'Best seaside town' has beautiful beach and cheapest fish and chips in the UK
Tucked away on the Suffolk coast, the idyllic seaside town of Southwold has been revealed as a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every British staycation bucket list. This charming town, with a population of just over 1,000, boasts an array of beautiful pastel-hued seaside buildings and offers the most affordable fish and chips in the UK, according to Capital on Tap.
Southwold has also been crowned the best seaside town in the UK, with the Camping and Caravanning Club praising it as a "great destination year-round, whether you plan to visit during the summer for an ice cream or in the winter for blustery walks and cosy pub lunches."
READ MORE: Kickers' 'durable' Back to School shoe range that 'last all year'
The town's attractions include a sandy beach, a working lighthouse, and an award-winning pier. A visit to the Adnams Brewery, located next to the lighthouse, is a must during any stay. After enjoying a drink at the brewery, visitors can indulge in the town's budget-friendly fish and chips, reports the Express.
According to Capital on Tap, a meal of fish and chips in Southwold costs just 1.06% of the average weekly salary, making it the most cost-effective location for this quintessential British dish.
A typical serving costs £8.35, which is £6 less than at Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire. The publication enthused that "this seaside town proves that quality doesn't always come at a premium.
Impressively, despite the lower cost, Southwold's fish and chips boast a rating of 4.5 out of 5, indicating that customers are consistently pleased with their dining experience.
"For those seeking affordability without sacrificing taste or satisfaction, Southwold stands out as a top choice."
Tourism chiefs at The Suffolk Coast recommend the brewery tours offered throughout the year, noting "there is no shortage of pubs and restaurants at which to sample the variety of Adnams beers on offer".
Southwold shines with its twin beaches - Southwold Pier Beach towards the north and the more rugged Southwold Denes Beach down south.
The former presents the epitome of a British beach holiday spot, whereas the latter provides an untamed blend of sand and shingle.
More than just sands and waters, Southwold Pier Beach draws visitors with its ice cream stalls, vibrant beach huts along the prom, and has even clinched both Blue Flag status and a Seaside Award for 2024. For reassurance during peak season, lifeguards keep watch from May through September.
To satisfy cravings by the sea, there's Southwold Pier, Southwold Boating Lake and Tearooms, and Suzie's Beach Cafe among the ample selection of eateries. Venturing into the town centre reveals a charm-packed mix of cafes and shops.
For little adventurers, there's an array of activities beyond the beach, such as a maize maze complete with ride-on tractors, sandpits and even the thrill of a zip wire – far more than your average farmyard maze!
A 20-minute lighthouse tour provides a glimpse into its role in guiding ships into Southwold Harbour and includes the charming Edwardian pier, which houses quaint shops, eateries, and traditional amusements including the old-fashioned two penny pushers.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
an hour ago
- North Wales Live
Taste of Ukraine brings beautiful bakes to Llangollen
A woman from Ukraine has launched her 'dream' café in the tourist hot spot of Llangollen. After initially launching as part of Wrexham's new Chapter Court, owner Anna Samsonidze found a building spacious enough for the café and kitchen to be located in one place. She relocated to Oak Street in bustling Llangollen, which has just been named as one of the top destinations to visit this summer by Trip Advisor. The picturesque town can get really busy though and car parking at Market Street was practically gridlocked when we tried to find a space. Anna used to have her own bakery in Ukraine, which also supplied cakes to other stores in the area. However, after the war started, she left with her four children, and moved to Wales in October 2022. She first focused on learning the language but then decided to start her own business. She says the café is a real family effort with her children helping out when they can. She opened Anna's Bakery and café earlier this year, and welcomed customers to try a delicious selection of freshly made cakes, pastries and artisan bread. The bakery is a proud unique blend of British and Ukrainian bakes, including one that Anna calls 'Kraffin', a hybrid of puff croissant and muffin, and Syrnyky, cottage cheese-inspired pancakes that are soft in the middle and golden-crisp on the outside. The wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread is one of life's simple pleasures and you won't be disappointed as you walk through the café doors. Customers had the choice of Georgian, multi-seed or wholemeal bread, with some disappointed that the popular sourdough had long sold out. Our eyes were instantly drawn to a large fridge display, which showed off the delicious looking cakes and bakes with a generous number of flakey pastries on top of the counter. We sat on a table for two and noticed art prints on the wood paneled wall, which showed Ukrainian and Georgian recipes. The hot food menu included lots of meals that I had never experienced before such as Khinkali, (Georgian dumplings with meat or cheese), Imeruli Khachapuri, (stone baked bread stuffed with a blend of cheeses). Derumy, (potato fritters served with mushroom sauce) Although, they also offered, the not so mysterious and more familiar British favourite Chicken Kyiv. One of the most popular items on the menu was the chicken pie, which was stuffed with chicken and cheese. We noticed that the customers couldn't get enough of them. However, we had our beady eyes on the cake selection, which included pakhlava, medoviks, honey cake, or the more familiar chocolate brownies. After a lot of deliberation, we eventually picked a Napoleon, which was a classic Ukrainian cake, made of very thin and flaky puff pastry, cake layers and a smooth, rich and luscious pastry cream. We also had a very photogenic fruit cake, which was a layered sponge packed with fresh cream. It was topped by luscious fresh fruit, which give me the excuse that some of the cake, was at least healthy, and passed as one of the recommended five portions of fruit for the day. We also tried two small unusual looking strawberry zefir cakes. Zefir is a type of soft confectionery made by whipping fruit and purée with sugar and egg whites into a swirl. The resulting texture is both soft and spongy and tasted a little bit like a small strawberry meringue. Next to the counter was a fridge with chilled drinks but we were more interested in the hot drink's section. We couldn't see any obvious Ukrainian drinks so opted for a good old hot chocolate and a frothy cappuccino. The hot chocolate was creamy and smooth and did the perfect job of washing down the crumbs. Customers were genuinely friendly and curious in the café. For instance, the owner was asked how to say 'thank you' in Ukrainian or about a recipe for how to bake one of the delicious looking cakes on the counter. It looked like the people of Llangollen, have taken the small Ukrainian café and its owners to the bottom of their heart. There is so much to do in Llangollen with its many natural and cultural attractions. The town is absolutely awash with tourists, browsing its many independent shops, cafes and welcoming pubs. Now, you can add the wonderful Anna's Bakery to the long list of must-visit places in this most scenic of towns. The Facts - Anna's Bakery Fruit cake £4.50 Napoleon Cake £4.00 Zefir £2.50 Cappuccino £3.50 Hot chocolate £3.95 Total £18.45 Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday, from 7.30am until 5pm Sunday from 7.30am until 2pm Atmosphere - Made with love. Car Parking - Market Street car park in the centre of Llangollen. Disabled Access - Access possible although not much room inside Service - Order at the counter Overall - The Ukrainian bakery and café serving up homemade cakes in the bustling town of Llangollen.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
The Welsh town with the ‘best beach' that could rival the French Riviera
The Welsh town with the 'best beach' that could rival the French Riviera Nestled away on the Pembrokeshire coast, Tenby stuns with golden sands, charming lanes and views worthy of the Med The coastal town with it's medieval walls hits the top spot in numerous polls (Image: Getty Images ) A pretty Welsh holiday resort has been making waves as one of the UK's "best" seaside towns. With its four breath taking beaches just a stone's throw from the bustling town centre and charming cobbled lanes, Tenby is a town that could give the villages of Italy or the French Riviera a run for their money. Regularly named one of the UK's most beautiful seaside towns, Tenby is also hailed as a highly desirable place to live. The Sunday Times has even included this Pembrokeshire gem in its prestigious 'Best Places to Live' guide numerous times. The seaside town has successfully revamped its image from a hotspot for raucous stag and hen parties to a chic retreat that offers a harmonious blend of stunning scenery, golden sands, a wealth of activities and trendy eateries. Beyond its historic 13th-century walls, visitors can bask on sun-kissed beaches, take in the dramatic cliffside views across to Caldey Island, indulge in the lively pub and food scene and wander the enchanting cobbled streets while enjoying a pint or savouring local delicacies. READ MORE: Non-greasy anti-blemish SPF is a 'miracle worker' for skin protection in 25C heatwave READ MORE: Roman £48 summer dress shoppers 'absolutely love' as it fits 'perfectly' now £32 The town's vibrant houses, which offer stunning views of the picturesque harbour, are instantly recognisable. With a history that stretches back to the Norman Conquest, Tenby has been a cherished seaside resort since the Victorian times. Today, it's as famous for its narrow cobbled lanes as it is for its quintessential British seaside allure. Beach enthusiasts will love the three miles of sandy stretches surrounding the town. Castle Beach was named the UK's best beach in 2019 and currently boasts a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Google. Uniquely, unlike almost anywhere else in the UK, it's just a few steps from the town centre. North Beach is just one of four beautiful beaches in Tenby (Image: Getty Images ) Utterly spoilt for choice, Tenby has not just one but four glorious beaches to choose from. The bustling North Beach is home to the iconic Goskar rock and harbour views, while the family-friendly Harbour Beach is tucked among colourful cottages, where boat trips and sea safaris set off. Castle Beach, with golden sands and views of St Catherine's Island, is the gateway to Caldey Island, while the expansive South Beach promises classic seaside fun with its dunes and shallow waters perfect for paddling. Whichever spot you choose — North, South, Castle or Harbour — there is beauty, charm, and plenty to do. Visitors should also be aware that though North Beach can get busy on sunny days and has seasonal dog restrictions. After long days by the water, the Welsh seaside town has plenty more to offer visitors, including some highly-rated places to eat. The Billycan offers pub classics, bistro-style dishes, and a popular Sunday roast, while Tap and Tan serves locally sourced meaty feasts with craft beer to match. Other top Tenby spots include Indie Burger, Bramleys Tea Rooms and The Baytree Restaurant for seafood. For a quiet pint, the Harbwr Tenby is a hidden gem with a friendly atmosphere, on-site brewery tours, and quality pub food. Other popular pubs include the Hope and Anchor and the Coach and Horses. The seaside town regularly gets voted as one of the best in the UK (Image: Getty Images ) There are also numerous places to stay. According to TripAdvisor, the Broadmead Boutique B&B is the highest-rated accommodation in town, boasting a flawless score of 5 out of 5. Guests rave about the charming period building and its location in a leafy suburb, just a brisk 20-minute stroll from the historic walled town of Tenby. For holidaymakers in the mood for a touch of luxury, the Heywood Spa Hotel is just the ticket for guests wanting to indulge during their stay. Alternatively, the Penally Abbey Hotel and Restaurant offers breath taking views and complimentary tea and cake. Of course, Tenby and the surrounding area is also perfect for a self-catering stay somewhere truly unique. The Nest Brython is a cedar wood cabin complete with a hot tub that has been described as a "Beautiful place to stay and not far from a beautiful beach." Elsewhere, the The Shell at the Hideaway is a contemporary apartment just three minutes from the beach, that guests have called "absolutely perfect." The picturesque seaside gem of Tenby has been crowned the ultimate coastal hotspot for holiday fun, scoring a stellar 7.71 out of 10 in a recent study by OLBG. The Welsh town clinched the top spot based on a variety of factors including the number of pubs, eateries, museums, green spaces, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach quality, accommodation costs, Google search popularity, climate, precipitation levels and local transport links. Enthusiastic visitors have been singing Tenby's praises, with many leaving enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor. One holidaymaker said: "A must see in Wales. This is a pretty little town, that can match any in Cornwall!" The cobbled streets of Tenby (Image: Getty Images ) Another added: "Tenby is one of my most favourite places in the world. To me, it has it all - culture, atmosphere, friendly people, a history, beautiful and interesting architecture, wonderful views, fantastic beaches. If you want to melt away, visit this hidden little gem for yourself and see what I mean." A third was so impressed they compared it to "like being abroad" adding "Tenby is quaint and has beautiful beaches on 3 sides of the ancient walled town." Article continues below Not everyone was quiet to so impressed, however. One reviewer explained their disappointment, saying: "This town stinks of deep fried fat and spilt beer. Such a shame as it is quite nice to look at." Despite some peoples misgivings, another visitor shared their experience, saying: " It is a place of beauty, a working environment with walkways, restaurants, cobbled streets and archways, smells and sounds. I loved cobbled streets with arches of shops and curios. Well worth a visit."
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Spain holiday rules as Foreign Office warns entry could be 'denied'
Spain is the most popular holiday destination for people from the UK Millions from the UK flock to Spain each year to soak up the sun, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and discover its vibrant cities, with the country having been a favourite destination for British holidaymakers for some years now. This summer is expected to be no different, with travel experts predicting a huge number of holidays abroad. However, as with any foreign trip, travellers to Spain must be aware of certain regulations, particularly in light of recent changes after Brexit. As Spain follows Schengen rules, UK passport holders must now make sure their document has a "date of issue" within 10 years of their arrival date and an "expiry date" at least three months after their planned departure from the Schengen area. The Foreign Office warns: "Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. Entry will be denied if you don't have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen." Tourists, those visiting family and friends, attending meetings, cultural or sporting events, or undertaking short-term studies or training can enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area, including Spain, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Different rules apply for those intending to work in Spain. Upon landing in Spain, you might be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of enough funds for your stay, travel insurance documents, and confirmation of hotel booking or proof of address if you're staying at your own property. If you're staying with someone else like family or friends, an invitation or proof of address may be required. Bringing meat, milk or products containing them into Spain is not allowed, except for powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods or pet feed needed for medical reasons. And if you're carrying cash or travellers cheques totalling 10,000 euros or more, you must declare it to the authorities. After declaring, you'll receive a certified declaration indicating that the money was brought with you. Failure to produce this document could result in your money being confiscated when you leave.
