town

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.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

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.

Oakland is a town often misunderstood. As someone who’s lived in the city and still spends a ton of time there, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly.

And yet, there’s no place like it.

People who know the real Oakland — the ones who’ve explored neighborhoods from Chinatown to Fruitvale to Temescal, who’ve caught sunsets over the entire Bay from the Oakland hills, who’ve admired art in downtown and watched films at the historic Grand Lake Theater — will tell you there’s so much more to “The Town” than it gets credit for. During her post-Olympics homecoming at Frank Ogawa Plaza, figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu summed up Oakland with one word: “Soul.” Locals beamed. With her unapologetically funky style, zen-like confidence and YOLO mentality, this athlete had clearly been shaped by the city.

Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Oakland is a midsized city with an outsized reputation, having long served as a pressure cooker for grassroots activism. The Black Panther Party, the hyphy subgenre of hip-hop, official U.S. wildlife refuges — they all started in Oakland. Visit the city and you’ll find that it’s slower-paced than San Francisco but has all the cultural diversity. Its food scene is endlessly innovative — try the handcrafted zaru soba at Soba Ichi or some of the best Indigenous food on the West Coast at Wahpepah’s Kitchen. And for those wanting to explore the outdoors, there’s Lake Merritt in the center of town and redwood forests in the hills.

Oakland is far from perfect; while crime is reportedly down, it’s important to be street smart (or as locals say, to “keep your head on a swivel”). But I’ve seen many changes to the town over the years and have a renewed appreciation for its vibrancy. Here’s just a sampling of ways you can enjoy the cultural bounty from this city by the Bay.

Ben Morris visited Sambuca di Sicilia, dubbed “Italy’s little America”, to investigate a seemingly incredible €1 home scheme, but he quickly discovered a catch

A travel vlogger who visited the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sicily to investigate a €1 home scheme quickly came across a major “catch”. A wave of reports advertise small towns in Italy flogging vacant properties for as little as €1 (just 85p in today’s money).

It’s a phenomenon that comes on the back of a reported rural exodus. Young Italians have been increasingly drawn to city life, leaving stunning villages to empty out as their ageing populations dwindle.

Around 25 municipalities are said to be offering the €1 homes, betting that renovated and occupied properties will be more lucrative; second homes come with tax bills.

Ben Morris visited the commune of Sambuca di Sicilia, Sicily, dubbed “Italy’s little America” due to the influx of US property buyers, to investigate. On his self-titled YouTube channel, Ben spoke to a local estate agent about the scheme.

She explained: “So, when they launched the first project, then there has been three: €1 houses, €2 houses, and €3 houses.”

The estate agent went on to say: “The rules are more or less always the same. You have to do an offer of at least €1, €2 or €3, but you know that the higher offer will win the house.”

Returning to Ben’s narration, he stated: “So there’s the catch in Sambuca. Although houses do go on the market for €1, they usually get bid on for up to €5,000 (about £4,200).

“However, the town that we’re going to visit after this actually has houses that you can straight up buy for €1. No catch. And there’s actually places available now.”

Ben then spoke about the home of Meredith Tabbone, who bought hers for €5,000 and later bought the home next door. However, her renovations set her back a whopping $446,000 (about £333,000).

Later, he set off in search of a no-strings-attached €1 home in the town of Mussomeli. Ben met up with a woman named Natalie, who said she’d show him a range of homes, including two that cost just €1.

Once he entered one such property, it was immediately visible that the house needed a lot of work. Ben was advised to only walk on the edges of the floor as he ventured through the property for “safety” reasons.

After he inspected the seemingly dilapidated two-level property, he commented: “And that is exactly why so many of these homes are being sold for so cheap. You’re going to need to do renovations and spend money to make it livable.

“You also have the responsibility to make sure your house doesn’t fall down and like kill your neighbour or something.”

Natalie also explained that, in addition to this, the buyer would have expenses to close the sale. Ben said this was another “little catch”, adding that you’d have to pay for notary fees and certificates.

Speaking previously about the scheme, 1eurohouses.com said in a statement, as reported by the Independent: “We do not need new constructions and new overbuilding.

“The strategy to improve the housing environment and reclaim our cultural identity is to revive the small abandoned centres or to redevelop buildings in a state of abandonment, with a story that is our history.”

TUCKED away in the English countryside is a town that sounds like it should belong in France.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch isn’t somewhere you’d find in Normandy or the Provence region – it’s actually in Leicestershire.

But the town actually does have connections to France.

Originally, it was just called Ashby, until the noble French family de la Zouch moved there in the 12th century.

After the Norman Conquest of England, the family took ownership of the area and named it after themselves too.

The de la Zouches built their own manor house home there and generations of the family lived there for hundreds of years.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

SHORE THING

Our best seaside towns that feel like stepping back in time – with £3pp stays

Later on, the manor was transformed into a castle by William, Lord Hastings who made it his home.

The site is now in ruins and is run by English Heritage, with tickets from £8.50.

One visitor called it a “lovely hidden gem” and added that it was “well worth a visit.”

In its history, Ashby was known as a fashionable Regency health resort after the discovery of spa waters.

With lots of wealthy visitors, Ashby built the Ivanhoe Baths in 1822 which made it a must-visit destination in the Georgian era.

The grand bathhouse ended up closing in 1884 due to a drop in visitor numbers and was demolished in 1962.

The grounds are still open to the public and are completely free to roam about.

The castle is famous too after featuring in Sir Walter Scott’s 1819 book Ivanhoe.

The romantic novel has a grand tournament scene at the estate.

The town has its own outdoor swimming pool too – in fact it’s the only lido in Leicestershire.

The pool first opened in 1929, more recently underwent a £1.2million redevelopment and after a 20-month closure, it reopened in 2021.

New additions included a sandpit and climbing frame, refreshment spots and upgraded changing rooms.

The 30 metre heated lido is seasonal and usually open between May to September for general swims and lane sessions.

Swims cost £6.10 for adults and £4.05 for juniors.

Like most UK towns Ashby has a high street filled with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

It hosts a street market on Thursdays and Saturdays too.

The town itself is in the National Forest in the Midlands that spans 200 square miles across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire.

Being surrounded by greenery means it’s an ideal spot for keen walkers and cyclists.

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.

Epic food, amazing shows, museums you won’t find anywhere else and a helicopter ride down the famous strip – here’s my ultimate Las Vegas itinerary

The glitz, the glam, those unforgettable “wow” moments – it’s easy to see why Las Vegas remains the ultimate bucket-list destination. Whether you’re marveling at the neon skyline from 1,000 feet up or walking the Strip to soak in the music and eclectic fashion, this town is a sensory explosion that demands to be experienced at least once.

The home of the famous strip, countless wedding chapels and its own Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, this place almost doesn’t feel real. It’s defined by vintage camp, 24-hour casinos, more buffet restaurants than you can possibly imagine, and high-class dining eateries. Welcome to Vegas, baby.

READ MORE: I stayed in a treetop cabin in Norway’s fairytale forest and learned the Nordic art of slowing down

READ MORE: World’s biggest rodeo and space exploration – here’s why to need visit Houston

The most exciting area to stay in Las Vegas

I arrived via a direct flight from Heathrow, checking into The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Arguably the best-positioned hotel on the Strip, it offers the perfect paradox: you are in the heart of the action, yet the rooms are a sanctuary of total silence.

My suite featured a private balcony overlooking the city’s glowing landmarks and the iconic choreography of the Bellagio fountains. Watching the water dance from my room, the excitement for my desert escape truly set in.

Where to find the best places to eat in Las Vegas

Food is central to the Vegas experience, so first on the agenda once we’d dropped our bags was brunch at Alexxa’s – situated on the Strip, right in the thick of the action. In the spirit of a true American getaway, we went straight for the classics, ordering a spread of fried chicken and waffles, fluffy American-style pancakes and steak and eggs.

Of course, no Vegas brunch is complete without a little “hair of the dog.” I washed it all down with the most gargantuan Bloody Mary I’ve ever seen, complete with a slice of bacon. Nothing here is small-scale – it was the perfect, over-the-top introduction to the local food scene.

But don’t miss breakfast at the hotel either. The Cosmopolitan‘s Wicked Spoon is a brilliant buffet, with pretty much everything you could possibly think of… I even had a few sushi rolls on the side.

For dinner, we feasted at Mayfair Supper Club inside the Bellagio (yes, the one from Ocean’s Eleven), where live dancers perform around diners as they tuck into all-American classics.

But the highlight was dinner at Vanderpump Paris – and as a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fan, it was the dream. Lisa Vanderpump knows how to put together a menu. Curated with Parisian themes embellished with Vegas flair and eclectic cocktails, I felt like a total superstar eating here.

Experiences you must not miss while you’re there

I could have filled the days just walking up and down the infamous strip. With buskers, magicians, show girls (and show boys) I spotted the Eiffel Tower, the Luxor pyramid, the Empire State Building, the Paris globe and the iconic casinos – which were already getting busy, despite it being barely two in the afternoon.

But there are so many bucket list experiences to try, too. We started with an ice hockey Game: Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers (tickets around £55). I was pretty much an ice hockey novice, but that doesn’t matter a jot. American sport is packed with entertainment, and it didn’t take me long to soak up the atmosphere and join in with the chants. Why can’t this be a thing in the UK?

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one night, we then ticked off another iconic moment – a helicopter ride down the Strip.

Now, I’m no daredevil (I was slightly apprehensive), but as soon as we got up into the sky it was magical. We were given a 10-minute tour by our pilot, taking off at 10:30pm, just as Vegas was truly coming alive for the night.

We also checked out The Sphere, which I’d like to call an immersive cinema but it’s so much more than that. It’s a one of a kind, multi-sensory show with holograms and AI. With tickets for the classic The Wizard of Oz, I was expecting a cinematic experience. In fact, it was fully immersive, to the point it made us feel like we were actually in the storm with Dorothy.

Another recommendation is the Neon Sign Museum. The bright lights of the signs are what makes Vegas so magical, so what happens to the signs when they are no longer in use? They go to the Neon Sign Museum – and it’s nearly as impressive as the Strip itself.

I loved seeing the ‘old’ Vegas here, bringing history to light – literally – and for the best experience I recommend the illuminated evening tours (from £26) but there are also self-guided daytime options (from £19).

Finally, in dedication to the stars of all the shows, we couldn’t miss a stop at the Show Girl Museum – the home of all the iconic showgirl costumes. But what makes this museum one of a kind? It’s inside Grant Philipo’s house – a former showgirl costume designer. Tickets are $33 each and Grant has nearly 300 mannequins in his home as he led us around the impressive pad, paying homage to the glamour and beauty of Las Vegas.

And if the brunch and dinner performances weren’t enough, we topped the day off by going to watch Jennifer Lopez perform at her residency in The Colosseum theatre – part of Caesar’s Palace Hotel.

You’d think with all that I wouldn’t have found time to have a little flutter on the tables, but this is a 24-hour city – there’s always time to squeeze something else in, if you can just stay awake.

How to book the ultimate Vegas trip

• Discover more at Visit Las Vegas.
• Stays at he Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas start at $189.35 / approx. £142 per night including resort fee and taxes. Stays in the Terrace One Bedroom Suites with Fountain View starts from $246.49 / approx. £185 per night, including resort fee and taxes.
• Vegas Views helicopter tour by Maverick Helicopters start at £75 per person, see maverickhelicopter.com
• Book Vanderpumps in advance here
• Virgin Atlantic offers daily direct flights to Las Vegas from London Heathrow starting from £512*, and seasonal flights from Manchester Airport. *Prices subject to change.

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.

Read more on travel inspo

TRAVEL TIP

The £2.99 SIM hack that can save Brits HUNDREDS abroad

STAYCAY

Our travel experts’ best-kept-secret UK holiday spots for summer – from £37 a night

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.

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.

Booming Hans Zimmer-style cinematic music reaches a crescendo, shaking my bones. Two turquoise macaws swoop within an inch of my hair and join a sky filled with nearly 250 birds. Hawks, kites, pelicans, and an owl soar and swoop around a pagan-looking wooden circle. Peacocks fuss at the makeshift river below, coaxed by two actors telling the story of humans’ relationship with nature. Grey clouds roll in, dark with rain. After all, we are risking an open-air performance in north-east England. I’m at a preview of Kynren: the Storied Lands, the latest gloriously unrestrained project in the market town of Bishop Auckland, 12 miles south of Durham.

I grew up near Bishop Auckland, which was once an important coal-mining and railway town. Last time I was here, its centre was dominated by discount stores. If, in 2003, you’d told teenage me that the high street would become an ode to art, history and culture, I would have laughed. Well, I would have grunted and turned up the Nu metal on my MP3 player.

This madcap renaissance is down to one couple. In 2012, investment banker Jonathan Ruffer rescued Francisco de Zurbarán’s celebrated series Jacob and His Twelve Sons from the sale of Auckland Palace. Needing somewhere to house the paintings, he ended up buying Auckland Palace too. He and his wife Jane Ruffer could have followed centuries of previous owners, closed the doors and kept the paintings to themselves. Instead, they set up a charity and opened up the palace and its beautiful gardens to the public. Thus began the complete renovation of Bishop Auckland.

The palace itself is a vision of grand, gothic architecture dating from the late 12th century. In St Peter’s chapel, the stone archways and a painted wooden ceiling make you feel as if you have stepped into the middle ages. The lifesized Zurbarán paintings remain on the dining room walls as a stream of visitors peruse the preserved stately rooms, guided by volunteer attendants.

“We employ 201 staff,” says Harry Sinclair, public relations officer at the Ruffers’ Auckland Project, as he guides us through the estate. “Around 80% come from a 10-mile radius, so we’re very much leading the circular economy. It’s about regenerating the town through its culture and heritage.”

After procuring the palace, the project grew arms and legs, becoming the Auckland Project, a regeneration charity dedicated to remodelling Bishop Auckland. As well as running the palace and gardens, the initiative built two art galleries and a lookout tower, and preserved a local heritage railway and Roman fort.

The galleries – one dedicated to mining art from County Durham, the other to the golden age of Spanish art – are not the ramshackle, fossil-packed local museums of my childhood school trips, but sleek galleries with ink-black walls and , boasting works by El Greco and Velázquez. Back outside, the drizzle clinging to my skin brings me back to Earth, but the striking viewing tower dominating the centre like the skeleton of a cathedral is another sight I never thought I’d see in Bishop Auckland. “Altogether we call it a slightly bonkers day out,” says Sinclair.

He tells me about the 59-bedroom hotel the project is building on the market place. He says it should increase footfall and dwell time in the town centre, with 1.5 million visitors expected each year from 2029. The hotel could create up to 95 jobs. There are already self-catering cottages in a neat line outside Auckland Palace and boutique accommodation at the Park Head Hotel.

But most ambitious of all is the jaw-dropping Kynren project. In 2013, the Ruffers bought Flatts Farm – about 100 hectares (250 acres) outside Bishop Auckland – and every summer since 2016, have hosted a glorious night show telling 2,000 years of English history to audiences of up to 8,000 people. More than 1,000 local volunteers work to create an extravaganza with horseback cavalry, sword fighting, working steam locomotives and boats gliding across a human-made lake, culminating in a dazzling firework display.

And next week, Kynren: the Storied Lands is opening during the day, too, as a live-show theme park for the first time. The arena, where my sneak peek at the new Lost Feather show takes place, is impressive. Huge wooden branches are stacked haphazardly into a circular nest so convincing I expect an eagle chick the size of a bus to emerge. During the show, birds pop out of hidden doors above the audience and swoop overhead, coaxed by handlers in medieval-style tunics.

It doesn’t always go to plan. One kestrel flies off into the nearby forest, and a tawny owl refuses to perform; its wide yellow eyes staring out at an audience delighted by its misbehaviour. Each mishap only adds to the joy of the experience. “That’s the beauty of live performance,” Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, says. “There’s an electric sense of adrenaline that you don’t get from watching the same thing on a screen.” She’s right. By the end of the show, we’re holding a collective breath and there’s heartfelt applause and laughter when the kestrel returns from the distant woodland to the gloved arm of its handler.

The Lost Feather is one of six live shows running throughout the day until mid-September. The other five performances are in equally elaborate auditoriums. The Legend of the Wear (a re-telling of the local Lambton Worm myth) features live action water stunts on a lakeside stage. At Land of the Vikings you walk through a working village, interacting with actors to the sound of clanging metal from the forge before distant drumming signals the start of the show in the boat-like arena. Expect big beards, the clash of shields and axes, fire, and a lot of Viking roaring.

“We wanted to create a visitor destination,” Anna says. “People aren’t going to travel that far for a single 90-minute show like Kynren. So the daytime performances give people a reason to spend all day here.” There’s certainly plenty to stay for at Bishop Auckland these days. Apart from epic bird shows and recreated Viking raids, a fascinating palace, Spanish masterworks, a Roman fort, deer park and heritage railway line, the original Kynren spectacular still runs on Fridays and Saturdays between July and September.

This is not just a “slightly bonkers day out”; it’s a testament to unbridled ambition. I think even my sulking 16-year-old self would be secretly in awe of what Bishop Auckland has achieved.

The trip was provided by Visit County Durham. Kynren: the Storied Lands day show runs from 18 July until 12 September (£30 adult, £20 child, kynren.com). Auckland Palace (£20, children under 4 free, aucklandproject.org) is open 10.30am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays

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

This town’s market is over 900 years old and has a breath-taking high street filled with historic buildings, family-run businesses and lots of independent shops you cannot get anywhere else.

While many people splash out on pricey holidays this summer, you can have an equally magical experience right here in the UK. With a wealth of stunning destinations to discover, there are countless charming towns ideal for a short break but this gem, nestled in the West Midlands, deserves to be at the very top of your list.

This historic market town is brimming with character and as you stroll through its centre you’ll uncover a breath-taking blend of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture. It has been named by The Guardian among Britain’s 10 “best independent high streets”, not for its looks alone, but for being “full of cool independents rather than the usual chains”.

They said: “Ludlow has long been known as a gastro-hub, with specialist producers dotted along the high street and market place. Visit the Mousetrap Cheese Shop, Harp Lane Deli and the Chocolate Gourmet for festive eats, or browse around Bodenhams, which sells clothes in a quirky, 600-year-old building.”

Why visit Ludlow?

There are so many one-of-a-kind businesses to explore when you arrive in Ludlow, but your first port of call should be the traditional marketplace sitting right at the heart of the town square.

Having been trading for over 900 years, it boasts all manner of stalls ranging from flea markets to artisan crafts, ensuring there is something to suit every pocket.

Ludlow Market is a treasure trove of finds, and is also well regarded for its monthly specialist events, including the Food and Craft Market, the Local to Ludlow Producers’ Market, and an Antique Market.

Once you’ve had a good rummage through the local shops, your suitcase will be packed to the brim with gifts to take home, thanks to a wealth of family-run businesses such as Bensons, which stocks jewellery, and Florabunda, a florist.

If you work up an appetite, head to the Ludlow Farmshop, selling locally sourced meats, cheeses, baked goods and other regional delicacies you won’t find anywhere else.

What else is there to do in Ludlow?

Ludlow has built a reputation for championing independent businesses, but should you tire of shopping and eating, there is plenty more to discover. Perhaps the most unmissable attraction is Ludlow Castle, a stunning 11th-century ruin built by the Normans that boasts breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside.

It is also well worth taking a leisurely stroll along the River Teme to admire Ludford Bridge, which not only looks spectacular but also dates back to medieval times.

Just a short drive away lies Mortimer Forest, offering miles of gorgeous scenery, whether you fancy a gentle woodland walk or fancy tackling the climb up to High Vinnalls, the loftiest point within the forest.

Ludlow ticks every box for those seeking a quintessential English town getaway, boasting historic streets, charming independent shops, mouth-watering local cuisine and stunning countryside right on its doorstep — making it an ideal destination for anyone in search of a laid-back summer staycation.

‘We are over 100 businesses strong’

Jodie Deakin, who owns local independent business, Eclectica, and is chair of Ludlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, which members pay £50 a year to join, told a visiting journalist earlier this year: “We are over 100 businesses strong and have everything from retail businesses like mine to professional services like solicitors.”

Of the market, she said: “These are permanent market stores, so they’re here seven days a week. It’s owned by our town council, so it’s the revenue stream for them and they run the market most days, but also lease it. Ludlow Local Produce Market is one of the leased markets. To be a vendor, you have to produce everything within a 30-mile radius.”

Manager Tish Dockerty said of Ludlow Local Produce Market at the same time: “Everything that’s sold is either made by the person on the stall or the person that’s selling it, so they can tell you how it’s made.”

From its famous monthly markets to artisan boutiques, this charming town should be on your radar

The UK is brimming with stunning towns and villages, and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore quite a few. One aspect that has consistently struck me is how distinct they all are, even when they’re situated close together.

Some are bustling and contemporary, while others seem stuck in the past. That’s precisely why I adore discovering the UK, as you’re never quite sure what you’ll encounter.

Frome in Somerset is one of those destinations that genuinely lingers in your memory afterwards. It isn’t one of those household-name tourist hotspots like Bath or Wells, but that’s part of what makes it special.

Nestled in eastern Somerset near the Wiltshire border, Frome wasn’t particularly high on my list of places to visit, but I’m absolutely delighted I made the trip.

Frome, pronounced Froom, is positioned in a valley along the River Frome, roughly 13 miles from Bath. Historically, it flourished as a wool and textile town, and you can still spot remnants of its heritage in the architecture and street patterns today.

What made the town particularly memorable for me was its blend of historic and contemporary elements, which seemed to resonate with virtually everyone.

There are twisting medieval lanes, Georgian terraces, and former industrial structures sitting alongside modern cafes and independent retailers.

It has long been a market town, and that heritage remains central to its character, which is largely why I chose to visit after spotting it on TikTok.

The highlight is the Frome Independent Market, held on the first Sunday of each month. The entire town centre essentially transforms for the day.

Streets become packed with stalls offering everything from artisan food and freshly baked bread to handcrafted goods, antiques and clothing. There’s frequently live music and street food on offer too.

Even when the big monthly market isn’t on, smaller regular markets maintain that community atmosphere throughout the week.

Its high street has also been recognised as one of the finest in the UK on multiple occasions, and it was easy to see why.

Beyond markets and shopping, one of the most enjoyable aspects of Frome is simply wandering around it. It’s compact enough to navigate with ease, yet packed with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Catherine Hill is arguably the most iconic street in the town. It’s steep and cobbled, lined with independent shops.

But it’s also among the finest vantage points, offering views back across the town’s rooftops.

There’s also a thriving arts and culture scene there. Galleries, studios and numerous creative venues are dotted throughout the centre, and the Frome Festival in July brings the town alive with music.

If you’re after something more peaceful, there are numerous riverside walks, as well as being far from open fields and rolling hills. The town is ideal for anyone and everyone.

A hiker has shared a video of herself exploring a stunning coastal town which is just over an hour’s train journey from London and offers visitors the luxury of a hidden beach with its own shipwreck

A hiker has highlighted a breathtaking town which boasts a secluded beach complete with its own shipwreck. Zoe Tehrani, who is based in the London, posted footage of herself climbing down a rusty ladder onto the shingle beach before setting off on a winding trail across the cliff face.

“There might also be a creepy tunnel that used to be a smuggling route,” she enthused in a TikTok video. Zoe went on to describe her journey, explaining she boarded the train at London St. Pancras and travelled for 66 minutes.

The town she visited is Dover, which has a railway station located just a 10-minute walk from the coastline. “It’s not the most scenic to get there, but at least there’s a mist tunnel along the way,” Zoe continued.

“I followed signs for the White Cliffs of Dover, passed colourful houses, headed up the chunky hill then at the top the trail levelled out nicely.”

Zoe then aimed her camera down towards the beach, and headed off once more on another winding trail, making a steady descent. She warned that inside the smugglers’ tunnel there are no lights, which is “a little bit creepy”.

“There’s a few things you need to know about this beach,” she added. “It’s underwater at high tide, so it needs to be out a bit – and you don’t want to sit [directly] below the cliffs because they are crumbling.”

Zoe decided to take a swim in the Channel, which meant carefully picking her way through seaweed to reach the water.

“You definitely want sea shoes for this one,” she suggested. “And it’s much nicer to get in when the tide is a little higher, so I chilled for a bit, had some lunch and then it was perfect.”

The White Cliffs of Dover paths are managed by the National Trust, which advises online: “There is a wheelchair-friendly footpath that leads to a viewing point, ideal if you just want a short route to see the famous cliffs.

“This all-weather path is built with a staggered incline, which allows for a few breathers on the way up. At the top is one of the best views of the cliffs, with the rolling green landscape and sheer chalk edge, dropping to the sea below.”

Venturing further along gives walkers a choice of routes, which are steeper closest to the cliff edge and more gentle further inland.

“These will take you to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse,” the National Trust continues. “Beyond the lighthouse, you can continue walking the coast path to St Margaret’s, Kingsdown, or even Walmer or Deal.

“The ground can be uneven and the weather unpredictable, so please wear stout shoes and dress appropriately.”

Responding to Zoe’s clip, one TikTok user commented: “[I] went. Worth it for the views and the challenge but the beach/water is pretty bad. And the ladder was so scary, almost vertical.”

While a second person praised: “Stunning area.”

Just 16 miles north of the California border, enchanting Ashland, Ore., has drawn theater fans for more than 90 years. The city owes its modern tourism economy in large part to William Shakespeare.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from spring to fall annually, attracting many of the 350,000 annual visitors to the city of 21,000 residents. Locals and travelers gather to watch live productions in venues like the Allen Elizabethan Theatre — modeled after a 1599 London playhouse, with a three-story Tudor facade — where for one magical evening, they’re transported to Shakespeare’s heyday.

While it’s hard to escape the Bard’s reach in the downtown core, Ashland and environs offer much more than theater. Its outdoor wonderland especially is well worth exploring. Or as Shakespeare once put it: “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”

Within a short drive await wineries, hiking, cycling and white-water rafting on the magnificent Rogue River. Crater Lake National Park is about a two-hour drive, and the destruction of dams on the Klamath River reopened scenic rafting there last year for the first time in more than a century. As a designated Tree City USA community, Ashland is steeped in greenery. Parks abound. Lovely Ashland Creek meanders through the town.

Founded as a farm town in the 1850s, Ashland incorporated as a city in 1885 after rapid growth fueled by the railroad’s arrival. Many buildings in the downtown historic district date to the turn of the 20th century. Today, Ashland is home to a variety of shops — a couple of favorites include Bloomsbury Books with its ecology rack right out front and Mountain Provisions for high-quality outdoor gear. And with more than 100 restaurants, Ashland’s food and beverage scene runs the gamut from casual (try the porkstrami at Sammich) to inventive (check out the unique Alsatian menu at Nous).

These days, a cautious optimism prevails throughout Ashland, which had been hit hard by the pandemic and simultaneous wildfires. At downtown’s Village Baker, the scent of baking bread hints at the 1,400 loaves produced daily. They start at 4 a.m. and deliver for miles around. That broad reach, co-owner Gerardo Gutierrez says, has helped them weather challenging times.

“We’re coming back from the ashes,” he said.

The UK seaside town, which is perfect for a staycation this summer, is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, striking sandstone cliffs, and the historic thatched-roof Old Village

As the UK continues to bask in a spell of scorching weather, droves of Britons are swapping their office chairs for deckchairs and heading off on a well-deserved coastal staycation.

If you’re among them, you’ll want to pay attention, as one seaside gem has been hailed as nothing short of ‘like a fairytale’. Nestled on the southeast coast of the Isle of Wight, Shanklin is a picturesque, traditional seaside town renowned for its golden sandy beaches, striking sandstone cliffs, and the quaint thatched-roof Old Village, making it one of the island’s most beloved holiday hotspots. The town strikes a wonderful balance between coastal fun and rich heritage. Shanklin Beach and The Esplanade is a vast, family-friendly expanse of golden sand.

The Esplanade is brimming with seaside entertainment, classic fish and chip shops, water sports, and several crazy golf courses (including pirate and dinosaur themes).

The Cliff Lift is another must-see attraction. Those staying atop the sandstone cliffs can skip the gruelling descent to the beach by hopping aboard the historic Cliff Lift, which has been ferrying visitors down to the Esplanade since 1957.

The island’s oldest visitor attraction, meanwhile, is Shanklin Chine, which first opened its doors in 1817. This verdant, wooded coastal ravine boasts spectacular waterfalls, winding jungle-like pathways, and a breathtaking illuminated evening light display.

Situated directly above the Chine, the Old Village is renowned for its charming, centuries-old thatched cottages, welcoming tearooms, and independent craft boutiques.

Visitors might also explore Shanklin theatre, a lively year-round entertainment venue hosting over 150 performances annually, encompassing comedy and music through to drama and pantomimes.

Digital travel influencer Reiko, posting as @heyreiko on Instagram, recently used her platform to champion the town to her 39,100 followers.

She posted footage of the breathtaking town, writing: “Why does no one talk about this fairytale town tucked away on the Isle of Wight?

“Shanklin… or as it feels when you’re here, somewhere between a dream and a postcard you swear you’ve stepped inside.”

She continued: “If you ever needed a sign to disappear for a while and find a little pocket of peace that feels unreal… this is it.”

Followers were loving the post, with it accumulating more than 4,900 likes.

One commenter described it as “so beautiful”, while another declared: “What a cool spot.”

A third who had visited previously added: “Stayed there while at the Isle of Wight festival – such a lovely little place and the beach is lush.”

There’s more than meets the eye with this picture-perfect market town, jam packed with independent shops and an idyllic river meandering through, as rowing boats pass by

Away from the hustle and bustle of London life, just a little further down the Thames, is a much quieter tow where people are flocking for an escape into independent shops and riverside walks.

With a real sense of vibrancy about it, this Buckinghamshire town is being put on the map as it continues to evolve into a cool and quirky hotspot for the capital’s commuters. Not just that, but for people wanting a day trip that feels a lot more wholesome and doesn’t cost quite as much.

Marlow is one to watch, especially for those looking to relocate out of the city. Its location along the River Thames makes for a peaceful spot, which could compare to the likes of Richmond or Cambridge, where people can hire both rowing boats and self-driving boats to explore the town from the water.

What makes it most recognisable to passers-by or those travelling through is its eye-catching suspension bridge which spans the River Thames, joining Buckinghamshire with Berkshire. It first opened in 1832 and has been somewhat of a landmark for the area ever since, as a distinctive feature that helped the town to grow as an inland port.

High Street

The charming town is made up of historic streets with listed buildings and an abundance of independent boutiques, cafes and bistros, adding to the atmosphere of the place. But above all, it’s Marlow’s High Street that has received the most considerable amount of attention. Recently, when it was dubbed the best in the UK.

Estate agent Knight Frank named the UK’s best high streets after the property experts took a look at some of the streets that offer the most charm, and this was their favourite. Their focus was on the areas that home buyers were flocking to, and Marlow came out as a seriously desirable spot that they described as both “charming and lively”.

Matt Davies, partner at Knight Frank, said: “We tend to see a slightly younger buyer base in Marlow, driven in large part by its outstanding educational institutions, including grammar schools such as Sir William Borlase’s.”

There’s an endless amount of unique little shops selling clothing, gifts, homeware, stationery and more. Some of the standout stalls include the gift shop Twenty Three Living, The Marlow Bookshop, URU Home and Saddle Safari, all joined by an array of local pubs, cafes, galleries and salons.

Marlow has also made a name for itself in the realm of food, with high-end chefs operating out of the area and it being home to Michelin-star cuisine. Celeb chef Tom Kerridge runs a pub in the heart of the town named The Hand of Flowers, a short walk off of the high street, which stands as the only UK pub to hold an impressive two Michelin stars.

A customer described their experience at the highly acclaimed pub on TripAdvisor. They said: “Service was excellent from the minute we arrived, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was great. We’d highly recommend!”

And of course, like any higher-end high street, it’s home to The Ivy and other high street chains such as Zizi, as well as having smaller bistros and traditional pubs to choose from.

The UK is home to some of the most beautiful seaside towns, but one stands out for a key reason

The UK has been so hot this week that I made three trips to the beach in seven days, despite not living particularly close to one. Still, an hour or so’s drive is a small price to pay when there’s a brilliant day or evening by the sea waiting for you.

I’m aware the pleasant weather won’t stick around, which explains my eagerness to spend as much time outdoors as I can. Of my several seaside trips, one location really caught my attention for one particular reason — the food.

Troon, roughly 45 minutes from my home city of Glasgow, proved the ideal spot to spend a warm evening as the heatwave drew to a close.

It’s been over six months since I last went to Troon, which was on a bitterly cold and snowy January day. This week’s outing couldn’t have been more different. After finishing work one evening, we hopped in the car and made our way down to the coastal town overlooking the Firth of Clyde, with one clear goal in mind.

Despite Scotland’s heatwave coming to a sudden halt during the day with a torrential thunderstorm, the sun managed to emerge once more as we strolled along the shoreline. Likely due to the earlier weather, it was pleasantly peaceful, with just a handful of people wandering about on the sand.

While it was lovely to be able to walk on the beach without the bitter wind battering us like last time, the stroll was fairly brief, as it was time to head up to the harbour to get some food. We finally managed to make it to The Wee Hurrie for dinner.

The Scottish fishing fleet had been tied up back in January so it hadn’t been open, which although was our own fault for not checking, still put a major dampener on the day — especially given the icy cold weather.

This award-winning chippy is renowned for its fresh seafood and its prime spot right on the harbour. And it was 100% worth the hype, being one of the best meals I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating.

The scampi was incredibly fresh, coated in a delicate batter that left me feeling neither bloated nor uncomfortable afterwards — a genuine rarity for a chip shop. Choosing just one dish was actually really hard, given how varied and imaginative the menu is.

Where else would you find fritto misto, noodles and lobster all on the same menu?

It arrived alongside a gorgeous tartare sauce and a wedge of lemon, generously seasoned with salt and vinegar. Despite being light and crispy, it was wonderfully filling and satisfying, and the portion sizes were spot on.

At £14.30, it was worth every single penny, and I genuinely can’t stop thinking about it.

It’s a takeaway so you can’t sit in, but loads of people were queuing up to order before taking it home in their cars. We ate standing up outside the shack, which I think says everything about how tasty it was.

The food may have been our main reason for heading to Troon that evening, but with the weather still pleasantly warm after we’d finished eating, a stroll down the high street seemed the perfect way to round off the night.

By this point it was around 7pm, so many of the smaller independent shops and cafes had shut up for the day, but the pubs appeared reasonably busy, with people popping in and out of takeaways, restaurants, shops or simply strolling about as we were.

If I hadn’t been driving, I would have definitely nipped into Lido on the high street for a couple of drinks, but sadly it wasn’t to be on this occasion.

It was a shorter visit than previously, but far more enjoyable thanks to the delicious food and the beautiful evening sunshine. Whether you’re in the area with a few hours to spare, or travelling from further away, Troon is a wonderful place to explore.

This beautiful seaside town has become a popular staycation destination in recent years

The French Riviera is an enormously sought-after holiday destination, renowned for its breathtaking coastal scenery and magnificent cities. But you don’t necessarily have to travel abroad to find turquoise waters and sandy beaches, as one charming town right here in the UK has been likened to France’s most glamorous stretch of coastline.

Salcombe in Devon has been hailed as a spectacular alternative to heading off to France by one lucky visitor. Taking to Instagram, UK travel content creator Hannah, who shares guides and reviews under @postcardsbyhannah, posted a video of the gorgeous seaside spot.

Questioning why Brits are always quick to moan about living in the UK when “it’s home to places like this,” she drew comparisons between the town and the stunning vistas of the French Riviera region, which takes in Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antibes and Monaco.

She wrote: “Welcome to South Devon… Salcombe to be exact! Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now one of England’s most sought-after seaside escapes, where pastel-coloured cottages sprawl down the hillside towards bobbing sailboats on turquoise waters.”

Hannah went on to say that Salcombe boasts a relaxed and understated sense of luxury that feels almost effortless, with family-run boutiques, art galleries, ice cream parlours, and waterside pubs dishing up oysters freshly harvested straight from the estuary.

She continued: “Salcombe’s estuary is stunning, surrounded by rolling green hills and sandy coves reached only by foot or boat. Have a wander round town and visit Cranch’s Sweet Shop, one of the most iconic establishments in the town, selling sweets since the 1800s.”

Salcombe boasts numerous breathtaking beaches, including Salcombe North Sands, with its rockpools and panoramic views of the ruins of the nearby Salcombe Castle, and Salcombe South Sands Beach, regarded by many as one of the most pristine beaches in South Devon.

Another well-loved beach in the vicinity is Hope Cove Bay, where watersports enthusiasts can hire kayaks and paddleboards to venture out onto the water.

One visitor to Salcombe North Sands expressed their affection for the beach on TripAdvisor, writing: “Love this little place.

“Tide was in when we arrived but after a stroll around town and lunch at The Winking Prawn, it had started to go out revealing a beautiful sandy bay with low shallow water for paddling in. Dog friendly too!”

Meanwhile, another visitor to South Sands penned: “A lovely day to spend the day as a couple or with the family. Beautiful beach, especially when the tide goes out. Spectacular scenery from the beach.

“A small kiosk sells sandwiches and salads along with wine and tin beer and of course tea and coffees and soft drinks. You need to bring your own chairs (no deck chairs) A great place to visit!”

Once you’ve soaked up the stunning beaches, why not pay a visit to Overbecks Garden — a Grade II registered garden dating back to the Edwardian Era, brimming with tender and exotic sub-tropical plants that are well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.

One visitor wrote: “Stunning gardens with absolutely fabulous views. Couldn’t believe the size of the tropical plants! Nice route around the garden.”

With stunning beaches, a working harbour and a wealth of activities, it’s not surprise this town is among the best for staycations

A charming Cornish seaside town that has delighted tourists for generations has managed to hold on to its authentic local character. It is precisely this quality that draws visitors seeking a genuine taste of Cornwall, while also offering plenty to keep the entire family busy.

It has now been recognised as one of the finest seaside destinations in the UK. Looe, nestled in South East Cornwall, is undeniably stunning, boasting sandy beaches, vibrant fishing boats and quaint cottages.

The town’s working harbour has been cherished by generations of hardworking fishing families — and to this day, they continue heading out to sea to supply local restaurants with some of the freshest and most delicious fish you’ll ever taste.

There’s always something happening in and around Looe, both during the day and into the evenings.

With a railway station right in the heart of town, it couldn’t be easier to venture out and explore the surrounding area without needing to get behind the wheel.

Looe is a brilliant base for families — you can visit The Monkey Sanctuary, take a dip or a paddle at East Looe Beach or Talland Bay, or treat the little ones to a visit to the Seaside Sweets shop.

You can embark on a Looe Sea Safari or take to the water with Boatzer Glass Bottom Boat Trips for a truly unique experience.

For thrill-seekers, speedboat trips are available to get the adrenaline pumping.

Local outfit Adventure Fit Southwest offers even more excitement, with canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding adventures all on the menu. On TripAdvisor, Adventure Fit Southwest outlined the range of other activities on offer: “Other adventure activities, such as bushcraft, mountain biking, hill walking, navigation and outdoor rock climbing.”

The two principal beaches are East Looe Beach, situated in the town itself, and Talland Bay, which can be reached either via the South West Coast Path or by car.

East Looe Beach is home to the iconic Banjo Pier and is widely regarded as a “great family beach”.

One visitor who headed there in May 2025 shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor: “A beautiful stretch of dark golden sand, cleaned daily, ideal for having a picnic or just taking in the sun’s rays. The sands shelve gently into the sea if you fancy a paddle.”

Talland Beach has also received glowing reviews, with one family who made the trip describing it as a “beautiful bay”.

Their TripAdvisor review portrays Talland Beach as a “small bay fronted by a cafe and adjacent car parking”.

They added: “Good walks nearby along the coastal path. Slightly difficult drive due to the very narrow roads, but worth the effort.”

The picturesque woodland surrounding Looe has also proved to be a firm favourite amongst visitors, best experienced along the South West Coast Path — with the charming and “unspoilt” fishing village of Polperro lying just to the west.

The trek to Polperro stretches over five miles, offering breathtaking views throughout — taking walkers directly past the stunning Talland Beach along the way. Getting around by car and finding parking in Looe and Cornwall more broadly can be an absolute headache during the holiday season, but from Looe, there’s the option to hop on the train to certain destinations.

While it’s worth noting that not every corner of Cornwall is accessible by rail, from Looe you can still reach some other fantastic Cornish locations.

In under half an hour you can head inland to the market town of Liskeard – and from there you can catch trains to other areas of Cornwall, although some journeys can take quite a while.

The picturesque Looe Valley Line, which will transport you to Liskeard, also features some other intriguing stops along the way, with many describing this train journey as like “going back in time”.

A WELSH seaside town has been put on the map globally thanks to two very famous celebrities spotted there this week.

Singer Kylie Minogue and Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino have been seen in the pretty seaside town of Porthcawl.

It isn’t for a holiday – but for filming upcoming movie called Tangled in the Blue, directed by Welsh filmmaker Jamie Adams.

They were caught going to the Saltwater Inn pub, where onlookers said the celebrities “laughed and sang together” for a scene.

Other nearby sightings include at Newton Church, being used for a funeral scene in the film, and at Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

But Porthcawl itself is a popular beach town even without the endorsements of the mega stars, with seven bays and two Blue Flag beaches – Rest Bay and Trecco Bay.

TOP SEA-CRET

Locals’ guide to UK’s top seaside counties… best beaches & pubs and £15 stays

SHORE THING

Our best seaside towns that feel like stepping back in time – with £3pp stays

When The Sun’s Emma Glanfield visited the seaside town, she called it the perfect alternative for an exotic break.

She said: “Porthcawl, the ‘jewel of South  Wales‘ has the lot. A spectacularly cragged coastline and a swathe of sandy beaches, kissed by sparkling seas – and all just a stone’s throw from the mountains.

“OK, so it might not be the Caribbean, but it does offer fun and frolics for those on a budget.”

“We kicked off activities in Rest Bay. Our morning surf lesson with the brilliant Hugh woke us up quicker than you could say ‘coffee‘.”

Emma continued: “Within two hours we’d gone from complete beginners to standing up and catching waves.

“Who needs the Maldives when this precious little corner of the UK packs such a punch?”

Also in Porthcawl is Trecco Bay, the UK’s largest holiday park when it comes to pitches – and in Europe too.

Along with 2,000 caravans (which can welcome up to 50,000 guests during peak holiday periods) also on-site is a huge entertainment plaza with everything from crazy golf and high ropes to a swimming pool and splash pad.

There’s a bowling alley and for older kids the Next Level Gaming Arena has over 25 consoles including PS5 and Xbox.

Other outdoor activities include archery, hover boards, bumper zorbs and there are even pedal karts to get around.

The park puts on shows, and there’s even Paw Patrol Mighty Missions for little ones.

The holiday park has all the essential facilities like restaurants, cafes, bars, there’s also a launderette, supermarket and even a chapel.

When the sun is shining, guests can enjoy the sprawling sandy Blue Flag beach right on its doorstep.

A four-night stay across this weekend in a Bronze two bedroom caravan which sleeps four people works out to £405 – or £25.31pppn.

If you fancy making a week’s holiday (from June 27 – July 4), then this works out as just £16.40pppn.

Or, sign up with Sun Club and you could stay at Trecco Bay from £9.50.

THE start of summer will officially begin tomorrow with the longest day of the year – where one UK town won’t see nightfall.

Summer solstice celebrations are set to take place across the Northern Hemisphere.

Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland islands, will see almost 19 hours of daylight tomorrow (June 21) as the Northern Hemisphere celebrates the summer solstice.

Located closer to the Arctic Circle than London, night will fall for just five hours on the UK’s most northerly town.

Residents will not experience complete dark either, as the sun will remain just below the horizon, creating an effect which residents have named “da simmer dim”.

This summer twilight means that light lingers well beyond midnight, with a light blue hue visible across the sky throughout the night.

EU NEED TO KNOW

All of the European rules you need to be aware of this summer

DRINK IT IN

UK’s best Wetherspoons pub gardens for the sunny weather with pints from £1.49

Lerwick, translating to “Bay of Clay”, is a busy fishing town with just 7,000 residents year-round.

Despite the summer twilight, the island only sees around 1,158 hours of sunshine – around 13 per cent – a year and August remains its warmest month with an average temperature of 14° C.

On the day of the winter solstice (December 21), the town will receive just five hours and 49 minutes of daylight.

Packed with narrow winding streets, stone cottages and prehistoric settlements, the remote location can be typically reached via ferries from Aberdeen.

The summer solstice marks the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year as well as the official start of astronomical summer.

It occurs when the earth’s axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun, with many countries marking the occasion with midsummer celebrations.