towns

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.”

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.

Tuareg-led armed ⁠group says it attacked northern town where Malian troops and Russian fighters are based.

Armed fighters have launched ⁠attacks in five ⁠locations across Mali, more than two months after gunmen attacked the capital and other parts of the country.

The attacks took place on Saturday in areas including ‌a northern town where government forces and Russian fighters are ⁠based, and ⁠a town south of ⁠the capital, ⁠Bamako, Mali’s military and security sources said.

The army said the attacks targeted Aguelhok, Anefis, Gao, Sevare and Kenieroba.

The AFP news agency said a prison in Kenieroba was attacked, citing residents and security sources.

It reported that the fighting in different locations started at about 5am local time (05:00 GMT).

A Tuareg-led armed ⁠group confirmed that it had attacked a northern Malian town early on Saturday.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), told the Reuters news agency that fighters from the group ⁠attacked the town of Anefis ⁠in the northeastern Kidal region.

Government and Russian troops deployed in Anefis in the wake of attacks on April 25 and 26, in which the FLA and the regional al-Qaeda ⁠affiliate seized control of Kidal town.

Ramadane also told AFP that “several positions have fallen, but fighting is still underway inside the city” of Anefis.

An Anefis resident contacted by AFP said “armed groups are in the town, but the army is still putting up resistance. The camp [there] has not yet fallen”.

Anefis and Aguelhok, both in the north, are the last remaining locations where Mali’s army maintains a presence in the Kidal region, following the April attacks.

Meanwhile, in ⁠the central city of Gao, a local official told Reuters that gunfire and rockets had been launched at a military ‌camp since before dawn. It was not immediately clear which fighters were responsible.

In Sevare, another central town, “explosions rang out … around 5am, though their origin is not yet known. Shortly thereafter, several aircraft were spotted flying over the area”, a security source told AFP.

In Kenieroba, the major prison complex was also under attack, a prisoner in the facility told AFP.

Saturday’s assault was the latest threat to the military-led government in the landlocked Sahel country where rebels staged high-profile attacks in ‌April, hitting the airport in the capital, Bamako, killing the defence minister and seizing a string of army bases in the north.

YOU don’t need to jet off abroad to guarantee a golden tan this summer.

With summer 2026 already showing up as an absolute scorcher, most of us are itching to get out and soak up the rays while they last.

We’ve rounded up the sunniest spots in the UK that see nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.

Plus we’ve paired each spot with a cheap hotel deal, so you can book yourself a budget-friendly seaside staycation this summer.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

With over 1,900 hours of sunshine per year, Bognor Regis has been crowned as one of the sunniest places in Britain by the Met Office.

The seaside town has plenty to see and do, including a town centre packed with traditional sweet shops, book shops and boutiques.

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Make the most of the sunshine down at the seafront, where you’ll find a historic promenade train and traditional pier with its own arcade and casino.

You can also buy day passes to Butlin’s Bognor Regis, and make use of unlimited fairground rides and the indoor waterpark with a Helter Skelter waterslide.

Plus you could even have a go on the resort’s brand new giant claw machine, which has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the largest in the world.

For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn have opened up a new hotel with fancy Premier Plus rooms right on the seafront.

Staying at the new hotel also gives you access to its glamorous lounge ‘The Social’, decked out with pink and neon decor, offering late night food and 2-for-1 cocktails.

Book a stay at the Premier Inn Bognor Regis from £102 per night.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

With a warm microclimate protected by the South Downs, Eastbourne consistently ranks as one of the sunniest places in the UK.

The town enjoys 1,890+ hours of sunshine per year, which is 500 more than the average UK town.

The seaside town is bursting with exciting attractions, like the rainbow-coloured Tower Art Gallery and Royal Hippodrome Theatre showing music and comedy events.

Soak up the sunshine with an ice cream out on the Victorian pier, or take a ride on the miniature steam railway through the 12-acre EMSR adventure park.

Plus the town’s three-mile stretch of beach is backed by pretty beach huts and dotted with deck chairs and loungers, giving you plenty of spots to sit and sunbathe.

Book a stay at the Pearl & Pebbles Eastbourne from £52 per night, or £26pp per night.

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Shanklin in the Isle of Wight has been crowned as the sunniest place to live in the UK, seeing 1,976 hours of sunshine per year.

The picturesque seaside town is known for its pretty thatched roof cottages, traditional tearoom and quaint shops and cafes.

Shanklin Beach is a golden stretch of sand perfect for families with a beachfront chippy, ice cream shops and a pirate-themed mini golf.

There’s even a clifftop lift that will transport visitors down from the town centre to the esplanade, making this beach a great accessible option.

Visit nearby Shanklin Chine to see the island’s oldest tourist attraction – a wooded ravine with charming narrow paths and bridges that take you to see waterfalls.

Book a stay in The Belmont hotel from £109 per night, which also offers discounts for the ferry to and from the island.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

With an impressive 1,884 hours of sunshine per year, Southend consistently ranks as one of the sunniest destinations in the UK.

The seaside city is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, packed with restaurants, arcades, and kiosks selling sticks of rock and hot doughnuts.

You can brave the near two-mile walk out over the Thames Estuary, or simply hop on the quirky pier train to reach the very end for panoramic sea views.

You could also grab a wristband for Adventure Island for £30pp and make use of unlimited rollercoasters and fairground rides.

For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn has a well-located hotel on the Eastern Esplanade, putting you just steps from the sand.

Book a stay at Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade) hotel from £52 per night.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

From this week, there will be strict rules on the consumption of alcohol in two popular UK seaside towns, and anyone not careful could face a fine of up to a staggering £1,000

Two popular UK seaside towns have introduced a ‘booze ban’, with the risk of £1,000 fines for anyone caught flouting the rules.

In a bid to help manage anti-social behaviour in Kent, a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been approved for three years. Under this order, which will be in force from Wednesday, 1 July, there will be a year-round blanket ban on the consumption of alcohol in Margate and Ramsgate high streets.

Anyone caught breaking a PSPO, which is a criminal offence, could be fined up to around £100. This can be reduced if it’s paid within 10 to 14 days; however, if anyone avoids paying the fine, they could face prosecution and be fined up to a staggering £1,000.

Margate has long been a popular destination in Kent, thanks to its traditional Victorian charm, stretches of golden beach and close link to London, often earning the nickname of ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’. Ramsgate is just as popular with its sprawling beaches, Royal Harbour and thriving independent food scene.

But it’s not just these seaside towns taking the brunt of the new order.

The PSPO also sets out that in areas across Broadstairs, Cliftonville West, Margate and Ramsgate, there will be bans on anti-social behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol and not handing over alcohol when asked by authorities. It comes after Kent Police said fights had erupted on Broadstairs and Margate beach last week, while people were also assaulted at Margate Railway Station.

Some businesses in Thanet told BBC Radio Kent that they had been forced to close early on occasions due to anti-social behaviour in the area. One even said they were planning to move out of the area as it had become intimidating.

The aim of the order is to “introduce targeted restrictions to curb alcohol-related disorder, public urination, and defecation for a period of three years”, the Thanet District Council website noted. According to the BBC, East Thanet MP Polly Billington said following approval on Thursday: “It’s vital for our economy that people feel confident about keeping their doors open to their shop, and actually, [it’s vital] for the wellbeing of our residents and our visitors that everybody feels safe.”

Meanwhile, before the order was approved, Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, highlighted: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. Our communities deserve safe, clean, and welcoming public spaces, and this overwhelming support shows how passionate local people are about protecting their environment.

“If Cabinet agrees to implement these proposals, our safety teams and the police will have an effective tool to address persistent issues impacting our towns. We have listened closely to feedback, and while enforcement would always be a last resort, these measures could significantly improve the quality of life across Thanet.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

IS there anything better than a traditional British seaside summer holiday when the sun shines?

Buckets and spades, Cadbury Flakes jammed into Mr. Whippy ice creams, rounds of seafront mini golf and travelling home with a stick of rock as a souvenir.

But let’s face it – some of our favourite resorts have become built up over the years with flashy neon arcades and attractions.

Over the years, our Travel team have visited seaside towns all over the UK, and a few stick out as traditional favourites that have remained nearly unchanged.

Not only this, but there’s heaps of history to be explored in these historic seaside towns, too.

From one of Britain’s best-preserved Medieval walls lined with gunports and stone towers, to 1950’s-style gelato bars serving up a retro knickerbocker glory, here’s Sun Travel’s favourite seaside towns that feel like stepping back in time.

Broadstairs, Kent

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

The coastline of Broadstairs really does feel like you’re stepping back in time, from the retro huts lining the beach to the vintage merry go round that pops up in summer.

Forget the chaotic arcades and bustle – there’s just a small arcade on the top of the cliff, and most of the busy cafes and bars are further up from the sand.

Of course, expect it to be busy in the peak summer months, but visit in shoulder season and you’ll have most of the beach to yourself.

Morelli’s is an institution and a must – the retro 1950s gelato bar will satisfy that itch for a towering knickerblocker glory.

For the best chippy, The Mermaid is the go-to of locals, while the Charles Dickens’ pub (named after the famous author who once raved about Broadstairs) is the popular spot for a pint.

Personally, my favourite spot is the slightly trendier Bar Ingo, with basque tapas inspired small plates that have led to its multiple awards.

Want to make a weekend of it? Stay at Smith’s Townhouse, a recently opened boutique hotel that has some of the best coffee in town. Rooms from £160 a night. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.

Or opt for the Canterbury Bell by Marston’s Inns, which offers double rooms from £52 per night.

Portreath, Cornwall

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

The pretty Cornish fishing village of Portreath has escaped the modern makeover of many of its neighbouring coastal resorts.

Its layout is still dictated by its 18th century industrial past with its historic harbour built to ship copper ore to Wales.

You can still walk or cycle the old Great Flat Lode tramways that once carried the minerals.

Set at the bottom of a steep-sided valley, the village is flanked by towering, rugged cliffs that look exactly the same as they did centuries ago.

You won’t find chain stores, amusement arcades or sprawling hotels here, the seafront and village streets are lined with traditional granite cottages alongside independent local cafes like the Pod Cafe overlooking the beach.

There are also a couple of very traditional Cornish pubs including the Portreath Arms and Basset Arms.

The beach is perfect for long walks with the dogs with the Atlantic swells crashing against its shores.

Stay at the Gwel An Mor Resort above the village with a woodland path to the beach.

This lovely resort of eco-chic pine lodges also features a restaurant, indoor pool and spa as well as tennis courts and indoor soft play and adventure course.

Stays start from £167 per night in June. See argyllholidays.com.

If you prefer holiday park breaks, book a stay at Parkdean Resorts’ Crantock Beach.

The beachfront holiday park offers four night stays for four people in a Bronze caravan from £119, or £7.44pp per night.

Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Families have been flocking to the fairgrounds of Great Yarmouth for hundreds of years – and it still very much remains a popular seaside resort today.

Great Yarmouth saw a particularly big boom in holidaymakers in 1844 when the seaside railway opened, which transported visitors from the Midlands straight to the beach.

Today, Brits visit from all across the UK to try out top attractions like the rollercoasters of Pleasure Beach and watch the eye-catching shows of the Hippodrome Circus.

While these modern attractions are absolutely worth visiting, there’s plenty of historical sites here that go under the radar.

You might not expect it, but Great Yarmouth has the second-best preserved medieval town wall in England (following York).

You can still walk alongside the mile-long wall and see its massive flint towers and gunports, a scenic and historic walk away from the busier streets.

For some maritime history, head to The Time and Tide Museum.

Here you can discover the town’s fishing heritage through hands-on family activities and transport back in time to the 1950’s quayside. Adult tickets cost £7.74 and child tickets (aged 4 – 17) cost £6.57.

For somewhere to stay, the Knights Court Hotel has rooms from £90 per night and sits directly on the seafront.

Or go for a stay at the award-winning Seashore Holiday Park, with Haven Hideaway offers from £49 for four people for four nights – which works out to £3.06pp per night.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk

Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Counties like Norfolk and Essex are filled with noisy, arcade-filled seaside resorts.

But I recently discovered that those dotted along the Suffolk coastline are very different, especially when I found myself in Aldeburgh on a quiet spring weekend.

The promenade is protected so it means there can be no sellers or souvenir shops on the front, so it still maintains its feel of being a Victorian seaside town.

There’s nothing but towering pastel coloured merchant houses, fisherman’s cottages and of course, its long shingle beach.

The town is consistently referred to as being one of the prettiest (and might I add, poshest) in the country.

Behind Crag Path promenade is where you’ll find classic English bakeries, ice cream parlours, fish and chip shops, and pubs.

I popped into the White Hart, perched on the corner. It’s a small 18th century building filled with wooden furniture and nautical memorabilia – and serves up Adnams on draught – brewed up the road in Southwold.

Make sure to pop into Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop across the street too, it’s the oldest in the town and first opened in 1967.

Stay at the Brudenell Hotel right on the seafront from £74.50pp/pn. See
thehotelfolk.co.uk/hotels/brudenell-hotel.

Or opt for a stay at Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach, where you can book four nights in a chalet for 2 for £99. That’s £12.38pp per night.

Babbacome, Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Nestled within the coastline between Dawlish and Torquay, you’ll find Babbacombe – an unspoilt town with heaps of history.

The town dates back to the 16th century when it was a fishing village and much of the original charm can still be seen today.

You can head to Babbacombe Beach, which is made up of shingle and sits below the towering red cliffs that form Babbacombe Downs.

Or you can visit Oddicombe Beach, by the historic funicular which has been operating for a century and travels the 200 metres down to the beach.

If you’re wanting somewhere special to eat, head to Babbacombe Bay Cafe, which serves freshly made toasties with salad.

About a three-minute walk away from the Downs, you’ll reach the high street where you can explore Bygones – a museum with a full-scale replica Victorian street (£13.95 per adult/£9.75 per child).

Another great attraction is Babbacombe Model Village, where you can feel like a giant as you explore hundreds of model scenes depicting British life (£21.95 per adult/£17.95 per child).

As for somewhere to stay, head to the Cary Arms Hotel and Spa where stays start from £195 per night.

There are also four night stays available at Parkdean Resorts Torquay Holiday Park for £99, or £12.38pp per night.

Whitby, Yorkshire

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

Whitby offers everything you’d want in a trip to the seaside: award-winning fish and chips, amusements, tasty ice creams at every corner – but it stands out thanks to its connection to some famous historical figures.

Famous explorer Captain Cook trained for his global voyages in Whitby. Here you can visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, known as the House on the Harbour.

Inside, have a nosy around the 17th-century rooms where a 17-year-old James Cook lived as an apprentice in 1746.

Outdoors, you can hop on a Captain Cook boat tour which dives right into the life of the famous voyager, packed with plenty of sea shanties to sing along to.

Horror and literature fans alike will love the town’s connection to Dracula. You can see the grand Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey from across the harbour, which keeps watch over the town from its creepy clifftop perch.

Author Bram Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was struck by the landmark looming over the pretty resort. After reading up on folklore in the local library, the writer penned his famous text.

This town takes its vampire fame seriously. To celebrate 125 years since the novel’s publication, English Heritage broke a Guinness World Record by hosting the world’s largest gathering of vampires, with 1,369 caped fans showing up.

To follow in the count’s footsteps, you can climb the famous 199 stone steps. In the book, a sinister black dog dashes up this staircase to announce Dracula’s arrival.

Luckily, daytime climbs offer gorgeous views of tiered red-roofed cottages rather than scares.

Stay on theme at the nautical Smugglers Rest bed and breakfast from £95 per night.

Or bag yourself a four night stay at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay in a Bronze Caravan, which sleeps eight, from £136 – which works out to £4.25pp per night in a full caravan.

Cockington, Torquay

Head of Travel, Lisa Minot

Tucked away in a hidden valley just a mile from the bustling seafront of Torquay, the quintessential Devon village of Cockington is unchanged.

While the English Riviera expanded over the centuries to accommodate the boom in tourism, Cockington has stood frozen in time.

The village is made up of striking 16th and 17th century cottages complete with whitewashed cob walls, timber beams and thick, thatched roofs.

And the reason the village has been unchanged for centuries is Cockington Court, A manor house dating back to the Domesday Book, the estate and country are protected against any development by a registered charity.

Legendary crime writer, Agatha Christie, was a frequent visitor to Cockington Court in her youth and even took part in amateur theatre on the manor house’s lawns.

The village’s narrow lanes wind past three tranquil mill ponds, ancient orchards and wooded walks and to this day, one of the most popular ways to arrive here to get around is via traditional horse drawn carriages.

Quench your thirst at the local pub, The Drum Inn, designed in 1936 by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to seamlessly blend in with the ancient surroundings or visit the original Forge, which has been operating on the same site since the 14th century.

Stay at the Hotel Indigo Torquay which sits on the seafront close to Cockington Country Park. Double rooms start at £61 per night in June. See ihg.com.

Book a four night stay at Park Holidays’ Dawlish Sands from £249 total, or £15.56pp per night.

IT’S heating up this weekend with highs of 30C in the UK – perfect weather for a trip to the beach.

With help from Trainline, Sun Travel has found 12 of the best seaside towns and villages where local train stations are minutes from the coast.

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

Trainline has called Cleethorpes “one of the strongest fits for a beach-by-train escape.”

“Step off the train and you’re moments from Central Prom Beach fish and chips, arcades and all the ingredients of a classic British seaside day out.”

On the pier is the UK’s biggest fish and chip shop called Papa’s which has room for 500 diners.

Cleethorpes is also home to the Signal Box which claimed to be the smallest pub on the planet – it has space for just three punters inside.

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Luckily there’s a big beer garden to make up for the small inside space.

It’s a five-minute walk from Cleethorpes Station to Central Prom Beach.

Margate, Kent

Kent has lots of beautiful seaside towns, and Margate has previously been voted as one of the best with the ‘coolest neighbourhoods’.

It has a sweeping sandy beach, plenty of ice cream parlours, chippies, cosy cafes and bars.

Make sure to check out Little Swift which serves up tasty iced cocktails.

Not to mention you can hop on the rides at Dreamland which is one of the UK’s oldest theme parks.

Best of all, the station at Margate is a six-minute walk to the beach.

St Ives, Cornwall

At the very tip of Cornwall is St Ives where you can be off the train and on the beach in under five minutes.

Porthminster Beach has golden sand and bright blue waters and views of St Ives Bay.

It’s ideal for families taking a paddle and building sandcastles in the sunshine.

On the sands there’s also an outdoor kitchen for takeaways, Gin & Cocktail Bar and a beach shop.

In the town of St Ives head to the likes of Fore Street, the High Street and Chapel Street for independent shops, bakeries, cafes and galleries.

St Ives station to Porthminster Beach is a 4-minute walk.

Barry Island, Wales

Barry Island might be known as the home of BBC‘s Gavin and Stacey, but it’s also an ideal spot for those looking for a weekend beach break.

Whitmore Bay is a crescent-shaped bay of golden sand where families can go swimming, paddling and rock pooling at low tide.

On the promenade, there are a range of bustling cafes, fish and chip shops and amusement arcades.

Visitors have to check out Barry Island Pleasure Park too which has a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and waltzers.

From Barry Island station, it’s a six-minute walk to the beach.

Torquay, Devon

If you fancy a trip to Devon without the hassle of driving and parking, you can take the train and be at Torre Abbey Sands in less than 15-minutes.

It’s Torquay’s main beach on the English Riviera with a sloping sandy beach with shallow waters – ideal for splashing about in on a hot day.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding who hails from Devon said: “Torquay Train Station might be small but it could not be in a better place to explore Torquay seafront, also known as the Queen of the English Riviera.

“The station is right next to The Grand Hotel, in case you want to make your stay in the area longer.

“Around two minutes from the station you’ll reach Torquay Beach and Torre Abbey Sands – a vast stretch of red-sand beach, ideal for swimming and kayaking.

“Right by the beach there are a number of restaurants, bars and fish and chip spots too that are great.

“My recommendation? Pier Point fish and chips, about five minutes walking from the beach – it has regularly been named one the best fish and chip shop in the UK.”

From Torquay Railway Station, it’s a 12-minute walk to Torre Abbey Sands.

Dawlish, Devon

Trainline suggests the seaside town of Dawlish as a ‘beach-by-train’ escape which started before you even get there as the railway runs right along the seafront.

It added: “Dawlish a brilliant choice for travellers who want the journey itself to feel part of the day out, with sea views before you’ve even left the train.”

The seaside town has a shingle beach located steps from the town centre so it makes for an ideal daytrip.

Dawlish Station is a two-minute walk to Dawlish Town Beach.

Whitby, Yorkshire

Whitby is known as one of the prettiest seaside towns in the UK thanks to its stacked fishing cottages and sweeping beach all split by the River Esk.

West Cliff Beach is where most families will go for classic bucket and spade fun, for those looking for a quieter escape, head to Tate Hill which is a quieter spot near the harbour

If you fancy the seaside staple fish and chips then head to Trenchers of Whitby.

This year it secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026.

You can get a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each.

From Whitby Station to Whitby Beach is a 12-minute walk.

Normans Bay, East Sussex

If you want to try and avoid the crowds, Normans Bay could be it.

The quiet fishing village sits between Bexhill-on-Sea and Eastbourne with a dog-friendly shingle-and-sand beach and historical Martello towers.

Trainline said: “Normans Bay is one for travellers who like their beaches a little more under-the-radar and yet it has its own station.

“The station is just a couple of minutes from the shoreline, with expansive views across the Channel and a quieter, more traditional feel.

“Nestled between Eastbourne and Hastings, it’s close enough for a day trip from London but feels far removed from the busier resort towns nearby.”

From Normans Bay Station to Normans Bay Beach it’s a two-minute walk.

Tenby, Wales

Tenby is considered one of the prettiest seaside towns in the country with its multi-coloured houses and four sandy beaches.

The two main ones, North and South, are at either end of the town while Harbour and Castle Beach is the nearest to the town centre.

The closest to the train station is North Beach which is long sandy stretch with cliffs on one side and harbour on the other.

Head down the road to Harbour Beach to see St Julian’s Church an old fisherman’s chapel built in 1878.

From Tenby Station it’s a 10-minute walk to Tenby North Beach.

Weymouth, Dorset

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Weymouth in Dorset.

Trainline described it as a “classic bucket-and-spade destination, with a sweeping sandy beach, Georgian seafront and traditional harbour.”

And to make it even better, the station is only a few minutes from the promenade.

Last year, Weymouth Beach was named one of the ‘best in Europe’ thanks to its ‘shallow, safe waters’ and family-friendly activities like donkey rides and pedalo hire.

Walk along the prom to see the Jubilee Clock Tower or hop onboard the Land Train to see the sights.

From Weymouth Station to Weymouth Beach it’s a 4-minute walk.

Blackpool, Lancashire

Of course, we can’t forget Blackpool as a destination that can easily be reached by train – in fact it’s 100 yards from the station to the South Promenade.

Trainline said: “For a full-throttle seaside day out, Blackpool Pleasure Beach station puts visitors close to the action.

“The station is just yards from the Pleasure Beach entrance and close to South Promenade, making it a handy choice for rollercoasters, arcades, seafront strolls and classic Blackpool fun.”

From Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station it’s just a few minutes to the South Promenade.

Shoeburyness, Essex

You can’t forget about the Essex coastline when it comes to beaches as it has some lovely spots, like Shoeburyness.

Trainline said: “For travellers heading to Southend-on-Sea, Shoeburyness offers a quieter alternative to the main seafront.

“East Beach is only a short walk from the station and has a more relaxed, open feel, with grassy areas, beach huts and views across the Thames Estuary.”

The walk from Shoeburyness Station to East Beach takes 5-minutes.

The quirky coastal destination has been named one of the best to visit in 2026 by Time Out, thanks to its vibrant shopfronts and historic harbour

Thanks to the arrival of the long-awaited King Charles III Coastal Path, the UK’s coastline can now be walked in its entirety, and many are setting their sights on its stunning seaside towns to experience it all this summer.

According to Time Out, this is one of the must-visit destinations in 2026, and with an abundance of attractions set against a stunning seaside setting, it’s not difficult to understand why.

Outshining the likes of its well-known neighbours such as Margate, Whitstable and Brighton, Folkestone has carved out a reputation as a rewarding coastal escape for a picture-perfect break. Situated on the southern fringe of the North Downs, tucked into a valley between two cliffs, lies the historic town, overflowing with offbeat character.

With greater incentive than ever to forgo the flights and discover the UK coastline, Folkstone makes an excellent starting point, coming in at number four on the list of seaside destinations.

Creative Quarter

At the centre of this town lies a thriving cultural hub, overseen by the arts charity Creative Folkestone. Its mission has led to the restoration of more than 90 buildings, now home to a wealth of independent studios, cafes and businesses all rooted in creativity, which permeates the entire town.

Awash with colour, it’s this quarter, comprising winding and meandering streets, that makes Folkestone stand out as a destination. The rainbow-hued painted shopfronts and flourishing independent businesses are what distinguish it and make it immediately identifiable from a single photograph.

On visiting for the first time, one guest wrote on TripAdvisor: “Today was my first visit to Folkestone, and we wanted to visit the Creative Quarter. Was not disappointed.

“Fabulous sunny day, helps, of course. Cobble streets and set on a hill. So might not be great for some. Wonderful galleries and fabulous eateries. Quirky shops and friendly people. I will visit again.”

Visitors could easily find themselves whiling away hours browsing in and out of shops, picking up unique souvenirs, books, homeware and artwork.

Harbour

Steeped in history and buzzing with events throughout the week, the Harbour Arm is a true centrepiece of Folkestone. Once serving as the railway terminal for the Folkestone-Boulogne Ferry and a departure point for troops heading to the Western Front, it has since been transformed into a stunning setting for drinks, food and live entertainment with family and friends.

The picturesque promenade, stretching out towards the sea, is home to more than 70 independent food, drink and retail vendors, meaning visitors are genuinely spoilt for choice. If there’s one thing that rings true about Folkestone, it’s the town’s wholehearted dedication to championing local businesses throughout every corner of its tourist offering.

One impressed visitor shared: “Folkestone Harbour Arm has been transformed into a remarkable destination – a vibrant blend of artistic flair, seaside heritage, and excellent food.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful walk to the lighthouse, passing a compact market area and plenty of great food stalls. The fresh sea air and creative atmosphere made it a joy.”

Beach

Folkestone boasts several sandy bays and pebble beaches, but one in particular has earned a reputation as a firm favourite with visitors, and tends to get packed out during the warmer summer months.

Nestled by the harbour is Sunny Sands, the go-to beach for many, thanks to its soft sands perfect for sandcastle building and sunbathing, plus its convenient location near the heart of the town.

According to visitors, while it suits everyone, it’s ” especially great for children”, owing to its well-maintained facilities and opportunities for water sports. What’s more, this is among the nearest beaches to London, less than an hour’s journey from the capital, making it a popular choice for Londoners craving a breath of seaside air.

Adding to its appeal is the parking available directly beside the beach at the Harbour Arm Car Park, though expect it to fill up rapidly during peak tourist season.

One visitor summed it up simply, saying: “Beautiful beach, lovely day out. fabulous views and scenery. Great for all ages. Lots to see and do. Very clean beach, worth a visit.”

A new beach rule for a European hotspot has been introduced for anyone aged between 10 and 65, but one traveller has dubbed it the ‘most unusual beach rule of 2026’

A popular European destination that welcomes thousands of Brits each year is introducing a new beach rule for everyone aged 10 to 65.

A day out at the beach, be it in the UK during the summer months or in Europe, is often accompanied by an umbrella to help provide shade from the balmy sun. However, holidaymakers of a certain age have been banned from using a parasol on a beach in Sardinia, Italy.

Under the new rule introduced earlier this month, Punta Molentis Beach, near the popular resort town of Villasimius in Sardinia, only allows families with children under 10 years old or people over 65 to put up an umbrella. It comes as the Italian beach limits the number of visitors to 150 at a time and puts in strict restrictions following wildfires in July last year.

In addition, visitors arriving at Punta Molentis Beach on foot will need to pay a fee of €10 (£8.60), while those arriving by boat will pay €5 (£4.31). Meanwhile, only 70 cars will be able to access the beach per day until 31 October, and reservations will be compulsory to visit, the Villasimius council website reported.

The town council also said in a message: “It’s therefore necessary to limit human impact and ensure protection of this heritage for future generations.”

The rules are in place throughout the summer season and aim to protect the beloved beach following last summer’s wildfires. Holidaymakers were forced to flee the wildfires by boat after they erupted in late July 2025, with around 100 hectares of Punta Molentis said to have been destroyed by the blaze, including cars in the beach car park.

However, not everyone is happy with the new rules. One person commented on X, formerly Twitter: “Banning shade in the Mediterranean summer heat sounds incredibly dangerous.”

A second said: “Guess I’m just gonna roast under the sun then, sounds like a fun time for my skin.” While a third added: “This might be the most unusual beach rule of 2026.”

One more wrote: “Banning basic sun protection for specific age groups under the guise of ‘saving space’ is a massive skin cancer risk waiting to happen.”

However, the council noted on its website that: “The ecosystem of Punta Molentis is one of the most valuable in our territory but also one of the most fragile.”

Meanwhile, in the Italian hotspot of Sorrento, people are banned from wearing swimwear away from beaches and pools. Anyone caught out could face fines of up to €500 (around 431), while Portofino, Positano and Capri have also enforced similar rules.

The rule is to avoid tourists walking around town or going to lunch in swimsuits or bikinis. But it doesn’t just apply to swimwear, as those caught walking around topless could also face a fine.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

IPSWICH isn’t the first destination that most of us think of when looking for a UK staycation or weekend break.

But it has recently been revealed to be one of the country’s most underrated towns, and it has an award-winning attraction owned by TV presenter Jimmy Doherty.

Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park started out as nothing but an abandoned barn and a big dream.

Now, it’s a multi-award-winning attraction and sees Brits travel all over the country to Ipswich to visit.

Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park was recently crowned ‘England’s Best Large Visitor Attraction’ by VisitEngland.

Not only that, but this year it won Visitor Attraction of the Year at the 2026 Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.

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On Tripadvisor it has over 1,800 ‘excellent’ reviews.

Reviewers have described it as an ‘amazing day out’ with others calling it ‘magical’ for the whole family.

Jimmy first eyed up the space in Suffolk for the attraction back in 2002 when it was nothing but an empty barn.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jimmy said: “It was humble beginnings really, it’s been an incredible journey and it’s all about having a really great team with you.

“We’ve moved from being a rare-breed, free-range farm to being a farm park to now a fully-blown wildlife park with all sorts of animals.

“I would love to say this was a well-thought out plan, but it wasn’t at all.”

On the farm are more than 100 species and breeds, from classic farm animals all the way to lions and arctic wolves.

Talking about his favourite ones to see, Jimmy confessed: “I love our ring-tailed lemurs, most of those are rescues.

“They sometimes come and jump on you, and they’ve got youngsters at the moment.”

For those who want to visit the farm, it’s very easy to get there from London.

Just hop on the train from Stratford or London Liverpool Street to get into Ipswich in just over an hour.

The town of Ipswich itself was revealed one of the most ‘underrated’ in the UK by The Telegraph earlier this year.

Found in the south of the country of Suffolk, it was praised for its ‘traffic-free shopping streets lined with ancient buildings’ as well as its open parklands.

The waterfront is a popular spot for ‘trendy cafes, bars, restaurants and galleries’.

Talking about the town, Jimmy said: “Ipswich is a fantastic place, it’s interesting and vibrant, and there’s lots to do down on the waterfront.

“If you’re into football, Ipswich Town has just gone up into the premiership again.

“We’re less than hour from Stratford, and Ed Sheeran is a local – what’s not to love?”

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is regularly popping up in Ipswich and last week played a surprise gig near the town’s university.

Being a Suffolk resident Jimmy has lots of recommendations when it comes to other local spots to check out, alongside wider Suffolk which he calls the ‘gem of England’.

Jimmy said: “As a family, we love going to Easton Farm Park in Suffolk, it was one of the very first farm parks to open.

“Then, in Waldringfield, go to the Maybush Inn. It’s great on a sunny day and if you’ve got a paddleboard you can have a paddle in the water there.

“I love Sutton Hoo which is run by the National Trust, the history of it is incredible.

“Other spots are Bury St Edmunds which is brilliant for shopping and markets. Then there’s Woodbridge, which is fantastic for antique shops, and Snape is a great spot too.”

Jimmy is pals with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver having first met when they were kids growing up in Essex.

The pair are still in touch and regularly catch-up at their old stomping ground.

Jimmy said: “When we catch-up, it tends to be over a good dinner or lunch with a bottle of red wine.

“But when we were growing up we went to The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden which is still the same today.

“Growing up there, we used to call it Saffron ‘boredom’, but now it’s a mecca – it’s brilliant.”

If you fancy a trip to Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park this summer – it’s open seven days a week.

You can book tickets from £25 for adults and £20 for children – or buy them at the gate.

Jimmy has teased some new arrivals for the summer season too.

He told us: “We’ve got loads going on over the next few months, including some very exciting animals that I can’t tell you about now – but they are arriving at the end of this summer.

“We’ve also just rehomed two Asiatic lions called Rani and Kamal, and a beautiful called Kalinka tiger who are all retiring with us.”

Potential new arrivals could be five Moon Bears which Jimmy is currently trying to save from South Korea.

Jimmy told us: “We’re trying to bring back and give them the life they deserve.”

If successful, the bears could find themselves living out final years and being rehabilitated at the park.

If you want to find out more about the ‘Bears Behind Bars Mission’, click here.

THERE are few seaside towns in the UK that have managed to maintain their classic charm.

But if you look hard enough, there are a few old-school gems dotted around the country – and these are five of our favourites.

Broadstairs, Kent

Kent boasts so many impressive seaside towns, but Broadstairs is the one that really feels like old school England.

It has rustic fisherman’s cottages, the pretty Victoria Gardens and historic Bleak House where Charles Dickens famously wrote David Copperfield.

Unlike some of its neighbours, Broadstairs has managed to avoid big developments and has got lots of independent shops on its high street.

Morelli’s, the ice cream parlour, on The Parade, dates back to 1932.

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A spot called The Old Curiosity Shop on Harbour Street has history going back to 1588.

The building was connected to smuggling, but now is a cosy café and tea room.

When it comes to its beaches, Broadstairs has seven sandy bays in total – which generally makes it quieter as visitors are unable to descend on a single beach.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who is a Kent local said: “The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.

Llandudno, North Wales

Llandudno, also dubbed the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts‘ is a destination that definitely takes visitors back in time.

One holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor: “I’ve been coming here almost 60 years now to this unspoilt town. The promenade is a step back in time as it never changes.”

The town in the north of Wales has managed to keep its Victorian and Edwardian buildings, especially on the promenade.

The hotels along the front are painted in traditional pastel shades to keep its old-school look.

One thing that might throw off visitors is that it’s lined with palm trees.

It’s not just the style of Llandudno that makes it timeless, it’s the case for attractions too.

There’s vintage Punch and Judy shows and of course the 2,000ft long pier that first opened in 1877.

Llandudno also has a historic tramway that takes visitors up to Great Orme, a steep coastal cliff.

There are also the Llandudno Cable Car which takes passengers on a one-mile journey between Happy Valley and the Great Orme Summit.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire

Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire has a traditional seaside feature dating back in the 1880s that makes it feel like a time capsule.

Its water-balance cliff funicular railway is 142 years old – and the oldest in the country.

It’s right on the beach and offers rides with views of the sea up to the town.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea has an impressive Victorian iron pier extending out into the North Sea for 200 metres and opened in May 1869.

It has absolutely no arcades, it’s simply a place for quiet and great views.

Airbnb described Saltburn-by-the-Sea as a ‘coastal gem’ for anyone “craving a quiet and scenic escape.”

It said: “Saltburn-by-the-sea offers the perfect blend of serenity and intrigue with Saltburn Pier, a friendly surf school, and a unique working cliff tramway connecting the promenade to the beach.”

Another popular attraction in Saltburn-by-the-Sea is Valley Gardens which were set up in 1860.

The colourful Italian Gardens have colourful flower displays and walks through the woodlands.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire

As Scarborough is Britain’s first and oldest seaside resort – it’s a relief that it still maintained its traditional feel.

The beach promenade on the North Bay are lined with brightly-coloured and historic beach chalets, with sweeping views across South Bay.

Of the 35 chalets, two of the rows date from Edwardian times which makes them Britain’s oldest surviving beach huts.

The town is also home to Britain’s very first funicular railway which opened in 1875.

South Cliff Lift connects the Cleveland Way beside the beach to the Esplanade at the top of the cliffs.

One Sun Writer discovered that while it doesn’t quite have Old Britain prices, you can still get some bargains in Scarborough.

She said: “If you head to The Fishpan chippie that has been open since 1960, you can get takeaway kids’ portion for £2.25 and massive chip butties for £3.45 each.

Brightlingsea, Essex

It might not be the first place you think of when looking for seaside towns with a classic feel, but Brightlingsea in Essex has some classic charm to it.

Visitors have described it having an “old-fashioned seaside promenade with plenty to enjoy” and a “lovely old fashioned beach“.

Another said that it’s a “very unspoilt, family oriented, beautiful beach. Traditional town back in the 50’s.”

The high street on Brightlingsea is considered one of the ‘best kept traditional high streets’ in the East of England.

Rather than chains, it’s got lots of independent shops selling records and plants like Roots & Grooves; others like Toggs is where you can pick up women’s clothes and handbags.

There’s also the Olde Swan, which is a pub as well as a bed and breakfast, and is one of the oldest buildings in the town.

Brightlingsea also has one of the last remaining lidos in the area which dates back to the 1930s,

It has an Olympic-size outdoor pool, a heated toddler pool, sun loungers, changing rooms, and a cafe.

IN one of Norfolk’s best seaside towns is a pier over 100 years old – and it could soon undergo a huge revamp.

On what will be the year of its 125th anniversary, the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer is being considered for an upgrade worth millions.

The Pavilion Theatre sits on the end of Cromer Pier and hosts shows throughout the year from tribute acts to vintage festivals.

It also reportedly shows the “world’s only remaining full-season end-of-pier variety show”.

Now, the local North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is considering making improvements to the theatre at the predicted cost of £2.4million.

The Grade-II listed pier itself was built in 1901 as was the theatre which at the time was originally a bandstand.

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It was converted into the enclosed pavilion it is today in 1905 with several repairs made throughout the years.

The most famous performances there have been by the likes of Paul Daniels, Ken Dodd and Cannon and Ball.

Possible upgrades to the theatre include installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrading lighting and sound, and refurbishing the theatre’s 440 seats.

As for the wider town, Cromer on the north coast of Norfolk is actually considered one of the best in the UK.

Last year when The Times totted up its ‘best seaside towns in the UK’ from Cornish harbours to a good old British resort, Cromer made the list.

Coming second, just below Aldeburgh in Suffolk, The Times said Cromer is the “real deal” a “traditional port town with a Victorian pier, pastel-tinted beach huts, a bucket-and-spade beach.”

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, has given her verdict on the town.

She said: “Cromer mixes old-school seaside town tradition with trendy places to eat and shop, meaning this is a staycation spot that will please the whole family.

“The town’s real showstopper is Cromer Pier, which dates back all the way to 1391. The original jetties built over the years have been washed away by storms and rebuilt, but the pier you see today has jetted out over the water since the Victorian era.

“Perched at the end of the pier is the Pavilion Theatre, which puts on shows from Beatles tribute acts to Mamma Mia-themed parties.

“Plus it’s well worth a visit to catch the Cromer Pier Show with dazzling guests with high-production singing, dancing and comedy.

“Cromer is also home to a pristine, Blue Flag beach, which attracts sunbathers for its flat, golden sands, surfers for its waves and wild foragers for its fresh cockles and mussels.”

Jenna continued: “And when it comes to seafood, you can’t miss out on trying some delicious Cromer Crab. You’ll find this famous Brown Crab cropping up on menus all the way along the North Norfolk coast, so what better place to try some than the town in which they were freshly caught?

“However the charm of this seaside town isn’t all found at the pier, it’s recently become a lot trendier, too. In the lanes behind the seafront, Cromer has recently seen a wave of new vintage shops, cool cafes and quirky art galleries arrive.

“Pop into Grey Seal Coffee for a smooth flat white in a beachy, boho setting, or have a nosey in Cromer Artspace to admire local artists’ landscapes.

“For a memorable bite to eat, Norfolk Crumble has captured the love of locals, whipping up tasty pots of crumble loaded with toppings like popcorn and banoffee, as well as ice-cold thickshake.”

BRITAIN’S best staycations for 2026 have been revealed, with Cornwall’s St Ives once again taking the top spot and the Northumberland village of Bamburgh in second place as a new entrant.

The annual staycation report, based on a survey of 2,000 adults, revealed Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe have risen in popularity while other seaside destinations also saw shifts in the rankings.

Brighton overtook Lyme Regis after climbing to sixth place, ahead of the Dorset town, which has moved from fifth last year to seventh.

Almost a third of adults (28 per cent) are more likely to take a holiday on home soil this year than in 2025.

The research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, also found 38 per cent plan to take their main holiday in the UK this year, rising to 53 per cent among Gen Z.

This compares with 34 per cent of adults who said the same last year, while Gen Z’s interest in UK holidays has risen from 45 per cent in 2025.

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James Shaw, chief commercial officer at the holiday brand which launched the annual Staycation Index Report, said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks demonstrates that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday.

“More people are choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.

“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers, Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.

“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”

The research also found when it comes to budgeting, staycation goers expect to spend an average of £1,171 in total on accommodation, food, travel and spending money.

It also emerged 64 per cent are planning to – or have considered – a multi-destination road trip, stopping off at an average of three locations.

Coastal spots (65 per cent) are the most sought after, followed by rural areas (56 per cent) and national parks (38 per cent).

Tourist attractions (48 per cent) were big influences when deciding where to visit, alongside locations with fond memories (38 per cent) and good reviews and ratings (35 per cent).

Of the 78 per cent hoping for a UK break this year, 67 per cent say they enjoy the country’s scenery and nature, while 48 per cent claim it’s simply the time they have to switch off and relax.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 14 per cent have been influenced by a film or TV show, with Peaky Blinders the most influential following its film release this year (11 per cent), set in Birmingham.

Similarly, Northern Island, home of the Game of Thrones prequel, and Northumberland, which was a location for Jurassic World, were also popular (both 10 per cent).

James Shaw, added: “For many people, holidays remain one of the most important opportunities in the year to properly switch off and spend quality time together, even as budgets remain under pressure.

“What this research highlights is that UK travel continues to appeal because it offers both convenience and variety – whether that’s a coastal escape, a countryside road trip or revisiting places that hold personal memories.

“We’re also seeing more travellers embrace flexible, multi-stop breaks, with people increasingly keen to experience more of what the UK has to offer in a single trip.”

From charming market towns to picturesque coastal villages, travel experts share some of the best UK staycation towns

With holiday prices soaring and a fuel crisis affecting air travel, many families may opt to stay in the UK this summer instead of jetting abroad for their annual break. But there’s absolutely no reason to feel let down if this applies to you, as the country boasts countless beautiful destinations from top to bottom.

With this in mind, express.co.uk has consulted several travel experts who have revealed their top recommendations, all of which are excellent options for those seeking the ideal staycation location. From northern forests to sun-drenched southern coastlines, whatever kind of break you’re after, the UK offers an abundance of possibilities.

Andy Brooker, travel expert at kate & tom’s, said: “Many of us forget how much the UK has to offer. There’s something for everyone here, and many fantastic towns to explore depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.”

Andy suggests Formby near Liverpool and Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.

Championing Formby as an excellent choice for families, he explained: “Variety is important when you have busy children to please, and Formby offers the opportunity to explore dramatic sand dunes, sweeping pinewoods, and the native red squirrel population at The Formby Red Squirrel Reserve.”

Endorsing Bowness-on-Windermere, Andy added: “Bowness-on-Windermere is an iconic town in Cumbria and one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations for a reason.” It blends breathtaking lakeside vistas with delightful cafés, independent shops and gateways to some of Cumbria’s most picturesque trails.

“From cruising across Lake Windermere and exploring The World of Beatrix Potter to relaxing in traditional pubs and taking in panoramic views. Bowness offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities and classic Lake District charm.”

Andy isn’t alone in championing a Lake Windermere escape, with Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages highlighting the neighbouring village of Clappersgate.

He said: “Whilst it may be a small village, it boasts a rich history with many historic structures, including the notable Clappersgate Bridge.

“The Grade II listed bridge dates back to the 17th century and is a popular spot for visitors interested in its unique design and views over the river and surrounding greenery.”

Nestled near the River Brathay and Lake Windermere, Clappersgate is ideally positioned for watersports enthusiasts, while the Loughrigg Circular provides an excellent walking route for ramblers.

When the weather turns, there’s also the nearby Lake District Aquarium and the striking neo-gothic Wray Castle to explore.

For those seeking something further south, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO of Stasher, points to Rye in West Sussex, Totnes in Devon, and Frome in Somerset.

Speaking about the first, he said: “Rye is one of the most distinctive small towns in the UK, with cobbled streets, historic inns, shops and easy access to Camber Sands.

“It is a good choice for travellers who want a break without staying in a larger seaside resort. It works especially well for a weekend because the town is compact and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.”

Totnes, meanwhile, is highlighted as one of the “best towns for travellers looking for shops, good food and easy access to the South Devon countryside and coast.”

He went on to say: “The community there has a relaxed pace, which makes it ideal for a slower weekend away. It is also well placed for travellers who want to combine a town break with day trips nearby.”

Jacob describes Frome as one of the “most interesting town breaks” in the UK, boasting a thriving shopping scene, a vibrant creative community and lively weekend markets.

Conveniently situated close to both Bath and Bristol, Frome works brilliantly as a day trip from either city, or as a base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Although she stops short of naming a specific town, Rachel Pennycook, Europe Travel Specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company, urges visitors not to overlook the Scottish Highlands.

“The Highlands are popular for a reason. They’re one of the few places in the UK where you can properly disconnect and feel a world away.

“In summer, the long daylight hours mean you can take your time, whether that’s a morning by the loch, an afternoon exploring castles, or an evening enjoying local food with a view.

“For me, what sets the Highlands apart is the sense of space and freedom. You don’t need to plan every minute; sometimes, the best days are simply about soaking up the scenery, finding a quiet spot, or sharing a meal with friends and family.

“It’s a destination that works just as well for families looking for adventure as it does for couples.”

I’VE lived on Kent’s trendy coastline for more than five years, so I think I can legitimately call myself a local now.

After ditching London in my late twenties, I’ve lived in both Margate and Folkestone, while spending my weekends exploring the other seaside towns.

In the last 15 years, Kent’s seaside towns have arguably seen the biggest transformations of the whole British coast.

That’s due to a combination of new investment, an influx of ‘down from Londoners’ moving in and a reignited love of the traditional seaside break among Millennials.

But which town you should visit depends on what type of trip you’re looking for.

So here are my top tips for seven of the best Kent beach towns and villages, from what to do and where to eat, to the best hotel and things to do under a fiver.

Whitstable

One of the more established Kent seaside towns, Whitstable is famous for its annual Oyster festival and has been a popular tourist destination for the last few decades – long before towns like Margate saw a resurgence.

Eat and drink in Whitstable

Blueprint Coffee and Books is the kind of place where you’ll go in for a cappuccino but come out with magazines and a candle.

The pastel pink Wheelers Oyster Bar is where everyone goes for their seafood (and for good reason) but if you fancy something other than fish, Harbour Street Tapas is the place for Spanish sharing plates.

In the summer months, the Old Neptune pub is a must, where the pub garden is right on the beach. Or try Porto Wine Bar, tucked a bit further down for staff who really know their wines.

Don’t forget an ice-cream – Bear’s Ice Cream Imaginarium has everything from classics to more unusual flavours like celeriac and wasabi. Yes, really.

Best things to do in Whitstable

Harbour Street is home to some fantastic vintage shops to explore. I picked up a jumper worth £69 for a fiver, so it has some treasures if you look hard enough.

There’s also Whitstable Harbour, still a working harbour, to explore as well as the free-to-visit Whitstable Castle with beautiful gardens and a kids’ play area.

Really fancy a dip? Brave the water with the other cold water swimmers but make sure to warm up in the Sea Scrub Sauna, one of many around Kent.

Where to stay in Whitstable

The Marine Hotel is a classic coastal B&B, with big chunky king size beds and windows thick enough to keep out the sea breeze.

The restaurant is where you will join the locals on a Friday night with a classic but hearty menu making you grateful for the proximity of your room.

Rooms from £125. See marinewhitstable.com.

Under £5 in Whitstable

Why not test your crabbing skills?

Head to the end of the harbour and pick up a crabbing net from one of the stalls which are usually under a fiver and see what you can catch.

Margate

Nicknamed Shoreditch-on-Sea, Margate is known for being one of the trendiest beach towns in the country.

As well as having one of Kent’s rare sandy beaches (most are shingle) this has also seen a huge increase in cool wine bars and restaurants.

Eat and drink in Margate

Start your day at Big Shot Diner for a cup of tea while looking out over the beach, or the Bus Cafe for a great full English breakfast.

When it comes to fish, the best chippies in town are Peter’s Fish Factory and Beach Buoys, so expect queues out the door, or for a fancier sit down affair, head to Angela’s.

Pizza by the slice is best at Palm’s Pizzeria, best chased by a pickleback shot (whisky and pickle juice).

There are some great wine bars too but my favourite place to go are the pubs in Margate.

Try Rose in June for fun food and drink pop ups or the 18th century George & Heart House, which also has rooms above if you fancy staying the night.

Best things to do in Margate

The beach itself is beautiful but for more adrenaline-fuelled fun, head to the free-to-visit Dreamland.

You can pay for rides, or just take in the retro-style attraction – come in the summer for the fantastic live music line up ranging from Lovebox to Bastille.

Or did you know Margate is home to Europe’s only Crab Museum? It’s certainly quirky but one to visit as its free, although they rely on donations.

And of course there is the free Turner Contemporary art gallery as well, which is reopening on May 23 with a new exhibit.

Where to stay in Margate

Lots of boutique hotels have opened in Margate in recent years, and one of the best is Guesthouse No.42.

One of just four in the UK, it even has the town’s only rooftop bar, which overlooks the beach.

Rooms start from £141. See guesthousehotels.co.uk.

Under £5 in Margate

The bizarre Shell Grotto remains a mystery as to why or how it was built – but its a beauty to see.

Concession tickets start from £5, kids tickets are £2.

Folkestone

Named one of the best places to live in the UK last year, Folkestone has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, partly because of its speedy, 52-minute train from London.

There are some new openings to be excited about too, including the Lower Leas Cliff funicular.

Eat and drink in Folkestone

After it’s success in Margate, Pomus opened their second small plate restaurant in Folkestone. It’s one of the smarter places in town, but service is just as friendly with a rotating menu of locally caught produce.

Award-winning Rocksalt is the place for fish lovers, overlooking the harbour (and the oysters are a must).

Or for something more low-key, there is the local-loved Morley’s which has a small but classic menu – think burgers and pastas.

If there is one thing Folkestone isn’t short of, it’s pubs – try the Harbour Inn or The Pullman for friendly staff and local ciders.

And splash out for the evening by heading to the end of the harbour for a glass of fizz at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, or a cocktail at Gaia Studios.

Best things to do in Folkestone

The Harbour Arm celebrated 10 years this year, and you can easily spend a day in the shipping container yard.

Along with food and drink stalls, there are independent shops selling everything from locally-made wine to clothing and dog treats. It also has lots of live music throughout the year and live screenings of films and sports.

Also nearby is The Boardroom for darts and shuffleboard (currently closed for a renovation), while the new Sea Scrub Sauna is the largest of its kind in the UK. Otherwise go for a wander along to the Lower Leas Coastal Park, which is getting a huge new playground too.

Where to stay in Folkestone

The London & Paris Hotel is one of the few boutique hotels in town, where every room overlooks the harbour.

Each room is coastal chic – think blue striped walls and vintage bathtubs – and they come with little touches such as complimentary binoculars and breakfasts delivered by hamper.

Rooms start from £71. See londonandparishotel.co.uk.

Under £5 in Folkestone

Grab an ice cream from Herbert’s Gelato with a rotating menu of interesting flavours such as hot cross bun or malted milk. From £3.90.

Ramsgate

From welcoming Queen Victoria in the 1800s to having the UK’s only Royal Harbour, Ramsgate has a rather regal history.

Now, it is a popular seaside town still slightly overlooked by its trendier neighbours Margate and traditional Broadstairs, but it is a great weekend break.

Eat and drink in Ramsgate

Get your morning coffee at Staple (along with an irresistible cruffin to go) with cafes also open in Westgate and Broadstairs.

But for the best places to eat, there are two top choices. First up is Marc-Pierre’s Kitchen restaurant where you will find some of the best seafood in town (with enough awards to show for it).

Otherwise curry fans should head straight to Flavours by Kumar.

It’s tucked down a tiny hidden side street but with big restaurants under his belt, including London’s famous Cinnamon Club, you’re in good hands (make sure to save room for the chocolate samosas).

End your evening at Noa Rooftop, which opened last year, for a crisp glass of wine to watch the sunset.

Best things to do in Ramsgate

Ramsgate has the UK’s only Royal Harbour, so it is the best place to spot the boats coming in and out for the day.

But its wartime history is best learned about at the Ramsgate Tunnels.

There are daily tours of the underground system that is also the largest UK network of wartime tunnels.

Search the knick-knacks of Petticoat Emporium, one of Kent’s biggest indoor markets with 200 traders and where you can pick up everything from vintage spoons to huge wicker chairs.

Where to stay in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is more B&Bs than boutique hotels, but one of the best in town is the The House at Ramsgate which dates back to 1780. With just 14 rooms which are cosy but modern, choose the Queen Victoria Room where she spent three months in 1835. Make sure to stay for the roast dinners too…

Rooms from £90. See thehouseatramsgate.co.uk.

Under £5 in Ramsgate

Of course, a visit to Ramsgate isn’t complete with a trip to the Victorian Pavilion – the UK’s (and technically) the world’s biggest Wetherspoons pub, so spend around £4.50 for a pint of Corona and head to the rooftop for views over the beach.

Broadstairs

With strong connections to Charles Dickens (who raved about the place while holidaying there), Broadstairs is your more traditional seaside town.

It has seven sandy beaches to choose from, so you’re spoilt for choice.

Eat and drink in Broadstairs

If you love a good coffee, you’re in luck – there’s Giant Coffee, who do unique hot drinks like cloud matchas (and are also in Ramsgate and Margate) to Forts who are known for their great coffees across Kent.

Fish and chips are a must at the beach and everyone heads to The Mermaid who do very large portions.

Chase it with an ice cream at Morelli’s Gelato which dates back to 1907, they sell huge towering sundae with all the trimmings.

But for dinner, you can’t go wrong with the award-winning Bar Ingo, a tiny restaurant with just a few tables but serving small plates inspired by basque dishes.

I’m still dreaming of the miso mushrooms after my last visit.

Best things to do in Broadstairs

Broadstairs has the beautiful curved Viking Bay sandy beach, so hanging out there is a must. Grab a paddleboard or rent a deckchair; you can do what you like to while away the day.

There are also the retro arcades at the top of the hill, which are a surefire hit with the kids.

Or you can explore some of the independent shops selling trinkets and gifts on the high street (my favourites are Home by SP and Arrowsmiths).

Where to stay in Broadstairs

One of the newest hotels in Broadstairs is Smith’s Townhouse, with just six bedrooms in the Georgian building. Stylish east London interiors are across the downstairs cafe and the rooms – Room Five even has Elton John’s former wardrobe.

They have some of the best coffee in town – perfect for a breakfast pick me up – but stay for a vibe in the evening where you can get cocktails and nibbles too.

Rooms start from £140. See smithstownhouse.co.uk.

Under £5 in Broadstairs

Broadstairs was once raved about by Charles Dickens, so a visit to the Dickens House Museum is a must.

Inside is the inspiration for Betsey Trotwood’s home from the novel David Copperfield.

Tickets cost £5 for adults of £2.50 for kids.

Deal

The town of Deal is quickly becoming a foodie hub, with some critically-rated restaurants popping up.

It also has a great art scene, with numerous galleries and frequent exhibitions from local artists.

It’s on the smaller side than Whitstable or Folkestone, but also makes it far more walkable.

Eat and drink in Deal

Popup Cafe is, despite it’s name, not a pop-up but a fantastic coffee shop where you’ll be hanging with young families and coworkers on their laptops.

Mostly known only to locals, the local Jenkins & Son Fishmongers opens at certain days to offer street food dishes; I regularly make a trip for the Monkfish Tacos.

For pubs, try the Caribbean style roast at The Port Arms, which shares an outdoor seating area with the nearby Kings Head pub – also worth a drink in.

The recently revamped Le Pinardier wine bar will transport you to a French bistro (without the snobby staff when you ask for a Pinot Grigio, however).

Best things to do in Deal

The high street is full of art galleries and independent sellers, my favourites being The Hoxton Store, Mileage and 123 High Street for gifts.

Explore the brutalist Deal Pier, restored twice in its history and now one of the last remaining of its kind, where you can weave between the fishermen for some of the best views in town.

Kids will love Deal Castle where they can explore the hidden tunnels and even play pretend with wooden muskets.

Otherwise try and visit on a Saturday morning to catch the local market that dates back to 1699 – and fill your pockets with antiques and cinnamon buns.

Where to stay in Deal

The Rose Hotel is one of the UK’s best boutique hotels, with just nine cosy rooms. Make sure to try the restaurant too, its one of the finest in town with a previous menu highlight being the chicken shnitzel.

Rooms from £110. See therosedeal.com.

Under £5 in Deal

Grab a bottle of beer at the stunning Deal Pier Kitchen to get beautiful ocean views, while being protected from the sea winds.

Hythe

The military history of Hythe shapes it, being one of the UK Cinque Ports.

Now, its a sleepy seaside town, less crowded due to it being off the beaten track and having no major train station.

Eat and drink in Hythe

Arrive early and get a coffee from the tiny, locally-run Mit Milche Coffee although expect queues out the door by mid-morning.

Gorge on some moules mariniere at The Waterfront with a table outside by the promenade, where you can expect a range of live jazz and DJ music on certain days.

If you’re in the mood for something fancier, just on the outskirts is Hide & Fox which gained a second Michelin star last year.

Just come hungry if you opt for the eight-course menu.

If the sea air is a little brisk, warm up in the Kings Head pub, one of the oldest and cosiest in town dating back to 1583.

Best things to do in Hythe

The Royal Military Canal is prime for low-key strolling, running for 28 miles and made as an anti-invasion defence again Napoleon in 1803 (although it was never used.)

There are also the Hythe Sound Mirrors which were huge structures build to “listen” for enemy planes and have now been left abandoned – but worth a visit to see the sheer scale of them.

Make sure to take kids to the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, with small train carriages running a small route via Dungeness.

Want to get your shopping kicks? Head to Malthouse Arcade on Fridays and Saturdays with trinkets galore across two floors.

Where to stay in Hythe

You don’t get much grander than the Hythe Imperial Hotel, overlooking the English Channel. Inside an 18th manor house, there are 92 rooms to choose from. Save time for a cuppa in the Snug or a trip to its Moet & Chandon Bar.

Rooms from £146. See hytheimperial.co.uk.

Under £5 in Hythe

Why not have a free game of tennis, with five courts open to the public at South Road Sports Facility (although save a few quid to buy some more tennis balls for any rogue hits).

THE sun is shining so it’s time to grab a bucket and spade and head to the seaside – but where in the UK is best if you’re on a tight budget?

Well, the eight cheapest seaside towns have been revealed this week, and they range from a pretty harbour town in Wales to famous destinations in the North of England.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Which? has crunched the numbers and discovered the cheapest seaside towns in the UK where hotels cost under £100 per night on average.

While it actually came in last place on the list, Which? declared the Welsh town of Tenby as the ‘best cheap seaside town in the UK’.

Rooms don’t break the bank, on average they are £100 per night – not to mention it’s beautiful and is frequently crowned one of the prettiest spots in the UK.

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The harbour town is known for having multi-coloured houses right on the front – there’s even a small chapel there too.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding told us why she loves the town: “Tenby really does feel like the epitome of the song ‘Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ with everything you could ever want from a seaside town within a short walk of each other.

“Most pictures of the town you’ll see are of the pretty harbour, where boats bob up and down, the pier stretches into the water and the castle rises above it all on a hill.

“You can’t really go wrong with anywhere you go in the town, but make sure to visit Plantagenet House Restaurant – inside it is super cosy with stone walls and definitely stand in the alleyway in front of the restaurant and look back towards the harbour; you will get such a pretty view.

“For beaches, head to Tenby North Beach – it is super expansive, flat and often has ideal conditions or a swim. Oh, and a great view of the pastel coloured houses in the town.

“If you want to see more of the area, jump on the ferry for 20 minutes to Caldey Island, where you can see a historic lighthouse and visit the island’s famous chocolate factory.”

Topping the list for being the cheapest is Whitley Bay in Tyne and Wear, where hotel rooms cost an average £82 per night – or £41pppn.

It might be cheap, but it still has all the delights of a seaside town, like a sweeping sandy beach, a towering lighthouse and a high street with independent cafes.

It’s a popular destination and one of the locals even called it “one of the best places on Earth“.

Local resident, Catherine Addison-Swan, added: “It’s not just cafes where you can grab a bite to eat in Whitley Bay, of course – the town is full of restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else, yet another thing that adds to its unique charm.”

Sun Travel found bargain rooms – like at the Dunes Hotel which for a one-night stay in June for two adults cost just £50 – or £25pp.

The Welsh town of Llandudno also made the list with rooms on average costing £85 per night.

The Victorian seaside resort in North Wales is known for its enormous palm-tree lined promenade.

The pier on the Llandudno North Shore Beach is very popular and is open all year round – another is the Great Orme Tramway which takes visitors up the cliffside.

A room for two adults at the Elsinore Hotel Llandudno in June costs as little as £54 – or £27pppn.

Over in Essex, Frinton-On-Sea is another bargain seaside town when it comes to overnight stays with hotels on average costing £95 per night, according to Which?

The seaside town is well-known for being traditional with no arcades – it didn’t even have a pub until 2000.

Travel Reporter Alice Penwill reveals why you should visit, she said: “Not only is Frinton a very pretty spot on the coast, it’s one of the sunniest.

“Along the Essex coastline, Frinton-on-Sea is known for having no noisy arcades, like its more popular neighbour of Clacton.

“I love it for the fact that it has no frills, on the front is just a sweeping sandy beach, the sea and some pretty beach huts too.

“But if you want a bit more excitement, head back to Connaught Avenue for independent shops and boutiques.”

Also in the north of the UK, Whitby made the list too.

The town famous for its connections to Captain Cook and Dracula has two beaches West Cliff (Whitby Sands) and Tate Hill.

It has quality fish and chips too as Trenchers of Whitby just secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026.

You can get a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each.

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “It’s not just the beaches that make Whitby so spectacular. The rows of typical seaside cafes that line the shore and higgledy-piggledy pubs where servers have that proper northern charm are what I love.

“Queues wind around the corner for the well-known Magpie Cafe – and for good reason. Its famous fish and chips are some of the best in the UK, which I can vouch for, and should be eaten the northern way, with a good dollop of curry sauce.

“If you grab yourself a takeaway instead of sitting in the main restaurant, you can save yourself a fair bit of cash.

“For a good value pint, wander to Little Angel, set a little back from the river. It’s a CAMRA-pub so serves proper ales as well as homemade pub grub, including sandwiches for a fiver.”

Other cheap seaside towns where stays cost less than £100 include Aberdeeshire’s Stonehaven which has a heated Art Deco saltwater lido right on the beach.

An overnight stay in Filey, North Yorkshire, will set you back around £50per person.

Finally, there’s Lytham St Annes, a seaside town in the Borough of Fylde just south of Blackpool.

It wide sandy beaches, and a long pier that stretches over the North Sea.

Here are the eight cheapest seaside towns…

These are Which?’s cheapest seaside towns – and the average price of a hotel…

Tenby – Average hotel price £100

Whitby – Average hotel price £94

Whitley Bay – Average hotel price £82

Stonehaven – Average hotel price £90

Llandudno – Average hotel price £85

Frinton-On-Sea – Average hotel price £95

Filey – Average hotel price £100

Lytham St Annes – Average hotel price £95

Addressing the cameras following reports of spiralling youth violence, including the killing of the 21-year-old former Israeli soldier Yemanu Binyamin Zalka last week, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was clear.

“This will be a total war,” he said, announcing a national operation to target a surge in youth violence. “We will restore security to the streets and calm to parents. Anyone who harms Israeli civilians will face the strong hand of the Israel Police and pay a heavy price.”

The response was sharp, aligned itself with the victim, and promised a solution.

That, critics say, is a sharp contrast to Ben-Gvir’s response – or lack of one – to the ongoing epidemic of violence in Israeli towns and villages populated by Palestinians, which has so far led to the deaths of almost 100 people and, according to Israel’s own finance ministry, costs the country up to $6.7bn a year.

Allegations of two-tier policing, to the detriment of what Israelis refer to as the “Arab sector”, have dogged Israel’s police for decades. But the situation has gotten worse under the current administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has been in power since the end of 2022, and Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician who is in charge of the police.

The statistics since Ben-Gvir came into office back up the narrative that the crime wave in Palestinian communities has gotten significantly worse. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the murder rate in Israel’s Palestinian communities increased from 4.9 per 100,000 in 2020, to 11 per 100,000, on par with the murder rate in Sudan and Iraq.

In contrast, the murder rate in Israel’s Jewish society stood at approximately 0.6 per 100,000.

That increase can not totally be attributed to the current government – Netanyahu himself was prime minister in 2020, when the murder rate was lower. But critics argue that the introduction into government of figures like Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who they say are openly disdainful of Palestinians, has contributed to the sharp uptick in violence.

Analysts and experts who spoke to Al Jazeera had little doubt over the Netanyahu government’s culpability in the increased murder rate.

“They really don’t mind that Palestinians are killing each other, as they’ve been left to do for years,” lawmaker Aida Touma-Suleiman, a Palestinian member of the Hadash party and a longstanding critic of the lack of policing in Palestinian communities in Israel, said.

“It would never occur to the police that they should provide a service to Arab neighbourhoods,” she said of the lack of physical police presence within Palestinian communities. “It’s about enforcement. It’s hostile.”

While police stations are standard in Israel’s Jewish-majority areas, there are only about 10 in Palestinian-majority areas.

Among the decisions that have most angered Palestinian advocacy groups in Israel was the government’s December approval of a $68.5m cut to an economic development programme for Palestinian communities in Israel, in order to fund more policing in the communities.

Critics agreed that more funding was needed for the police, but bemoaned that the money was coming from a fund designed to address the root causes of criminality by addressing housing and economic development, areas where Palestinian communities are notoriously underfunded in comparison to Jewish ones.

Hardwired poverty

Palestinian citizens of Israel make up around 21 percent of the country’s population. Disadvantaged economically, they are the descendants of Palestinians who did not flee after the 1948 establishment of Israel – an event they know as the Nakba, when an estimated 750,000 Palestinians were ethnically cleansed and forced out.

Often concentrated in separate towns and villages from Israeli Jews, Palestinians frequently describe a reality of chronic underinvestment, with the presence of the state either limited or non-existent.

Joblessness has long been woven into their daily lives, analysts say, but the unemployment rate has worsened since Israel choked off access to the occupied West Bank, where many worked, after the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Israel and the start of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza in 2023.

The most recent official date, based on 2024 figures, shows that 37.6 percent of Palestinian households in Israel live below the poverty line.

Local criminal networks in Israel’s Palestinian towns and villages have grown in scale and influence in recent years, in some cases taking on the form of mafia-style organisations, untroubled, critics say, by the current government.

“There is a wide network of criminal gangs who exert control across Arab neighbourhoods,” said Daniel Bar-Tal, professor of social-political psychology at Tel Aviv University, adding that criminality and even murder were allowed to continue with the state’s own complicity.

“In part, the government just likes it. They get to say, ‘Look, this is Arab culture, this is Arab society. This is what they do.’ They also rely on the collaboration of the gangs to gather information on what’s going on in these communities,” he said, referring to numerous accounts of how friends who had reported criminal activity in their neighbourhoods were dismissed. “And lastly, it is because the police force is controlled by Ben-Gvir, a racist who actively enjoys dehumanising Arab society.”

Ben-Gvir has previously rejected accusations of racism and says he is only against those who harm Jews.

Policed by the enemy

From leveraging his position in government to urge on the genocide in Gaza, to defending officers under his charge filmed raping a Palestinian prisoner, Ben-Gvir’s actions have dismayed many of Israel’s self-styled liberals, just as they have shocked observers around the world.

However, following an uptick in crime in Israel, criticism of Ben-Gvir’s performance in his role as national security minister has begun to enter the domestic mainstream.

As well as more predictable opinion pieces in Israel’s liberal press, accusing the National Security Minister of being “busy on TikTok” while Zelka was killed, or concentrating his efforts on arresting professors wearing Palestinian flags on their kippahs while murder rates break records, there have also been criticisms from those closer to the establishment.

Earlier this month, Israel’s High Court intervened in a row between Ben-Gvir and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, ordering the two to reach an accommodation after Baharav-Miara called for his ousting following what she claimed was his attempts to make political interventions in the police’s work.

“Nobody cares if Ben-Gvir’s good at his job,” political scientist Ori Goldberg said. “He’s there to punish Palestinians, even those in Israel. They’re punished through a lack of security, just as they’re punished through hostile planning, and a lack of healthcare punishes them. This is how the apartheid Israel always works.”

Satellite images taken on April 16 reveal the massive scale of damage to the towns of al-Qozah and Beit Lif in south Lebanon, following the Israeli military’s ground invasion and sustained attacks on the south.

First, it was Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik. Now, Florence has joined the most overtouristed destinations in the world: its 365,000 inhabitants shared their city last year with 4.6 million visitors. The director of the city’s Accademia gallery – home to Michelangelo’s David – talked in 2024 about “hit and run” tourism, describing visitors “on a quick in-and-out mission to take selfies … trampling the city without contributing anything”. Local author Margherita Calderoni describes Via Camillo Cavour, a street leading to the Duomo, as a “rancid soup” of chain restaurants and “shops selling plastic trinkets from who knows where”.

AFTER countless delays and setbacks, an abandoned lido is finally re-opening after a year of regeneration work.

The newly-refurbished splash park in Cambridgeshire has reached its final development stages after construction began last year.

St Neots Splash Park will be located on Huntingdon Road in the medieval Cambridgeshire town, near to the popular Priory Park.

This space will replace the sealed up site of the historic St Neots Lido, which attracted swimmers for over 40 years.

Since its closure back in 2003, the space has been left abandoned, despite its appealing location.

The advancement of the project was triggered by a successful Independent Professional Playground Safety Inspection, and commencement date for the final commissioning schedule.

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This work will be followed by a “soft opening” of the park, which has been confirmed for May 2, just in time for the bank holiday.

Details for the formal opening of the splash park are not confirmed, but are expected to be announced soon.

The park’s construction has been no small feat, costing nearly £800,000 to build and requiring a £600,000 council grant.

Now, the site boasts a range of interactive features, including a leaping water arch, a hydro blast and an aqua tent, which forms a dome of water for children to play underneath.

It is also decorated with an appealing range of bright colours and LED lighting, activated using floor mounted buttons.

A spokesperson for St Neots Aquatic and Leisure said the opening will be “giving local families the first opportunity to enjoy this new inclusive outdoor play space”.

2026 is looking like the year of the staycation – and luckily, you’ve got plenty of revamped resorts along the coast to choose from.

Many of the UK’s favourite seaside towns are unveiling major, multi-million-pound makeovers. Luckily, while the upgrades are first-class, the holiday prices remain refreshingly retro.

We’ve scoured the coast to find the biggest transformations alongside the best-value places to stay, with budget-friendly deals starting from just £35 a night.

From record-breaking theme park rides to Victorian promenades polished back to their former glory, here are the hottest UK seaside spots that have been revamped for 2026.

Blackpool

If you thought you knew Blackpool, think again. This family entertainment hotspot is undergoing a glow-up.

The popular theme park Blackpool Pleasure Beach is unveiling a massive new ride to keep thrill-seekers on their toes: Aviktas.

The giant gyro swing ride is set to be the tallest of its kind at 138 feet, changing the skyline of Blackpool pier. The ride is set to open on May 21.

As well as this, the seaside town is unveiling a brand-new £3million indoor attraction.

Set to open this summer, Tenpin Blackpool will host 24 bowling lanes as well as a laser tag arena, soft play, escape rooms and even karaoke rooms.

Plus, there’s a cocktail bar and live sports lounge for the grown-ups, too. The attraction is set to open on June 5.

There’s plenty more to look forward to in time for summer as well.

The Southbeach Streetfood dining venue will serve a selection of food from 19 revamped shipping containers, and is set to open by the end of spring.

There’s also the 100th Anniversary of the Blackpool Dance Festival, with ballroom and Latin dance events held at the Winter Gardens from May 16-29.

To enjoy all the new thrills coming to the seaside resort this summer, we’ve scoured the internet for the cheapest staycation deals.

Brighton

If you fancy a seaside escape with a touch of Victorian glamour, Brighton is currently polishing its crown.

The city’s famous Victorian promenade has been undergoing a massive £750,000 revamp, with the historic terraces set to fully reopen to the public this year.

It’s the perfect excuse to book a staycation, stroll the seafront and soak up the bohemian atmosphere that makes this city famous.

For a totally free afternoon, head to the Rampion Visitor Centre on the seafront to try out their virtual reality experience, or go street art spotting through the North Laine, where the walls are a giant open-air gallery.

The Brighton Fishing Museum is a great free stop-in to see traditional Sussex boats, while the world-famous Brighton Palace Pier costs just £1 entry for adults (kids go free) and is a must-do when visiting.

Folkestone

Folkestone is all the rage as the artsy seaside town continues to benefit from a massive £20 million makeover.

The town has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, with the Creative Quarter’s neon-lit streets leading down to a revamped Harbour Arm.

The Harbour Arm has now become a trendy dining destination, with nearly 70 food and drink outlets available.

Some of the top-rated include the champagne bar The Lighthouse and its sister restaurant Tasting Rooms – visit on Fridays for three courses, complimentary fizz and Jazz music for £29.

Plus, spring 2026 brings the long-awaited return of the historic Leas Lift, a Victorian water-balanced funicular that’s been restored to its former glory.

When visiting, you can spend a totally free afternoon wandering the Folkestone Artworks trail to see sculptures by famous artists, or head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park to make use of the largest free adventure play area in the South East.

For some unique self-care, visit the brand new Sea Scrub Sauna right on the beach for a sweat with a sea view.

Southampton

Southampton is one year into the major makeover of its waterfront and city centre, in a grand revamp described by the council as “The Renaissance Vision”.

Plus, the newly-approved £200million upgrade to Town Quay will soon see the addition of a new hotel complex, bringing a spa and even a helipad to the waterfront.

While the planning for the big builds is underway, one heritage seafront attraction has reopened to the public.

If you visit this summer, you’ll be able to walk the newly reopened Hythe Pier – a 145-year-old seaside pier that is sparkling new again after six months of extensive restoration.

To get there, board the world’s oldest pier train at Hythe Pier Railway. The pier stretches a whopping 700 yards from the centre of Hythe to Southampton Water, and costs £1 to enter.

To explore Southampton’s history, you can spend a totally free afternoon walking the Titanic Trail, which leads you through the city centre to historic memorials.

Or see the exciting new displays at Southampton City Art Gallery, which has just reopened its doors in March 2026 following a year of upgrades.

Margate

Margate is undergoing continued transformations set to further transform the seaside town into one of the UK’s trendiest coastal hubs.

Local neighbourhood Cliftonville was named the coolest street in the UK by Time Out last year, and the area’s only getting more stylish with the addition of a brand new attraction.

Abandoned gardens overlooking the sea will be transformed into a beachfront skatepark in Cliftonville, a trendy area known as “Shoreditch-on-sea”.

The skatepark is predicted to open in the late summer of 2026, and set to cost £1.1million to build.

As well as this, Margate’s Winter Gardens are set to reopen after an £8million upgrade. The historic seaside venue has seen bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take the stage, first opening in 1910.

Now the charming venue will see the addition of a snazzy rooftop bar and restaurant, as well as a nursery and drama school. The Main Hall of the Winter Gardens is set to reopen to the public in late 2026, with other new additions opening in stages throughout 2027.

Plus, the upgrades aren’t slowing down anytime soon, with proposed plans to build a new £95,000 accessible boardwalk on Margate Sands.

To see the best of this trendy resort on your trip, stroll along the beachfront to soak up sea views, before stopping in at the free-to-enter Turner Contemporary gallery to see the latest exhibition.

Elsewhere, take a dip in what’s believed to be the UK’s largest tidal pool, Walpole Bay, or take the family along to the free Crab Museum in the Old Town for a quirky, hands-on experience of science and marine life.

Hull

Named one of National Geographic’s best places in the world to travel to in 2026, Hull has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

A massive £27.5m makeover has seen the area invest in its maritime history, with the money poured into the city’s historic museum and ships.

The Maritime Museum, which received an £11million makeover beginning in 2020, is finally set to reopen in summer 2026.

New additions to the museum include a 40-foot whale skeleton, miniature ship models and maritime artwork.

As well as this, the new and improved Spurn Lightship opened in early March of 2026, having been closed to the public since 2018.

The floating museum is free to visit, with slots reserved online. You can also book a place for a free maritime guided tour, running on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Hull also boasts plenty of totally free attractions, such as the Streetlife Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram and stroll down a 1940s high street.

Alternatively, head to Hull‘s revamped Queen’s Gardens. Set to reopen in April 2026, the gardens’ three ponds have been refreshed, plus there are redesigned Peace Gardens and plenty of new maritime-themed activities.

Littlehampton

Littlehampton is quickly becoming a firm family favourite for 2026, thanks to the massive £7.2million transformation of the West Green seafront.

With the revamp reaching completion late last year, the seaside resort is ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 spring and summer season.

The West Green seafront now has a water play area, with jets, splash pads and shaded areas to make use of in the hotter months.

As well as this, families can make use of the barbecue zones, mini basketball court and beach volleyball court. Plus, there’s also a climbing wall and petanque setup for even more fun and games.

And when you get hungry, there’s your pick of food and drink kiosks, from the Soul Kitchen and Bar to delicious Jim’s Ice Cream.

To extend your free family day out in Littlehampton, stroll the promenade past the colourful and quirky longest bench in Britain, which winds along the coast.

Or for an indoor option, pop into the Littlehampton Museum, which offers free entry and a look at the town’s history, from the Anglo-Saxon era to WWII.

There’s so much to do in the surrounding area, too. Just a few miles west is the town of Bognor Regis, where you could get day passes to Butlin’s.

There’s also the Bognor Pier, Hotham Park Miniature Railway and Blake’s Cottage, the former home of the poet William Blake, which is now a museum.

There’s also the South Downs National Park, the Goodwood Estate and Racecourse, Petworth House and Amberley Museum.

China has taken a firm stance against the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, strongly warning against the region becoming a second Gaza and considering the events a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law. The most prominent features of the Chinese response up to April 2026 to this Israeli military escalation in southern Lebanon included condemning the targeting of civilians and emphasizing the protection of Lebanese sovereignty while rejecting Israeli violations aimed at destroying the infrastructure of southern Lebanon. The Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the extensive Israeli raids targeting towns in southern Lebanon, stressing that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security are a red line that must not be crossed. China also emphasized the protection of Lebanese civilians, with Beijing unequivocally affirming that the protection of civilians and civilian objects in armed conflicts is a legal obligation and expressing its shock at the scale of casualties and destruction inflicted on southern villages and towns.

China’s position is based on a comprehensive vision linking the stability of southern Lebanon to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Beijing believes that addressing the root causes of the conflict is the only way to prevent its spread throughout the Middle East. While condemning the destruction of Lebanese infrastructure and civilian areas, China’s Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli airstrikes that killed hundreds of civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure and property. Beijing categorically rejects any actions that lead to the destruction of infrastructure, considering them a violation of international law. China has consistently emphasized that Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity are a red line that must not be crossed. Beijing has also declared its opposition to the Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanon, warning that such actions exacerbate regional tensions. China has called for diplomatic solutions, urging all parties, especially Israel, to exercise maximum restraint and return to the path of political and diplomatic settlement, asserting that continued violence will not bring security to any party. China condemned the attacks targeting UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, stressing the need to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers.

In this context, China deliberately directed veiled criticism at Washington regarding Israeli violations in southern Lebanon. China believes that the failure to contain the escalation in southern Lebanon is partly due to the military and political support provided to Israel by external powers, a clear reference to the United States, which hinders efforts to de-escalate the situation. Simultaneously, China warned of a second Gaza in southern Lebanon. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi explicitly cautioned against a repeat of the Gaza tragedy in Lebanon, emphasizing that violence cannot replace right and justice. China is pressing in international forums, particularly the Security Council, for an immediate and permanent cessation of Israeli hostilities, warning against the region sliding into a full-scale war. This stance reflects China’s desire to bolster its role as a peacemaker in the Middle East and to rival American influence by adhering to political solutions and international law.

Here, China sharply criticized the American role in the Israeli war against southern Lebanon and its recent escalation in April 2026, arguing that Washington contributes to undermining regional stability through its military and political support for Israel. Beijing considered the military operations supported or participated in by the United States to be a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of national sovereignty. While warning against the militarization of the region, China criticized the expansion of the American military presence, describing it as irresponsible and warning that such steps exacerbate tensions rather than de-escalate them. Beijing believes that Washington’s approach to the international order reflects the values ​​of the law of the jungle and fuels chaos and instability in the Middle East. While criticizing the US for its double standards, China, through its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, condemned the continued Israeli strikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon despite ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation. She emphasized that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security must not be violated.

China called on Israel to immediately withdraw from southern Lebanon, warning against a repeat of the Gaza scenario. Chinese President Xi Jinping issued direct warnings demanding the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, cautioning that continued military operations could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe similar to what occurred in the Gaza Strip. He also called for an end to the Israeli escalation in southern Lebanon. China maintains that violence does not solve problems but rather exacerbates crises, urging maximum restraint to de-escalate the volatile regional situation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, asserting that their current military presence violates Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Xi explicitly warned against allowing southern Lebanon to become another Gaza, pointing to the risk of a widespread humanitarian catastrophe and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

To halt the cycle of violence and armed conflict in southern Lebanon, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point peace initiative to bolster stability in the Middle East. This initiative includes a call for a multilateral peace conference under the auspices of the United Nations, the re-establishment of the border along the Blue Line between southern Lebanon and Israel, and a reaffirmation of China’s rejection of any violation of Lebanese sovereignty. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly emphasized, most notably on April 9, 2026, that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security are a (red line) that must not be crossed. These Chinese moves position Beijing as an active diplomatic alternative in the region at a time of escalating international tensions between major powers and ongoing regional conflicts. China has begun diplomatic efforts by proposing several peace initiatives to halt the cycle of armed conflict in southern Lebanon. The most prominent of these is the call for a multilateral peace conference. Beijing proposed hosting an international peace conference aimed at stabilizing the region and reinforcing the border along the Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, under the auspices of the United Nations. China holds Israel fully responsible, considering the ongoing fighting in Gaza to be the root cause of the instability in the Middle East. Therefore, China called on the international community, particularly the major powers, to play a constructive role in achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. China has also supported the UNIFIL peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, strongly condemning any attacks on UNIFIL forces as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Here, China used its influence in the UN Security Council and international forums to emphasize that any military operations outside the framework of the United Nations violate its Charter. It described the Israeli strikes on towns and villages in southern Lebanon as unauthorized actions.

Based on the preceding analysis, we understand the accuracy of China’s linking of the tensions in southern Lebanon to the war in Gaza. China called for restraint to prevent the conflict from spreading regionally, based on its principles of supporting sovereign states like Lebanon and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China also called for a return to the diplomatic track to halt the cycle of violent armed conflict in southern Lebanon perpetrated by Israel. China condemned the extensive Israeli strikes, stressing that Lebanon’s sovereignty and security must not be violated. It emphasized the need to protect Lebanese civilians and civilian infrastructure during Israeli military operations and called for de-escalation and immediate steps to calm the situation and prevent further escalation of the conflict in southern Lebanon.