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Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'sunniest' seaside town in May with 241 hours of sun and miles of beaches
Southend-on-Sea in Essex has been named the UK's sunniest seaside town in May - with seven miles of beaches and a host of attractions for visitors to enjoy in the good weather As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, seaside towns across the UK start to come alive. Local businesses throw open their doors in anticipation of the summer rush, beaches begin to fill with eager sun-seekers, and there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. However, the unpredictable British weather can still throw a spanner in the works in May, so it's always handy to know where you're most likely to catch some rays. According to a study by Aqua, Southend-on-Sea in Essex takes the crown as the UK's sunniest seaside town in May, boasting an impressive average of 241 hours of sunshine throughout the month. The research also revealed that it has the second-lowest rainfall, with just 41.6mm recorded on average, making it one of the driest spots in the country during spring. Nestled on the Thames Estuary, Southend boasts seven miles of diverse beaches, from bustling family-friendly locations to tranquil stretches perfect for unwinding. The area is home to nine unique beaches, including Thorpe Bay, which proudly holds both Blue Flag and Quality Coast awards and is flanked by a charming traditional promenade, reports the Express. Visit Southend assures that there's something for everyone. Chalkwell Beach is a hit for its expansive space and rock-pooling opportunities at low tide, while Shoeburyness provides a serene getaway, complete with grassy picnic areas and rows of colourful beach huts. Southend Pier, the world's longest pleasure pier, extends over a mile into the estuary and even features its own railway line and museum. But there's more to this destination than just sun, sea and sand. Sealife Adventure, hailed by Visit Southend as the top aquarium in the southeast, is home to an array of creatures including sharks, penguins, otters, meerkats and even monkeys. Right next door, thrill-seekers can enjoy Adventure Island, a free-entry theme park boasting over 60 rides. For those seeking tranquillity, the town offers nature reserves like Two Tree Island and Belton Hills, not to mention award-winning parks perfect for a leisurely stroll. Culture vultures are well catered for too, with venues such as the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, alongside a variety of museums and art galleries showcasing exhibitions. Accessibility is a breeze, with direct trains from London Liverpool Street reaching Southend in under an hour, while Southend Airport provides links to select European destinations. Basking in abundant sunshine, minimal rainfall, and a seven-mile stretch of coastline, it's no wonder Southend has been crowned the UK's "beer garden capital" by Aqua, boasting 281 beer gardens per 100,000 residents – ideal spots for enjoying a pint in the sunshine.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
The UK's 'sunniest' seaside town has 7 mile beach and 241 hours of sun in May
The popular town has the second-lowest rainfall in the UK. With temperatures heating up, many of us will be getting excited for days at the beach. Seaside towns are already beginning to feel the buzz with thousands of British tourists flocking to their nearest beaches to enjoy the glorious May sunshine. As lovely as the weather has been already this month, May can sometimes be a hit or a miss in Britain. Many towns often still experience rain and thunderstorms in the spring, but one place that sunshine is almost always guaranteed is Southend-on-Sea in Essex. According to Aqua, its' officially the UK's sunniest seaside town in May and reportedly experiences around 241 hours of sunshine in this month alone. It also has the second-lowest rainfall, with just 41.6mm recorded on average. This also gives it a title as one of the driest places in the country in May. Southend, which is located on the Thames Estuary offers seven miles of beaches. The area is perfect for everyone as there is family-friendly spots and also quieter stretches that are perfect for relaxing. The area is home to nine distinct beaches, including Thorpe Bay, which has both Blue Flag and Quality Coast awards and is backed by a traditional promenade, according to the Express. Chalkwell Beach is popular for its open space and rock-pooling at low tide, while Shoeburyness offers a peaceful escape and is backed by grassy picnic areas and rows of beach huts. Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretches over a mile into the estuary and comes complete with its own railway line and museum. But visitors will find plenty to do beyond the beaches. Sealife Adventure, described by Visit Southend as the southeast's leading aquarium, features sharks, penguins, otters, meerkats and even monkeys. Just next door is Adventure Island, a free-entry amusement park with more than 60 rides. For a slower pace, visitors can explore nature reserves like Two Tree Island and Belton Hills, or stroll through the town's award-winning parks. Culture lovers aren't left out either. Southend is home to theatres including the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, and hosts exhibitions at its museums and art galleries. And it's all easy to reach. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street take less than an hour, and Southend Airport provides connections to a few European cities. With plenty of sunshine, low rainfall, and seven miles of coastline, it's no surprise Southend was also named the UK's "beer garden capital" by Aqua. The town reportedly has 281 beer gardens per 100,000 people, giving visitors plenty of places to enjoy a drink in the sun. In Scotland, one place that is in Scotland that is known for its high levels of sunshine is Dundee, which sees an average of around 1,520 hours of sun per year. According to the Visit Dundee website, it is the "sunniest city in Scotland". There is plenty to get up to around Dundee to make the most of the good weather. The most notable is Broughty Ferry Beach in the suburb of Broughty Ferry, four miles east of the city centre. Broughty Ferry Beach is an award-winning sandy bay that features incredible views out over the Tay Estuary to the north coast of Fife. It is a top destination for a day out, whether you're travelling with family or friends, with a huge expanse of sand to explore.
