Bamburgh, a picturesque village in Northumberland renowned for its expansive sand dunes and majestic castle, has once again been named the UK’s top seaside destination for the fourth year running.
A survey conducted by the consumer group Which? involving 4,700 participants ranked the Northumbrian village as the favorite, surpassing Portmeirion in Gwynedd and St Andrews in Fife. The village’s 1,400-year-old castle, a former Norman stronghold, dominates the landscape, while its vast sandy beach continues to draw tourists.
Bamburgh achieved a destination score of 86%, with survey respondents rating various factors such as beaches, value for money, attractions, and parking. Participants praised the village for its “magnificent” and “unspoiled” beach, along with the stunning views of the castle. Bamburgh received five stars for both peace and quiet, and its seafront and pier.
Portmeirion in north Wales scored 83%, St Andrews in Scotland 82%, Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear 81%, and St Davids in Pembrokeshire 80%. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bangor in Gwynedd, Wales, was rated the worst seaside destination with a score of 42%, followed by Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire at 46%.
Despite Bangor’s proximity to Portmeirion, it earned only one star for its seafront, pier, food, drink, and scenery. Respondents noted that while Bangor had faced some shop closures in the town center, it still boasted excellent restaurants, amenities, and a “wonderful pier.” Opinions on Mablethorpe were mixed, with some highlighting areas that seemed rundown, while others commended its “lovely, enormous, clean beach.”
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, remarked, “While everyone has their favorite coastal spot, this year’s survey suggests exploring the lesser-known hidden gems throughout the UK.” Boland, a Bangor University graduate, defended the Welsh town, acknowledging its hardships but highlighting its noteworthy attractions. He emphasized that many of Bangor’s best features, such as the 1,500ft, grade II Garth Pier, a Victorian marvel since its opening in 1896 by Lord Penrhyn, remain relatively unknown.
