There’s something irresistible about UK seaside towns. From rows of rainbow houses and vinegary wafts of fish and chip shops, to sticks of rock and blaring arcades, our coastal dwellings are one-of-a-kind and (weather-permitting) make for some fab days out.
There are, of course, the heavyweights of the seaside resort world – Brighton, Blackpool, Torquay, Tenby. But according to Camping and Caravanning Club, the UK’s finest seaside town is actually a bit lesser-known.
Thanks to its award-winning pier, lighthouse and adorable line of beach huts, the holiday booking website crowned Southwold in Suffolk the very best seaside town in the country to visit.
Nestled in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Landscape (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), you’ll find plenty of ancient woodland, heathlands and dramatic cliffs to explore around Southwold. Camping and Caravanning Club said that the town’s Adnams Brewery, a stone’s throw from the lighthouse, is a ‘must-do’. Visitors there can take a tour of the brewery slash distillery and even try their hand at making gin.
The busier St Ives in Cornwall was ranked second on the list for its ‘beautiful blue flag beaches, quaint cobbled streets and large art scene’, while Weymouth in Dorset came third for its quayside pubs, rainy-day activities and summer seafood festival.
You can take a look at Camping and Caravanning Club’s full list of seaside picks here or read Time Out’s take on our 20 favourite British seaside spots.
Did you see that the UK’s best independent bookshop is in a remote Welsh town?
Plus: This is the UK’s best beach, according to the Telegraph.
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