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Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Best seaside town' has beautiful beach and cheapest fish and chips in the UK
Southwold, in Suffolk, boasts a sandy beach, operational lighthouse, and award-winning pier - but it's the budget-friendly fish and chips that has made it a must-visit location Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, the idyllic seaside town of Southwold has been revealed as a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every British staycation bucket list. This charming town, with a population of just over 1,000, boasts an array of beautiful pastel-hued seaside buildings and offers the most affordable fish and chips in the UK, according to Capital on Tap. Southwold has also been crowned the best seaside town in the UK, with the Camping and Caravanning Club praising it as 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." READ MORE: Kickers' 'durable' Back to School shoe range that 'last all year' The town's attractions include a sandy beach, a working lighthouse, and an award-winning pier. A visit to the Adnams Brewery, located next to the lighthouse, is a must during any stay. After enjoying a drink at the brewery, visitors can indulge in the town's budget-friendly fish and chips, reports the Express. According to Capital on Tap, a meal of fish and chips in Southwold costs just 1.06% of the average weekly salary, making it the most cost-effective location for this quintessential British dish. A typical serving costs £8.35, which is £6 less than at Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. The publication enthused that "this seaside town proves that quality doesn't always come at a premium. Impressively, despite the lower cost, Southwold's fish and chips boast a rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating that customers are consistently pleased with their dining experience. "For those seeking affordability without sacrificing taste or satisfaction, Southwold stands out as a top choice." Tourism chiefs at The Suffolk Coast recommend the brewery tours offered throughout the year, noting "there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants at which to sample the variety of Adnams beers on offer". Southwold shines with its twin beaches - Southwold Pier Beach towards the north and the more rugged Southwold Denes Beach down south. The former presents the epitome of a British beach holiday spot, whereas the latter provides an untamed blend of sand and shingle. More than just sands and waters, Southwold Pier Beach draws visitors with its ice cream stalls, vibrant beach huts along the prom, and has even clinched both Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award for 2024. For reassurance during peak season, lifeguards keep watch from May through September. To satisfy cravings by the sea, there's Southwold Pier, Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms, and Suzie's Beach Cafe among the ample selection of eateries. Venturing into the town centre reveals a charm-packed mix of cafes and shops. For little adventurers, there's an array of activities beyond the beach, such as a maize maze complete with ride-on tractors, sandpits and even the thrill of a zip wire – far more than your average farmyard maze! A 20-minute lighthouse tour provides a glimpse into its role in guiding ships into Southwold Harbour and includes the charming Edwardian pier, which houses quaint shops, eateries, and traditional amusements including the old-fashioned two penny pushers.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside village 'like Lake Como' has very cheap fish and chips
The small village in Wales is no typical UK beach location Brits longing for an idyllic escape might consider jetting off to distant exotic destinations, but there's an overlooked treasure right on our doorstep. Portmeirion, tucked away along the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales, breaks the mould of your average UK coastal spot. Wander into this village and you could easily believe you've landed in Italy, thanks to its captivating array of Mediterranean-style buildings, sun-kissed beaches, and charming boutiques. And the icing on the cake? It's reportedly home to some of the UK's most reasonably priced fish and chips. Last year's statistics show that visitors typically spend just £8.57 on this beloved dish, according to Capital on Tap. This placed the coastal gem as the third most economical for fish and chips, trailing only behind Southwold in Suffolk and New Brighton in Wirral. What's more, it's got great TV history behind it, having been the location for the filming of hit British TV show The Prisoner. Portmeirion has also caused quite a stir online, too. Influencer Meera Pankhania is among those smitten with its scenic beauty. "My boyfriend and I were meant to go to Portugal that weekend but as it went on Amber list, we visited here as an alternative and then climbed Mount Snowdon," she said in a previous TikTok reported by the Mirror. "We stayed there for two days and while I've never visited Italy myself, I felt like I was in Lake Como. To arrive at the place, you travel through some beautiful roads and beautiful scenery." Located in the heart of Gwynedd, the enchanting village of Portmeirion was brought to life by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who devoted five decades to shaping the site after purchasing the land in 1925. Today, the village boasts a remarkable assortment of nationally significant listed buildings, including the stunning Grade I Listed Portmeirion Town Hall, built in 1938. However, you might be shocked to learn that Portmeirion doesn't have any permanent residents, as its primary focus is on catering to tourists and holidaymakers. In fact, the village operates on a schedule, generally opening its doors to visitors from 9.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week, during the peak summer season. Beyond its impressive infrastructure and unbelievable chippy prices, tourists also sing praises about Portmeirion's afternoon teas too. In 2024, one visitor took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts on this, writing: "The best afternoon tea in the world, in the one of the nicest places. The village is stunning and we really made the most of it, being amongst the last to leave. "We had afternoon tea in the hotel, which was absolutely delicious." Meanwhile, another added: "There is no other place in England like this, it is so SO unique and amazing. "If you only visit ONE place before you die, hopefully not just yet! then come here. It is SO lovely! We spent hours here, we did have afternoon tea here and if the weather had been better and we could have gone on the coastal and woodland walks, we would happily have stayed from opening to closing time." So, it seems that for those seeking an affordable beach escape this summer, Portmeirion might just be the perfect destination.
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The 6 best UK cities for enjoying the single life, with great clubs and pubs, vibrant culture and cheap rent
You may want to settle down and start a family one day, but until then you probably want to make the most of your freedom. That could mean partying the night away before your clubbing days are behind you and your weary body can no longer cope with the hangovers. Or it might mean appreciating some fine art without a young tyke clinging to your leg and trying to drag you to the nearest playground. We've compared cities around the UK, looking at those which are best for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, but also boast excellent museums, galleries and historic landmarks to visit. We've also taken into account the culinary scene, including the number of Michelin-starred or Michelin-recommended restaurants, plus the quality of the retail therapy, including independent shops. And because you'll want to have as much money as possible to spend making the most of your singledom, we've only included cities where the average monthly rent is below the UK-wide figure of £1,335. Below is our pick of the best UK cities in which to live while enjoying the single life, based on all the above criteria. Do you agree with our list, and what cities, if any, would you add? Do you have a house hunting story or tips to share? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 🏠 Whether you're planning to move or just curious what your home is worth, Purplebricks offers free valuations and fixed-fee selling support from local experts. 👉 Request a valuation or browse current listings in your area. 1 . Belfast - 6th Belfast is one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, with 2.4 clubs and 3.8 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It scored 4.3/5 for its nightlife and also has some great restaurants, including two with Michelin stars, along with superb museums, theatres and galleries. The average monthly rent there is £1,076, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the sixth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. |) Photo:Photo Sales 2 . Newcastle upon Tyne - 5th Newcastle is the eighth best city in the UK for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, with 2.1 clubs and a whopping 6.5 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It scored 4.3/5 for its nightlife and also has a great foodie scene, including two Michelin-starred restaurants. Cultural highlights include the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Laing Art Gallery and Newcastle Castle. The average monthly rent there is £1,073, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the fifth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. |Photo:Photo Sales 3 . Leeds - 4th Leeds is rated 4.3/5 for its nightlife by Capital on Tap, with 1.4 clubs and a 4.0 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It also has some great restaurants, including the Michelin-recommended Ox Club, and is a cultural powerhouse of the north, being the only city outside London with both a resident opera and ballet company. Add to that four major theatres, a top arena and a packed cultural calendar, including the popular Light Night Leeds festival, and it's easy to see why you'll never find yourself short of things to do here. The average monthly rent in Leeds is £1,104, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the fourth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. Leeds is pictured here during the Light Night Leeds festival in 2021, with visitors seen walking beneath the artwork Dear Leeds by James Clancy. | OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Exeter - 3rd Exeter has 0.8 clubs and 3.4 pubs and bars per 10,000 people, according to Capital on Tap, with an average rating of 4.4/5 for its nightlife. There's so much to see in this beautiful, historic city, from exploring its famous underground passages to browsing the wealth of fascinating exhibits at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Exeter's also been voted one of the best places in the UK for eating out, with Stage among the many excellent restaurants it boasts. The average monthly rent in Exeter is £1,288, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the third best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. | English Heritage/Photo: English Heritage/Photo Sales
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The 6 best UK cities for enjoying the single life, with great clubs and pubs, vibrant culture and cheap rent
You may want to settle down and start a family one day, but until then you probably want to make the most of your freedom. That could mean partying the night away before your clubbing days are behind you and your weary body can no longer cope with the hangovers. Or it might mean appreciating some fine art without a young tyke clinging to your leg and trying to drag you to the nearest playground. We've compared cities around the UK, looking at those which are best for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, but also boast excellent museums, galleries and historic landmarks to visit. We've also taken into account the culinary scene, including the number of Michelin-starred or Michelin-recommended restaurants, plus the quality of the retail therapy, including independent shops. And because you'll want to have as much money as possible to spend making the most of your singledom, we've only included cities where the average monthly rent is below the UK-wide figure of £1,335. Below is our pick of the best UK cities in which to live while enjoying the single life, based on all the above criteria. Do you agree with our list, and what cities, if any, would you add? Do you have a house hunting story or tips to share? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers. 🏠 Whether you're planning to move or just curious what your home is worth, Purplebricks offers free valuations and fixed-fee selling support from local experts. 👉 Request a valuation or browse current listings in your area. 1 . Belfast - 6th Belfast is one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, with 2.4 clubs and 3.8 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It scored 4.3/5 for its nightlife and also has some great restaurants, including two with Michelin stars, along with superb museums, theatres and galleries. The average monthly rent there is £1,076, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the sixth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. |) Photo:Photo Sales 2 . Newcastle upon Tyne - 5th Newcastle is the eighth best city in the UK for nightlife, according to Capital on Tap, with 2.1 clubs and a whopping 6.5 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It scored 4.3/5 for its nightlife and also has a great foodie scene, including two Michelin-starred restaurants. Cultural highlights include the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Laing Art Gallery and Newcastle Castle. The average monthly rent there is £1,073, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the fifth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. |Photo:Photo Sales 3 . Leeds - 4th Leeds is rated 4.3/5 for its nightlife by Capital on Tap, with 1.4 clubs and a 4.0 pubs and bars per 10,000 people. It also has some great restaurants, including the Michelin-recommended Ox Club, and is a cultural powerhouse of the north, being the only city outside London with both a resident opera and ballet company. Add to that four major theatres, a top arena and a packed cultural calendar, including the popular Light Night Leeds festival, and it's easy to see why you'll never find yourself short of things to do here. The average monthly rent in Leeds is £1,104, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is well below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the fourth best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. Leeds is pictured here during the Light Night Leeds festival in 2021, with visitors seen walking beneath the artwork Dear Leeds by James Clancy. | OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Exeter - 3rd Exeter has 0.8 clubs and 3.4 pubs and bars per 10,000 people, according to Capital on Tap, with an average rating of 4.4/5 for its nightlife. There's so much to see in this beautiful, historic city, from exploring its famous underground passages to browsing the wealth of fascinating exhibits at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Exeter's also been voted one of the best places in the UK for eating out, with Stage among the many excellent restaurants it boasts. The average monthly rent in Exeter is £1,288, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, which is below the UK average of £1,335. All these things combined make it the third best city in the UK for enjoying the single life. | English Heritage/Photo: English Heritage/Photo Sales
