Beach in ‘Chelsea-on-sea’ crowned the UK’s best hidden gem to visit this spring
If you’re dreaming of a seaside escape over the upcoming Bank Holiday, Southwold — home to the UK’s best hidden gem beach to visit this spring — could be the place for you.
The upmarket Suffolk town, often dubbed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, has taken top spot in new research by GO Outdoors ranking under-the-radar coastal destinations for a pre-summer break.
From a list of 50 British beaches with less than 500 Google reviews, the company analysed average spring temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours and visitor scores.
Southwold Beach came out first with an overall score of 8.68 out of 10, beating stiff competition from beauty spots from Islay to the Isles of Scilly.
With the highest average spring sunshine of anywhere in the top 10, at 8 hours per day, alongside average temperatures of 8.9°C and a 4.7-star Google rating, it won out over Druridge Bay in Northumberland and Pentle Bay on Tresco, which shared second.
The Camping and Caravanning Club, previously awarded Southwold the title of the country’s best seaside town, commenting that it’s a ‘great destination year-round, whether you plan to visit during the summer for an ice cream or in the winter for blustery walks and cosy pub lunches.’
The UK's best 'hidden gem' beaches to visit this spring
- Southwold Beach, Suffolk 8.68 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 8.9°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 48mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 8.0 hours
Google review score: 4.7* - Druridge Bay Beach, Northumberland 8.53 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 7.9°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 57mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.3 hours
Google review score: 4.9* - Pentle Bay, Tresco 8.53 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 10.3°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 59mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.2 hours
Google review score: 4.8* - Thornwick Bay, Flamborough Head 8.48 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 8.2°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 52mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.7 hours
Google review score: 4.8* - Studland Bay, Dorset 7.82 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 9.8°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 56mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 6.8 hours
Google review score: 4.8* - Embleton Bay, Northumberland 7.77 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 7.8°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 56mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 6.9 hours
Google review score: 4.9* - Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland 7.56 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 7.7°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 56mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 6.9 hours
Google review score: 4.9* - Traeth Aberdaron, Llŷn Peninsula 7.00 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 9.0°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 82mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.5 hours
Google review score: 4.8* - Machir Bay, Islay 6.90 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 8.3°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 91mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.1 hours
Google review score: 4.9* - Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire 6.59 out of 10
Average spring temperature: 7.6°C
Average monthly spring rainfall: 60mm
Average daily spring sunshine: 7.4 hours
Google review score: 4.8*
WIN a relaxing countryside getaway for two
Need a bit of R&R? We're giving you the chance to win a restorative break for two at Albion Aberteifi, a top-rated hotel in the beautiful coastal town of Cardigan, Wales.
The two-night stay includes Scandi-style breakfast, cocktails for two at the hotel bar, and a Nature Spa experience at nearby wellness retreat Fforest Farm, for two hours of basking in cedar saunas and wood-fired hot tubs. Blissful.
For your chance to win this gorgeous spring getaway, enter your details into the form before midnight on Sunday, April 19. And don't forget to sign up to The Getaway Expert, our seven-day guide to becoming a more confident traveller.
Full T&Cs apply, see here.
And Tripadvisor reviewers agree, including June A who described Southwold’s Denes Beach as ‘iconic’, adding, ‘Lined with those wonderful and colourful huts with lots of cafes and ice cream shops too – and dog friendly. Great for a warm day.’
‘Such a find,’ wrote Margaret J, who visited in June, while GoingGuide said Southwold was a ‘perfectly unspoilt coastal town.’
If that wasn’t enough to sway you, research by Capital on Tap also said it had the best value fish and chips in the country, with an average chippy tea costing £8.35; £6 cheaper than in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, where it was most expensive.
Thinking of heading there for a budget-friendly seaside stay? Here’s everything you need to know.
Things to do in Southwold
The main attraction in Southwold is its expansive beaches, Denes Beach and Southwold Pier.
Courtney Pochin, Metro senior lifestyle reporter, has spent many happy times in the town, saying the former provides a wild feel, with dunes, marshland and plenty of space to walk the dog, while the latter is ‘a lovely sandy spot with colourful beach huts, a promenade, lifeguards, and a pier,making it the ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing or building sandcastles.’
On the pier, which stretches out 190 metres into the sea, you can enjoy a range of shops, eating places and classic amusements — including some unique attractions designed by engineer and cartoonist Tim Hunkin.
Once you’re done with sunbathing and watersports, you can take a tour of the Grade II listed lighthouse — still in operation — or have a wander around the quaint shops and eateries.
‘My favourite spots are Two Magpies for brunch or a sweet treat (their brownies have won all kinds of awards), and Lisa Angel, an adorable gift shop that’s become a bit of an institution in the East of England,’ says Courtney. ‘Here you’ll find the perfect Southwold-themed souvenir, as well as jewellery, homeware, and dried flowers.’
Little ones will also love the Southwold Maize Maze, which has plenty to keep them busy, from tractor rides to sandpits and a zip wire.
And for the grown-ups, Southwold is home to the Adnams Brewery, winner of The Good Pub Guide 2011’s ‘Brewery of the Year’. Here you can take a tour, visit the distillery, or get your hands on some of your favourite tipples right where they’re made.
Getting there
To get to Southwold from London, you have a couple of options.
If you’re travelling by train, the nearest stations are Halesworth or Dalesham, both of which are about 10 miles away. Regular services run from Liverpool Street on the East Suffolk line, changing at Ipswich, with the journey taking just under two hours and costing from £11 each way.
If you’re going by car, you’re looking at a drive of around three hours from London, two hours from Cambridge, or four hours from Birmingham.
You should be able to find parking near the beach, but check with your hotel or B&B when you book to make sure.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
from Metro https://ift.tt/nYTMLmj
No comments