Portstewart third highest rated seaside town in the UK
The County Londonderry town secured an overall score of 84% from visitors
Last updated 28th Apr 2023
Visitors have named Portstewart as one of the best seaside destinations across the UK.
The Northern Ireland town was ranked third out of 118 different locations in the survey conducted by Consumer group Which?.
As part of the research more than 3,000 visitors rated the beach, attractions, scenery and value for money.
The County Londonderry town secured an overall score of 84% from visitors making it the third highest rated seaside town.
The area is home to the beautiful Portstewart Strand beach -which has starred in Game of Thrones when it was used as a stand-in for the Dornish coastline.
It is a popular with families and surfers with visitors describing the area as having a “lovely feel to it’.
Bamburgh came first on the list after it received the maximum of five stars for its beaches, seafront, accommodation, peace and quiet, scenery and value for money - with an overall score of 88%.
Devon's Dartmouth was runner-up with a score of 85%.
Clacton-on-Sea in Essex and Skegness in Lincolnshire were tied for last place (both 48%), closely followed by Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset and Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland (both 49%).
Despite their lowly rankings, some visitors found things to praise about these destinations.
Multiple respondents enjoyed Clacton's "lovely" seafront gardens and its "fantastic" annual air show, while Skegness drew plaudits for its "old-fashioned charm".
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: "Few countries can be home to such a diversity of brilliant seaside breaks.
"Whether you want world-class beaches and utter wilderness, or the bright lights and bucket and spade atmosphere of a resort, the UK has a seaside break made for you.
"What our survey shows is that it's rarely the most famous destinations that visitors enjoy most.
"Try somewhere new this year and our survey shows you should find fewer crowds and better value."
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