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Despite international travel being back on the cards for summer 2022, many Brits are still choosing to holiday a little closer to home. And who can blame them? With some of the best seaside resorts and miles of beautiful coastline, there are many great reasons to book a UK staycation this summer.
Join us as we reveal some of the best UK seaside resorts for 2022…
Bamburgh, Northumberland - The best seaside town in the UK
According to a recent survey by Which? Bamburgh in Northumberland has been voted the best seaside town in the UK. You're probably surprised to hear it's Bamburgh and not somewhere in Cornwall. However, with the recent booking boom in UK staycations, holidaymakers are searching for lesser-known, quieter spots instead of traditional favourites.
What'll come as even more of a surprise is that Cornwall didn't even make the top 5! See below for the complete list from the survey, which asked participants to vote on everything from the quality of hotels, beaches, tourist attractions and scenery to food and drink, shopping, value for money and peace and quiet.
- Bamburgh, Northumberland
- Llandudno, Conwy
- St Andrews, Fife
- Dartmouth, Devon and Tenby, Pembrokeshire (tie)
- St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Bamburgh and its five-star beach are most deserving of the top spot, with a glorious 3-mile stretch of golden sands perfect for peaceful seaside strolls. With plenty of space and a lack of beach activities, it’s rarely crowded. And, good news for dog owners, it’s pooch-friendly all year round!
The main draws of Bamburgh beach are its pristineness, tranquillity and natural beauty. Sure, it’s not the kind of beach you’d visit for a jam-packed family day out. Unlike other UK seaside resorts on our list, there aren’t loads of beach activities to take part in. However, if you’re looking for a beautiful beach to walk, run, and let the dog off the lead, it’ll tick all of your boxes.
Llandudno, Conwy - A classic British seaside resort
Runner up on Which?’s Best Seaside Resorts 2022 list was Llandudno, the largest seaside resort in Wales, known for its charming Victorian Pier featuring rides, arcades, shops, restaurants and cafes.
If you’re after a traditional UK seaside holiday, Llandudno is the place to visit. With donkey rides on the beach, a Punch and Judy show, and canopied shopping sheets behind the prom, it has all the classics we know and love as part of British seaside culture.
Search PlansChange for cheap hotels in Llandudno. Top choices include Cae Mor Hotel by Best Western, a 3-star hotel located conveniently on the seafront and The Grand Hotel, a beachside hotel just a 6-minute walk from Llandudno Pier.
St Andrews, Fife
St Andrews is more than just the home of golf; it’s the perfect place for a UK beach holiday, with plenty to offer for all of the family. Not only are there numerous tourist attractions to explore, including St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle and, of course, The University of Saint Andrews, but it’s also home to two of the best beaches in the UK - East Sands and West Sands.
East Sands in St Andrews is a great water sports beach with close proximity to the sailing club and harbour. There are numerous activities on offer, including surfing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, and there’s also the opportunity for swimming and fishing.
Dogs are allowed on East Sands all year round. It’s also an accessible beach, family-friendly (with a children’s play area and cafe close by) and offers a lifeguard service during peak season.
West Sands is also known for its water sports and beach activities, including beach kayaking, land yachting and pedal kart racing. The north end of the beach is also popular with kite surfers and overlooks the Eden Estuary Nature Reserve, perfect for bird and seal watching.
Learn more about visiting St Andrews in our blog post: Experience St Andrews - More than just the home of golf.
Dartmouth, Devon
Known as ‘the jewel of the South Hams,’ the historic former port town of Dartmouth, located on the beautiful River Dart Estuary, is an idyllic spot for a romantic beach getaway.
With lots to offer, including a quaint harbour, award-winning restaurants, a vibrant town centre, and the annual regatta, it’s no surprise that Dartmouth features in the top 5 UK seaside resorts for 2022.
Along with beautiful Blue Flag-winning beaches close by, like Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth is peppered with secluded coves, including Castle Cove and Sugary Cove. These remote shingle and rock beaches are close to Dartmouth Castle (a must-visit) and provide the perfect place for a romantic picnic. Just check the tide times to avoid getting cut off at high water!
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Tenby is a mediaeval town on the coast of Pembrokeshire in South Wales. The quaint pastel-painted seaside resort is full of charm, with miles of sandy beaches, a picturesque harbour and narrow streets lined with shops, cafes and bars to explore.
From the beautiful Castle Beach, found at the foot of Tenby Castle, to the wild and remote Monkstone Beach, nestled between Saundersfoot and Tenby, there are beaches to suit all!
Check our Resale Deals page to book cancelled hotel rooms in Tenby and save money.
St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is very popular with UK staycation-ers, appearing twice in the top 5 UK seaside resorts as voted by Which? Members.
Yes, the tiny Welsh city of St Davids in Pembrokeshire has secured a spot in the top 5 and with so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it’s not hard to see why!
First up, there’s Whitesands Bay, a Blue Flag beach popular with surfers. But if you don’t fancy catching waves, it’s also great for walking, picnicking, building sandcastles or relaxing with a book in hand! There’s a lovely cafe close by, easy parking, and the beach is just a 5-minute drive from the centre of St Davids.
Are you looking for somewhere a little quieter? Take a short scenic walk along the coastal path to Porthselau. This is a smaller, secluded cove ideal for sunbathing or rock pooling with the kids.
It’s also worth knowing that you don’t necessarily need to drive to a beach. Caerfai Beach is within walking distance of the centre of St Davids and boasts beautiful views, along with lots of caves and rock pools to explore.
Find hotel deals at UK seaside resorts
So there we have some of the best UK seaside resorts to visit this summer. Are any of these on your list? Share your favourite UK beach destinations with us on social media, and don’t forget to find a hotel with PlansChange.
