Tweed which snagged the first place spot and before Caernarfon in Wales in the third spot.

Evesham is known as the “asparagus capital of the UK” – an odd moniker to be sure, but one it holds proudly as the host of the annual British Asparagus festival. In fact for centuries, the Vale of Evesham has been considered the fruit and vegetable basket of England.

Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to sample the highest quality produce and can stop by a pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable field. One of the best-known farms in the area is Oaklands Fruit Farm.

READ MORE: Underrated UK seaside town is a hidden gem just 2.8-miles from famous neighbour

The farm was established over a decade ago and specialised in the production of high-quality strawberries. The production season starts in April and runs through to October so you’ll have ample time to try its daily-picked produce.

Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, Evesham is also renowned for its impressive landscape. According to Country Living the town is “full of charm and beautiful scenery” which explains why it’s such a great place to live.

Evesham is also home to the award-winning Abbey Park – the site where Evesham Abbey once stood as the third largest Abbey in England. From here, visitors will be within walking distance to the joint Almonry Museum and Tourist Information Centre.

The information centre is housed within a 14th century building and details the rich history of the town. The building was once home to the Almoner (chaplain or church officer), who was one of the monks of the Benedictine Abbey.

Today, the Almonry is a great place for families and friends to sit in the beautiful garden or take in one of the exciting children’s workshops or exhibitions that are hosted year-round. These family-friendly fixtures are a key factor that makes the area so distinctly enjoyable for residents.

If that’s not enough to convince you, Evesham is only a bus ride away from Stratford-upon-Avon. The town’s close proximity to Stratford means locals – and visitors – can enjoy many of the Shakespearean attractions and events that take place each year.

25 happiest places to live in Britain

• Berwick-upon-Tweed, England
• Evesham, England
• Caernarfon, Wales
• Durham, England
• York, England
• Padiham, England
• Devizes, England
• Lewes, England
• Newport, Isle of Wight, England
• Exeter, England
• Penzance, England
• Chichester, England
• Cirencester, England
• Aylesbury, England
• Chesterfield, England
• Shrewsbury, England
• Worcester, England
• Perth, Scotland
• Haddington, Scotland
• Aberystwyth, Wales
• The Ridgeway, Enfield, London
• Surbiton North, London
• Clapham Junction, London
• Bounds Green, London
• Bromley, London

This village in Derbyshire is known as the “seaside town without the sea” but its beloved fish and chip shops, cable car rides and theme park make it a quintessentially British holiday destination

This famous town in Derbyshire has all the makings of a great seaside town, except the sea. Located 94.4 miles away from Skegness, this unique destination still has plenty to offer, including fish and chip shops, cable car rides and an exciting theme park.

The official Visit Peak District & Derbyshire TikTok account posted a video spotlighting the town of Matlock Bath, referred to affectionately as the “seaside town without the sea”. The video documents how visitors can spend a day in the colourful and charming town.

The TikTok video reveals that Matlock Bath is “known for its colourful shops and fish and ships restaurants”. One must stop destination highlighted is Halls of Derbyshire, the traditional ice cream and confectionery shop.

READ MORE: UK fishing town named one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’ that many don’t know about

Halls is a must-visit stop for anyone passing through the area, easy enough to spot with colourful balloons outside and a window full of cotton candy. Another spot highlighted in the video is Kostas Fish Bar, which happens to be right next door.

Despite not being particularly close to the sea, Kostas’ over 50 years of combined history in the fish and chip industry means that the menu is sufficient to satisfy your seafood craving. According to the video, Matlock Bath has a “seaside vibe despite being landlocked”.

This is most likely due to its position along the River Derwent. The 66-mile long river flows between Matlock Bath and Derby, with Matlock Bath situated in the middle of the river’s path.

Visitors to the area can enjoy a stroll along the river’s path or opt for an elevated view of the town by taking a cable car ride up to the Heights of Abraham. As documented in Visit Peak District’s TikTok video, visitors can take a cable car up to the clifftop country park to enjoy picturesque views.

There are also caverns, trails and playgrounds to explore for those who make it to the hilltop park. Those interested in more family-friendly activities can also check out Gulliver’s Kingdom – a small theme park located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Gulliver’s Kingdom is ideal for a short-term break, full of kid-safe rides and attractions. Matlock Bath’s Explorer Package might be a cost-effective option for those planning to visit both the theme park and the hilltop park, as both are included in the cost of some accommodation bookings.

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That said, you can probably enjoy much of the town in an afternoon and staying overnight isn’t necessary given the convenience of its transport options. As shared in the TikTok video, Matlock Bath is easy to get to by bus or train.

If you’re looking to explore more of Derbyshire, another stop to add to your list is Castleton – considered one of the “prettiest” villages in the Peak District. Despite its small population – less than 700 residents – the village draws plenty of tourists each year with its quaint pubs, tea rooms and stunning stone architecture.

The travel review website has released its summer travel index for 2025, revealing the fastest growing destinations in the UK, with one destination much closer to home making the list

No British summer is truly fulfilled without a trip to the seaside. For years, families have flocked to the coast for a paddle in the waves, sandcastle building, and indulging in ice creams and fish and chips. Coastal destinations continue to be a hit, as recent data from Tripadvisor indicates that seaside spots are trending this summer.

The travel review platform unveiled its summer travel index for 2025, featuring the UK’s fastest-growing destinations, which are predominantly coastal locations. The top three hotspots are Seaview in the Isle of Wight, Ingoldmells in Lincolnshire, and Bamburgh in Northumberland.

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However, also nestled within the top ten is little Lytham St Anne’s on the Lancashire coast, which secured the eighth spot on the list. Tripadvisor compiled the data by analysing responses from its Consumer Sentiment Survey, which polled over 2,800 consumers, and traffic data from the Tripadvisor website.

The research revealed that affordability was a crucial factor for two-thirds of Brits when it comes to travel, with cost outweighing considerations such as work schedules and school holidays.

Given these factors, it’s easy to understand why UK seaside destinations remain so popular – they’re often budget-friendly and more accessible, allowing for day trips instead of splashing out on an overseas holiday.

With its grand Victorian pier, expansive sandy beach and charming pastel-hued beach huts, it’s no surprise that Lytham St Annes was listed as one of the top holiday spots this summer, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Comprising two towns, Lytham and St Annes, this coastal gem offers visitors a unique experience compared to neighbouring Blackpool, exuding an old-world seaside charm.

The vast beach is perfect for building sandcastles or enjoying a picnic, while the 600ft Victorian Pier boasts amusements, a café and ice cream stalls.

What distinguishes this resort from others in the vicinity are the delightful beach huts available for daily hire starting from £135. They’re equipped with everything you might need, including mains electricity, a compact kitchen area, chairs and a table.

For families with children, the Splash park is a hit with youngsters – suitable for ages three to 12 – featuring various attractions such as spray loops, water sprays, bucket drops and water domes, priced at £2 for a one-hour session.

Parking at Lytham St Annes is plentiful, with options including the beachside North Promenade (FY8 2NQ) and Fairhaven Road (FY8 1NW), both starting from £1.30 for one hour and up to £4.60 for over four hours.

Nestled between two rugged cliffs in Yorkshire above the North Sea – a nice stroll in Staithes feels like you’ve stumbled upon some idealised version of coastal living

A delightful UK fishing village has recently been dubbed one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’. In a fresh compilation by European Best Destinations, Staithes in North Yorkshire was featured alongside Pico Island in the Azores, the vibrant villages of Villajoyosa in Spain and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary as one of the continent’s 18 most unique and underappreciated attractions.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, as I did recently, you’ll certainly comprehend why. Tucked between two craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea, a leisurely wander in Staithes feels like you’ve chanced upon an idyllic depiction of coastal life.

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I was even fortunate enough to experience a bit of picture-perfect sunshine during my brief yet memorable visit, writes the Mirror’s Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas.

Staithes is the very town that birthed world explorer Captain Cook, but it now boasts a range of artistic shops, inviting pubs and top-notch restaurants. One fantastic way to reach this destination is to trek a few miles along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline from Saltburn.

From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the quaint fishing cottages nestled below, before descending into the village to explore its offerings.

Immediately, you’ll observe a strong focus on arts and crafts in the area – a nod to its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of 19th-century painters attracted by the town’s fishing traditions and maritime lifestyle. While modern life has evolved, the artistic vibe remains intact.

In the local Staithes Gallery, I found myself captivated by contemporary artworks inspired by coastal living. The town is also peppered with quaint gift shops and subtle public art installations.

Despite its compact size, Staithes is far less crowded than neighbouring Whitby and even quieter than Robin Hood’s Bay, another charming fishing village just along the coast.

This allowed me to leisurely stroll down to the harbourside where the Cod and Lobster pub provides an opportunity for a swift pint overlooking the beach and, reportedly, some excellent seafood.

One of the town’s charms is how it’s bisected by the Staithes Beck river, offering a picturesque walk along the beach before ascending the steps and rounding the corner, all while remaining waterside with the cliffs in full view.

There’s also a climb back into the cliffs on the north side of the river, affording stunning views of the town, beach and sea.

I lodged a brief car journey away in Whitby, but if you’re considering an overnight stay, there’s an abundance of bed and breakfasts available, some situated right next to the beach. I’d definitely recommend spending the night if possible.

We have numerous charming seaside locations in Britain that perhaps we don’t appreciate enough – Staithes might just be the most delightful of them all – so it’s heartening to see that recognition is now coming from beyond our shores.

Top-order batter Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain of the India men’s team.

The 25-year-old succeeds Rohit Sharma as captain, with the 38-year-old having retired from Test cricket earlier this month.

Gill, who has scored 1,893 runs in 32 Tests, will lead a depleted India team in a five-Test tour of England starting on 20 June.

Veteran seamer Mohammed Shami was left out of the squad following a late injury setback, although he played in the Indian Premier League.

Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been named Gill’s deputy in the Test squad.

India Test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Druv Jurel , Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.

Southwold’s pristine beach makes it a hit for both families and those looking to dip their toes in the sea. Pier beach is flanked by a promenade that stretches all the way to the harbour

Like many coastal regions of the UK, the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk offer a plethora of seaside delights perfect for day trips and longer holidays. Southwold presents the picture-perfect British seaside outing for people of all ages and the Camping and Caravanning Club has even rated it as one of Britain’s top seaside towns.

Southwold’s safe, pristine beach makes it a hit for both families and those looking to dip their toes in the sea, earning it Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award in 2024. The town boasts two lovely beaches; Pier beach brims with striking beach huts while Denes beach – more secluded and favoured by windsurfers and canoeists – backs onto dunes and marshland.

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For added fun, Southwold Pier hosts quintessential seaside amusements, including an arcade bursting with vintage games and Tim Hunkin’s “eccentric” Under the Pier Show.

Hungry visitors can savour fare at various spots on the pier, be it the fish and chip shop, indulging in lunch or dinner at the Boardwalk restaurant with ocean views, or the Clockhouse for breakfast and homemade cakes, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

Pier beach is flanked by a promenade that stretches all the way to the harbour area, with the town centre just a short stroll away for those keen on a spot of shopping.

Southwold’s high street is brimming with independent shops and boutiques waiting to be discovered, including Pearls by the Sea, a family-run clothing shop that also offers gifts and accessories, and Squires of Southwold, a sweet shop and tea room boasting over 150 different types of sweets.

Little Gems, a popular greengrocers, is worth popping into if you’re after some fresh fruit for your trip or local products to take back home.

The shop was nominated in the regional Muddy Stilettos Awards for best farm shop in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

If you fancy a break from the beach, why not visit Southwold Museum? Housed in a quaint cottage, the museum offers interactive exhibitions and displays featuring fossil remains and information about Southwold’s transformation from a fishing community to a seaside resort.

Southwold is less than two hours’ drive from Cambridge via the A14. There’s a car park near the pier that charges £4 for a 10-hour stay, but there are other free parking spaces dotted around the town.

Ireland forward Aoife Wafer has been named the Women’s Six Nations Player of the Championship for 2025.

The back row earned 41% of a fans’ vote, edging out France second row Manae Feleu by just 333 votes.

The other players on the four-woman shortlist were England wing Abby Dow and Scotland back row Evie Gallagher, and over 18,500 votes were cast.

Wafer finished as the joint second-highest try scorer in the Six Nations with four – matching the most by any forward in the tournament.

That took her tally to 12 tries in 15 caps for Ireland.

In addition, she made 70 carries, the most by any player, covering 424.7 metres and beating 17 defenders – the second-highest total for a forward.

The 22-year-old’s performances helped Ireland secure third place in the competition.

Wafer was also named on the team of the tournament alongside team-mates Neve Jones and Aoife Dalton.

If you’re looking to take a trip in the UK this summer then look no further than this not-so-hidden gem – this underappreciated British city has just been named one of the nation’s finest

There are plenty of reasons to take a staycation this summer – so if you’re looking for your next trip at home, this eclectic city has been named the UK’s best. Plus, it’s cheaper than London.

According to a Which? magazine survey of almost 4000 readers members, Liverpool is Britain’s top place to visit. While it’s certainly not known for its weather, this northern town has long been on the map for its bustling arts and music scene. (The Beatles, anyone?) Now, it’s been crowned a cultural capital, too.

Which? looked at factors like the average hotel rate from Kayak.co.uk, cultural sights and the ease of getting around. They revealed it received a whopping five stars for cultural sights.

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In fact, Liverpool is home to the largest number of museums and galleries in the UK outside London. This includes the Museum of Liverpool, the Liverpool World Museum, which features Japanese samurai armour, and the Beatles Story Museum.

One reviewer wrote: “The museum was fantastic. So much memorabilia and information, it is perfect for any fan of The Beatles. The exhibition rooms are very well done, especially the recreation of the Cavern Club and the White Room.”

For those who still want more music history, then you can also take a look at The British Music Experience. It features exciting exhibits and memorabilia tracing the history of British rock and pop music. Some of it is even interactive.

If art tickles your fancy, then you can take a trip to the Walker Art Gallery, which offers a phenomenal sculpture room. Or you can step inside the Lady Lever Gallery, which features some of the best Victorian era art.

It’s not the only thing that it has on the big smoke, either. Liverpool received a higher star rating for food and drink of four stars than London, which got just three stars.

The city contains cuisine from all around the world, with top restaurants offering panoramic views of the coast. Cowshed Liverpool is one of the city’s top-rated eateries and serves up mouth watering steak and cocktails.

If you’re looking for an exciting night out, the Barry and Rye is a highly-rated speakeasy, serving up delectable cocktails in a dim-lit setting. There are also plenty of exciting Irish pubs like Shenanigans if you’d prefer a cool stout.

Plus, music lovers will not be disappointed. There are plenty of live music venues, from The Cavern Pub to The One O’Clock Gun, hosting a variety of acts.

Liverpool also received four stars for accommodation, shopping and lack of crowds. This puts it at a massive advantage over London’s crowded streets and expensive hotels.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the city offers a range of high-end and budget hotels. You can find budget rooms from just £32.

A city in the Costa del Sol has been named the top destination for expats considering a move to Spain, highlighting its easy-going lifestyle and excellent weather

A new ranking has named this seaside town the best place for expats to settle down in Spain. Beating out cities like Barcelona and Madrid, this destination topped Nomad Capitalist’s ranking thanks to its convenient access to the sea and the “relaxed lifestyle” of residents.

Malaga sits in the heart of Spain’s popular Costa del Sol, which has been a hub for holidaying Brits for years. The beaches are the biggest draw of the region, with miles and miles of sandy shores – many of which are dog-friendly – and pristine waters.

The city centre of Malaga is “lively and a cultural hub” according to Nomad Capitalist, but the if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, the villages east of the capital might be a better fit. Villages in the province of Malaga like Frigiliana are tranquil and filled with whitewashed houses in the classic Andalusian style.

The weather and superior transport in Malaga compared to other Spanish destinations are other factors that contributed to its top ranking. Though Malaga did experience a freak hail storm this past March, the result of Storm Martinho.

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While the merits of Malaga are certainly bountiful, it’s important to note that housing shortages and the impacts of over-tourism have caused tensions to grow between locals, foreigners and city councillors. In April 2025, mass demonstrations overtook 42 cities across Spain including Malaga to draw attention to soaring rental prices and housing shortages.

The clear and defiant message seems to have resonated with the Malaga City Council, which reportedly cancelled plans to build 1,300 tourist homes in the city. The new city strategy will veer away from property sales to non-Spaniards, considering a “total ban” altogether.

Malaga City Council has already worked to introduce new measures to curb the construction and acquisition of tourist housing after growing animosity from locals in recent years. But after recent protests and the projected plans for a summer of tourist disruption, Mayor De La Torre said “a global moratorium” is under consideration.

Despite the growing tensions, Malaga remains one of Spain’s top tourist destinations, attracting around 14 million visitors last year. And while it tops Nomad Capital’s list of the best expat destinations in Spain, they emphasise that there is no one single Spanish city ideal for all expats.

While Malaga may be best for sunbathers, Barcelona is ideal for foodies and Granada has proved to be an excellent based for winter sports enthusiasts. You can find the full ranking of the Top 11 Spanish expat destinations below.

The top 11 Spanish destinations for expats

1. Malaga
2. Sotogrande
3. Madrid
4. Barcelona
5. Seville
6. Valencia
7. San Sebastian
8. Granada
9. Bilbao
10. Ibiza
11. Zaragoza

Long overshadowed by its historic neighbour, this seaside town in East Sussex has become a coveted hub thanks to its booming culinary scene and convenient commute to the capital

A seaside town in East Sussex has been dubbed one of the best places to live in Britain according to a new ranking. Long in the shadow of its historic neighbour, Hastings, this UK destination has taken the title of ‘cool cousin’ for its emerging arts scene, chic restaurants and beautiful landscape.

The award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos, has shared its list of the best places to live in the UK. While the top 10 Sussex destinations ranged from quaint country villages to sleepy hamlets, St. Leonards-On-Sea was a standout.

St. Leonards – known colloquially as Lennies – is known for its distinct combination of elegance and edge. The town sits in the shadow of neighbouring Hastings which is well-loved for its impressive historic Old Town, but St. Leonards has been gaining wider attention for its seaside charm.

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According to Muddy Stilettos, St. Leonards showcases the best of its neighbours of Bexhill and Hastings. The town offers access to “raw but beautiful Regency and Art Deco architecture” as well as a “quiet and long beach” with proximity to the greenery of Hasting Country Park.

One of the reasons St. Leonards is growing in popularity as a place for Britons to settle down has to do with its proximity to the capital. St. Leonards locals are within commutable distance to London, with trains to London Bridge taking approximately 90 – 100minutes and trains to London Victoria taking about 110 mins.

St. Leonards is also a convenient distance to other major cities. Brighton is only a 30-minute direct train ride away from St. Leonards’ Warrior Square Station and there are great links to Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks in Kent.

In addition to its ranking on Muddy Stilettos’ list of the top places to live in Sussex, St. Leonards was included in the The Times’ list of the best places to live by the sea in 2024. According to The Times, the growing popularity of the town has a lot to do with its impressive culinary scene.

The publication confirmed that the opening of a new farm-to-table restaurant Bayte confirmed the town’s status as a “top-table place for sophisticated seaside escapes”. Bayte has a family connection to the Richmond staple, Petersham Nurseries, and promises the same exceptional gastronomic experience.

Food-focused travellers will also be impressed with the many delights to be found on St. Leonards’ Kings Road. Natural wines and small plate restaurants are rife throughout the high street, with some local favourites including the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, The Royal, and the seafood-centric Galleria.

Kings Road also promises optimal shopping and cultural experiences, for both tourists and locals. Art galleries, boutique clothing and home goods stores offer a mix of high-quality and hand-made wares. The spirit of community is also one of the main attractions of the area. Cultural festivals like St. Leonards Fest and the frequent indoor vintage markets help encourage and cultivate community in the seaside town.

According to Muddy Stilletos, the pandemic saw house prices increase in the area, rising to an average of £330,000 and going as high as £900,000 for a townhouse. This is partially attributed to the strong schools in the area, with state primaries and secondaries rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Full list of Top 10 best places to live in Sussex

• Alfriston
• Amberley
• Cuckfield
• Hove
• Kingston-near-Lewes
• Petworth
• Rye
• St. Leonards-On-Sea
• Ticehurst
• Worthing

A survey of 19 airport hotel brands has revealed those at the top and bottom of the table when it comes to customer satisfaction and value for money – with one in particular proving to be a ‘disappointment’

Despite their handy proximity to the terminals, many airport hotel brands are failing to provide good value for money and quality food and drink, according to a new ranking of the best and worst in the country.

In a survey involving over 1,600 participants, 19 airport hotel chains were judged on aspects such as customer service, cleanliness and value for money. Which? also sent undercover inspectors to two of the listed hotels – DoubleTree by Hilton and Thistle – to see if their experiences matched the survey results.

DoubleTree by Hilton – with locations at Edinburgh Airport, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle – was the most impressive to travellers. The chain bagged five stars for cleanliness, bed comfort and location, achieving an impressive overall customer score of 80 per cent.

On the other end of things, Bloc Hotel at Gatwick shows that proximity to a departure lounge does not mean everything. Depite being right next to the South Terminal check-in desks, it still scored poorly on the survey with 64% overall, earning a meagre two stars for value for money, bedrooms, bathrooms, and customer service.

Have you had a bad hotel stay and want to share your story? Email [email protected]

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The average price per night is £142. Guests complain about overpriced tiny rooms, some without windows, with one survey participant noting: “The room was too small for two people. The bed was against the wall, so one person had to wriggle out to use the loo. And the bathroom was a wetroom, so the toilet area flooded when you used the shower”.

A spokesperson for BLOC Hotel noted that the survey’s conclusions “are drawn from such a small and unrepresentative sample size – which seems to be just 42 reviews. At Bloc Gatwick, we achieve a customer service score of 91% across major platforms including Booking.com, Google, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, based on more than 8,000 verified reviews over the past 12 months.”

Contrastingly, the Mirror’s own travel editor, Nigel Thompson, stayed at BLOC Hotel and praised it thoroughly, awarding it a score of 9.5 out of 10.

Travelodge has emerged as the most affordable choice in a recent survey, boasting an average nightly rate of a mere £74. Despite its modest pricing, the hotel chain only managed to secure a customer satisfaction rate of 65 per cent, earning itself a middling three-star rating for most features like value for money and its bedrooms and bathrooms.

However, it fell short in the food and drink department, scraping by with just two stars. Dissatisfied guests didn’t mince their words, one commenting: “Most of the items on the menu were unavailable. What was available was clearly poor quality and microwaved.”

Strategically positioned near major UK airfields such as Cardiff Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and London City Airport, Travelodge still remains a convenient option.

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Which?’s incognito inspectors visited the DoubleTree by Hilton at Newcastle airport and gave it high marks. Highlights included warm cookies given to guests upon arrival, room service until the early hours, and a generous midday checkout time.

Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast from as early as 4.30am. The inspectors also praised the spacious rooms, blackout curtains and plush king-size beds.

The Thistle in London Heathrow Terminal 5 was the second hotel to which Which? sent undercover inspectors. With a score of 72 per cent in the survey, Thistle received a Which? Great Value award. Despite its dated decor, the inspectors found the hotel clean and convenient, offering excellent deals for park and stay. The hotel had a fairly comfy bed and a decent shower, and is just a five-minute pod ride from the airport.

At just £78 with a buffet breakfast, it was considered a bargain. Thistle also has a hotel at London Luton Airport.

Travellers seeking an airport hotel are prioritising convenience for terminal access, with a whopping 87% in a consumer survey claiming it’s essential. Luckily, food is less of a big deal.

None of the hotels surveyed scooped up more than three stars for their culinary offerings. An individual recounting their airport hotel experience grumbled: “‘I ordered a sirloin steak and it was as tough as old boots. My wife ordered a pizza and it had to go back.”

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Nonetheless, airport hotels are proving invaluable to passengers travelling by car. Special package deals coupling a one-night’s stay with extended holiday parking can be surprisingly economical.

For example, Thistle at Heathrow Terminal 5 offers secure, CCTV-monitored on-site parking. An August booking for a night plus seven days of parking is priced at £210—a savvy saving of £52 compared to booking a separate hotel room and opting for the adjacent official T5 Pod Parking.

The Which? rankings with overall customer score

1. Double Tree by Hilton: 80%
2. Premier Inn: 79%
3. Sofitel: 78%
4. Holiday Inn Express: 76%
5. Clayton Hotels: 73%
6. Crowne Plaza: 73%
7. Thistle: 72%
8. Courtyard by Marriott: 71%
9. Hilton: 71%
10. Novotel: 71%
11. Radisson Blu: 71%
12. Holiday Inn: 70%
13. Best Western: 67%
14. Hilton Garden Inn: 67%
15. Ibis: 67%
16. Ibis Budget: 67%
17. Hampton by Hilton: 66%
18. Travelodge: 65%
19. BLOC Hotel: 64%

This seaside town in Suffolk has one of the UK’s most impressive beaches, dotted with traditional fishing huts selling freshly-caught seafood and iconic art installations

For all the galleries, parks and restaurants London has to offer, there is one thing locals still yearn for: the sea. While the UK has no shortage of charming seaside villages and coastal towns, only one has earned the moniker “London-on-Sea”.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk has claimed the impressive title. The picturesque seaside town has everything you could want from a classic UK staycation, including a sandy beach and some of the best fish and chips this side of Britain.

Less than a two-hour train ride from London Liverpool Street, it’s no surprise it has become a frequent favourite for Londoners. As reported by MyLondon, Aldeburgh’s title of ‘London-on-Sea’ isn’t just a colloquial nickname, the village was featured in a guidebook with that exact title.

Situated between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea, this Suffolk town offers a distinct vantage point. The main attraction for travellers will certainly be the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

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Aldeburgh Beach is a shingle and sand beach and consistently ranks among the top spots in Suffolk and East Anglia. It has been recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag.

In addition to the fine shore and surf, Aldeburgh Beach is home to many historic and artistic treasures. One such feature is the Quatrefoil Martello Tower, a relic from the Napoleonic Wars era. There’s also a Norman church and a converted windmill known as Green Fort nearby.

But the most well-known fixture of the beach is the Aldeburgh Scallop. This four-meter high steel shell sculpture was installed on the beach to honour Benjamin Britten, the esteemed 20th-century composer who enjoyed regular walks between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness.

There are no kiosks on the beach, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts dotted across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood directly from the locals. Barring that, visitors can head into town for some battered fish.

The Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously been honoured with the title of Britain’s best fish and chip spot, and Tripadvisor reviews attest to its quality. One visitor commented: “I love fish and chips, and this was the best I’ve ever had from a takeaway. The fish had beautiful light batter, and was translucent, flaky and delicious. Great chips too. Excellent.”

From grand hotels to cosy rental properties, Aldeburgh offers plenty of accommodation options for travellers. The Wentworth Hotel is one of the most luxurious in the seaside town – just 20 yards from the beach and home to an award-winning restaurant.

Those looking for a more laid-back option can stay at The Cross Keys. This beachfront inn exudes old-world charm and the rooms and in-house restaurant have modern, clean furnishings.

Again, the train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.