It turns out we really do like to be beside the seaside, with Shanklin being named in the list of the UK’s best seaside towns for families in a new study.
With trips to the seaside a childhood highlight for many generations, researchers used a variety of factors including number of beaches, average temperature, family friendliness, cost of an ice cream and number of Instagram hashtags to score Britain’s best coastal resorts – with Shanklin finishing in 21st place.
The list was topped by Bournemouth, with Brighton, Torquay, Weymouth and Blackpool making up the top 5. St Ives, Paignton, Whitby and Bognor Regis completed the top 10.
As well as revealing the best seaside destinations in the country, the study by dayoutwiththekids.co.uk also revealed the key elements making up the ideal seaside holiday, with a survey of over 2,000 people.
Beaches were most important with 85% of the nation saying clean, sandy beaches are key to an unforgettable ideal UK beach holiday. Child-friendly places to grab a bite to eat and great fish and chips were both considered equally important too (70%).
Lisa O’Keeffe, Senior Brand & Content Manager at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, said:
“Going to the seaside is a staple part of British childhood, and as the research shows, it’s still a firm favourite for families. UK seaside resorts have benefitted hugely from the rise in staycations in recent years, and as the trend continues to grow, it’s really exciting to see all the towns on this list really embracing family visitors and improving their offer.
“The Isle of Wight is a fantastic destination for family visitors, so we’re delighted to award Shanklin with silver status this year.”
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The Nation’s Best Seaside Towns – overall ranking
- Bournemouth – Dorset
- Brighton – Sussex
- Torquay – Devon
- Weymouth – Dorset
- Blackpool – Lancashire
- St Ives – Cornwall
- Newquay – Cornwall
- Paignton – Devon
- Whitby – North Yorkshire
- Bognor Regis – West Sussex
- Weston Super Mare – Somerset and Bristol
- Bude – Cornwall
- Southend-on-Sea – Essex
- Skegness – Lincolnshire
- Hastings – East Sussex
- Tenby – Pembrokeshire
- Llandudno – Conwy
- Padstow – Cornwall
- Woolacombe – Devon
- Exmouth – Devon
- Shanklin – The Isle of Wight
- Dawlish – Devon
- Robin Hood’s Bay – Yorkshire
- Margate – Kent
- Southwold – Suffolk
