Is this Britain's best kept secret? Underrated seaside town unveiled
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Looking for an under-the-radar staycation destination? Some of the UK's most underappreciated Northern towns have been put in the spotlight in a new survey to encourage Brits to travel off-the-beaten-track this summer.
According to the research, carried out by Airbnb, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is the country's most underrated seaside town. Located in North Yorkshire, the seaside town offers the 'perfect blend of serenity and intrigue', says Airbnb. It's known for its pretty Victorian architecture including Saltburn Pier (1869) and the Saltburn Cliff Lift (1884).
The funicular lift is still open today and offers incredible views of Saltburn's breathtaking coastline. Whitley Bay in Tyne & Wear also makes the Airbnb hotlist of underrated seaside towns. Visitors can admire St Mary's Lighthouse which was built in 1898 or enjoy the beach at Whitley Bay Links.
The third and last seaside town to feature on the list is Whitehaven in Cumbria. A port town on the northwest coast, it's under five miles from the Lake District. Although it's a small town now, Whitehaven was once the UK's third-largest port. Tourists can discover its history at The Beacon Museum.
If a UK beach break isn't your cup of tea, Airbnb has also selected four top picks for food tourism. Horbury in West Yorkshire takes the top spot and has been described as 'this summer's must visit destination'. Airbnb says: 'The town is quickly becoming a hotspot for its vibrant pub scene and small-scale breweries, including the Luddite Brewing Co. at the Calder Vale Hotel, Boons and The Bingley - a collaboration between two local breweries, Ossett Brewery & SALT.'
The North's other foodie hotspots are Clitheroe in Lancashire, Penistone in South Yorkshire and Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester. And when it comes to culture, there are three more Northern towns that earn a recommendation from Airbnb.
Saltaire in Bradford tops the list while Haworth in Bradford and Halifax in West Yorkshire round out the podium. Airbnb says: 'Saltaire is the ultimate destination for 2025. Home to the iconic Salts Mill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a cultural haven that plays home to a collection of David Hockney's works and inspiring performances at the Victoria Hall.'
Luke Impett, head of partnerships at Airbnb, says: 'Our research clearly shows a growing appetite among Brits to break away from the "Instagrammable" travel loop and discover unique, quieter and more meaningful travel experiences. By highlighting these 10 Northern towns and offering guests the opportunity to experience a weekend break themselves, we hope to encourage travellers to explore beyond their algorithm and uncover the rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty that areas like West Yorkshire offer. The UK is one of the best places to holiday in the world and we want to work together with destinations to encourage guests to explore lesser visited areas and spread the benefits of tourism.'
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