Forget Bournemouth or Brighton, this modest Northumberland village of only 400 residents has been crowned the best beach resort in Britain for 2023, in a survey conducted by Which? – not once, not twice, but for three years in a row.
Bamburgh, the charming village nestled along Northumberland’s coastline, has once again been named the Best Beach Resort in Britain by Which? Magazine, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The unspoiled coastal village boasts a stunning sandy beach backed by gently rolling grassy dunes, stretching over three miles long, offering plenty of room for beachgoers to unwind, bask in the sun, or explore the shoreline’s natural beauty.
Though the beach’s most iconic feature is undoubtedly the commanding and extremely photogenic 900-year old Bamburgh Castle, a Norman fortress perched atop a rocky plateau overlooking the North Sea.
But it wasn’t just the impressive setting that assured Bamburgh’s victory. The award by Which? Magazine, a respected consumer publication, is based on an annual survey that evaluates various aspects of beach resorts, including the quality of their beaches, attractions, accommodation, amenities, value for money, in addition to the scenery.
Bamburgh scored an overall 88% thanks to its pristine beach, rich cultural heritage, and wide range of outdoor activities.
Bamburgh’s lowest ratings were a measly two stars for shopping and three stars for the food and drink categories, meaning if you do visit, you may want to consider packing a picnic. That being said, the other categories such as ‘peace and quiet’, ‘seafront/pier’, ‘beach’, ‘accommodation’ and ‘value for money’ were rated as five stars, by far making up for these, in reality, very minor shortcomings.
For adventure seekers, Bamburgh offers ample opportunities to indulge in exhilarating outdoor experiences.
Visitors can embark on windswept coastal walks along the stunning Northumberland Coast Path, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting seals, dolphins, and a diverse array of birdlife. Those keen on water sports can take advantage of the excellent surfing and kayaking conditions, while history aficionados can immerse themselves in the rich past of the once royal seat of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle.
As the rising cost of living continues to impact holiday plans, we imagine the appeal of Britain’s best beach resorts like Bamburgh, are only set to grow.
One lesson to learn from the survey is that crowds don’t always signify better. Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: “.. 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.“
We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations to Bamburgh!