20 of the best and worst of Britain’s seaside towns as ranked by The Telegraph - full list

Britain’s seaside towns have seen many changes over the years. Some seaside towns have always been popular – think of Blackpool or Brighton – while others such as Barry and Southport have increased in popularity since the changes.

Us Brits love nothing more than a seaside holiday – most of us will have childhood memories from the seaside town we frequented the most. Whether your go-to location was Southport or Tenby, find out if yours was included in The Telegraph’s list.

The gentrification of Britain’s seaside towns has led to some being left behind, while others are becoming increasingly popular for Since the pandemic, staycations have seen a huge hike in demand, meaning expectations of the upkeep of seaside towns have also risen.

The Telegraph has ranked 20 of the best and worst of Britain’s seaside towns – looking at nostalgic places from Southwold to North Berwick. They are rated against an overall score of 100.

From St Ives to Rhyl, we round up all the options on the list and give the reasons behind The Telegraph’s ratings. If you’re looking to book for the upcoming spring and summer season, look no further for a bit of staycation inspiration.

Best and worst seaside towns

1. St Ives

Rating: 98 out of 100

The top spot had to go to St Ives, the ever-popular Cornwall destination. You’ll get to explore the town for a bit of shopping or go fishing in the bay. Cornish seaside towns are not just popular with those who live nearby – every year, people travel to the area to enjoy the likes of St Ives.

2. Southwold

Rating: 94 out of 100

Coming in at second place and narrowly missing out on the top spot is Southwold. If you’re a fan of old pubs you’ll be hard pressed to find another seaside location that fits the bill – Harbour Inn is the place to be. The Suffolk seaside town is a popular escape for Londoners who want to experience the sea for a bit, before returning to the city.

3. Whitstable