seaside

This coastal gem boasts Viking history, a famous ice cream parlour, and independent shops – and it’s a place I’ve been visiting since childhood that’s magical even when the weather isn’t the best

Summer is in full swing across the UK, bringing with it some glorious weather over recent weeks. With hopefully more sunshine to come, now’s an ideal time to organise a seaside trip or two.

Britain boasts countless spectacular locations, and although the heatwaves have been great, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be here.

But there’s one particular spot I’ve been returning to since I was young that gets lively during summer without becoming overcrowded, and even when it’s pouring down, it’s still amazing.

Largs, a lovely seaside town on Scotland’s west coast, sits approximately an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Famous for its Viking museum, traditional amusement arcades, and ferry services to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s somewhere many Scots will likely have explored during the warm summer months.

This picturesque town positioned on the Firth of Clyde offers everything you could want from a coastal getaway, with a range of hotels and places to stay.

We stayed at the Old Rectory, a beautiful holiday home sleeping up to 14 people, featuring a hot tub and plenty of room for unwinding. One of the best things about Largs is how near you are to the waterfront regardless of where you are.

The charming Victorian seafront is packed with things to see and do, offering an impressive selection of eateries serving everything from classic fish and chips to delicious Thai cuisine.

Largs has immense historical importance as the location of a landmark battle in 1263, which signalled the end of Norse dominance in Scotland.

The Vikingar museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this heritage, though for a truly hands-on experience, the annual Largs Viking Festival in August is highly recommended. As luck would have it, the festival was in full swing during our trip, featuring dramatic battle re-enactments, live performances and some spectacular outfits.

Beyond its Viking roots, Largs is equally famous for its art deco ice cream parlour, which has been pulling in the crowds for generations.

Nardini’s, fondly known as Scotland’s most beloved café, has built its amazing reputation on its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional ice cream. Much like Vikingar, it enjoys a fantastic waterfront setting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a scoop or two of your favourite flavour.

Alongside their extensive range of cakes and light bites, it’s a great choice for lunch or a quick snack while strolling along the promenade.

Venture into the town centre and you’ll uncover charming narrow streets bursting with independent gift shops, cafés and yet more ice cream parlours. On one particular morning, we chose to have brunch at Perk – a lively café bursting with plants and books, featuring an outstanding menu to match.

The vanilla matcha was an absolute treat, and the feta and avocado waffles were impossible to resist.

Still peckish after your meal? There’s a cake counter overflowing with pastries and other indulgent sweet treats available to take away.

While Largs may lack the familiar high street chains, it more than compensates with a wonderful selection of independent traders stocking truly unique items.

A large market tent has vendors offering everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps and even tarot readings – you could quite easily spend hours browsing.

If you want to venture a little further, jump on a quick ferry crossing from the harbour to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the delightful town of Millport.

The island is small enough to cycle around in just a couple of hours, with a well-earned pint awaiting you at the finish before a speedy 10-minute sail back to the mainland. Nearby, the breathtaking Kelburn Castle stands tall – a spectacular park and estate that hosts its very own summer music festival.

It’s perfectly suited to families too, featuring several playgrounds, cascading waterfalls and plenty more to uncover, all within a 10-minute drive from Largs. Truthfully though, Largs alone provides more than enough to keep visitors thoroughly entertained for either a day trip or a full weekend break.

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a bright day, it’s absolutely ideal. But even in wet weather, there’s no need to panic – it makes those seaside walks all the more refreshing and the welcoming ice-cream parlours even more tempting.

THERE’s a universal rule of thumb that ‘you get what you pay for’ – so when I booked a £23 hotel in one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations, I was definitely apprehensive.

It’s estimated that Blackpool has around 500 to 600 hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses. And with that many, the choice can be overwhelming.

Scouting for the cheapest option, I came across The Vernon costing from just £23 – or £11.50 per person, per night.

While alarm bells ring when I find something this cheap – will it be clean, is it even real – after a couple minutes of hesitation I pressed the looming booking button.

Within 24 hours, my Booking.com reservation was confirmed, with a check-in time of 4pm and no further instructions.

The hotel itself lies on a street just off the main promenade and is only a couple of minutes’ walk from both the beach and the closest tram stop.

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So when it comes to location, I really couldn’t have asked for better – far enough away from the hustle and bustle to not hear it, but close enough that I can enjoy it and pop back to the hotel in two ticks.

Standing outside the hotel, I could have easily mistaken it for a pub, with textured cream bricks, two large bay windows and a sign that has seen better days.

Though, it was still in a better shape than I had anticipated.

Stepping inside was rather like stepping back in time, with elaborate carpets, mahogany beams and textured plaster walls.

To check in, there was one man standing at an old counter with a notepad and pen at the ready.

With no computer in sight, I simply stated my name, which he then checked against his notepad and highlighted to signify that I had checked in.

Sometimes, the old school way is the simplest.

The old school theme continued when he handed me my keys (physical door keys rather than an electronic card) with one for the front door of the hotel and the other for my room.

The hotel has 15 rooms ranging from family options to singles, but I was staying in a ‘superior double’.

After a rather arduous 20 minute battle with the door lock, when it just would not open, I was in.

The room before me was flooded with light coming from a large window.

Mind you, you don’t get much of a glamorous view (not that I would’ve expected one for the price).

Instead, I peered out to see a flat grey roof, scattered with empty pill packets.

On the surface the room looked neat and tidy enough, and a decent size, with a double bed in the middle with two towels placed neatly at the end.

Deploying tactics learned from years of binge-watching Channel 4‘s Four in a Bed, I got straight to work.

The bed was comfortable and clean, with sufficient pillows on each side and there were no bed bugs in sight.

But just when I felt pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the room, out of the corner of my eye I spotted a crescent in the carpet.

By the skirting board, there sat a rogue toenail clipping.

It felt like a budget hotel ‘rite of passage’, but it was definitely a souvenir I didn’t want from my time in Blackpool.

Two bedside tables also featured reading lamps, though the remains of two defunct wall lamps still hovered above them.

One wall boasted a TV and another had a full-length mirror.

By the window was also a chest of drawers where I found the kettle, tea, coffee and milk pots – of which there were plenty.

Expecting to find layers of crusty limescale, I popped the kettle lid and… nothing. It was spotless.

I was simultaneously disappointed and relieved – so far, so good, I thought to myself.

Then onto the en suite. While ultimately outdated with a cream-coloured bathroom suite, it was notably clean.

As if they knew I would inspect the cleanliness of the toilet (I was taking this very seriously), the seat was already lifted up to reveal a perfectly polished bowl.

The shower had the same clean sheen.

In fact, the only things to note in the bathroom were a broken tile, a slightly scruffy window seal and a watermark on the ceiling.

Just don’t expect any complimentary shower gel, shampoo or conditioner…

Obviously for this price you don’t get breakfast, but downstairs you can make the most of a social room with a large pool table and even an in-house pub.

Now, I’ve stayed in some pretty grotty places and I’ve also experienced my fair share of hostels.

While I am young, I might still opt for the hostel especially as these tend to be part of big chains that set a standard.

But if I wanted privacy, then The Vernon wouldn’t put me off.

While my experience wasn’t awful, it is worth noting other guests who have recently stayed have left reviews commenting that the milk in the room was out of date, some of the beds are uncomfortable and despite advertising there is a hairdryer in each room, there isn’t in some.

But for the price, and its location, can you really argue at any of the hotel’s imperfections? Personally, I think not.

I WALK past souvenir shops lining the streets selling plastic trinkets, sticks of rock and cheeky postcards – all the signs of an iconic seaside town.

Believe it or not, Blackpool used to be one of the most successful and visited tourism spots in the world.

Blackpool is probably the most stereotyped seaside town in the UK, and say the name to a Brit and you’ll immediately get a reaction.

It usually conjures up one of two images: wild hen and stag dos or nostalgic memories of years gone by.

Though with both, the basis of the image is the same: a fading seaside resort that has seen better days.

In the 1920s, Blackpool was actually known as the capital of working-class entertainment.

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By the 1930s, 10million people were visiting each year.

Following the Second World War, the town reached its golden era with around 17million annual visitors.

During this time, the image a lot of people still associate with Blackpool was created – packed ballrooms, shows and a beach full of deck chairs.

So when did it all go downhill?

In the late 1960s and 1970s, cheap flights to Spain started booming, with some overseas trips the same price – or even cheaper – than a week in Blackpool.

The town’s tourism relied on Northern England‘s industrial workers too, so as factories shut down in the 1980s, the target market moved away.

Soon, its image as a budget ‘Vegas of the North’ emerged, attracting partygoers looking for cheap, boozy nights out.

Having visited this weekend, I can’t talk about being nostalgic as I’m a 25-year-old Gen Zer who has never visited the seaside town before.

But as someone who grew up on the south coast visiting numerous seaside spots every summer, I can talk about how Blackpool compares.

Having recently been named one of the worst seaside towns by Which?, my expectations were already low.

Spoiler alert: they needn’t have been.

Turning the corner from the town centre to the promenade onboard the tram, there it was in all its glory: the beach, the Pleasure Beach, the tower and not one, not two, but three piers.

Admittedly, parts are rough around the edges.

Some hotels and B&Bs definitely need of some TLC and there are a number of boarded up shops waiting for new owners.

But honestly, it is hard to name a British seaside town that doesn’t have a bit of that nowadays.

And I must admit, the beach with the sun making the water glisten, did look a dream.

The fun and upbeat vibe is really evident in the north of the town.

The promenade was busy but not crowded and everyone had a smile on their face as the sun beat down.

In this part of Blackpool, you’ll find one of the piers alongside the iconic Blackpool Tower.

I headed up in a lift that travelled through the centre of the red steel structure to a viewing point 120 metres above the ground.

The panoramic views are spectacular, and the only spot in Blackpool where you can take in the full length of the beach.

At the base of the tower, you’ll also find Blackpool Tower Dungeon, a similar experience to the London Dungeon but slightly shorter.

All along the promenade, I wandered past souvenir shops, donut stalls and cheap chippies – I mean seriously cheap chippies, with portions for just a couple of quid.

On a mission for a cool pint, I stumbled across Tommy Cutler’s along a road set back from the main promenade.

A refreshing pint is exactly what I got, but what made it even better is that it only cost me £1.75 – making it the cheapest pint in the UK.

The only place you’ll get one cheaper is some Wetherspoons pubs.

The pub has a generous outdoor decking for soaking up the sunshine and the latest hits blare from giant speakers.

Head a minute down the road to The Ardwick for a more traditional pub vibe, with a pool table and darts boards and you can also pick up a pint here for £1.90 – or even cheaper on a Thursday, at £1.69 a pint.

At the south end of the town, you’ll find South Pier, along with Sandcastle Waterpark – the biggest indoor waterpark in the UK – and Blackpool’s most famous attraction, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.

Heated to a tropical 29C, Sandcastle Waterpark boasts 18 slides and water coasters.

Little ones can be lulled by gentle waves or make a splash in a dedicated water play area, but for adults without kids like myself, you can head to the spa.

Jumping between the salt inhalation room, steam rooms and a sauna, I felt adequately relaxed with the blur of screams behind me from people dropping down the numerous slides.

For dry fun, on the other hand, it doesn’t get much better than Pleasure Beach Resort. Gripping onto the handrails every time, I rolled around on the historic wooden rollercoasters and flipped upside down on the more modern thrill rides.

The resort perfectly blends traditional seaside charm and modern fun to create a day out that pleases the entire family.

The star of the show though? The newly upgraded Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic dark ride which takes you around different sets seen in the films.

To get the best of Blackpool’s attractions, make sure to purchase The Ultimate Ticket, which Blackpool Tourism launched earlier this year.

The ticket includes entry to The Blackpool Tower Top, Sandcastle Waterpark, Pleasure Beach Resort, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, The Blackpool Tower Dungeon and The Blackpool Tower Circus usually costing £65, but thanks to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, the price is £56.88 until 1 September.

Also make sure to spend one evening of your stay in Blackpool at the Hot Ice show, which takes place in the park’s arena.

Featuring 30 Olympic and professional ice skaters, it’s a marvel for the eyes that feels like a West End on ice.

If you thought you could only stay in a run down B&B, I would think again – Blackpool even boasts a five-star hotel.

The Boulevard Hotel sits at the south end of Pleasure Beach Resort and inside you can expect sleek silver interiors, with a swish restaurant and bar.

There is a wide variety with an adults only floor and family rooms available, or you can either get a room overlooking the ocean like mine – and even one that looks at the rolling rollercoasters whizzing by.

Rooms cost from just £85 per night, including breakfast – which, might I add, was a great selection of cooked items, cereals, fruit and even pancakes.

The added perk is that if you stay Friday to Sunday you’ll get tickets to Pleasure Beach for free, which you can then access from a private entrance right outside the front of the hotel.

But if you are on even more of a tight budget, I did also check into a cheap £23 a night B&B – which I will be doing a full review on soon.

A HUGE new attraction set to open in a trending seaside town has finally been given the green light.

Morecambe was named the fastest-rising place for Brits going on a staycation last month, according to Booking.com.

And the new Eden Project Morecambe in Lancashire is set to go ahead after securing planning permission.

It comes as the £100million attraction in the often overlooked town created new designs that needed approval from Lancaster City Council.

As for the attraction itself, everything will be centred around the Realm of the Sun, Realm of the Moon and an area called Metronome.

In the Realm of the Sun, visitors can expect a tropical landscape that adapts to both hot and cold seasons, with vertical plants, hanging mini gardens, a multi-sensory area and a waterfall.

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Then in the Realm of the Moon, the space will be darker with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

Outside, there will be a number of landscaped gardens and an arena to explore too.

And of course, there will be shops and restaurants for the visitors as well.

In the most recent announcement, there will be a £4.5million immersive experience called The Elder Tree.

The tree will stretch nearly 20 metres and take visitors on a journey from its roots to its hollows.

The attraction is expected to get around 585,000 visitors a year, with a capacity of up to 740,000.

Outside, in the arena, the capacity will be 6,000 people.

Parts of the attraction are expected to open in 2027, with other parts opening at a later date.

Plans originally approved in 2022 included four domes, but in the most recent plans this was reduced to two domes.

Swanage in Dorset is home to the fantastic Swanage Carnival, which takes place across two weekends in July and August and is about to return for its 2026 outing

It wouldn’t be a trip to the British seaside without a lorry-load of child stormtroopers appearing at some point.

Or at least, that seems to be the case in Swanage.

Last week, the seaside town was named the 14th best in the country by readers of Which?, who praised its fantastic scenery and beach. What the 5,320 readers did not mention in the rankings (which placed Bamburgh in Northumberland for a sixth year in a row), is Swanage’s weirder side.

I visited the Dorset town of 10,000 during a stay in the beautiful village of Kimmeridge, a little further down the Jurassic Coast. I was expecting more of the same: a pebbly beach, rugged headlands and a sense of peace and quiet that belies its location and quality.

I got nothing of the sort.

Swanage is home to one of the best and weirdest events you’ll find anywhere on the British coastline. The iconic Swanage Carnival.

The Swanage Regatta and Carnival, as it is formally known, has a history dating back to the mid 1800’s when the first sailing regatta was held in Swanage Bay. The carnival portion was added in the early 1900s and hit a real high point in the 1950s when Noddy and Famous Five author Enid Blyton became its president. She loved getting stuck in, even organising the closing firework display.

Today, the show remains one of the best points of the carnival. On warm evenings, people swim out into the sea to get a unique view of the rockets and roman candles exploding above.

What has changed quite a bit – and where Swanage’s strangeness lies – is in the carnival floats.

When I visited, a lorry was loaded up with a primary school classroom’s worth of girls dressed as Star Wars stormtroopers, sporting blasters and shiny white helmets. A short while later, they were joined by Granny Tourismo, the world’s first (and only) shopping trolley dance display team. Look up to the sky, and you’d be treated to a genuinely breathtaking aerobatic wingwalking display team.

The year’s theme? ‘Swanage Goes Musical’, of course.

Last year, the dress code was ‘Cirque du Swanage’. Cue a floatload of 20 clowns in violently bright rainbow wigs and a traveling circus float, followed a short way after by a child in an electronic jeep, pulling a large giraffe toy.

Belly-dancers danced and majorettes twirled their batons, at the same time as a pair of orange-faced Oompa Loompas raced against the Undertaker and Hulk Hogan for glory in the ever-popular wheelbarrow race.

A woman dressed as a tiger could only watch on from her position on the back of a lorry, locked in a cage.

It’s all the kind of excellent, distinctly weird stuff that the south coast does particularly well. When viewed on a scorching hot summer’s day, sky blue and ice cream melting onto your hand, the effect is almost surreal.

And the good news is, the Swanage Carnival is about to begin again. For eight days from July 25, thousands of visitors will descend on the town to enjoy more than 100 events. This year’s theme is ‘A wacky western in Carnival Canyon’. Expect Stormtroopers in cowboy hats.

If all of that wasn’t enough, come September, the streets of Swanage are taken over by hundreds of members of Britain’s longest-running and most beloved cult, morris dancers.

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Bude — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton — 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch — 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch — 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.

The Which? survey has uncovered plenty of hidden gems to explore this summer, as well as revealing some surprises at the bottom of the rankings including some stylish seaside towns that failed to impress

Nothing beats a day at the seaside. A combination of heatwaves and the school summer holidays means the resorts are likely to be packed over the coming weeks.

That’s why consumer magazine Which? has run a survey on the best and worst seaside destinations, surveying over 5,300 people about their experiences in the past year. It quizzed visitors on everything from the quality of beaches and scenery, to the food and drink on offer, accommodation, tourist attractions, and value for money.

The results have yielded a number of surprises, but the town taking the top spot has remained the same for the sixth year in a row.

Bamburgh in Northumberland, famous for its vast coastline and beach featuring a castle, yet again came number one with an overall score of 84%. One visitor said: “It’s just gorgeous and is as good now as it was years ago; it’s not been spoiled by commercialisation. What made it successful then has been retained.”

The North East had a strong showing in the rankings, with Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear coming in second at 82%, making it a close competitor for Bamburgh. Its score included five stars for its seafront and food and drink including “wonderful fish and chips” according to one reviewer. Another said: “Tynemouth has a fantastic high street with a range of cafés, restaurants and shops complemented by historic buildings and a fabulous beach.”

Coming in third was St Andrews in Scotland with 81%, and Fife also scored another top ten place with Crail at number five. Known as the home of golf, St Andrews was praised for being a “lovely town with plenty of amenities. It does not feel overcrowded despite having many tourists.”

Many classic seaside towns in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Sussex came in at the bottom of the list, and there were some surprisingly low scores for the gentrified towns of Margate and Newquay, which failed to impress. Margate scored just 53%, its overall percentage brought down by getting one star for peace and quiet, while Newquay in Cornwall scored 55% and got only two stars for value for money.

One visitor said: “Newquay feels like it has seen better days. Apart from the beaches and pubs, it has relatively little to offer a tourist. It perhaps serves better as a base to experience other parts of Cornwall.” Another explained: “There are lovely bits and unlovely bits of Newquay. The beaches are wonderful but the town is a bit shabby and run down.” Its beaches still managed to score four stars in the survey.

Close to the bottom were Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, with 46%, and nearby Lowestoft in Suffolk, with the same score. However, the dubious honour of worst seaside town went to Bognor Regis in West Sussex on the south coast.

Scoring just 41% overall, Bognor got one star for most categories. One visitor said it was: “Lacking investment, slow to supply tourists what they need.”, and another wrote: “The place is run down and feels neglected.”

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “The North East has emerged as this year’s favourite seaside spot, a reflection of its outstanding beaches and the fact that holidays here can be fantastic value for money.

“It also shows that there are special seaside towns in every corner of the UK. From Swanage to Plockton, Southwold to Conwy, you’ll have a great time in many of the country’s lesser-known destinations, and should save some money too.”

Top 30 seaside towns and villages

• Bamburgh — 84%
• Tynemouth — 82%
• St Andrews — 81%
• Aldeburgh — 80%
• Crail — 80%
• Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
• Portmeirion — 80%
• St Davids — 79%
• Bude — 78%
• Southwold — 78%
• North Berwick — 77%
• Plockton — 77%
• St Ives — 77%
• Swanage — 77%
• Lyme Regis — 76%
• Lytham St Annes — 76%
• Portstewart — 76%
• Conwy — 75%
• Dornoch — 75%
• Filey — 75%
• Lynmouth — 75%
• Sidmouth — 75%
• St Mawes — 75%
• Tenby — 75%
• Tobermory — 75%
• Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
• Whitley Bay — 75%
• Broadstairs — 74%
• Falmouth — 74%
• Llandudno — 74%

Bottom 30 seaside towns and villages

• Ilfracombe — 57%
• Minehead — 57%
• Bridlington — 56%
• Cleethorpes — 56%
• Fishguard — 56%
• Seaton — 56%
• Torquay — 56%
• Abersoch — 55%
• Colwyn Bay — 55%
• Morecambe — 55%
• Newquay — 55%
• Barry Island — 54%
• Skegness — 54%
• Mablethorpe — 53%
• Margate — 53%
• Paignton — 53%
• Southport — 53%
• Herne Bay — 52%
• Littlehampton — 51%
• New Brighton — 51%
• Weston-super-Mare — 50%
• Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
• Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
• Southend-on-Sea — 47%
• Bangor — 46%
• Blackpool — 46%
• Fleetwood — 46%
• Great Yarmouth — 46%
• Lowestoft — 46%
• Bognor Regis — 41%

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

It is easy to see why people love the Northumberland village so much. The centre is quaint and pretty, the beach sandy and impressive, and the castle perfectly preserved and towering

Has there been a run as dominant as this in the history of British seasides?

Once again, Bamburgh has been named the best coastal town or village the UK has to offer, bringing the run of victory to six in a row in the Which? annual survey.

It is easy to see why people love the Northumberland village so much. The centre is quaint and pretty, the beach sandy and impressive, and the castle perfectly preserved and towering.

In a gushing show, 5,320 Which? readers handed Bamburgh perfect marks for its seafront, scenery and beach. “It is a wonderful historic village with miles of sand and glorious views,” one happy visitor enthused.

Another said: “Bamburgh Castle, a stunning building, is the core of the village and leads through the sand dunes to an extraordinary beach, which never fails to captivate us.”

And a third agreed: “It’s just gorgeous and is as good now as it was years ago; it’s not been spoiled by commercialisation. What made it successful then has been retained.”

But amid all of the enthusiasm for the settlement of 300 people, not everyone is convinced by its dominance of the Which? survey. In fact, a number of locals are fed up with the limelight that is being cast on Bamburgh.

“I wish they wouldn’t do things like this. All it does is make rich southerners read it and then decide to buy a holiday house there, pushing up house prices and pushing out actual locals,” one irked person wrote online.

Another chimed in: “Peace and quiet?! Not on a sunny summer’s day. The village (it is not a Town) is rammed with vehicles and visitors.”

The gripes are consistent. Back in 2022, when Bamburgh’s reputation as the best of the best was still being forged, resident John Graham shared his frustrations. He said: “When the sun is out the place can be overrun. In the day, you get the ice-cream brigade leaving their rubbish everywhere and in the evenings the drunken louts have their fun.

“On an average morning in the summer, I pick up five or six burnt-out disposable barbecues and half a dozen or so bin bags full of bottles and cans.”

One business owner said it is really sad to see a big increase in litter being dumped in the sand dunes below the castle. They added: “A friend of mine summed up the problem quite well the other day when he said it’s like over-fishing.

“Pubs and hotel owners might be enjoying the money rolling in, but the more people who come here, the more damage is done to the environment.”

I visited last summer and was not overly impressed by what I found. One major issue was the cars. On a hot June day, the stream of traffic on the arterial road that runs through Bamburgh’s centre is relentless. The closest train station is seven miles away in Chathill, and the buses are sporadic, so any hopes of embarking on a relaxing, car-free day trip will prove difficult.

For me, the real issue with Bamburgh is its vibe. Central to the charm of Britain’s great seaside towns is a slightly edgy, salty quality in some way connected to large quantities of sailors. Bamburgh, with its Farrow and Ball doors and memorial benches, has none of this.

The stars of the show in Bamburgh are the beach and the castle. It is undeniable that the combination of the two — how the 1,400-year-old fort hangs above the broad, sandy shore — is magnificent. You won’t find me criticising Bamburgh Castle.

The beach, however, is arguably a little one-note. Once you’ve waded out half a mile to get to a patch of water deep enough to paddle in, you’ll be frozen by a North Sea that rarely swells itself into anything remotely as interesting as what you’d find on the UK’s Atlantic coast.

If you’re in search of a very long beach, Camber Sands near Rye in East Sussex not only enjoys a lot more sunshine — as one of the sunniest places in the country — it also has superior sand dunes, particularly so if you’re a teenager interested in launching yourself off their summits.

SEASIDE towns – the UK sure does have a fair few, but with so many stunning spots, it is easy for others to be forgotten about or even bashed.

This is the case for Bognor Regis this week, as it has been named the WORST seaside town in the UK.

If you really want to see some of the UK’s best beaches, check out some of our best £9.50 Holidays.

In research carried out by Which?, towns were voted on by more than 5,300 people focusing on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.

Bognor Regis scored just 41 per cent overall, achieving one star in all categories, bar one.

Having visited just last week, and on a number of occasions before, I think (or rather, I know) they’ve got it wrong.

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Bognor Regis is actually the sunniest spot in the UK – and what is not to love about that?

Tie this in with its long-stretching beach with miles of sea views and it’s hard not to love.

The main beach (known as East Beach) is unbeatable. While it is a pebble beach, there is plenty of space to put up a deck chair and enjoy the waves crashing on the stones.

Though, if you do want to go on a walk but avoid the pebbles, running along the beach is a nice flat esplanade.

Sat at the edge of the beach you will also find a number of things to do.

For example, you can head to the pier which is full of arcade machines and instead of your usual keyring prizes, you can bag a Jellycat (I tried and failed to get the seagull).

Also along the beach you will find Luna Hut Sauna Bognor Regis where you can head straight from the sea to the sauna and then sit looking out at the ocean.

You can choose between a half-an-hour session and an hour-and-a-half session, costing from £8 per person.

You can also pick up an ice cream for a couple of quid, or fish and chips for under a tenner – prices that are getting harder to find these days.

Alternatively, you can head to West Beach, which is west of the town centre and is normally less crowded.

For something free to do, visit the Bognor Regis Museum which has lots of exhibits on local history, fossils, vintage cameras and even an extensive radio collection.

And would it even be a proper trip to Bognor Regis if you didn’t go to Butlin’s?

Butlin’s Bognor Regis is home to a wealth of things to do – with the most recent experience being a claw machine which claimed the Guinness World Record title for the biggest in the world.

For little ones, there are soft play areas, fairground rides and a tonne of shows.

Bigger kids can also enjoy PlayXperience, can only be found at Butlin’s Bognor Regis and boasts escape rooms, crazy golf, VR games and more.

On my last visit, I spent hours jumping between the different experiences, getting competitive at interactive darts and losing the crazy golf game along the way.

Another great attraction at the resort is the Splash Waterworld, which has a splash area with tipping buckets for little ones and slides for older kids.

What makes this all even better is that you don’t have to stay to enjoy all of this – you could just book a day ticket.

These tickets will be 15 per cent cheaper from July 17 until September 1 as well, thanks to the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

As for the town centre, which admittedly it is a little run down in places and with a horde of chain stores, there are still some gems including places for a good bite to eat and others for a cheap pint.

For example, you could go to The Hatter’s Inn, a Wetherspoons pub with pints of Worthington’s creamflow for just £1.99.

And for a bite to eat, check out Bonito Lounge which serves a range of feel-good, comfort dishes including fish and chips with a drink for £12.09 and bottomless coffee refills for £1.89.

The building is covered in plants and it has some lovely outdoor seating to ensure you’re making the most of being in the sunniest spot in the UK.

It doesn’t take long to reach the seaside destination from London either – it takes under two hours on the train, direct.

And if you do happen to be coming by train, make sure to head into the station’s bookshop for a tonne of cheap, second hand books.

So ignore the ‘stats’ that say its the worst town – it has all the charm of seaside towns gone by, with cheap prices, great pubs, and fantastic holiday parks to boot.

What’s not to love?

Clacton on Sea, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Blackpool all did poorly in this year’s Which? ranking of the best and worst seaside towns and villages in the country, but they were beaten to the bottom spot

“It’s a dead town.”

That’s how one former resident of Bognor Regis described the much-maligned West Sussex town, which has just been named the UK’s worst for a second year in a row.

Thousands of Which? readers decided that Bognor is the bottom of the bottom, calling it expensive and noisy, while arguing it’s got a rubbish beach and terrible attractions.

“Lacking investment, slow to supply tourists what they need,” one recent visitor commented. “The place is run down and feels neglected,” another said.

If things couldn’t get any worse, the town was recently plagued by a pervasive mystery pong drifting across the channel from France.

Do you agree with Bognor’s place on the list? Let us know in the comments below or email webtravel@reachplc.com

Levi Winchester, the Mirror’s money editor, grew up in Bognor. While Levi has now moved on to sunnier pastures, she holds an enduring love for a seaside town etched into Britain’s coastal consciousness, yet one that has fallen on hard times.

“I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.

“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s—and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.

“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left.”

One unhappy local wrote on Reddit: “Yes, it’s a dead town. Pretty much just pound shops, charity shops, Polish shops, banks, and chain coffee places. I think Macari’s is still there, but there’s nothing I would call charming about the town, nor has there been for quite a while.”

Another chimed in: “Bognor’s pretty much a depressing hole. I didn’t live here when it was nice, but it was destroyed by cheap holidays in Spain. It’s pretty sad, actually–you can tell the town is in the process of a slow death.”

Not everyone is quite so down on Bognor, however.

Freya and Matthew Reynolds run the independent furniture store on the high street that shares their family name. When Bognor came last in 2025’s survey, they told The Argus how much they loved the town.

Matthew, who moved to London and then returned, said it is a “lovely place to raise a family by the seaside.”

“I think Bognor has done quite well. There are not that many boarded-up shops. In other places, half the town centre seems to be boarded up,” he said.

Julia Smith, a 59-year-old carer, reacted strongly to the news of Bognor’s lowly ranking. “I think it’s a bit of snobbery. You need to come down and see it for yourself—don’t rely on so-called reports,” she told The Guardian. “There’s so much here. The sea is amazing. There are loads of places to eat as well, whether you’ve got a tenner or 100 quid to spend.”

She added: “We live here, and we never get sick of it. I’m going on 60, but I love it.”

Despite grappling with its reputation, there’s no denying Bognor Regis’ unwavering popularity. Each year, it attracts a whopping four million tourists – a number likely to keep growing thanks to the likes of Butlin’s.

Boasting a Victorian pier originally built in 1865, a slew of golden sandy beaches, rows of arcades, and plenty of fish and chip shops – Bognor Regis still possesses all of the quintessential coastal must-haves. One recent visitor argued they loved the ‘lights along the pier at night’, while other respondents suggested that Bognor Regis could recover its glory days with the right investment.

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Bude — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton — 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch — 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch — 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.

READY to book your staycation for the school summer holidays?

Then, you might want to check out this list of the best and worst seaside towns across the UK.

In the new survey revealed by Which?, Bamburgh, in Northumberland, came out on top, for the sixth year running.

The towns were voted on by more than 5,300 people focusing on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.

Bamburgh scored 84 per cent overall, achieving five stars for its beaches and “spectacular coastal scenery”.

Coming in second is Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, scoring 82 per cent – with five stars for its seafront, pier and food and drink.

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Meanwhile, up in Scotland, Fife secured two places in the top 10 with St Andrews in third place, scoring 81 per cent and Crail in joint fourth place, scoring 80 per cent.

Crail tied with Aldeburgh in Suffolk also scoring 80 per cent and then rounding out the top five is Southwold, scoring 78 per cent.

On the other hand, there were a number of towns that failed to impress including Clacton-on-Sea, scoring 48 per cent.

A number of more popular seaside towns also didn’t get great scores, such as Margate (53 per cent) and Newquay (55 per cent).

Both gained only one star for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money.

When speaking of Margate, one visitor commented how the town centre is “run down”.

Another added: “Margate is quirky and not overly commercialised. It’s got some great events and places to eat and shop. It’s still a bit rough around the edges but it knows it.”

On the other hand, down in Newquay, people commented how hen and stag parties had taken over, with another person commenting: “Newquay is a brash and overly busy seaside town.

“There are better beaches and towns nearby which are quieter.”

Famous for featuring in the TV sitcom series Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island also didn’t score well, scoring around 54 per cent.

One visitor said: “Unless you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan I’d give it a miss.”

The lowest score though went to Bognor Regis, scoring 41 per cent with visitors commenting that it was “tired” and needed “major rejuvenation”.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “The North East has emerged as this year’s favourite seaside spot, a reflection of its outstanding beaches and the fact that holidays here can be fantastic value for money.

“It also shows that there are special seaside towns in every corner of the UK.

“From Swanage to Plockton, Southwold to Conwy, you’ll have a great time in many of the country’s lesser-known destinations, and should save some money too.

“Whether you’re returning to a much-loved seaside town or discovering a hidden gem, there’s something for everyone.”

Which? has released the results of its best and worst seaside towns and villages in the UK survey, with Bamburgh, Bognor Regis, Tynemouth, St Andrews and Clacton on Sea all making notable entries

The greatest and most miserable seaside towns and villages on our fair island have been named.

Once again, coastal big hitters Cornwall and Devon have found themselves some way off the top of the list, while a pretty northern village has made it to the number spot for a sixth year in a row.

At the other end of the scale, a southern town known for its Butlin’s and for being one of the sunniest destinations in the UK has been condemned as the worst of the worst.

Which? surveyed over 5,300 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.

Bamburgh in Northumberland took the top spot in Which?’s survey for the sixth year running. With an overall destination score of 84 per cent, Bamburgh was given five stars for its beach, seafront and scenery. Visitors praised the “lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle” and the “spectacular coastal scenery.”

Do you agree with the rankings? Email webtravel@reachplc.com or let us know in the comments below

It’s easy to see why Bamburgh is so loved. Situated not far from the mysterious Holy Island, it’s got a village feel, replete with chippies and well-manicured lawns. At the same time, it sits in the shadows of one of the most magnificent and intact castles in the country.

The North East cleaned up at the top of the charts, with Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear coming second and scoring an impressive 82 per cent. Tynemouth scored five stars for its seafront/pier and food and drink, with one visitor praising its “wonderful fish and chips.” Another visitor praised the “magnificent” golden sand beaches.

While it may not be blessed with the same intensity of sunshine and lack of rain as other parts of the UK, Scotland also did well, claiming places in the top ten. St Andrews came third with a score of 81 percent and scored five stars for its beach, tourist attractions, scenery, and seafront/pier.

Crail, in Fife, scored the number five spot, thanks to its whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, and charming fishing harbor.

The highest scorer down south was the Essex seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea, which charmed visitors with its lovely seafront and the general peaceful vibe of the place. One visitor called it the “perfect place for those who just want a day at the seaside with no frills and no noise.”

On the other end of the spectrum, Bognor Regis was named as the UK’s worst. It’s the second year in a row that the West Sussex settlement has come in last. The Mirror’s money editor Levi Winchester grew up in the town and has seen it slowly fall apart over the years.

“I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.

“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s—and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.

“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left. I barely recognised it when I last visited.”

Having been thrust into the spotlight this week thanks to its somewhat absent MP Nigel Farage, Clacton-on-Sea found itself with a low score this year. It was judged to be the eighth worst. Despite low scores, including one star for peace and quiet and scenery, the classic seaside resort has the largest pier in Europe, and visitors praised its “excellent amusement facilities.”

In the survey, many popular seaside towns had middling scores. Despite their reputation as trendy destinations, Margate (53%) and Newquay (55%) received just one star for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money.

Visitors commented that Margate’s town centre was ‘run down’, but many praised its independent shops and famous Turner Gallery, while even Madonna has declared herself a fan of the seaside town. One visitor said: “Margate is quirky and not overly commercialised. It’s got some great events and places to eat and shop. It’s still a bit rough around the edges but it knows it.” Margate’s event space, Dreamland, is especially busy with summer events which may put people off going for a quiet break.

Popular surfing spot Newquay scored 55 per cent, receiving just one star for peace and quiet. The beach town is popular for stag and hen parties and young surfers. One visitor said it was “great for youngsters and surfers but not so good for older visitors”. Another said: “Newquay is a brash and overly busy seaside town. There are better beaches and towns nearby which are quieter.” Despite this, visitors praised the “wonderful beaches” in Newquay and they received four stars for this category.

Made famous by the TV sitcom Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island received a destination score of 54 per cent. One visitor said: “Unless you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan I’d give it a miss.” Visitors described the seafront as “a bit tacky”; however, the beach scored three stars, and one visitor said it is an “old-fashioned and lively seaside town, great beaches and interesting walks.”

TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Bamburgh — 84%
2. Tynemouth — 82%
3. St Andrews — 81%
4. Aldeburgh — 80%
5. Crail — 80%
6. Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
7. Portmeirion — 80%
8. St Davids — 79%
9. Bude — 78%
10. Southwold — 78%
11. North Berwick — 77%
12. Plockton — 77%
13. St Ives — 77%
14. Swanage — 77%
15. Lyme Regis — 76%
16. Lytham St Annes — 76%
17. Portstewart — 76%
18. Conwy — 75%
19. Dornoch — 75%
20. Filey — 75%
21. Lynmouth — 75%
22. Sidmouth — 75%
23. St Mawes — 75%
24. Tenby — 75%
25. Tobermory — 75%
26. Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
27. Whitley Bay — 75%
28. Broadstairs — 74%
29. Falmouth — 74%
30. Llandudno — 74%

BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES

1. Ilfracombe — 57%
2. Minehead — 57%
3. Bridlington — 56%
4. Cleethorpes — 56%
5. Fishguard — 56%
6. Seaton — 56%
7. Torquay — 56%
8. Abersoch — 55%
9. Colwyn Bay — 55%
10. Morecambe — 55%
11. Newquay — 55%
12. Barry Island — 54%
13. Skegness — 54%
14. Mablethorpe — 53%
15. Margate — 53%
16. Paignton — 53%
17. Southport — 53%
18. Herne Bay — 52%
19. Littlehampton — 51%
20. New Brighton — 51%
21. Weston-super-Mare — 50%
22. Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
23. Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
24. Southend-on-Sea — 47%
25. Bangor — 46%
26. Blackpool — 46%
27. Fleetwood — 46%
28. Great Yarmouth — 46%
29. Lowestoft — 46%
30. Bognor Regis — 41%

Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.

Travel experts at Time Out have ranked the best seaside towns to visit in the UK in 2026, and a town in Wales has taken the top spot

Wales is fast becoming one of the most sought-after staycation destinations for Brits this summer, with its long-overlooked coastal treasures finally getting the recognition they deserve.

As holidaymakers hunt for wallet-friendly breaks, the newly opened King Charles III Coastal Path has thrown open the entire UK shoreline to those keen to explore it on foot. With it comes a wave of enthusiastic walkers on the lookout for their next adventure, and it appears this Pembrokeshire town could be just the ticket.

Travel experts at Time Out have ranked what they believe, after scouring the length and breadth of the country, to be the finest UK seaside towns to visit in 2026. Topping the list is an underrated Welsh treasure, Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire.

Pipping some of Britain’s most beloved coastal hotspots to the post — including Brighton, St Ives, and Folkestone — this charming seaside retreat is well and truly having its moment in the sun.

Nestled between the popular towns of Tenby and Amroth, Saundersfoot is loved for its sweeping beach and bustling harbour. Many visitors choose to tackle part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which winds through these spots, and a straightforward 3.3-mile route with breathtaking views will bring you directly from Tenby.

Beach and harbour

As with any seaside town worth its salt, it’s the spectacular beaches that first lure people in — and everything else on offer that keeps them coming back. Saundersfoot is no different, boasting a standout stretch of shoreline that draws visitors from far and wide.

Saundersfoot Beach is the main expanse of sand, providing a level surface for families to relax and watersports enthusiasts to enjoy. TimeOut described it as “one of the most gorgeous beaches of any British seaside resort”, and its prime position near the town centre makes it even more appealing.

Its blue flag accreditation ensures a safe seaside experience for those bringing young children, and many visitors can be spotted walking their dogs along the water’s edge.

Describing Saundersfoot beach, one TripAdvisor user noted: “Lovely beach to walk on, very clean and close to the town with shops and cafes literally just a street over. It’s also very close to the harbour, so it’s nice to see the boats.”

Adding to the area’s charm is its historic harbour, originally constructed in 1829 to enable coal exports from local mines. It has since evolved into an ideal fusion of heritage and modernity with excellent amenities and activities, serving as the town’s focal point.

One review said: “On the way from Swansea to Tenby we made a short stopover at Saundersfoot Harbour. The small port is quite beautiful and worth seeing.”

Part of the harbour area features an array of eateries and drinking establishments where visitors can sit back and admire views of the peaceful coastline. Here, you can begin your morning at The Breakfast Clwb or enjoy lunch at Catch Beach Club, treat yourself to ice cream at Odley’s Gelato and sample traditional pasties at Pembrokeshire Pasty and Pie Co. From the harbour, visitors can book a variety of boat trips to explore the surrounding area, as well as hire equipment to go crabbing along the waterfront.

For those who prefer to stay put in Saundersfoot, the Welcome Centre and Coal Museum offer a fascinating insight into the town’s origins.

Free to visit, the centre shines a light on the lives of local mining families, the hardships they endured and the gruelling conditions that shaped miners’ working days. Along the way, you’ll uncover the pivotal role the harbour once played in the area’s rich coal mining history.

The East Sussex walk has been ranked among the world’s most beautiful hiking trails according to a new eye-tracking study – but be warned, it’s a strenuous 12-mile route that’ll take up to seven hours to complete

New research has revealed one of the world’s most breathtaking hikes can be found right here on our doorstep in the UK, rewarding walkers with unrivalled coastal views.

An eye-tracking study has identified the most stunning hiking trails across the globe, with running shoe retailer SportsShoes.com employing cutting-edge technology to monitor the eye movements of participants as they were shown some of the most iconic routes from around the world.

The findings assigned each location an ‘eye-catching’ score, establishing which trails were the most visually striking. As a result, the UK’s very own Seven Sisters Cliff Walk, nestled along the English coastline in East Sussex, made it into the top rankings.

It will come as little surprise to those who live nearby or have tackled the trail that it would be regarded as a top 10 hike, with its tranquil sands and azure waters framed by the most stunningly white cliff tops imaginable.

The Seven Sisters are so magnificent they have featured in some of Britain’s most beloved blockbuster films, including Atonement and Harry Potter. The iconic cliffs form a demanding route that can take anywhere between four to seven hours to complete, yet tourists appear to agree it is worth every single step.

The hike

Most walkers opt to begin the challenging trek in Seaford and finish in Eastbourne, allowing them to soak up the celebrated views of the Seven Sisters as they reach the summit. Across the 12-mile route, hikers can expect to conquer seven hills, some considerably steeper than others.

The ideal vantage point for capturing all seven cliffs in a single shot is at Hope Gap, though for the finest views from the clifftop, you’ll want to hold on until you reach the iconic Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.

Fortunately for walkers, there’s a charming little pit stop along the way where you can take a breather and enjoy a range of food and drinks at the Bearling Gap Cafe. Here you’ll also find a handy centre complete with toilet facilities, so you needn’t worry about being caught short during the journey.

Having tackled the walk themselves, one visitor wrote on Tripadvisor : “The cliffs are breathtaking from a distance, and the view from the edge, facing the open sea, is unforgettable. Heading down to the pebble beach gives you a completely different, striking perspective.”

According to the full findings, topping the list as the ultimate hike boasting the most jaw-dropping scenery is France’s Calanques de Marseille. Tucked within the Calanques National Park, nestled between Marseille and Cassis, the route is truly spectacular, featuring a stunning backdrop of white limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise coves, with a variety of trails to suit different timeframes and fitness levels.

The Top 10 list includes:

1. Calanques de Marseille, Marseille, France
2. Plitvice Lakes Trail, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
3. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
4. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
5. Bastei Rock Formation, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
6. The Narrows, Zion National Park, USA
7. Étretat Cliff Walk, Étretat, France
8. The Loop, Kalbarri, Australia
9. Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, East Sussex, England
10. Causeway Coast Way, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

A MASSIVE travelling attraction is set to return to a seaside hotspot next week – and it’s perfect for the whole family.

The popular spot will be open for more than a month throughout the summer.

Cardiff Bay Fun Park will descend on the Welsh capital once more, as the family-friendly destination is set to return to Roald Dahl Plass next weekend (July 18).

This year also marks the attraction’s newest arrival, Skyfall – the tallest travelling drop tower in the UK.

At 262 ft (80 metres) high, thrill-seekers will be treated with 360-degree panoramic views of Cardiff and the Bristol Channel, before plunging down at speeds of up to 75mph.

The tower even dwarfs the tallest roller coaster in the UK, Hyperia, which stands at 236 ft (72 metres).

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Remaining in the city until August 31, visitors can also ride fun fair classics including Dodgems, Funhouse, Bungee Trampolines and Water Walkers.

The summertime staple is also set to host magic shows, princess sing-a-longs and character meet and greets for younger guests.

The destination will be open on Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 8pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm.

Residents have shared their excitement online about the return of the much-loved fair, with many saying they “can’t wait” until next weekend.

One enthusiastic user said: “This looks so much fun! I definitely need to check it out.”

Meanwhile, another shared their reservations about the attraction’s newest arrival, commenting: “Omg, this looks terrifying.”

A MAJOR seaside destination is set to undergo a multi-million upgrade over the next few years.

The Victorian arches along Brighton seafront will soon get a £22million refresh.

The arches can be found along King’s Road, which sits on the seafront and the project will take place over two phases.

The first phase will focus on the area between the bandstand and the i360 which will be completed in 2027.

And the second phase will focus on the area by Shelter Hall and is set to be completed by 2029.

The arches were originally built in the 1860s and 1880s to store fishing boats.

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When Brighton then became popular, the spaces were then used as photography studios and lounges.

Today, the arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes .

Back in March it was also announced that the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace would reopen this winter following a £750,000 revamp.

The promenade was built back in 1890 and features 151 arches in total.

And parts of the iron on the arches feature Poseidon – the Greek god of the sea – and Aphrodite – the goddess of love.

Brighton is also getting a huge get 53,819sqft of waterfront shops and 1,000 new homes.

It is part of the eight new developments across Brighton Marina

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: “Brighton is home to a whole host of attractions, from its iconic beach and legendary pier to the fantastic local businesses dotted across the nearby lanes.

“This funding will mean that everyone can continue to enjoy all of these for the next 120 years by revamping the Victorian arches that dozens of businesses along the seafront call home – boosting growth across Brighton.”

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: “This funding means we can strengthen the Victorian-era arches so they can support the road, pavement and cycle lane on one of the city’s busiest routes for another 100 years.

“But we’ll also be able to create a better home for local businesses in this vibrant space on the seafront and, working with local communities, look at options for a new and improved King’s Road paddling pool area.”

A week’s stay costs significantly less than many popular European rivals

Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026, with nearly half (47%) of Brits with travel plans deciding to cut back due to soaring flight costs.

Research from the credit card firm Aqua examined the cost of a week’s stay in summer holiday destinations across the UK and Europe to uncover where Brits can stretch their money the furthest this year.

Albania has emerged as the top destination for a summer getaway in 2026, with return flights costing £100 and a week’s stay for two in July coming in at £381.

One British seaside resort also made a notable appearance on the list. Blackpool is the only UK destination to feature in the top 10, landing in ninth place as one of the most budget-friendly summer holiday spots for 2026, boasting the lowest average prices for local attractions (£31) and fuel costs averaging £35.

Things to do in Blackpool

Blackpool offers a wealth of attractions listed on TripAdvisor, among them Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and The Blackpool Tower.

It is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, however, that sits at the top of TripAdvisor with a rating of four, based on an impressive 15,000 customer reviews. The amusement and theme park is open seven days a week, with unlimited-ride eTickets available from around £31.50 online for adults (ages 12+) and £22.50 for children, compared to gate prices of up to £50.

Ticket prices at Blackpool Pleasure Beach vary by date, and booking at least seven days in advance can save visitors up to £14 per ticket.

Those who prefer to pay as they go can purchase individual ride tickets starting from £7.

Visitors have been singing the praises of Blackpool Pleasure Beach on TripAdvisor, with one guest writing: “An amazing day on the theme park with amazing rides, all the staff were friendly and helpful, great day all round, would recommend going.”

A second visitor added: “Amazing friendly staff, always happy to help, amazing rides as well, can always have a great day at the Pleasure Beach.”

“We had a fantastic trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was enjoyed by all ages,” said another. “Our youngest is just a toddler, and our oldest is a teenager, and they both had a great time. There is really something for everyone.”

A fourth guest enthused, “Best day ever today! Jake and Jamie, who work on the Big One, you were right, it doesn’t go upside down! Although we got wetter than we ever would have on Valhalla! All staff were great, and the facilities were too. Can’t wait to come back.”

Rounding off the glowing reviews, one visitor posted: “Great, I had a wonderful time at the amusement park. I am glad I enjoyed all the attractions and entertainment. The atmosphere there was absolutely delightful. It was a pleasure to hear about such positive experiences.”

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, London ranks as the most sought-after staycation destination in the UK. The capital tops the list with steep accommodation costs (£1,133 per week for two adults), affordable meals (£20), and pints (£7).

Yet a number of top attractions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, are free to enter, which helps to soften the blow on overall expenditure.

Brighton takes second place, with accommodation on the pricier side — the second highest of all destinations analysed (£1,715 a week for two adults). Falmouth, UK, follows closely in third, also driven by some of the steepest accommodation costs (£1,501 a week for two adults).

The top 10 most affordable European destinations for 2026:

1. Albania
2. Prague
3. Porto
4. Madrid
5. Lisbon
6. Costa Del Sol
7. Budapest
8. Tenerife
9. Blackpool
10. Lanzarote

A MULTI-MILLION pound karting attraction is set to come to a major seaside city.

Thrill-seekers will be able to experience the ride in just two years time.

The brand-new attraction – known as Skyline Swansea – is set to bring Europe’s first ever skyline luge to the Welsh city.

The £49million experience will see visitors taking a cable car up the mile-long stretch from the Copper Quarter to Kilvey Hill.

Once there, thrill-seekers will be able to ride a three-wheeled luge cart – a type of reclining sled – down a 1,012-meter snaking track, propelling visitors downwards using gravity.

Three luge tracks will be available to ride upon opening, along with a children’s adventure park, a 50mph sky swing, and a 150-seat restaurant with a separate bar area.

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The mountain biking trails that are currently available on the hill will also be maintained and improved, with additional trails to be added.

New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises, the firm behind the project, revealed that construction is currently underway, with an estimated completion date of mid-2028.

The leisure company said their mission was to “open up Kilvey Hill for everyone to enjoy, bringing accessible tourism to the heart of Swansea” and “where the sweeping views of Swansea Bay, Gower, and Bannau Brycheiniog can be enjoyed by all”.

This marks the firm’s first project in the UK, having built similar style sites across New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and South Korea.

The 193-metre hill also remains a popular site for hikers, cyclists and trail runners, with an estimated 140,000 visitors each year.

However, the new attraction is projected to bring in upwards of 450,000 visitors annually, with more than half coming from outside of Wales.

The former theme park has remained vacant since it closed in 2016, but plans to transform the site into a ‘Center Parcs-by-the-sea’ style holiday resort with a Lidl supermarket have been recommended for approval

A theme park that was shuttered back in October 2016 and has been left abandoned ever since could be given a new lease of life in new holiday park plans that have been dubbed “Center Parcs-by-the-sea”.

Pleasure Island in the seaside town of Cleethorpes opened in 1993, and in its heyday it was much loved by locals and tourists thanks to its selection of 50 rides, live shows, and family-friendly entertainment.

After being closed, most of the rides were sold off, and the land has lain abandoned, with only a few rotting buildings and rusting structures giving away that this was once a vibrant attraction. However, there are now plans to redevelop the former Pleasure Island site into a £70million complex featuring a Lidl superstore, hotels and holiday park.

The plans have been put forward for approval by council officers. The proposal for the 60-acre location is expected to generate approximately 400 jobs for the local area, with a further 400 during the construction period. An application to overhaul the disused theme park was originally lodged in January 2023. Environmental assessments, flood risk evaluations and ecological impact studies have needed to be completed before councillors could fully consider the scheme.

At North East Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, July 8, councillors will be urged to support the plan, subject to conditions.

The site changed hands six years ago, with developers unveiling their ambition for a “Center Parcs by the sea” featuring 272 lodges, hotels, restaurants and retail units with car parking. Lidl GB Ltd, YPG Fab2 ltd, Seaside Getaways and Church Lane Humberston Ltd sought permission in January 2023 to demolish the site and establish the new holiday centre, Lidl superstore and hotels, reports Grimsby Live.

The agent, Lichfields, based in Leeds, has put forward plans to clear the theme park site of the remaining structures and replace them with a large Lidl store and garden centre. The total size of the site within the proposal is around 60 acres.

Pleasure Island covered approximately 25 acres. Two hotels are proposed for the site, one boasting 58 rooms and another offering 148 rooms, both standing at five storeys tall. A drive-thru coffee shop, widely expected to be a Costa, features in the application, alongside a reception area serving 272 lodges, which will offer holiday accommodation ranging from two to four bedrooms.

Retail units and a cycle hire centre are also part of the plans. A lake remains at the heart of the site, and developers are keen to build an anglers’ hub beside it, complete with toilets, lockers and changing facilities for fishing enthusiasts.

Councillors gathered at Grimsby Town Hall to consider objections raised by rival retailers Tesco and Aldi, as well as local residents who have flagged concerns over traffic and the potential impact on wildlife. However, a significant number of people have voiced their support for the development, citing job creation, a boost to tourism and the removal of a long-standing eyesore from the area.

In a report presented to councillors, officials said: “It is considered in principle that a large proportion of the scheme, if not all of it, would support tourism and the visitor economy, in line with the policy aims, widening the choice and availability of such uses as a comprehensive scheme.

“The main site and overflow car park have been vacant for many years since the unfortunate closure of Pleasure Island in 2016. The main site has a derelict appearance which is now beginning to degrade the character and appearance on this key route through the resort.”

The comprehensive planning application report examined the ecological impact alongside access and traffic concerns, but found no serious or harmful effects.

Officials also evaluated the impact of expanding the Meridian Showground, situated next to the proposed holiday development. The Showground may soon accommodate crowds of up to 15,000 people and draw more prominent musical acts.

The noise assessment determined there would be no adverse impact on residents of the lodges or hotels. They described the proposal as “an effective use of the land” and stated it would “contribute to the local economy and the vitality of the resort.”

Adrian Smith, Director of Church Lane Humberston Limited, which is spearheading the development, told Grimsby Live: “We’re delighted that the proposal has been recommended for approval and has reached Committee stage.

“Together with our partners Lidl UK, and with great thanks to planning consultants Lichfields and to Cheryl Jarvis who heads NELC’s planning team, we are thrilled that the recommendation for approval of this £70m project, which will create nearly 400 jobs in the local market and provide an unprecedented boost to the local economy is nearer to delivery.”

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RIGHT on the front and offering gorgeous views, Weymouth’s elegant Hotel Prince Regent is a focal point for tourists who flock to be beside the seaside.

Venture inside, and there are 75 comfy bedrooms with a cosy lounge that’s ideal for whiling away the afternoon. It’s the perfect home away from home.

And best of all, I was chauffeured straight to the front door by coach.

This Georgian-style property is one of several charming hotels bookable through Daish’s Holidays, a UK coach-break specialist for the over-sixties.

It certainly helps to remove all the faff from transportation, food and entertainment.

Stays include pick-up from a number of accessible spots around the UK (or you can drive yourself), plus there’s regular entertainment and half-board accommodation, meaning lunch is the only meal you need to spend on.

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My Weymouth base is handy for the Esplanade, which runs for well over a mile to the harbour.

A stroll along here into the old town and colourful working port area takes ten minutes or so with lots of seats and shelters along the way, or you can grab the bus from the stop just outside.

Bikes are not allowed in the summer, making it a pleasure to stroll.

Be sure to enjoy time in the old town and admire the wonderfully preserved buildings, including The Tudor House Museum on the south of the harbour.

The Nothe Fort stands guard nearby and it’s a gentle climb from the old town – or a steeper climb by steps – but well worth a visit for the views and a peep into the history of the place.

If walking is big on your list then you’re in luck as this area is on the famous Jurassic coast, with fossils dating back 185 million years.

I consider myself to be a bit of an old fossil, so it was apt that I treated myself to a local souvenir, a tiny fossilised local ammonite – a mere 175million years old. I came away feeling I am a spring chicken in comparison!

If you’re feeling a little peckish, the fishing harbour has great pubs and restaurants with lots of outdoor tables.

The boats land their catch on the dockside where you will find a wonderful fresh fish market.

They will even ice pack some for taking home should you wish.

Keep your eyes peeled for the road bridge.

Built in 1930 to connect the north and south side of the harbour, it opens up every two hours to allow taller boats to enter the marina.

In high season there is also a rowboat ferry service you can use instead of taking the bridge.

In the evening there was no need to leave the hotel, as the nightly entertainment in the Crown Ball Room was top-notch with a mix of very good singers, as well as bingo and quizzes.

Before heading home, I couldn’t resist a ride on the old-fashioned Helter Skelter in Weymouth’s amusement park.

I last slid down one when I was under 11, so I was not surprised when the ticket man gave me a look.

Excited, I carried the mat up and whizzed down.

Although it is just as high, the ride seemed to have shrunk over the years.

So, of course, I had to go up one more time, just because I could.

A new study has named one place as the most expensive seaside destination in the UK, with a day trip costing £38.20 – meaning £100 lasts just over two days

From parking fees to the price of fish and chips or an ice cream — a classic day trip or a longer stay at a UK coastal destination could leave a serious dent in your wallet.

New research has looked at some of Britain’s most popular summer hotspots, calculating the cost of deckchair hire, a ’99’ ice cream, and a fish and chips meal — and one city has come out on top as the priciest of the lot.

The study revealed that £100 in this particular seaside spot will ‘only last just over 2 days’, according to figures drawn from the new UK Seaside Affordability Index. The data has laid bare significant differences around the British coastline in terms of how far your hard-earned cash will actually go.

When taking into account everything you’d need for a perfect day at the beach, all the must-have essentials add up to £38.20 per day in this particular city.

Brand new research from NoDepositRewards.org breaks down the cost of a traditional beach day out at locations across the UK, reports the Express.

The study looked at all-day parking charges (based on current local council rates), the average price of a ’99’ ice cream, a large fish and chips meal (using local chippy prices) and full-day deckchair hire.

The research was carried out with the aim of establishing how long £100 would last on a seaside outing.

Brighton was named the most expensive coastal destination in the country, according to the findings. All-day parking came in at £18, while the classic ice cream was priced at £2.70.

By comparison, in the most affordable spot, Swansea, parking for the day costs just £3 and an ice cream is £1.65. A fish and chip supper in Brighton will set you back £11.50, though it’s not the priciest location for the classic British takeaway — in Bamburgh, Northumberland, the same meal will cost you £14.88.

Renting a deckchair in Brighton will generally cost around £6 for the day — meaning the total ‘seaside basket’ for a day at this popular coastal destination comes to a whopping £38.20 per day for all the essential sunny day basics.

Coming in second was the Cornish town of St Ives, labelled the ‘second priciest seaside destination in the UK’. St Ives was ranked as the second most expensive spot, with visitors forking out an average of £25.30 per day.

In St Ives, holidaymakers can expect to pay around £10 for all-day parking, £12.50 for a large fish and chips, and just over £2.50 for an ice cream.

Swansea was named as the most budget-friendly seaside destination, with the same selection of items totalling approximately £16.71 per day.

Mason Jones, data expert at NoDepositRewards.org, said: “Families are budgeting harder than ever for summer 2025.

“Our Seaside Index shows you can triple the number of beach days simply by choosing a different stretch of coast.

“With parking now topping local cost charts, the North and Wales clearly win on value.”

SUN Hols from £9.50 are back!

Hundreds of new Hols from £9.50 are being released across holiday parks in the UK and Europe this July.

To be among the first to bag your holiday for under a tenner, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

While Sun readers collecting codes can access hundreds of new hols from July 8, Sun Club subscribers can bag the best deals a whole day early on July 7.

This gives Sun Club members priority in booking their desired dates and places at popular parks that might soon sell out.

To help you pick a park, our Queen of £9.50 Holidays Tracy Kennedy is here to share some of her favourite spots.

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She’s picked her top holiday parks in beautifully British seaside towns with beachfront sports bars, waterslides and more.

Here’s Tracy’s guide to her favourite British seaside towns, and their holiday parks where you can stay from £9.50.

Lower Hyde, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Tracy said: “The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite. I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it.

“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there. There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.

“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.

“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show. Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.

“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.

“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.

“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse, plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.

“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.

“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.

“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).

Parkdean Resorts Newquay, Cornwall

Tracy said: “When I first arrived at Newquay Holiday Park I was totally flabbergasted. We stayed four days, and I don’t think it was long enough!

“The park has three outdoor pools which are perfect for hot days, and cracking evening entertainment.

“There’s also a 200ft-long waterslide and mini golf and amusements, which are perfect for a summer holiday.

“When you want to go out and explore Newquay itself, you’re only 10 minutes away by bus or car, and there’s buses right outside the park.

“Newquay is just beautiful. There’s 11 beaches there and they’re all gorgeous.

“There’s a traditional seaside promenade by Towan Beach too with seaside treats like candy floss and hot doughnuts.

“It’s great for families as there’s lots of cafes and places to sit down, an Asda if you need to pick up any last-minute bits, and the seafront here actually has proper toilets!

“We visited all the local beaches and walked past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made: The Headland.

“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.

“Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!”

Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales

Tracy said: “This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments ready for this summer.

“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food.

“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.

“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.

“I last went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too. The costume characters come out to meet the kids after shows.

“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.

“I’d recommend going for the highest-ranking caravan option if you can, which is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.

“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money.

“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good.

“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park. You might even see some seals – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.

“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a miniature train that takes you around the town (£4 per adult £3 per child).

“A trip into Rhyl could even be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.

Seal Bay, West Sussex

Tracy said: “Seal Bay is a very popular holiday park, and for good reason.

“The site feels like one big party park. It’s got its own fairground on-site, and it’s directly on the beach.

“There’s a free bus that picks you up and takes you where you want all around the park – which is especially great if you’re not so mobile.

“The entertainment here is spectacular. It’s not just your standard holiday park shows, there’s aerial performances, fire eaters and all sorts.

“They’ve got a great sports bar too, and its right on the beach. So you don’t even have to leave site if you don’t want to.

“Plus there’s a lovely outdoor seating area where you can have Greek gyros, burritos and ice cream. My teenager loves her takeaways!

“If you do want to get off-site and explore, you can go to Bognor Regis for the day.

“Bognor is a truly Great British seaside town. It’s got a beautiful seafront, a small traditional pier, and all the classics like hot doughnuts and fish and chip shops by the sea.

“You could easily spend a full day in Chichester, too.

“It’s a historical town with a great big cathedral and lots of interesting things to do, like museums and galleries.”

“Seal Bay is also one of the parks that offers dates during the school holidays with Hols from £9.50 – and you’re not going to get a holiday there any cheaper if you book direct.

“So if you’ve been wanting to visit a popular site like this one, it’s definitely worth doing it through £9.50 Holidays.

HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to Spain this summer have been warned to avoid 14 popular beaches.

Environmental organisation Ecologistas en Acción has published its annual report highlighting the areas of Spain‘s coast with the biggest issues.

The report awards ‘Black Flags’ for either pollution or for poor management.

Of the 48 flags awarded, 14 were awarded to beaches – mostly due to pollution problems.

One beach that was awarded a Black Flag is Playa de Maro for pollution, in Malaga.

The popular 500-metre-long beach is known for its dramatic cliffs and underwater caves and was previously said to be of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol.

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In Granada, Playa de la Charca, Salobreña was awarded a Black Flag for pollution and Playa de Los Berengueles, Almuñécar was awarded a Black Flag for poor management.

Over in Alicante, the coastal neighbourhoods of Albufereta and Cap de l’Horta both gained Black Flags for pollution and La Almadrava beach gained one for poor management.

Valencia also has a number of coastal spots that were called out including its coastline for pollution and the surroundings of the Port of València and Sagunto for poor management.

In the popular city of Barcelona, the Beach of the Sant Adrià del Besòs was awarded a Black Flag for pollution.

The stretch of coastline features golden sand and is often less crowded than the main beaches by Barcelona city.

Over in the Canary Islands, the town of El Puertito de Adeje was awarded a Black Flag for poor management, as was Las Teresitas Beach.

On Gran Canaria, the coastline of Telde was also given a Black Flag, as was the coast of Lanzarote due to cruise tourism.

If you are heading to the Balearics, then avoid the town of Port of Pollenca in Majorca and in Menorca, avoid Torrente de Cala Galdana – which is a ravine with a beach.

Other beach destinations that gained a Black Flag include:

• Playa Central de Isla Cristina in Huelva
• Playa de Quitapellejos, Almeria
• Levante beaches of Punta Entinas-Sabinar, Almeria
• Playa de As Catedrais, Lugo
• La Ribera de Cabanes beach, Castellón
• Surrach beach, Benicarló, Castellón
• Playa de la Paella, Torredembarra, Tarragona
• Basorda Cove, Basque Country