‘We quit Cornwall’s beaches – and found a stunning UK alternative’ | Travel News | Travel

Holidaymakers who left one of Britain’s best-known coastal destinations for a quieter stretch of coastline say they have no regrets, while one couple claimed it was a key factor behind their decision to stop returning.

Their decision comes as the charming Northumberland village has once again been named the UK’s best seaside resort, beating out some of the country’s biggest and busiest beach resorts.

Travel writer Tom Chesshyre hosts the annual Which? For the sixth consecutive year, the study describes its wide sandy coastline, tranquil setting and striking castle setting as a combination that is difficult to match.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Tom said: “The sand is soft and tan. Dunes emerge where wispy grass sprouts, acting as windbreak and sun trap at once – and somehow a bulwark against the hectic modern life beyond.”

“It’s quiet. There are no arcades or rides in the village of Bamburgh (pop. 414). There’s not a graffiti, not a piece of rubbish. This isn’t gaudy Blackpool or Brighton.”

The coast extends for about 2.5 miles and is surrounded on two sides by sand dunes; Rock pools near Bamburgh Lighthouse provide habitat for starfish and hermit crabs. Apart from a modest beach shack serving sandwiches and bacon rolls, there is minimal commercial development, contributing to the peaceful character of the area.

Monty, who runs Bait in Bamburgh, told the Daily Mail: “We’ve been open for seven years. Business is growing every year. It’s always getting better here.”

Dominating the skyline is Bamburgh Castle, whose heritage dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. The castle, which later belonged to Victorian industrialist William Armstrong, was also featured in the Netflix series The Last Kingdom.

Claire Watson-Armstrong, whose family owns the castle, said she often makes use of the coastline. “I love it. I go rowing and swimming,” he said, adding that dolphins sometimes appear offshore.

But it was the words of fellow tourists that revealed why some visitors now prefer the North East to Cornwall.

A retired couple from West Yorkshire, whom Chesshyre encountered while dining at seafood restaurant The Potted Lobster, have announced that they have stopped holidaying in Cornwall altogether.

“It’s too busy,” they said, explaining why they now chose Bamburgh.

Their views were echoed by Julie, owner of The Pantry, who previously lived in Cornwall before moving to Northumberland.

“The beaches here are amazing [to Cornwall’s]” he said.

This award is part of Bamburgh’s latest Which? It comes after it was crowned the UK’s best beach destination at the event. Survey conducted with the participation of more than 5,000 holidaymakers. The village achieved an overall destination score of 84%, ranking above Tynemouth and St Andrews.

In comparison, well-known seaside destinations such as Newquay and Margate achieved scores of 55% and 53% respectively.

Despite its growing popularity, Bamburgh has retained its laid-back charm, with its independent shops, a small selection of pubs and stunning views of one of Britain’s most acclaimed beaches, helping it retain its top spot for the sixth year in a row.