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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'worst seaside town' that is actually perfect for summer holiday
The resort has everything you could want from a staycation spot. Scotland's coastline is home to many idyllic seaside towns. When the sun is shining and the mercury rises, nothing can compare to a day by the seaside. Everybody will have their own favourite coastal spot in the country, and when it comes to a day out you can't go wrong with any of them. However, one seaside town in Scotland was recently named the worst in the country. As previously reported by the Daily Record, Which? shared a report of the best and worst seaside towns across the UK based on feedback from holidaymakers. Placing at the bottom of the list for Scotland was Ayr in South Ayrshire. According to the consumer watchdog, Ayr received an overall 'destination score' of just 51 per cent. The resort town also scored three out of five for its scenery and "peace and quiet" and just two out of five for its attractions. However, despite ranking bottom for Scotland on the report from Which?, Ayr is actually a great place to visit. With the weather set to heat up over the coming days, the seaside resort is perfect for a day out or staycation. The most iconic and well-known destination in Ayr is Ayr Beach, which is only a short walk from the centre of town. The bay is popular amongst locals and day-trippers alike for its beautiful views and family-friendly amenities. Ayr Beach has previously been awarded a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful, which honour clean and sustainable beaches. It is a great place for a picnic or for little ones to build a sandcastle, with incredible views out over to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran to enjoy. Although Ayr's scenery received an average rating of three out of five from Which?, Ayr Beach has received rave reviews from visitors on Google. The bay has an overall rating of 4.5 out of five based on 1,599 reviews. One recent traveller shared: "Ayr Beach isn't just a stretch of sand, it's an experience, and honestly, one of the best parts of my trip to the UK. It strikes this beautiful balance between peaceful calm and playful energy that makes it special from the moment you arrive. "As soon as you step onto the beach, the atmosphere hits you. There's something about the fresh sea air, mixed with that cool, sometimes pretty brisk, breeze that instantly refreshes you." Elsewhere, there is lots to see around Ayr other than its beach. Despite the town receiving a rating of two stars for its attractions, there is fun for the whole family to be had. Little ones in particular will get a kick out of a visit to Pirate Pete's Family Entertainment Centre, which is adjacent to Ayr Beach. The attraction offers indoor soft play, mini golf, laser games, and more. Meanwhile, a great place to head in Ayr when the sun is shining is the historic Low Green. A popular visitor attraction going all the way back to the Victorian era, it consists of a picturesque stretch of grass that hosts many events throughout the year. Ayr is also home to a variety of popular cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a sit-down meal. Among the top eateries around town are gastropub The Fox and Willow, stylish bar and restaurant The Tree House, and family-friendly café bistro The Secret Garden. In terms of accommodation, popular choices include the Fairfield House Hotel, the Mercure Ayr Hotel, and the Western House Hotel. Elsewhere, just out of Ayr is the Craig Tara Caravan Holiday Park that features caravans, lodges, and apartments. If you are looking for a coastal resort in Scotland to head for a day out this summer, don't let one report put you off Ayr. From its fabulous beach to its various tasty food spots, it has everything you could want from a staycation destination.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
The ‘otherworldly beach' with romantic ruins that's just 40 minutes from Cardiff
The 'otherworldly beach' with romantic ruins that's just 40 minutes from Cardiff This fossil-rich beach is packed with rock pools and geological wonders, and it was designated as a part of the Heritage Coast in 1972. If this ethereal-looking beach looks familiar, it's because you may have spotted it on the beloved BBC series Doctor Who (Image: South Wales Echo ) Wales' craggy coastline is amongst the most beautiful in the world and has a vast range of sandy shores, secluded bays and pebble-strewn beaches with clear waters for swimming. From Pembrokeshire's golden sand beaches and tiny coves to the windswept Llŷn Peninsula and the Vale of Glamorgan's Jurassic coastline, you are truly spoiled for choice here. It's no surprise then that eight Welsh beaches have been crowned among the best in the UK in The Times' annual Best UK Beaches guide for 2025. The 17th edition of the highly anticipated list was compiled by chief travel writer Chris Haslam, who visited and inspected 756 beaches across the UK. The criteria encompassed water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene standards at toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness. One of the Welsh beaches on the list is described as "otherworldly" and is just a 40-minute drive from Cardiff. Dunraven, a secluded fossil-rich beach in Southerndown, is packed with rock pools and geological wonders, and it was designated as a part of the Heritage Coast in 1972. Article continues below Located on the highly underrated Glamorgan Heritage Coast, which stretches from Aberthaw to Porthcawl, this 14-mile expanse offers an unspoilt coastline marked by Jurassic features and waymarked trails that meander through charming villages, rural farmland, and secluded bays. Haslam writes that this stretch of coastline "bears comparison with geological wonders such as the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim and Lulworth Cove in Dorset — but without the crowds." (Image: Wales on Sunday ) Haslam writes that this stretch of coastline "bears comparison with geological wonders such as the Giant's Causeway in Co Antrim and Lulworth Cove in Dorset — but without the crowds." He adds, "at Dunraven Bay (also known as Southerndown beach) you'll find a millefeuille of carboniferous limestone and blue lias — layers of limestone and shale — overhanging a beach paved flatter than your patio." Dunraven Bay has a large car park and visitor facilities and is also designated a 'Seaside Award' beach. The Seaside Award is the national standard for the best beaches across the UK. If this ethereal-looking beach looks familiar, it's because you may have spotted it on the beloved BBC series Doctor Who. Whovians (Doctor Who fans) will likely know this spot as 'Bad Wolf Bay', as the beach played a starring role in several episodes. The most memorable scene was the tearful farewell between the Doctor (David Tennant) and companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) in Doomsday. It was also featured in the Time of Angels episode, featuring Matt Smith as the Doctor, Alex Kingston as River Song, and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond in a scene filmed at Southerndown. Doctor Who filming on the rocky beach of Southerndown,The Vale of Glamorgan (Image: Wales Online ) It's not just a scenic location, however. According to the Vale of Glamorgan website (VOG), the unique beach has a long history. People lived in and occupied Dunraven as far back as the Iron Age when the cliff-top location was thought to have been used as a trading post. Much later, the Romans built a fort here, which was later replaced by a manor house in the 1700s. Lastly, a residence known as Dunraven Castle was later transformed into a convalescent hospital during the two World Wars. Sadly, the 'castle' was demolished in 1963, and what remained of the site was the castle's walled garden, gatehouse and several other structures. Now part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, the romantic remains are designated Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales, which curious tourists and locals can enjoy. To find out more about what Dunraven may have looked like as an Iron Age trading post or to take a tour of Dunraven Castle, download the VOG app and then visit Dunraven and watch sites come to life on your smartphone or tablet. For the latest Bridgend news, sign up to our newsletter here. Nearby, the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre has plenty of information about the local area. The interactive information stations allow you to learn more about the coastline, its geology, the history of Dunraven Park, and the flora and fauna unique to the Heritage Coast. The centre is open to groups by appointment only, and you can contact them to arrange. Hikers will also love this acclaimed beach and the surrounding coast paths along the Heritage Coast. (Image: John Myers / WalesOnline ) Hikers will also love this acclaimed beach and the surrounding coast paths along the Heritage Coast. Walkers can attempt to walk the entire Heritage Coastline or take on one of the shorter walks or loop trails. A series of marked and numbered Vale Trails takes you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features. Many of the short walks in the Vale include various heritage and maritime points of interest, including the last manned lighthouse in Wales, a Neolithic Tinkinswood Burial Chamber, churches, and castles. The Vale Trail One takes walkers eight miles along the coast with highlights including Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, Ogmore Castle, Ogmore Down, and the Dunraven Castle and Walled Garden. As you trace the shoreline above Dunraven Bay, you'll have one of the best views along the entire Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Article continues below
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 Record
30-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'worst seaside town' named according to holidaymakers
It received a score of two out of five for its tourist attractions. Scotland's "worst seaside town" has been named by holidaymakers. The coastal resort ranked worst in the country as part of a new poll conducted by Which?. On Friday, June 27, Which? shared its list of the best and worst seaside towns across the UK. The consumer watchdog polled approximately 4,000 of its members to find out which destinations are the most and least popular. Coming in at the bottom for Scotland is Ayr in South Ayrshire. The resort also ranked 10th worst in the whole of the UK. Ayr received a 'destination score' of 51 per cent from Which?. According to the consumer watchdog, the rating is based on satisfaction with the location and likelihood to recommend to others. Which? also assigned Ayr a score of three out of five stars for its scenery. The most famous landmark in town is Ayr Beach. Ayr Beach has previously received a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful. The sandy bay offers spectacular views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, and is a popular picnic spot. Near Ayr Beach there is a children's play area and a putting green. Also situated along the seafront is Pirate Pete's Family Entertainment Centre, which features Adventure Play, Laser Quest, and more. The coastal town was also assigned a rating of two out of five stars for its tourist attractions. Despite this, there are numerous attractions around Ayr that are popular with both locals and tourists. Among the top things to do in Ayr is visit Rozelle Estate, which covers a total of 37 hectares. The historic estate is home to an 18th-century mansion house, an art gallery, a tea room, and many picturesque woodland walks. Another popular attraction in Ayr is The Wallace Tower, which is a Gothic structure constructed to commemorate William Wallace. The arms of the Wallace family are emblazoned above the entrance door, while a spiral staircase leads up to a viewing platform. Additionally, Ayr scored three out of five for its "peace and quiet". The town is home to idyllic green spaces such as Craigie Park and Belleisle Park. According to Which?, the average price of a hotel in Ayr is £90. Popular hotels in the town include the Mercure Ayr Hotel, The Arrandale Hotel, and the Abbotsford Hotel. Coming in at the bottom for the whole of the UK according to Which? is Bognor Regis. The town and seaside resort received a destination score of just 36 per cent. On the other hand, as reported by the Daily Record, Nairn was named the best seaside destination in Scotland in the Which? report. It was given a 76 per cent destination score, with perfect ratings of five out of five for its scenery and peace and quiet. To put together the ranking, Which? gathered opinions from its members regarding recent trips to seaside towns in the UK. To determine the overall customer rating, the consumer watchdog asked respondents if they would recommend the town and how happy they were with their holiday—as well as specific aspects of each town such as beaches and scenery. The full list of the UK's best and worst seaside towns can be found on the Which? website.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why West Wittering Beach is one of the best in the UK
West Wittering Beach has scooped two prestigious awards. The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards mark the beach as one of the UK's top coastal destinations, celebrated for its high environmental standards, quality bathing water, safety measures, and visitor facilities. The Blue Flag award, an international marker of beach excellence, shows that the beach not only meets but surpasses strict standards for environmental management, water quality, safety, and environmental education. The Seaside Award celebrates the beach's ability to offer a well-managed and enjoyable visitor experience. A key factor in the beach securing these awards is its commitment to maintaining excellent bathing water quality. Regular testing during the bathing season consistently sees the water rated as being "excellent". Visitors can check real-time and historical water quality data on the Environment Agency's website. This is especially useful after heavy rainfall or stormy weather, which can temporarily affect water quality due to natural runoff. Visitors must book their parking space online in advance of visiting the beach. Bookings close at 11pm the night before the intended visit, and during busy periods, availability may be limited. Visitors without a pre-booked space might be denied entry to the car park, with no alternative parking options nearby. Advance booking also offers a financial advantage, with pre-booked parking often up to 25 per cent cheaper than on-the-day charges. A team of professional lifeguards is on duty daily throughout the summer season. Beachgoers are advised to swim between the clearly marked red and yellow flags and follow any safety guidance from the lifeguard team. Visitors are urged to dispose of litter responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues, and respect the protected dune areas and local wildlife.
