Overview
- Which? published its 2026 rankings on Monday after analysing about 12,000 recent leisure visits reported by 5,320 Which? Connect panel members to rate 135 UK coastal destinations.
- Bamburgh in Northumberland retained the top spot with an 84% destination score and five‑star ratings across beach, seafront, scenery and other categories.
- Frinton‑on‑Sea emerged as Essex’s highest‑ranked resort, placing sixth overall with an 80% score and five stars for beach, seafront/pier and tranquillity.
- Several southern resorts scored poorly with Southend bottom of the Essex entries on 47% and Bognor Regis named Britain’s worst seaside town for a second consecutive year with a 41% score.
- Which? calculated destination scores from overall satisfaction, likelihood to recommend and detailed category ratings such as food and drink, attractions, parking and value, and the results may influence visitor decisions and local calls for investment.