Which? has released the results of its best and worst seaside towns and villages in the UK survey, with Bamburgh, Bognor Regis, Tynemouth, St Andrews and Clacton on Sea all making notable entries
Bamburgh has triumphed, yet again(Image: Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
The greatest and most miserable seaside towns and villages on our fair island have been named.
Once again, coastal big hitters Cornwall and Devon have found themselves some way off the top of the list, while a pretty northern village has made it to the number spot for a sixth year in a row.
At the other end of the scale, a southern town known for its Butlin’s and for being one of the sunniest destinations in the UK has been condemned as the worst of the worst.
Which? surveyed over 5,300 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping and value for money.
Bamburgh in Northumberland took the top spot in Which?’s survey for the sixth year running. With an overall destination score of 84 per cent, Bamburgh was given five stars for its beach, seafront and scenery. Visitors praised the “lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle” and the “spectacular coastal scenery.”
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It’s easy to see why Bamburgh is so loved. Situated not far from the mysterious Holy Island, it’s got a village feel, replete with chippies and well-manicured lawns. At the same time, it sits in the shadows of one of the most magnificent and intact castles in the country.
The North East cleaned up at the top of the charts, with Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear coming second and scoring an impressive 82 per cent. Tynemouth scored five stars for its seafront/pier and food and drink, with one visitor praising its “wonderful fish and chips.” Another visitor praised the “magnificent” golden sand beaches.
While it may not be blessed with the same intensity of sunshine and lack of rain as other parts of the UK, Scotland also did well, claiming places in the top ten. St Andrews came third with a score of 81 percent and scored five stars for its beach, tourist attractions, scenery, and seafront/pier.
Crail, in Fife, scored the number five spot, thanks to its whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, and charming fishing harbor.
The highest scorer down south was the Essex seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea, which charmed visitors with its lovely seafront and the general peaceful vibe of the place. One visitor called it the “perfect place for those who just want a day at the seaside with no frills and no noise.”
On the other end of the spectrum, Bognor Regis was named as the UK’s worst. It’s the second year in a row that the West Sussex settlement has come in last. The Mirror’s money editor Levi Winchester grew up in the town and has seen it slowly fall apart over the years.
“I remember many happy summers playing down the beach in Bognor Regis. At low tide, you could see sand for miles, as the smell of fish and chips wafted through the air,” Levi recalled when asked for her thoughts on a town that once served as a home to George V for three months.
“The town was always buzzing with families enjoying their trip to Butlin’s—and while the seaside resort still attracts large crowds every year, the town itself has lost its heart. The promenade lacks love and is in need of a serious revamp.
“Even under the lights of the pier, it still just feels grey and miserable. Like many other UK high streets, the main town centre is empty now with hardly any shops left. I barely recognised it when I last visited.”
Having been thrust into the spotlight this week thanks to its somewhat absent MP Nigel Farage, Clacton-on-Sea found itself with a low score this year. It was judged to be the eighth worst. Despite low scores, including one star for peace and quiet and scenery, the classic seaside resort has the largest pier in Europe, and visitors praised its “excellent amusement facilities.”
In the survey, many popular seaside towns had middling scores. Despite their reputation as trendy destinations, Margate (53%) and Newquay (55%) received just one star for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money.
Visitors commented that Margate’s town centre was ‘run down’, but many praised its independent shops and famous Turner Gallery, while even Madonna has declared herself a fan of the seaside town. One visitor said: “Margate is quirky and not overly commercialised. It’s got some great events and places to eat and shop. It’s still a bit rough around the edges but it knows it.” Margate’s event space, Dreamland, is especially busy with summer events which may put people off going for a quiet break.
Popular surfing spot Newquay scored 55 per cent, receiving just one star for peace and quiet. The beach town is popular for stag and hen parties and young surfers. One visitor said it was “great for youngsters and surfers but not so good for older visitors”. Another said: “Newquay is a brash and overly busy seaside town. There are better beaches and towns nearby which are quieter.” Despite this, visitors praised the “wonderful beaches” in Newquay and they received four stars for this category.
Made famous by the TV sitcom Gavin & Stacey, Barry Island received a destination score of 54 per cent. One visitor said: “Unless you are a big Gavin and Stacey fan I’d give it a miss.” Visitors described the seafront as “a bit tacky”; however, the beach scored three stars, and one visitor said it is an “old-fashioned and lively seaside town, great beaches and interesting walks.”
TOP 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES
- Bamburgh — 84%
- Tynemouth — 82%
- St Andrews — 81%
- Aldeburgh — 80%
- Crail — 80%
- Frinton-on-Sea — 80%
- Portmeirion — 80%
- St Davids — 79%
- Bude — 78%
- Southwold — 78%
- North Berwick — 77%
- Plockton — 77%
- St Ives — 77%
- Swanage — 77%
- Lyme Regis — 76%
- Lytham St Annes — 76%
- Portstewart — 76%
- Conwy — 75%
- Dornoch — 75%
- Filey — 75%
- Lynmouth — 75%
- Sidmouth — 75%
- St Mawes — 75%
- Tenby — 75%
- Tobermory — 75%
- Wells-next-the-Sea — 75%
- Whitley Bay — 75%
- Broadstairs — 74%
- Falmouth — 74%
- Llandudno — 74%
BOTTOM 30 SEASIDE TOWNS & VILLAGES
- Ilfracombe — 57%
- Minehead — 57%
- Bridlington — 56%
- Cleethorpes — 56%
- Fishguard — 56%
- Seaton — 56%
- Torquay — 56%
- Abersoch — 55%
- Colwyn Bay — 55%
- Morecambe — 55%
- Newquay — 55%
- Barry Island — 54%
- Skegness — 54%
- Mablethorpe — 53%
- Margate — 53%
- Paignton — 53%
- Southport — 53%
- Herne Bay — 52%
- Littlehampton — 51%
- New Brighton — 51%
- Weston-super-Mare — 50%
- Burnham-on-Sea — 48%
- Clacton-on-Sea — 48%
- Southend-on-Sea — 47%
- Bangor — 46%
- Blackpool — 46%
- Fleetwood — 46%
- Great Yarmouth — 46%
- Lowestoft — 46%
- Bognor Regis — 41%
Results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who spoke about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous 12 months.