Most popular UK seaside towns revealed
Beaches worth checking out as temperatures soar
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With temperatures set to swell to 34C this weekend, it’s a given that many Brits will want to hit the beach.
New research from hotel chain Best Western shows that the two most popular seaside spots in the UK are Bournemouth and Weymouth, both in Dorset; followed by Portsmouth in Hampshire, Eastbourne in East Sussex and Folkestone in Kent.
The hotel group reported that bookings overall were up 5 per cent this summer compared to the same time in 2018 as UK holidaymakers embrace the staycation.
Seaside towns that have seen the biggest increase in bookings in the last 12 months include Morecambe, which jumped 129 per cent.
This year the Lancashire town announced it would soon be home to a northern outpost of the Eden Project, which is expected to revitalise the area.
Work will likely begin next year, with the aim of opening to the public in 2022.
“The vision is of a seaside resort for the 21st century includes reimagined lidos, gardens, performance spaces, immersive experiences and observatories,” said Eden Project International.
Other beachside destinations that have surged in popularity include Folkestone, which has seen booking growth of more than 50 per cent; Scotland’s Isle of Arran, which has upped bookings by 47 per cent; and Aberavon in Swansea, where stays are up 37 per cent.
Most popular seaside towns 2019
- Bournemouth, Dorset
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Portsmouth, Hampshire
- Eastbourne, East Sussex
- Folkestone, Kent
- Newquay, Cornwall
- Hove, West Sussex
- Isle of Arran, Scotland
- Hunstanton, Norfolk
- Blackpool, Lancashire
Up and coming seaside towns 2019
- Morecambe, Lancashire
- Folkestone, Kent
- Isle of Arran, Scotland
- Aberavon, Swansea
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Eastbourne, Sussex
- Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- Torquay, Devon
- Portsmouth, Hampshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments