The best spots for your seaside getaway
This is the best beach for spring(Image: Patricia Hamilton via Getty Images)
As temperatures begin to climb, thoughts naturally turn towards seaside escapes. There’s nothing quite like the sound of crashing waves and the sensation of sand between your toes – but with countless stunning locations dotted around the UK, how do you decide where to visit?
For an ideal spring beach getaway, you’ll want maximum sunshine, pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall – and that’s precisely where the specialists at Go Outdoors come in. They’ve put together a ranking of Britain’s finest beaches based on average spring temperatures, precipitation levels, hours of sunshine and Google reviews to identify the absolute cream of the crop.
Every beach featured received a rating out of 10 according to its weather conditions, rainfall and visitor feedback.
Taking the top spot is Cuckmere Haven with an impressive score of 9.60. This breathtaking beach sits in East Sussex and boasts a remarkable 7.8 hours of daily spring sunshine alongside just 52mm of monthly rainfall.
Those visiting the beach can first take in spectacular views of the Seven Sisters — England’s famous white cliffs overlooking the channel — before embarking on a picturesque stroll along the Cuckmere River as it winds its way towards the coast. Hear the cries of seagulls circling above, and feel the fresh sea breeze against your skin, reports the Express.
Claiming second position is Southwold Beach with a rating of 8.68 out of 10. This expanse of sand extends from the River Blyth’s mouth, passing Southwold Pier which offers plenty to discover.
There are arcade games and numerous cafés and restaurants where you can pop in for refreshments or a bite to eat. Securing the third spot, and boasting the highest Google review rating amongst all the beaches, is Druridge Bay Beach.
Google reviews rate this beach at a stellar 4.9 out of five, and the Go Outdoors research awarded it an impressive overall score of 8.53 out of 10.
The beach itself extends for seven miles, and the adjacent woodlands are teeming with wildlife such as roe deer and red squirrels.
The UK’s best beaches to visit this spring:
Rank
Beach
Location
Country
Avg. spring temper-ature (°C)
Avg. monthly spring rainfall (mm)
Avg. daily spring sunshine hours
Google review score /5
Overall score /10
1
Cuckmere Haven
East Sussex
England
9.5
52
7.8
4.8
9.60
2
Southwold Beach
Suffolk
England
8.9
48
8.0
4.7
8.68
3
Druridge Bay Beach
Northumberland
England
7.9
57
7.3
4.9
8.53
3
Pentle Bay
Tresco
England
10.3
59
7.2
4.8
8.53
5
Thornwick Bay
Flamborough Head
England
8.2
52
7.7
4.8
8.48
6
Kimmeridge Bay
Dorset
England
9.7
56
7.7
4.6
8.33
7
Rhossili Bay Beach
Gower
Wales
9.3
84
7.4
4.9
8.23
8
Barafundle Bay Beach
Pembrokeshire
Wales
9.4
69
7.0
4.9
8.22
9
Camber Sands
East Sussex
England
9.8
50
7.1
4.6
8.18
10
Porthcurno Beach
Cornwall
England
10.0
65
7.3
4.8
8.17