The best British seaside resorts with a tiny village in Northumberland voted number one in the UK
The best seaside resorts in Britain have been revealed in a new survey, according to the British public.
Surprisingly, the number one spot goes to Bamburgh in Northumberland.
The 400-strong village was given five stars for the scenery, beach and peacefulness, getting 89 per cent overall.
It was closely followed by Portmeirion in Gwynedd (88 per cent) and St Mawes in Cornwall (83 per cent).
Not faring well was Bognor Regis in West Sussex and Clacton-on-Sea in Essex with just 47 per cent in customer satisfaction.
We reveal the top ten British resorts to visit this summer, as voted for in the Which? survey.
1. Bamburgh, Northumberland
The tiny village of Bamburgh has just over 400 people living there, making it a rather peaceful location.
Awarded a Blue Flag in 2005, it is also known for Bamburgh Castle, once linked to Sir Lancelot in the Arthurian Legend.
2. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
The tourist village of Portmeirion in North Wales was designed in 1925 in the style of an Italian village.
The beach itself is soft sand and is nestled underneath the cliffs.
3. St Mawes, Cornwall
The highest on the list for Cornwall, the small town opposite Falmouth is a great alternative to the busier St Ives.
It was also the filming location for the TV series Poldark.
=3. Dartmouth, Devon
The popular tourist town is on the River Dart, dating back to the 12th century.
It featured in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and is now one of the most popular destinations in the south-west.
=3. North Berwick, East Lothian
Just 20 miles from Edinburgh in Scotland, North Berwick is know for it’s golf courses on either end of the two bays – East and West.
While it is popular with holidaymakers, the most famous visitor was Robert Louis Stevenson who was said to have been inspired by the island of Fidra for Treasure Island.
6. St Andrews, Fife
Also in Scotland is St Andrews, home to the University of St Andrews where Prince William and Kate Middleton famously met.
Golfers will also be able to enjoy a quick hit before heading to the long sandy beach with kayaking and land yachting popular with visitors.
=6. Beer, Devon
The small parish town is found on the Jurassic Coast, with a steep shingle beach underneath the white chalk cliffs.
Despite being named Beer, it isn’t through to be named after the drink, but after the Old English word ‘bearu’ which means grove.
8. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
Tourists flock to the famous Scallop steel art sculpture on the pebble beach in Aldeburgh, inscribed with the phrase “I hear those voices that will not be drowned” – written by composer Benjamin Britten who lived there.
Otherwise grabbing some fresh fish and chips from the local fisherman’s huts is a must for tourists.
=8. Southwold, Suffolk
The small seaside town has beach huts and a pier as well as the stunning 100-foot lighthouse.
Thanks to the low hills overlooking the beach, the best view can be found from any spot along the promenade.
=8. Tenby, Pembrokshire
The beach is on the Pembrokshire Coast Path, with a number of routes to enjoy whatever skill level.
However, it was recently reported the sand was washing away from the beach, exposing dangerous power cables – although experts explained it was most likely seasonal as opposed to global warming, as feared.
The top ten British seaside resorts
1. Bamburgh, Northumberland
2. Portmeirion, Gwynedd
3. St Mawes, Cornwall
=Dartmouth, Devon
=North Berwick, East Lothian
6. St Andrews, Fife
=Beer, Devon
8. Aldeburgh, Suffolk
=Southwold, Suffolk
=Tenby, Pembrokshire
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