Scots beach famed for dolphin spotting named one of UK's best seaside spots for parking
The Scottish beach is being praised this summer for its beauty as well as its affordable, hassle-free parking
As summer staycations begin to take shape, one Scottish beach is earning praise not just for its beauty but also for its budget-friendly and stress-free parking.
Nairn Beach has been named the second-best seaside spot in the UK for parking in 2025, according to new research by temporary car insurance experts Tempcover.
The beach scored an impressive 7.96 out of 10, thanks to a low average four-hour parking cost of just £1.50, an average review rating of 4.5, and a solid 301 visitor reviews.
Nestled on the Moray coast just 17 miles from Inverness, the town is known as one of the sunniest and driest places in Scotland, and a favourite among families in the warmer months.
An ancient fishing port and market town, Nairn has long been a magnet for visitors thanks to its spectacular coastline and welcoming atmosphere.
Central Beach stretches from The Nairn Golf Club to the harbour at Fishertown, offering panoramic views over the Moray Firth towards Cromarty. On a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing over the water.
Backed by low sand dunes and a grassy promenade, Nairn Beach is ideal for picnics, paddling, and dolphin-spotting, as a resident school of dolphins often graces the waters.
There's also a wide choice of coastal walks nearby, including a nature reserve at Kingsteps and a scenic viewpoint to the west.
Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the local museum, which features a children's play area, making Nairn a well-rounded destination with something for everyone.
Taking top spot was Barmouth Beach in Wales, while Tempcover's parking-friendly top three was St Annes in Lancashire. Spots like Camber Sands, Brighton and Bournemouth landed at the bottom of the table due to soaring parking prices.
Rank
Beach Location
Avg. review score
Avg. 4hr Parking Cost
Total # of reviews
Parking Score (out of 10)
1
Barmouth Beach, Wales
4.53
£3.07
437
9.69
2
Nairn Beach, Scotland
4.5
£1.50
301
7.96
3
St Annes Beach, Lancashire
4.45
£3.22
378
7.71
4
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, N. Yorks
4.42
£4.00
650
7.7
5
Southwold Beach, Suffolk
4.3
£3.00
594
7.62
6
Tenby North & South, Wales
4.16
£4.40
1140
7.5
7
Rhossili Bay, Wales
4.38
£6.50
939
7.47
8
Whitby Beach, Yorkshire
4.25
£7.00
1407
7.44
9
Lowestoft South Beach, Suffolk
4.14
£2.94
616
7.41
10
Llandudno Beach, Wales
4.04
£5.00
1444
7.4
The rankings, designed to help beachgoers plan ahead, analysed dozens of popular coastal locations across the UK based on real visitor feedback, parking costs, and review scores.
'To help beachgoers make the most of their trip to the coast, we looked into where people can enjoy stunning coastal spots and a smoother parking experience, from data that includes real-life feedback from Brits and parking fee analysis,' said Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover.
'Whether you're a budget-conscious family or a spontaneous day-tripper, this research helps people plan ahead with greater confidence.
"And for those heading further afield, temporary car insurance offers a flexible way to share the drive and make the road trip to the seaside as part of the fun.'
While Barmouth Beach in Wales claimed the top spot with a score of 9.69 out of 10, Nairn's high ranking is no small feat.
With around 74.5 million day visits to UK beaches recorded in 2023, finding a parking spot without the headache is more important than ever, and Nairn is showing how it can be done.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued to Brits affected by collapsed travel firm as chaos fears ramp up
Travel company Great Little Escapes has been removed from the ATOL scheme and ceased trading, leaving Brits with holidays booked through the firm in chaos UK-based travel agency Great Little Escapes, also operating as Our Holidays and Tunisia First, has abruptly ceased trading, casting uncertainty for many travellers. British holidaymakers are faced with turmoil as bookings fall through following Great Little Escapes being stripped of its ATOL scheme membership and halting its operations. The Berkshire-based firm touted itself as a provider of the 'best cheap breaks in the UK', focusing on city breaks, while Your Holidays boasted a varied offering, including deals for hen and stag dos, LGBT getaways and bespoke packages. Falling into financial difficulty, the company's latest figures reveal a near £77,000 loss last year and a hefty £186,000 deficit reported for 2023, says TTG, the travel industry's news outlet. In the UK, it's mandatory for any business selling holidays and flights to possess an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing), providing a safety net for consumers' finances. The ATOL protection ensures that customers can either continue their planned trip or claim a full refund if a travel operator collapses, reports Wales Online. Following the company's sudden downfall, ATOL stated they are "currently collating information from the company" and will issue guidance promptly. Those potentially impacted have been instructed not to submit claims yet, with warnings that premature attempts will be turned down. But now hundreds of summer breaks are in jeopardy and holidaymakers are desperate for clarity. The authority also issued explicit guidance for associated travel agents, noting: "If you are a travel agent of Great Little Escapes LLP and you are currently holding consumer payments which you have not yet paid to Great Little Escapes LLP, you must not use these funds to refund consumers until you have received instructions from the Air Travel Trust." The collapse of this latest travel agency is sure to unsettle those thrifty holiday-seekers keen on saving on their bookings to have more spending money for beachside cocktails and souvenirs during their getaway. What to do if your holiday company goes bankrupt So, what's the next step if your travel firm goes under? What rights do you have, and how can you reclaim your hard-earned cash? Discovering that your holiday provider has folded is every traveller's worst fear, especially when you're yearning for that essential escape. Thankfully, various laws and regulations exist to aid you in getting a refund should things take a turn for the worse. Your first port of call should be to touch base with your travel agent if you arranged your trip through them, to confirm your booking is still valid. All providers offering services within the EU are bound by consumer protection legislation. According to the European Consumer Centres Network: "If you book a holiday, rental car, accommodation or a flight in the EU, Norway or Iceland and run into problems, rest assured that consumer rights are in place to support you. "If your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, your cruise doesn't go smoothly, or you miss your train connection, EU legislation will ensure you obtain redress." In the UK, travel companies that provide packages, including a flight, and sell them to customers must protect your money through the ATOL scheme. As the Post Office notes, this means that if you booked your overseas holiday with an ATOL member and it goes bust before you travel, you can apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a full refund. If you're already on holiday when the company goes bankrupt, the CAA will arrange for you to return home. ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, also provides financial protection for UK consumers who book holidays through ABTA members. This protection ensures that consumers receive refunds or assistance if their travel company goes out of business. Package holidays and agency booking can also offer travellers extra reassurance and customer service. "Booking through a professional agent gives you the peace of mind that you are protected in the event of any changes to your travel," said Sarah Davies, a travel advisor from Life Begins with Travel. "Even if just to have someone on the end of the phone to guide you through the process." Davies explained that many online travel companies weren't members of ABTA, though, so it was important to ensure you choose a company with both ABTA and ATOL protection "so you don't end up out of pocket and that you're well looked after." Look for the ATOL logo when booking, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately after booking. You can also check a company's ATOL status on the CAA website. If you can't reach the travel company, contact your airline and accommodation provider directly to confirm your booking and check that they've received your payment. If everything checks out, you should be all set to go on your hols. However, if the booking doesn't exist or you can't get through to those companies, possibly because they've gone out of business, check your paperwork to determine whether you've ABTA or ATOL protection. Making a claim The Civil Aviation Authority notes that the refund process is quite straightforward. ATOL-protected consumers complete an ATOL Claim Form, and it then requests the documentation from the ATOL holder issued to the customer. They will request evidence of payment to the ATOL holder or overseas supplier, depending on your claim type. In some cases where you've paid by credit card, they may direct you to contact your card issuer for a refund. For more details, visit their website. How to make a claim Check your ATOL certificate or invoice to confirm that the trip was ATOL-protected and lists the ATOL holder. Visit the CAA ATOL Claims Portal to submit your case as the Lead Passenger You'll need to provide an ATOL certificate/reference, booking and payment details, receipts for any extra costs The CAA then processes the claim and may seek reimbursement through a credit card provider (Section 75), in some cases. Will Travel insurance cover me? Travel insurance doesn't usually cover you if your holiday company goes bust — but some policies do include cover for things like 'end supplier failure' or 'scheduled airline failure.' It's definitely worth having a quick look at the fine print to see if you're protected. Do I have Credit card protection? If you haven't got travel insurance in place at the point when your holiday company goes bust, you may be able to claim back your money through your credit card company. To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your holiday or flights and booked directly with the holiday company or airline. Next steps Do not apply for CAA claims before they publish details about a failed ATOL holder If you're overseas, the CAA will inform you of the repatriation plan. Upon failure, the CAA list is updated; find it on the ATOL portal . Gather all documents: receipts, bookings, and communications; this will support your claim At a glance: If a travel company with an ATOL goes bust: You'll get a refund if you haven't travelled yet. If you're already abroad, ATOL ensures you're not stranded and helps bring you home. It applies to package holidays and some flight-only deals sold by UK companies. If something goes wrong: First, go to the travel company. If unresolved, and it's financial or related to collapse, go to ATOL via the CAA. For complaints not involving insolvency (e.g. poor service), escalate to an ombudsman or Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) body.
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Mounjaro and Ozempic warning for holiday travel insurance
Travel insurance providers are warning that the growing number of Brits turning to these breakthrough drugs for weight management could lose their cover and face huge medical bills abroad if they don't declare their usage when arranging travel insurance. Review your ICB's local policy about treating patients with tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management in a primary care setting and visit: — We are Primary Care (@PrimaryCareNHS) June 12, 2025 Many don't want to admit they are taking the weight-loss drugs, or think that if they buy it privately online, it doesn't need to be declared. Niraj Mamtora, director at Forum Insurance, says: 'Weight-loss medications like Ozempic are transforming lives across the UK, but too many travellers don't realise the insurance implications. If you're using these drugs, you must declare both the medication and the condition it's prescribed for. 'Failure to do so is not a minor oversight - it's a serious breach of your travel insurance contract. If you need medical help overseas and haven't declared your medication, your claim can be refused and your policy cancelled. The financial consequences can be severe.' What happens if you don't disclose weight-loss jabs on your travel insurance? 'Non-disclosure is a gamble that's simply not worth taking," says Niraj. "If you don't declare your medication or the underlying condition, your insurer is within their rights to refuse any claim, even if it seems unrelated. 'Many travellers only discover too late that their travel insurance claims are rejected, leaving them without support and facing potentially huge bills. Do I Need Travel Insurance? "With the average medical claim abroad now exceeding £1,700, and costs rising significantly with age, being properly covered is more important than ever.' 'Skinny Jab' weight loss medication is surging According to The Pharmacist website 1.5 million UK citizens used weight-loss jabs in March 2025, and the number is believed to be growing each month. 'Recent NHS data shows that between March 2024 and February 2025, more than 83,000 unique patients in England were dispensed Ozempic, while over 344,000 people received a prescription for weight-loss medications overall in the past year," says Niraj. 'With new drugs entering the market and millions more eligible for these treatments, the number of Brits travelling with prescription weight-loss medication is set to rise further.' Recommended reading: What to do if you are travelling abroad while taking weight-loss medication Declare all pre-existing medical conditions and any medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, when purchasing travel insurance. If you are taking medication without a prescription or for off-label use, you must disclose this, as it can affect your travel cover. Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter when travelling with medication, and check the rules of your destination country regarding bringing in prescription drugs. Remember that insurance claims related to undeclared conditions or medications can be refused, even if the issue seems unrelated.
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scots beach famed for dolphin spotting named one of UK's best seaside spots for parking
The Scottish beach is being praised this summer for its beauty as well as its affordable, hassle-free parking As summer staycations begin to take shape, one Scottish beach is earning praise not just for its beauty but also for its budget-friendly and stress-free parking. Nairn Beach has been named the second-best seaside spot in the UK for parking in 2025, according to new research by temporary car insurance experts Tempcover. The beach scored an impressive 7.96 out of 10, thanks to a low average four-hour parking cost of just £1.50, an average review rating of 4.5, and a solid 301 visitor reviews. Nestled on the Moray coast just 17 miles from Inverness, the town is known as one of the sunniest and driest places in Scotland, and a favourite among families in the warmer months. An ancient fishing port and market town, Nairn has long been a magnet for visitors thanks to its spectacular coastline and welcoming atmosphere. Central Beach stretches from The Nairn Golf Club to the harbour at Fishertown, offering panoramic views over the Moray Firth towards Cromarty. On a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing over the water. Backed by low sand dunes and a grassy promenade, Nairn Beach is ideal for picnics, paddling, and dolphin-spotting, as a resident school of dolphins often graces the waters. There's also a wide choice of coastal walks nearby, including a nature reserve at Kingsteps and a scenic viewpoint to the west. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the local museum, which features a children's play area, making Nairn a well-rounded destination with something for everyone. Taking top spot was Barmouth Beach in Wales, while Tempcover's parking-friendly top three was St Annes in Lancashire. Spots like Camber Sands, Brighton and Bournemouth landed at the bottom of the table due to soaring parking prices. Rank Beach Location Avg. review score Avg. 4hr Parking Cost Total # of reviews Parking Score (out of 10) 1 Barmouth Beach, Wales 4.53 £3.07 437 9.69 2 Nairn Beach, Scotland 4.5 £1.50 301 7.96 3 St Annes Beach, Lancashire 4.45 £3.22 378 7.71 4 Saltburn-by-the-Sea, N. Yorks 4.42 £4.00 650 7.7 5 Southwold Beach, Suffolk 4.3 £3.00 594 7.62 6 Tenby North & South, Wales 4.16 £4.40 1140 7.5 7 Rhossili Bay, Wales 4.38 £6.50 939 7.47 8 Whitby Beach, Yorkshire 4.25 £7.00 1407 7.44 9 Lowestoft South Beach, Suffolk 4.14 £2.94 616 7.41 10 Llandudno Beach, Wales 4.04 £5.00 1444 7.4 The rankings, designed to help beachgoers plan ahead, analysed dozens of popular coastal locations across the UK based on real visitor feedback, parking costs, and review scores. 'To help beachgoers make the most of their trip to the coast, we looked into where people can enjoy stunning coastal spots and a smoother parking experience, from data that includes real-life feedback from Brits and parking fee analysis,' said Claire Wills-McKissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover. 'Whether you're a budget-conscious family or a spontaneous day-tripper, this research helps people plan ahead with greater confidence. "And for those heading further afield, temporary car insurance offers a flexible way to share the drive and make the road trip to the seaside as part of the fun.' While Barmouth Beach in Wales claimed the top spot with a score of 9.69 out of 10, Nairn's high ranking is no small feat. With around 74.5 million day visits to UK beaches recorded in 2023, finding a parking spot without the headache is more important than ever, and Nairn is showing how it can be done.
