Scotland's best and worst seaside towns revealed as hidden-gem beach takes top spot
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LIFE'S A BEACH Scotland's best and worst seaside towns revealed as hidden-gem beach takes top spot
SCOTLAND'S best and worst seaside towns have been revealed in a new study.
More than 3,800 Which? members responded to a survey that asked them to rate their experiences at coastal destinations across the UK.
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St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Credit: Getty
Each town was then given a score out of 100, based on criteria like the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink offerings, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money.
Results also factored in overall satisfaction and how likely people are to recommend the city as a holiday destination.
Hotel prices are calculated by an average from Kayak.com.
Bamburgh in Northumberland, England, topped the UK-wide list with an impressive score of 84%.
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It received five stars for its beach, seafront, scenery and peace and quiet.
Other top five locations included Beer, Portmeirion, Saint David's and Sidmouth all scoring in the 80s and high 70s.
But while two Scottish beaches ranked high, another popular Scots spot was named one of the worst.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: 'From beautiful coastlines to peaceful walks and charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK seaside offers something for everyone - whatever the weather.
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'While you may have your own favourite destination, as well as the top spots in Devon and Wales, our survey shows there are still plenty of beautiful hidden gems across the UK to explore.
'Some seaside resorts offer better value for money than others, so it is worth looking at surrounding areas of popular spots if you are looking for a cheaper overnight stay.'
BEST SEASIDE TOWNS IN SCOTLAND
Nairn, Highlands
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Nairn in the Highlands was voted the best in Scotland
Credit: Alamy
Nairn in the Highlands, near Inverness, came out on top for Scotland and was ranked 13th best in the UK overall.
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This scenic sandy beach in a remote location is a popular spot for families.
Dolphins are often spotted along the coastline and there are plenty of coastal paths in either direction.
There's also a stunning nature reserve at Kingsteps in the east and a viewpoint to the west.
On the Which? survey, it was given five stars for its scenery and peace and quiet.
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Four stars were granted for its beach, seafront and parking.
But its pitfall, with only three stars, was its tourist attractions.
Average hotel prices cost a fairly reasonable £119 a night.
St Andrews, Fife
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St Andrews beach in Fife ranked high on the list
Credit: Getty
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St Andrews beach, near the East Neuk of Fife, followed behind Nairn in the 14th spot.
The Fife university town was also given a score of 76% for its stunning expansive sandy beach.
It boasts a two-mile stretch of sand just 15 minutes from the tiown centre.
St Andrews was awarded a whopping five stars for its food and drink, tourist attractions and scenery.
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Four stars were given for its beach, seafront, accomodation and shopping.
Parking and value for money scored low, however, with just two stars each.
WORST SEASIDE TOWNS IN SCOTLAND
Ayr, Ayrshire
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Ayr beach was ranked the worst in Scotland
Credit: Tom Farmer
Ayr beach was named the worst in Scotland and 10th worst in the UK.
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With views over to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, the popular seaside town was given just three stars for its scenery and peace and quiet.
It's also part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route and a prime spot for birdwatching and fishing at the harbour area.
But it ranked in the 30th spot with a destination score of just 51%.
A mere two stars were given for its tourist attractions.
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Meanwhile, Bognor Regis received the lowest score in the UK from visitors.
It is one of the sunniest places in mainland Britain, yet finished in last place with a destination score of 36 per cent and scored just one star in most categories.
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