Bamburgh in Northumberland named UK's best seaside destination as tourists wowed by its beach and castle
Bamburgh has been named the UK’s top seaside destination in a survey carried out by consumer champion Which? Travel
Holidaymakers who took part in the survey assessed 135 cities, towns and villages, including famous names such as Blackpool, Brighton and Bournemouth.
The Northumberland village took top spot on 84% in an assessment in which its beach and scenery were both given top 5-star ratings.
Also taken into account were its hotel prices (£140 average) along with its tourist attractions, peace and quiet and value for money (all 4-star) food and drink options (3-star), parking (2-star) and shopping (1-star)
Travel writer Trevor Baker notes: “The brooding good looks of Bamburgh Castle and its vast sweep of sandy beach propel it to the top of our table once again.
"It's a perpetual favourite with readers, consistently scoring the full five stars for its scenery and beach.
"Set on a rocky outcrop, the epic silhouette of the castle has stood guard over Bamburgh since its inception as a Norman stronghold, with each generation since leaving its own traces of occupation.
“The pretty village of a few hundred people has become more popular with tourists in recent years, but it hasn't been swamped in holiday lets, and there’s still plenty of space on the beach - especially out of season.
“Enjoy excellent seafood at the The Potted Lobster, freshly baked sausage rolls from R Carter & Son butchers and your choice of cakes at many tearooms. There is little accommodation, so book well in advance if you want to stay overnight.”
Tynemouth took second place in the survey with St Andrews ranked third.
Which? Travel editor Rory Boland said: “Most of us have very happy memories of seaside trips, and a correspondingly strong affection for those towns where we built sandcastles as kids, ate fish and chips with someone special on the promenade or came second in a dance competition.
“But that’s what makes our destination rankings different. It’s not just one writer’s opinion on where is best, but the opinions of more than 5,000 people. With so many respondents, we get a truly objective view of the best – and worst – seaside towns in the UK.”