The Which list of the best and worst seaside towns in the UK for 2025 is out with two North East destinations at the top end
As the song goes we ‘do like to be beside the seaside’ and a guide, which is seen as a real indicator as to where the best coastal spots in the UK are has two North East destinations in its top 10. And one of them is a place that has already been declared the country’s ‘coolest’ seaside town a matter of months ago.
As they do every year, the consumer experts at Which have released a list which features the best seaside locations to check out this summer and also the worst. What makes their guide so authentic is that the standings are based on visitor feedback, with scores for everything from the beach and food and drink options to scenic views and tourist attractions.
Just as it did from 2021-2024, its the stunning Northumberland haven of Bamburgh that has once again come out on top, thanks to its overall rating of 84%. But Bamburgh isn’t alone when it comes to North East representation, as it is joined in the top 10 by Tynemouth.
And although finishing up in sixth place, its overall rating of 79% is the same score given to third place destination Portmerion in Wales, with the score also matched by St David’s in 4th and Sidmouth in 5th. Tynemouth received 5 star verdicts for its beach, seafront and food and drinks and 4s for its scenery and value for money. It was parking that brought its overall mark down, with that getting just 2 stars.
As it braces itself to welcome thousands of music fans to this year’s Mouth of the Tyne festival, featuring headliners like UB40 and Elbow and is still basking in being named the UK’s ‘coolest seaside town’ by world famous Time Out magazine, Tynemouth has become quite the celebrity hotspot, with Newcastle United stars Dan Burn and Sandro Tonali big fans of walking their dogs there and other stars seen there in the last few months alone including Vick Hope and superstar DJ husband Calvin Harris and Gary Barlow and Jason Donovan, who enjoyed a meal at Riley’s Fish Shack for ex Neighbours actor Jason’s 57th birthday.
Like Bamburgh, Tynemouth also made a list of just a handful of places in the UK to be recommended to swimmers and surfers this summer, thanks to the excellent water quality at both of its beaches, Longsands and King Edward’s Bay. And that endorsement should only help enhance the ‘surfers paradise’ reputation it already has.
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