Southwold and Aldeburgh among UK's best seaside destinations in new survey

Both Suffolk seaside towns are in the top 10 - according to consumer group Which?

Visitors heaped praise on Southwold's pier in the Which? survey
Author: Ellie KumarPublished 28th Apr 2023

Southwold and Aldeburgh have been ranked among the UK's best seaside destinations by consumer group Which?

In a survey of 118 different destinations in the UK, Southwold and Aldeburgh came 7th and 8th respectively.

Both scored highly when visitors were asked to rate the beach and seafront, as well as hotel prices and local food and drink venues.

Further down the list Felixstowe came in 44th, with visitors praising the town for value for money and 'peace and quiet'

Lowestoft came in 100th, although visitors did rate its beach 4 out of 5 stars.

Clacton-on-Sea in Essex and Skegness in Lincolnshire were tied for last place closely followed by Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset and Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Aldeburgh scored highly for its food and drink options

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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